Ryan Plemmons on Strengthening Connections Through SME Meetings and Events

Canadiansme Small Business Magazine Canada

CanadianSME Small Business Magazine recently sat down with Ryan Plemmons, Vice President of Global Sales Strategy at IHG Hotels & Resorts, to discuss the evolving landscape of business travel in Canada and what it means for Canadian small and midsize businesses. Ryan shared his insights on the unique challenges facing Canadian SMEs today and the importance of working with a hotel partner who understands their specific needs.

A seasoned leader in the hospitality and travel sector, Ryan brings nearly two decades of industry experience and a big-picture mindset to his leadership role at IHG, where he guides the global sales strategy for transient travel, groups and meetings, IHG Business Edge (IHG’s dedicated SME program), and partner contracts worldwide. He thrives on challenging assignments and applies his leadership experience from top companies worldwide.

While meetings and events remain an essential part of how SMEs build relationships and grow, many Canadian businesses also rely on frequent midweek travel for client meetings, service calls, project work, and market expansion. Whether it’s a quick overnight stay for a site visit or coordinating a multi-day strategic planning session, SMEs need flexible, reliable hospitality solutions that can keep up with their pace.


How do you view the current business climate for Canadian SMEs and their travel needs?

Reading today’s headlines, it would be easy to focus on economic uncertainty and potential challenges ahead. However, at IHG, we remain optimistic. The inherent need to reach new prospects, build partnerships, and strengthen connections remains essential, and travel is a key part of how businesses achieve those goals.

Canadian SMEs, in particular, rely heavily on in-person meetings and travel to sustain client relationships, explore new markets, and manage operations across provinces. Research has shown that face-to-face meetings are 34 times more effective than emails in generating a positive response. With these considerations, travel continues to be a strategic investment in growth.

Image Courtesy: Canva

At IHG, we’re focused on supporting that investment by providing Canadian SMEs with reliable hospitality solutions tailored to their evolving needs.


How is IHG supporting Canadian SMEs with meetings and group travel?

We recognize that SMEs require more than accommodations—they need spaces, services, and partnerships that help drive business success. Whether hosting an internal strategy session, launching a new product, entertaining a client, or rewarding high-performing employees, we provide the venues, flexibility, and support to make it happen.

IHG continues to expand across Canada with an eye toward the needs of SMEs. Our hotels offer a range of flexible meeting spaces, personalized event services, and convenient amenities designed to support business growth. Our commitment is to ensure that SMEs can access the optimal hospitality and meeting solutions, whether their needs involve large gatherings or small events, in major cities, smaller communities, or overseas.

Would you highlight a few IHG properties ideal for Canadian SMEs planning meetings or events?

Absolutely. Across Canada, we have nearly 200 hotels representing various brands and service levels to match the diverse needs of SMEs.

For example, InterContinental Toronto Centre offers over 18,000 square feet of versatile meeting space in the heart of downtown, making it an ideal choice for board meetings, large conferences, or client events.

The Holiday Inn & Suites St. Catharines Conference Center includes more than 20,000 square feet of flexible conference space, a bowling alley for fun team-building activities, and a rooftop patio available for private functions to entertain guests.

The Kimpton St. George, in Toronto’s fashionable and picturesque Bloor-Yorkville neighborhood, features a unique, inspiring atmosphere for creative off-site meetings, retreats, or small events.

Canadian SMEs often travel beyond major metropolitan areas to smaller cities where they have operations, customers, or growth opportunities. That’s why it’s essential to have hotels in the right locations—not just in Toronto, Montreal, and Calgary, but also in communities from Halifax to Kelowna.

We cover business lodging and event needs from coast to coast, ensuring that Canadian SMEs have consistent support wherever business takes them.

What incentive travel options are available for Canadian SMEs looking for warmer destinations?

Incentive travel remains a powerful tool for motivating teams, recognizing achievements, and reinforcing loyalty. Warm-weather destinations are particularly appealing during colder months.

IHG’s exclusive partnership with Iberostar Beachfront Resorts opens many opportunities in the Caribbean and Latin America. Locations in Mexico, Aruba, and the Dominican Republic offer striking settings for incentive trips that reward and inspire.

These Iberostar properties combine beautiful beachfront locations with the service quality and event support that business groups need, whether hosting an incentive trip, leadership retreat, or celebratory gathering.

How is IHG making it easier for SMEs to plan group stays and meetings?

Ryan Plemmons on Strengthening Connections Through Sme Meetings and Events
Image Courtesy: Canva

We understand that SMEs often operate with limited resources and time. That’s why we’re committed to making the planning process as efficient and straightforward as possible.

One way is through our new Easy Groups program, which allows small groups of 10–25 rooms to secure reservations quickly, with real-time availability and transparent pricing. It’s designed to simplify small group bookings and save valuable time for SMEs.

For larger meetings, our Meetings & Events website (ihg.com/meetingsandevents) allows travel planners to search by city, hotel, and meeting room size through a streamlined process that makes it easy to find the perfect fit.

For businesses that prefer personal assistance, our 1-800-MEETING service provides direct access to experienced professionals who can answer questions and help coordinate logistics.


How does IHG help Canadian SMEs maximize value from their business travel and events?

Managing budgets is a top priority for SMEs, and we’re focused on helping them get more out of every travel dollar.

Our IHG Business Edge program, created specifically for small and midsize enterprises, offers members exclusive rates and rewards through our IHG One Rewards program. Members earn points for qualifying stays and meetings, which can be redeemed for future travel, helping to stretch budgets further.

During these unprecedented times, IHG, a company founded and based in the United Kingdom, continues to provide trusted hospitality solutions that help Canadian SMEs build meaningful connections as they navigate today’s evolving business environment.

We’re driven by our purpose of True Hospitality for Good, which reflects in how we treat our clients, support our teams, and respect the communities and the world around us.

We invite you to visit IHG Meetings & Events or call us at 1-800-MEETING to learn how we can support your business and event needs.

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IHG Hotels & Resorts
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