Conference Management - The McPhersonClarke Advantage

CONFERENCE, CONVENTION AND MEETINGS MANAGEMENT

The McPhersonClarke Advantage

McPhersonClarke combines the resources of professional meeting managers and is dedicated to working with volunteer organizations in facilitating their meetings, events and conferences. We have more than 40 years combined experience (25 years through McPherson Management Ltd., and 15 years through Clarke Association Services Inc.) in organizing events and conferences across North America. Our experience is what propels us forward because we know what it takes to properly plan, organize, manage, and execute events and conferences of any size. We know what has to be done, and we know how to do it.

McPhersonClarke has meeting professionals on staff who are experienced in planning events and conferences with local, regional, national or international attendees. We have planned events and conferences in most major cities across North America in both the United States and Canada. We have planned conferences for all types of professional, membership, industry and government organizations representing industries such as agriculture, medicine, fire and safety, technology, manufacturing, and education to name a few.

Over the years, we have built a network of reliable connections with hotels, travel agencies, airlines, tourist bureaus, and other suppliers to the convention industry. McPhersonClarke is armed with superb contacts, extensive experience, state-of-the-art software, and a thorough knowledge of the philosophies, goals and objectives that underpin and drive not-for-profit organizations.

The Leadership Advantage

McPhersonClarke has professional meeting planners on staff who work out of our offices in both Calgary and Ottawa. These meeting professionals are team leaders who can effectively manage and plan events and conferences of any size. Their experience and knowledge in the conference planning medium is what sets us apart as these team leaders know how to motivate, communicate, supervise and coordinate all the elements that go towards your events creation. They are your events central resource and will give your organizing committee guidance, comfort, and assurance that your event will fulfill its goals and objectives.

The Geographic Advantage

McPhersonClarke has two fully staffed and equipped offices. Our offices are located in Ottawa, Ontario and Calgary, Alberta.

Why Ottawa?

Our eastern office in Ottawa puts us on the doorstep to the Government of Canada, the ideal location for Canadian National Associations. Ottawa is also home to government organizations such as the Senate, Parliament, and the Supreme Court of Canada and is home to a large number of foreign embassies. Ottawa is a thriving international technology and business centre and is a world class tourism and convention destination. Its tourism and convention industry generates over $2 billion in economic activity and has over 7 million visitors per year.

Why Calgary?

Our western office in Calgary puts us in one of the fastest growing cities in North America with a current population just under 1 million people. Calgary has a well rounded economy that boasts many diverse interests. Traditionally an “oil city”, Calgary also is a centre for agriculture, high tech, education, and real estate. Calgary is in the centre of “The West” and is Western Canada’s domestic hub for seven of North America’s major airlines. Its airport is Canada’s 3rd busiest serving 8.6 million passengers annually to national and international destinations. Calgary is a logical choice for meetings and conventions and is home to many not-for-profit organizations serving members right across the country.

Ottawa and Calgary?

With offices in Ottawa and Calgary, McPhersonClarke opens the door for organizations planning events in any part of North America. Our staff are accessible no matter where you are planning your event which may be important considering time zone differences, and/or travel costs.

Why Canada?

Being based out of Canada is a geographic advantage for our international clients in that we can often procure better pricing for administrative services and conference supplies commonly required to successfully plan and manage your event.

The Financial Advantage

International organizations have chosen McPhersonClarke not only for our experience and expertise, but also for the financial advantage. Our International clients benefit from the increased value in procuring administrative services and supplies in Canada.

McPhersonClarke can save your organization considerable dollars through our negotiation power, experience, and resources. Our connections with hotels, travel agencies, airlines, tourist bureaus and other suppliers to the convention industry will give your organization increased flexibility, more service options, and a higher cost savings.

The Service Advantage

McPhersonClarke is a full service convention and event management company and can assist with all your meeting and special event requirements, including budget preparation, publication production, event promotion, show and sale support, sponsor identification and sales, financial management, tour and special event management, just to name a few. All activities are completed under the direction of the planning committee and are communicated through regular written and verbal reports with the chairman and volunteers.

McPhersonClarke offers a complete range of services that will meet your organizations every need. And you only have to deal with us; one company, one supplier, one location. It is part of our corporate philosophy. You tell us what you want and we will make it happen. Our services are designed to facilitate the achievement of the overall objectives and goals of your conference or event by giving you the service you need, when you need it. We know what has to be done and we know how to do it. Our services can be provided in both French and English.

The following is a list of services we can provide to organize and manage your next conference or event:

Project Management
General Administration (Conference Office)
Site Selection
Accommodation
Meeting Room Setup
Budgeting
Financial Management
Marketing and Promotion
Sponsorship and Revenue Generation
Communications
Media Relations
Program Design and Production
Website Design and Maintenance
Transportation Arrangements
Audio-Visual Arrangements
Catering and Meal Arrangements
Speaker Selection and Management
On-site Coordination and Management
Registration (Pre and On-site)
Exhibit Management
Receptions, Luncheons, Dinners, and Banquets
Companion Programs
Entertainment
Tours and Special Events
Post Conference Publications (Proceedings)
Evaluations and Follow-up

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