It's time to meet again in person.
The city is reawakening, and so is your organization. Over the past several months, you've made it work with zoom, conference calls, teams, and cloud co-working. Digital collaboration is good, but now you need the whole picture: Meet screen-free, in high-definition, and in real-life.
Discover Halifax makes it easy – learn all the ways our partners can make your meeting a success. No need to worry about logistics, space, distance requirements, regulations, or set up - it's all handled by the experts. Just meet, focus on your team, rebuild corporate culture, and connect at a human level.
“Being together is core to everything else here, so without us meeting that way, we’re giving up a bit of
ourselves and what makes us special as people.” - Jeff Ransome
Rediscover Live meetings.
The pandemic rapidly reshaped how your company (or association) operates - putting safety first required abandoning the office, working from home, and embracing digital solutions. However, the verdict is in: Although necessary at the time, remote work and digital meetings are not the preferred long-term solution as the coronavirus passes.
When the details matter - get the whole story
In a recent article by CEO Magazine, the topic of in-person meetings and business travel was examined:
Albert Mehrabian, a prolific researcher in the field of communication, found that our words alone carry only 7% of what we communicate. Non-verbal cues, including our tone (38%) and gestures (55%) are where the majority of what we mean is actually conveyed. Our tone and gestures are both severely hampered through video conferencing, especially when compared to face-to-face interaction.
Read more from CEO Magazine - https://bit.ly/2QcKGRf
Problem Solving creatively
In a recent article of Architecture and Design, the topic of creativity was discussed:
Nicholas Bloom, a Stanford University economics professor who studies working from home, says that while his research has shown that people are 13% more productive when working from home, creativity suffers. “Home is quieter,” says Bloom. “The problem is, home is not very creative.” That’s because creativity is difficult without collaboration in the same space, says Sally Augustin, a Chicago-area environmental and design psychologist.
Read more from AD - https://bit.ly/2FI6nGQ
Reengage the team and improve morale
Face-to-face interaction with office friends has been shown to improve overall happiness in nearly half of professionals (46%), according to a LinkedIn study. Zoom happy hours are closing the gap, but there’s no substitute for connecting live with colleagues. Use a live meeting to improve staff engagement and build a tighter team.
Get the missing 20% back
Recent studies show that although inter-departmental communication can increase up to 40% with remote meetings, intra-departmental (organization-wide) communication falls by up to 20%. Bringing the team together to realign facilitates better corporate culture, improved decision-making, and a less fractured organization.
Spark Creative Collisions
Live meetings facilitate natural forms of problem-solving, debate, and communication. A discussion sparked by a passing question in the hall simply doesn't happen with zoom. Bring your people and stakeholders together and dive deeply into what really matters.
"Often when you’re [on] a video or conference call, you’re focused on a question-answer. Unless a person raises their hand and is noticed, it’s not really a time to be able to have an open discussion."
- Megan Delaney
Testimonials:
Downtown Lowdown
Reconnecting through Art
Reconnecting through Art
Podcasts, like most interviews, are part conversation, part structure. Meeting live and in-person makes for a better experience, superior content, and a tighter connection. Learn how a live meeting worked best for the Downtown Halifax Business Commission.
Reconnecting through Art
Reconnecting through Art
Reconnecting through Art
Art is best appreciated live - as is creating it! Nicole Langille brought together art and corporate life together for an employee appreciation event. Learn more about Free People's live and in-person facilitator-led staff appreciation event.
Hosting the Hosts
Reconnecting through Art
Planning What's Next
Even the hosts of Halifax need to meet from time to time. With protocols in place, and Halifax reopening, it was time for the meetings and conventions experts to come together and meet live and in-person.
Planning What's Next
The Vibrant Women's Network
Planning What's Next
On August 7th, 2020, The MacEachen Institute for Public Policy and Governance hosted the first in a series of tourism stakeholder planning sessions. Over two dozen people gathered safely to share ideas, build the future, and plan for what's next.
The Vibrant Women's Network
The Vibrant Women's Network
The Vibrant Women's Network
Recently, Marina Atwell hosted an event for The Vibrant Women’s Network. Learn more about Velocity Event Management’s approach to bringing together delegates safely for an evening like no other.
When You Need Extra Space
The Vibrant Women's Network
The Vibrant Women's Network
Post-COVID, the new line in the office seems to be, "We're going to need a bigger boardroom". The math (and the rules) are undeniable - it's more challenging than ever to find a space that will safely host the entire team. Find out what Discover Halifax did to meet live and in-person
"You have that time to pause and think and get to see body language too. I find that in my experiences … it’s a good relationship builder and a good way to orientate purpose and objective,”
- Jenny Nodelman
Our Partners' COVID-19 Protocols:
Best Western We Care Clean
Discovery Centre Reopening Plan
Cambridge Suites Commitment
The We Care Clean program addresses everything from guest room and common area cleanliness, to streamlined processes that minimize contact between guests and associates while maintaining the customer service you expect.
Cambridge Suites Commitment
Discovery Centre Reopening Plan
Cambridge Suites Commitment
The well-being of our guests, team members, and our community is our highest priority. Learn more about the amenities, cleaning protocols, and commitment to clean that you'll experience at the Cambridge Suites Halifax.
Discovery Centre Reopening Plan
Discovery Centre Reopening Plan
Discovery Centre Reopening Plan
With reopening comes some operational changes to ensure both the safety of our visitors and the sanitization of our space. Find out more about the changes, processes, and experience of meeting at the Discovery Centre
Hilton CleanStay
Hotel Halifax's Clean Policy
Discovery Centre Reopening Plan
Hilton has partnered with RB, makers of Lysol® & Dettol®, to help deliver an even cleaner stay for our guests with the creation of the Hilton CleanStay program. Halifax venues include: The Hollis, Homewood Suites, Dartmouth Doubletree, and Hampton Inn.
Hotel Halifax's Clean Policy
Hotel Halifax's Clean Policy
Hotel Halifax's Clean Policy
The Hotel Halifax is committed to welcoming guests to a safe environment that aligns with public health protocols. Despite the changes, you will be welcomed with the same great service, at our same great location, by the same great people.
IHG Way of Clean
Hotel Halifax's Clean Policy
Hotel Halifax's Clean Policy
As the world adjusts to new travel norms and expectations, we’re enhancing the experience for you – our hotel guests – by redefining cleanliness and supporting your well-being throughout your stay. Local Halifax Hotels include the Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Manga Hotels Welcome Home
Marriott 's Commitment to Clean
Marriott 's Commitment to Clean
At Manga Hotels, the health and safety of our guests and associates is our top priority. As we welcome you back, we have taken extra steps to ensure our hotels are ready when you return. Participating Halifax Hotels include the Atlantica.
Marriott 's Commitment to Clean
Marriott 's Commitment to Clean
Marriott 's Commitment to Clean
Consisting of in-house and outside experts in food and water safety, hygiene and infection prevention, and hotel operations, the Marriott Cleanliness Council is redefining our cleaning and safety standards. Halifax venues include: Marriott Harbourfront, Marriott Residence Inn, The Westin Nova Scotian, Sheraton Four Points, Courtyard by Marriott.
Pier 21 - Welcome Back
Marriott 's Commitment to Clean
Pier 21 - Welcome Back
As we re-open to the public, we ask you to work with us to keep the Museum a safe space for yourself, for all visitors and for our staff.
Sutton Place PureClean
The Barrington Hotel's Clean Policy
Pier 21 - Welcome Back
To make sure you book and stay with absolute confidence, Sutton Place Hotels has launched Sutton Place PureClean. A program focused on elevating our existing high standards of hygiene and cleanliness procedures for the health and safety of our guests and team members.
The Barrington Hotel's Clean Policy
The Barrington Hotel's Clean Policy
The Barrington Hotel's Clean Policy
The Barrington Hotel is committed to welcoming guests to a safe environment that aligns with public health protocols. Despite the changes, you will be welcomed with the same great service, at our same great location, by the same great people.
The Prince George Commitment
The Barrington Hotel's Clean Policy
The Barrington Hotel's Clean Policy
The well-being of our guests, team members, and our community is our highest priority. Learn more about the amenities, cleaning protocols, and commitment to clean that you'll experience at the Pince George Hotel.
“Meetings in Halifax are incredibly important. They represent a large portion of the visitor economy here and, in the run of a year, $115 million is spent on hosting conferences and meetings here in Halifax. It employs well over 1,000 people... " - Ross Jefferson
Helpful Resources:
Review and download useful information when planning your live meeting in Halifax. We've curated a library of useful tools and details that will make your event safe, simple, and smart.
Looking to add some spice to your meeting? Or, make the process even easier? Discover Halifax has compiled a list of its Meetings + Conventions members that offer planning, AV, catering, printing, photography, gifting, and tours/transportation services to event hosts.