NEWS AND VIEWS FOR THE CORPORATE COMMUNITY



Articles in this Issue:

The Coach House: Charming, Quaint and Functional, Too

Charming and quaint are two words commonly used to describe The Estates' Coach House, the original Gate House to the McLean House. However, meeting delegates and planners alike are quick to add "functional" after concluding a session in this desirable property, located just to the west of McLean House.
Featuring the same fieldstone exterior as its parent - McLean House - a gambrel style slate roof with cupola, weathervane, beamed ceiling, and wooden doors and windows, The Coach House is, in its own right, a minor architectural marvel. Of particular interest, and contributing greatly to the property's charm, are the circular bulls-eye windows with keystones.

Although small in comparison to its stately neighbors, The Coach House, which was built around the time of McLean House's construction in 1929, serves as the ideal venue for more intimate gatherings, requiring greater levels of seclusion and privacy. It also provides the perfect location for outdoor summer events.

The two-story Coach House accommodates up to 40-45 people. The upper level is generally reserved for meetings and measures 35' x 25'. The downstairs usually serves as the ideal reception area for social and corporate events.


Stewart Room Undergoes Facelift

One of McLean House's more popular rooms - the Stewart Room - should be in even greater demand after renovations are completed later this winter.

Under the direction of designer Joseph Cheng the renovations, which were completed in November, have transformed this 18'x14' boardroom into an intimate conference and dining room, employing a French Country motif.

The new room features colours of varying shades, with emphasis on yellows and browns. Overall, the room conveys a warm, sun-drenched Mediterranean feel.

The Stewart Room accommodates up to 10 and is ideal for a small, private meeting or dinner.


Rating Your Meeting Facility Can Be As Easy As 1,2,3

Many hotels, conference centres and other venues may tell you their facilities and staff are among the best. But now here's your chance to see how they really measure up. The Coleman Center of New York City, an organization that specializes in meetings, recently published the following questionnaire, designed to help you eliminate much of the guesswork when choosing a site for your next corporate event.

Many hotels, conference centres and other venues may tell you their facilities and staff are among the best. But now here's your chance to see how they really measure up. The Coleman Center of New York City, an organization that specializes in meetings, recently published the following questionnaire, designed to help you eliminate much of the guesswork when choosing a site for your next corporate event.

The higher the score the better the venue's performance.

Rating The Meeting Room

a) Square or slightly rectangular. Not long and narrow so that participants in the rear are removed from the leader.
Rating:0123

b) Lighting is bright and evenly spread throughout the room.
Rating: 0123

c) There are no reflective surfaces that cause eye fatigue and reduce concentration levels.
Rating: 0123

d) Wall colours are of solid shades of blue, yellow or green. Depressing shades of white, browns or blacks or distracting loud colours, or plaids or stripes are not present.
Rating: 0123

e) Similarly, the carpets consist of solid colours of blue, yellow or green.
Rating: 012

f) Ceiling heights allow for the unobstructed presentation of visuals.
Rating: 01234

g) Chairs are comfortable, have arms, swivel features, wheels and a recliner mechanism.
Rating: 01234

h) Tables allow for a minimum 2 1/2' between participants.
Rating: 0123

i) There are no pictures or clocks on the walls that have a tendency to distract participants.
Rating: 01

j) Lights use dimmer switches.
Rating: 0123

k) There is no noise from adjacent rooms or corridors.
Rating: 0123

l) Air conditioning is controlled from the room and runs quietly with good ventilation.
Rating: 0123

m) The room will comfortably accommodate my group size.
Rating: 0123

n) There is a simple, efficient means to hang and display presentation materials.
Rating: 0123

o) The meeting rooms are contained on one floor for easier access.
Rating: 01234

Your total: ________

Maximum score: 48

Rating The Staff

a) Is there staff available dedicated to accommodating meetings?
Rating: 01234

b) Is the staff immediately accessible?
Rating: 0123

c) Is there an A/V specialist on hand if problems with equipment should arise?
Rating: 0123

d) Is there an attitude of warmth and courtesy?
Rating: 012

e) How knowledgeable is the staff when responding to questions?
Rating: 01234

f) Are the rooms cleaned at every break?
Rating: 0123

g) Is water readily available on the tables and refreshed throughout the day?
Rating: 012

h) Does one of the facility staff check with the meeting leadership during the day to see whether any additional assistance is required?
Rating: 012

i) Is there access to business facilities such as fax, computers, copiers, etc.
Rating: 0123

Your total: ________

Maximum score: 31

Scoring:

Compare your totals to the range of numbers in the categories below.

Rating the meeting rooms      Rating the staff
QualityRatingQualityRating
Excellent48-40Excellent31-29
Very Good39-34Very Good28-26
Good33-29Good25-23
Fair28-24Fair22-20
Poorunder 24Poorunder 20

To receive your copy of Evaluating the Quality of a Meeting Facility and its Facility Staff contact:

The Coleman Center at
810 Seventh Avenue, 23rd Floor,
New York, New York
10019. Telephone: (212) 541-4600
Fax: (212) 541-4232.




The Estates Not Smitten by Millennium Bug

The Millennium Bug - the anticipated chaos that will result because of computers' inability to recognize the year 2000 - will not infest The Estates, with the turn of the century.

According to Kirk Brady, The Estates' Managing Director, The Estates upgraded its computer systems two years ago. At that time, provisions where made to accommodate the year 2000 changeover.

"I suppose we were somewhat fortunate with the timing in that we were forced to upgrade prior to the year 2000," says Mr. Brady. "The result is we can stay with our current systems. There will be no negative impact on us or our clients come the new millennium."


Defining "Business Casual"

It's not uncommon for us to scratch our heads in bewilderment when asked to dress "business casual." After all, beyond our personal definitions and interpretations what does the term really mean?

An article by Padi Selwyn in a recent issue of The Meeting Professional introduces some clothing standards, bringing some consistency and clarity to the term.

She notes, regardless of the various interpretations "business casual," must always achieve a "refined, well-coordinated and professional appearance."

Men, for instance, should wear khakis or chinos, oxford shirts, blazers, sweaters, vests, loafers and turtlenecks in their "business casual" wardrobe. Women should include more relaxed fitting clothing including, coordinated pants and sweaters, pant suits, skirts, cardigans, lower heels, and brighter colours.

Jeans, sweats or resort wear are strictly off limits and all clothes should be fresh, clean and pressed, experts advise.

Book your corporate or social event.

All revenues generated by The Estates are used to further medical research at the Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre.


Research Reveals Staff and Venue Can Make or Break a Meeting

Research conducted by Coleman Lee Finkel for his book The Total Immersion Learning Environment: Its Critical Impact on Meeting Success, revealed the vital role venue staff and the venue itself plays in a successful meeting.

The findings revealed that executives believe a knowledgeable, responsive staff, coupled with an appropriate venue, contributes a surprising 20 percent towards a meeting's success.

What Attendees and Management Expect From Meetings

A recent article in The Meeting Professional revealed what meeting attendees and senior management want and expect out of a meeting.

    Attendees believe meetings should:

  • motivate and inspire;
  • provide suggestions on resources and tools and offer practical, attainable solutions and ideas that can be implemented as soon as the meeting ends;
  • be better paced. That is, they should start later and have shorter breaks. In addition, important information should be front-ended as opposed to leaving it until the end;
  • incorporate more teaching and creative strategies to hold the attention of attendees;
  • make use of speakers who have the ability to better captivate audiences.

    As for senior management, they believe the following five objectives must be pursued:

  • the meeting's message must be consistent;
  • a clear sense of priorities must be made clear;
  • the meeting must motivate and inspire;
  • the meeting must build commitment;
  • teamwork and trust must be encouraged.



To view the Agenda, click on the appropriate issue below:

Winter 2002 | Spring 2001 | Winter 2001 | Winter 2000 | Fall 1999 | Spring 1999| Winter 1999



Copyright 2004 Estates of Sunnybrook. All rights reserved.

Revenues generated from the Estates contribute to further research at
Sunnybrook & Women's College Health Sciences Centre.