This year's AWMAC Convention in Ontario's spectacular Niagara Region, May 31-June 2, was a great success.
Held at White Oaks Resort and Convention Centre in Niagara-on-the-Lake, the event lived up to its promise to offer something very special and something for everyone.
Al Broekema, a director with AWMAC's Ontario Chapter and event organizer said they "wanted to offer a convention in a unique location in keeping with AWMAC tradition for something special, something high end. Something like a mini vacation with a good variety of things to do, but also something that provides good networking opportunities. We think the Niagara Region offers all of that and is a perfect fit."
Well, there can be no doubt they succeeded.
From the opening day golf tournament at Thundering Waters Golf Club to the trade show, seminars, numerous alternate activities and trips to Niagara Falls, which included a trip aboard the world-famous Maid of the Mist, there truly was something for everyone.
The AGM Saturday morning dealt with the main business portion of the convention. And even though there was a lot of business being done elsewhere during the convention as well, particpants had many opportunities to take in the sights of the beautiful Niagara Region such as the Butterfly Conservatory or a spa visit right at the resort. Use of White Oaks’ world-class fitness centre was also included in the hotel stay. The 115,000 square-foot facility features six heated indoor tennis courts, eight squash courts, two racquetball courts, an endurance lab (for cardio training), an energy lab (for strength training) a movement studio (group exercises) as well as a power cycle and yoga studio, indoor pool and whirlpool, private sauna, tanning and steam rooms as well as a multi-purpose gymnasium.
Organizers had also planned a Journey behind the Falls, two different wine tours and a Friday night dinner at the Falls, at the Edgewater Restaurant. Each evening there was also a chance to wind down in the hospitality suite.
Saturday evening saw the President's Ball and the event ended Sunday morning with buffet breakfast in the Sunhill dining room.
Here are some impressions from a convention that offered the perfect mix of business and pleasure.
