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Alternative Retirement Plans for the Health Sector

Alternative Retirement Plans for the Health Sector

Fasken’s Health Group invites you to a webinar featuring Ross Gascho, Leader of Fasken’s Pensions and Benefits Group, and Laurie Turner, Co-Leader of Fasken’s Health Law Group (as moderator).

In this session, Ross will discuss Health sector retirement plans. They are more than just HOOPP! Several new plans allow employers and employees to participate on a fixed-cost basis in a defined benefit or defined contribution plan without the employer having the burden of running the plan. Whether you are administering an existing plan, thinking about a plan for your employees, or are a private physician, this webinar is for you. 

Agenda

12:00 – 1:00 pm ET live webinar with live Q&A

Type

This event is only available via webinar



1Hours



Available Via Webinar

* Note: This programme contains 1 hour of Substantive content for the purposes of the Law Society of Ontario’s annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements.

For CPD/CLE in other jurisdictions, please contact your local Law Society

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Reuters Events Announces Energy Transition Europe Summit – News for the Energy Sector

To go with story by Brayden Sutherland. Event promotion Picture shows; Event graphic. N/A. Supplied by Reuters Events Date; Unknown

Reuters Events continues its flagship Energy Transition event portfolio following the recent success of their Global Energy Transition 2022 event in New York City.

As the EU launches its REPowerEU Plan to address the dual challenge of reducing dependency on Russian fossil fuels and take meaningful climate action, the evolving European transition market space has taken on a new kind of urgency. Reuters Events: Energy Transition Europe 2022 (November 15-16, London) is where European energy executives will convene to tackle these challenges head-on, and chart pathways to delivering a sustainable energy ecosystem across Europe.

From electrification, hydrogen, and CCS, to EVs, digitalisation, and clean technology, the European energy

market is a hotbed of transition innovation. Rising geopolitical tensions have crystallised the urgent need

for energy independence. Accelerating and implementing the European energy transition, at pace, is critical to

providing a sustainable, secure, and low-carbon energy supply – and progress is well underway.

50+ CXO, Ministerial and European Commission speakers will take the stage to share the strategic insights and lessons learned that are propelling Europe’s leading energy players through the energy transition. The community must strategise pathways to generating secure, clean, and affordable power across Europe: unpacking boardroom leadership strategies, questions around transition finance, deep-diving into the importance of market governance and business model innovation, identifying key innovations in technology, and outlining roadmaps to delivering a decarbonised, electrified European grid.

Luke Brett, Project Director on the Reuters Events Energy Transition team, emphasised the importance of face-to-face meetings such as this: “Delivering such an incredible summit in New York reminded us how valuable moments like this can be for organisations at the heart of climate action.”

“Uniting energy executives, policymakers, and investors in ambition and action is critically important, more so now than ever – the team and I are thrilled to see such energy and enthusiasm from the community. We can’t wait to challenge the status quo as we ask a most important question – are European energy players going far enough, fast enough?”

With an ever-expanding speaking roster, below is a snapshot of those confirmed to be taking the stage:

  • Josu Jon Imaz, Chief Executive Officer, Repsol
  • Simone Rossi, Chief Executive Officer, EDF
  • Will Gardiner, Chief Executive Officer, Drax
  • Ana Paula Marques, Chief Executive Officer, EDP Spain
  • Greg Jackson, Chief Executive Officer, Octopus Energy
  • Christina Verchere, Chief Executive Officer, Petrom
  • Philippe Ducom, President of Europe, ExxonMobil
  • As Tempelman, Chief Executive Officer, Eneco

More exciting speakers are due to be announced in the coming weeks.

The Reuters Events team encourage those seeking to learn more to download the official brochure, which contains all the latest updates on the agenda, speakers, and opportunities for collaboration.

The energy transition is sector-agnostic and will reinvent the way that business of all kinds is done across Europe. Don’t miss this important opportunity to capitalise on your role to play – and turn ambition into action.

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Strengthening the future of our events sector

Gearing up for a vast array of winter events as Festival of Voices tickets go on sale

14 June 2022

Nic Street,

Minister for Hospitality and Events







Tasmania’s visitor economy is thriving, business confidence is up, and our Government’s vision is to take the Tasmanian events industry to the next level.

The Tasmanian Liberal Government is firm in its commitment to bringing more world-class events to Tasmania as we commence the development of our next 5-year Events Strategy.

When we came to Government in 2014, we developed and implemented the State’s first-ever whole-of-government Events Strategy to secure the future of events in Tasmania – of all types and sizes.

Under the Labor-Green Government, investment in events was sporadic and lacked a coherent vision.

In contrast, this Government’s strategy has delivered investment into events right across our State, including business events, leisure events, arts events, sports events, and community events. Over the next six months, we are supporting around 30 events to take place in every region of the State.

Building upon this success, we will now begin work to develop the next 5-year strategy which will solidify the strong foundations we’ve laid since 2015.

Events Tasmania will lead the five-year strategy development in conjunction with other event-funding bodies within Government, and with Business Events Tasmania.

The Strategy will continue to focus on growing our visitor economy and supporting our communities through a variety of channels.

We will work and consult with our tourism, cultural and hospitality sectors, together with local Councils and our existing iconic events who can provide unique insights. And we will work with our four Regional Tourism Organisation partners to ensure that there is a strong focus on creating even more reasons for people to travel outside of the major cities.

Importantly, this Strategy will ensure that we have a strong return on the investment we make into all events – either financial or the positive impact on the relevant community – so that Tasmanians reap the benefits

More Media Releases from Nic Street

More Media Releases from the Minister for Hospitality and Events

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Reuters Events Announce C-Suite North America Energy Transition Leaders, for flagship Houston Meeting in November 2022. – News for the Energy Sector

Energy Transition North America event  Picture shows; Energy Transition North America. US. Supplied by Reuters Events Date; Unknown
© Supplied by Reuters EventsEnergy Transition North America event  Picture shows; Energy Transition North America. US. Supplied by Reuters Events Date; Unknown
Energy Transition North America event Picture shows; Energy Transition North America. US. Supplied by Reuters Events Date; Unknown

Over 350 energy, business and industrial leaders from the North America’s largest organizations will come together in Houston, November 09-10 at Reuters Events: Energy Transition North America 2022, where they will discuss the urgent need to decarbonize North American energy production and deliver strategies to turn global net zero ambition into meaningful net zero action.

Upon the backdrop of the COP27 climate conference, key industry changemakers will strategize pathways to providing a secure, clean and affordable power supply across the U.S. and Canada.

Across two days, Reuters Events will unpack the leadership and finance questions, deep dive into the importance of carbon management and business model innovation, and identify the key technologies and innovations available to deliver a decarbonized, electrified energy grid.

Full event information is available here.

With a legacy of convening leading energy and industrial executives, Reuters Events: Energy Transition North America provides a central meeting place for boardroom leaders committed to net zero to convene, build strategies and establish partnerships. The 2022 speaker faculty so far boasts:

  • Bob Dudley, Chairman, OGCI
  • Patti Poppe, Chief Executive Officer, Pacific Gas and Electric
  • Gretchen Watkin, President, Shell USA, Inc
  • Rafael Chaves, Chief Sustainability Officer, Petrobras
  • Ralph Izzo, Chief Executive Officer, PSEG
  • Alistair Vickers, Chief Executive Officer, bp Wind Energy
  • Jesse Arenivas, President, CO2, Kinder Morgan
  • Amos Hochstein, Senior Advisor Global Energy Security, U.S. Dept. of State
  • Maria Pope, Chief Executive Officer, Portland General Electric
  • Chris Golden, US Country Manager, Equinor
  • Joseph Dominquez, Chief Executive Officer, Constellation Energy
  • Sandhya Ganapathy, CEO, North America, EDPR
  • Enrico Viale, Head of North America, Enel
  • Susan Nickey, Chief Client Officer, Hannon Armstrong
  • Mauricio Gutierrez, Chief Executive Officer, NRG Energy

And many more!

“Securing a just and effective energy transition in North America will be crucial to reduce global emissions and ensure security is the defining challenge of our time,” said Owen Rolt, Head of Energy Transition at Reuters Events. “It is fitting that this year we will again be featuring one of the strongest lineups of any energy event in the world.”

To facilitate this seismic shift for the energy industry, Reuters Events has built the forum around five critical themes: Delivering Net Zero North America, Security and Supply, Carbon Management Strategies, Climate Technology, and Electrification and the Grid

Those interested in taking part in the forum can find out more information here.

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Minister McEntee launches justice sector programme of commemorative events for 2022-2024 as part of the Decade of Centenaries’ Programme

The Decade of Centenaries Programme is an ongoing programme of commemoration of the period from 1912 to 1923. The justice sector commemorations programme is part of the recently published, cross-government Decade of Centenaries 2022 Programme co-ordinated by Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

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Covid changes: Hospitality NZ disappointed, events sector happy

Covid changes: Hospitality NZ disappointed, events sector happy

Hospitality businesses are upset that the Government’s relaxation of Covid-19 health measures does not go far enough.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern today announced the Government would lift vaccine mandates for a number of sectors including teaching and police from April 4 as the current Omicron outbreak nears its peak.

Vaccine passes would also no longer be mandatory to visit restaurants, coffee shops and other public spaces.

Hospitality NZ said while the end to mandates for staff and vaccine passes for customers is welcome news for its sector, increasing the capacity cap to 200 for indoor settings will make little difference for larger venues.

“Why 200? It’s nonsensical,” a spokesperson said in a statement.

“The cap should be pinned to the capacity of the venue. Lifting it will not work for bars and other night venues. The seated model does not work for them, even with a higher cap.”

It said these businesses have higher labour costs to police the existing public health measures, and have been among the worst affected by the two-year-long pandemic with no extra support from the Government.

“Businesses are running out of patience.”

It accused the Government of haphazard planning, and was unhappy that some changes would not take effect until April 4.

The criticism was echoed by Heart of the City, which represents Auckland businesses.

It wanted a move away from the red traffic light setting (which will be retained until at least April 4).

Without this, there would no major indoor events; bars and nightclubs would not operate properly, and workers would not return in great numbers to the CBD.

Chief executive Viv Beck said: “Changes announced today will make a difference – but confirmation of a shift away from red would have made a major difference for planning and confidence amongst our businesses.”

She is pushing for targeted wage subsidies to support some businesses.

However, the changes are being welcomed by the events sector.

Business Events Industry Aotearoa chief executive Lisa Hopkins said the reduction of restrictions is a further move in the right direction after the border reopening was announced last week.

She said confidence has been at an all-time low since attendance at indoor events was capped at 100 people in August last year.

Hopkins said organisers of up to 100 international conferences and events are waiting to confirm bookings for New Zealand.

“Event organisers in Australia are telling us they want to bring their client business back to New Zealand.

“The positive messages from the Prime Minister today will now drive a sense of surety as we work towards fewer restrictions.”

Act unimpressed 

Act leader David Seymour accused Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of feeding “the fear factory” with today’s announcement.

“We’ve done the mahi, but we have to wait for visitors to arrive to get the treats. Waiting until 5 April for vaccine passes and mandates to go makes no sense. They should go immediately.”

He also criticised the 200-seat capacity for indoor settings, which would provide little relief for hospitality venues.

“New Zealanders are fed up. It’s time to move on. The traffic light system should go. We don’t need small tweaks; we need real change.”

National’s Covid-19 spokesman Chris Bishop welcomed the announcement, saying the Government had “finally caught up with reality”, but said the end of vaccine passes called into question the relevance of the traffic light system.

“The Government would be better to ditch the whole thing and create some simple rules around masks and perhaps venue limits, rather than persist with a complicated colour-code system that has never been used properly and that barely anyone understands.”

It should also signal a timeline for abolishing the remaining mandates, he said.

“After two tough years, it’s time to get back to normality and start thinking positively about the future.”

– additional reporting by Reuters 

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Singapore to resume large-scale business, leisure events in tourism sector

Singapore to resume large-scale business, leisure events in tourism sector

SINGAPORE – The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is gearing up for a strong comeback by the tourism sector and will pave the way for large-scale, high-quality business and leisure events to recommence this year, Minister of State for Trade and Industry Low Yen Ling said in Parliament on Friday (March 4).

Speaking during the debate on the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s (MTI) budget, Ms Low said many more events, such as the Global Health Security Conference 2022 and Find Design Fair Asia 2022, as well as the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix and the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, will be held later in the year.

“We will defend our position as a leading destination for high-quality business and leisure events. We hit a ‘pause’ button on these because of Covid-19,” said Ms Low.

The Singapore Air Show 2022, which took place from Feb 15 to 18, welcomed an estimated 13,000 trade attendees and almost 600 exhibitors from more than 39 countries.

STB has also just launched the Tourism Careers Hub pilot to provide training and skills upgrading for workers and firms in the tourism sector.

The initiative will focus on job matching within the sector and encouraging technology transformation, among other workforce improvement efforts.

The STB will accelerate its SingapoReimagine campaign as international travel resumes, and help tourism companies develop attractive products and experiences.

In addition, the SingapoRediscovers voucher (SRV) scheme was launched in 2020 to drive local spending at hotels, attractions and tours here.

The scheme has since generated nearly $300 million in SRV-related bookings and transactions, and up to $100 million in ancillary spending.

The MTI will also work with the tourism sector to co-create innovative tech and digital solutions.

Over the past three years, STB’s Singapore Tourism Accelerator Programme has supported 34 promising tech start-ups in developing solutions to ready the sector for the future.

“Covid-19 has hit the tourism sector very hard, but despite the challenges, we have continued to quickly adapt and pivot to new propositions to come back stronger,” said Ms Low.

“We will continue to support the tourism sector’s efforts to recover, innovate and come back stronger than before.”

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Events sector displeased by leaked Covid relaxations; Outbreak Team meeting today

Events sector displeased by leaked Covid relaxations; Outbreak Team meeting today

The Outbreak Management Team, which advises the Cabinet on dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, will meet again on Friday. The members will likely talk about the possibility of relaxing coronavirus restrictions. Some of the Cabinet’s plans leaked on Thursday, prompting pleased reactions from the catering and cultural sectors but not from the events sector.

Sources told Dutch media that the Cabinet is considering extending closing times from 10:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. and scrapping social distancing in the catering industry as long as guests have a fixed seat. The advice to work from home will be removed. People may be allowed to receive an unlimited number of guests at home. And festivals and major events may be allowed again if everyone is tested beforehand and attendees have fixed seats at events larger than 500 people.

The Cabinet will only make a formal decision about the relaxations on Tuesday, followed by a press conference by Health Minister Ernst Kuipers.

Danny Damman, director of the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam, is “shocked” by the fixed seats for events with 500 meters condition. The concert hall in Amsterdam can accommodate about 17,000 people. If everyone has to be seated, a lot fewer people can fit in the room.

“Then I fear that some renters will think: rather not, never mind,” said Damman. “If this is the decision, I’m afraid some renters will think: that doesn’t fit the character of the event.” It may be “a bottleneck” to opening, he thinks. “If you go to a cabaret show, you can let people sit. The theaters are fantastically helped with this. But the large halls with standing events are not.”

Damman and Jolanda Jansen, general manager of Rotterdam Ahoy and spokesperson for the Alliance of Event Builders, wonder about the logic behind this decision. “Why are you allowed to stand up to 500 people, but not above that?” asked Jansen. Berend Schans of the Dutch Poppodia and Festivals Association agrees. “That means that you can dance in the Ekko in Utrecht, but not in Paradiso in Amsterdam. That’s wrong.”

The cinema and theater sector is “thrilled” with the planned relaxation. Especially the scrapping of social distancing and extended opening times. “If these leaked relaxations are correct, I will be very happy,” said Boris van der Ham, chairman of the Dutch Association of Cinemas and Film Theaters and the Dutch Association of Free Theater Producers. Van der Ham emphasized that many of the requirements, like fixed seats, are already met in the cinema and theater sector. They can also easily comply with the closing time: theater performances and cinema films always end at 1:00 a.m.

Van der Ham hopes that the Cabinet will help the theater sector get started. “You don’t just open a theater as you do at a cinema. The cast has to get back in shape, rehearse. That takes time and money.” That is why Van der Ham hopes that the Cabinet will come up with some form of financial support. “You can’t break even in this sector right away because the halls will probably not be full right away.”

The 1:00 a.m. closing time will be good for regular restaurants. But “this means nothing for the night catering industry,” said Rober Willemsen of hospitality association KHN. “The government is now pretending to do something for them, but that is not the case.”

The longer opening hours were discussed in talks with the Ministries last week, said Willemsen. The government was also already determined to stick to the plan to open nightclubs and discotheques with mandatory pre-testing, he said. But the KHN sees nothing in that. “The target group of the night catering industry has not been boosted and will not be tested. Then they go to illegal parties, and you have no control over that at all.”

Teenagers and people in their 20s are also not at risk of severe symptoms if they do get the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, Willemsen emphasized. The KHN, therefore, wants to open the nightclubs and discos with a coronavirus access pass. “But if the restrictions disappear, that obligation must also be removed quickly.”

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Events sector will open on March 11; with or without gov’t approval

Events sector will open on March 11; with or without gov't approval

The event industry wants to open on March 11 without restrictions. “Since the government does not come up with a concrete perspective, the industry itself is now putting the dot on the (near) horizon,” the Alliance of Event Builders said on Wednesday. The industry wants the government to take the first steps and weigh in next Tuesday, February 15, so that the entire sector can open at full capacity on March 11.

“This just has to happen and will happen,” said Ruben Brouwer, director of event organizer MOJO and part of the Alliance. Brouwer said that if the government does not agree to the plan, actions like large demonstrations and parades will follow. “Last year, we saw a lot of people flocking to Unmute Us,” an event sector protest that attracted tens of thousands of protesters nationwide.

With this demand, the Alliance, which represents all kinds of organizations in the sector in discussions with the government, wants to send a clear signal. Because, according to them, the event industry has “been in talks with the government for two years,” and the sector “has cooperated in scientific research.” But “despite that, such restrictions have been imposed on the industry that large-scale events are not possible.” Events can currently only have up to 1,250 visitors, with a fixed seat. As a result, many events have been canceled or postponed.

The first events were canceled at the beginning of March 2020, including the large part of the Holland Zingt Hazes concert series. That is why the sector now wants to open on March 11, the day on which Holland Zingt Hazes is scheduled again at the Ziggo Dome.

On Tuesday, Minister Ernst Kuipers of Public Health told parliament that the Cabinet is shifting its focus in the coronavirus policy to “keeping society open.” Sources around the Cabinet also told Nieuwsuur that the government plans to relax more restrictions next week, including allowing fuller football stadiums and theaters and letting nightclubs reopen. The events sector wasn’t explicitly mentioned.