Client-winning international association business starts with knowing destination strengths and using data, not assumptions, to target ideal clients. Here are my top five tips as presented in the ICCALearn newsletter. Start with the economic development office, not the venue brochure. FDI teams identify sectors with real competitive advantage. Lead with proof points, not features. Use research output, clinical capacity, investment, …
I read David Pearl’s book Wanderful cover to cover on a nine hour drive to Sun Peaks. By the time we arrived, I couldn’t wait another day. I needed to test this theory immediately. So the next morning, I took myself out alone, set my question, and let the streets of a small BC ski town answer it back. …
Greg Clark & Jennifer Dolynchuk|8/18/2025 In this special listener series of The Century of Cities, we’re joined by Anna Look, Founder of Look Ahead Consulting and Co-Owner of Rabbit Hill Snow Resort. Anna reflects on her favourite episodes, standout guests, and the cities that have captured her imagination.
The Capacity Crisis Moment Sunday, March 9th, 2024. 9:30 AM. Snow falling steadily outside our makeshift garbage sorting tent at Rabbit Hill. The cold bit through my painter’s overalls as I pulled on rubber gloves, steam rising from my coffee cup in the frigid air. Two volunteer team members stood beside me, their breath visible in small clouds. We all …
As a holiday rep, the day after holidaymakers land is the Rep’s Welcome Meeting. On the surface, it was about bringing all the customers together to welcome and connect them…but in reality, it’s about upselling them on all sorts of extras to make more commission. A girl’s got to eat! Welcome Meeting Day was madness. Three reps each careened to …
To wake up to a steaming cup in the morning, to enjoy with cake and friends, or to be offered in times of crisis when nothing else can be done. It’s so much more than a hot drink. In Turkiye, tea çay (pronounced Chai) is a profound symbol of hospitality and connection. And it’s found in the strangest of places. …
Crystal clear waters, whispering sea breezes, and waves gently lapping the sides of a traditional Turkish boat, where visitors sleep on the softly swaying deck under the stars. But. “The captain didn’t speak enough English!” “The food was strange!” And one of my favourites: “It was too hot!” These were some of the comments from visitors in my ‘feedback book’ …
“Careful, this one’s very heavy,” I said, dragging yet another tourist’s suitcase to the bus driver. He looked at me blankly. I blinked back at him, then rallied. (Come ON, Anna! Just try!, I muttered to myself) I cleared my throat. Pointed at the case. “Çok ağır” I said, carefully sounding out the new words. He looked delighted. He laughed, …
I’m working on something new at the minute. Something that excites and scares me in equal measure. I’m not ready to talk about it just yet, but new beginnings always make me think back to where my fascination with all things travel began: in a hot, swaying minibus careening down a road in Turkiye. I had just graduated with …
On the 6th of April this year, tens of thousands of Athletic Bilbao football club fans packed the streets of the Basque Country. The club’s red, white and black scarves, flags and jerseys waved from windows, stadiums, streets and cars as what seemed like the entire population of the small nation came to a halt to celebrate their football club’s …
