FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 28, 2002

 (VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA) Executives in Train-ing, a leadership meeting package that combines the first-class services of the Pan Pacific Hotel Vancouver, the Rocky Mountaineer’s "Most Spectacular Train Trip in the World," and the leadership development expertise of the highly regarded Banff Centre is now available to organizations seeking a unique yet cost-effective leadership training experience.

"When like-minded organizations with a passion for learning and discovery come together to create a partnered program, the possibilities are limitless," says Ava Sones, whose company D2VA Partners represents Pan Pacific Hotels, The Banff Centre, and The Rocky Mountaineer. "Executives in Train-ing showcases the tremendous products and services of the D2VA network. The result is a customized leadership meeting package that uses the experience aboard the train as a tool for creative thinking, an extremely important component to any kind of professional development."

Susan Sarfati, the president and CEO of The Greater Washington Society of Association Executives says, "The program combines high-quality learning with an environment that is conducive to both relaxation and personal and professional growth." Sarfati and a group of association executives took part in the pilot program last September, hosted by D2VA Partners and the Canadian Tourism Commission.

The Executives in Train-ing leadership meeting package begins at the Pan Pacific Hotel Vancouver. Participants will experience two days’ travel aboard the Rocky Mountaineer through spectacular landscapes, followed by two nights at The Banff Centre. The package also includes a welcome reception, meals on board the Rocky Mountaineer and at The Banff Centre, and two and half-days of leadership training led by The Banff Centre’s prestigious Leadership Development division.

Aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, participants will travel in the specialty rail coach designed exclusively for "rolling retreats." The coach features all the special touches of a great meeting room including an unparalleled view, and can be configured to clients’ needs with a boardroom, theatre, classroom, or café-style setup for a maximum of 20 people.

The train travels between Vancouver and Banff during daylight hours with an overnight stop in Kamloops, BC, where program participants get a taste of the Canadian high-desert and spend the night in the boutique property, South Thompson Inn and Guest Ranch. Meals aboard the train are served in the exclusive GoldLeaf Dining Room, located on the first floor of the bi-level domed coach.

Given the exchange rate between the US and Canadian dollar, Executives in Train-ing is an incredible value. The 2002 per-person price begins at $3,000 CND (net- non-commissionable, plus taxes and gratuities) or approximately $1,880 US with today’s exchange rate. The 2002 price of the package will be extended to the end of 2003. The package includes four nights’ accommodation, nine meals, transfers in Kamloops and Banff, two and half days of leadership programming, and the unforgettable experience aboard the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer. The minimum group size is 15 people. The Executives in Train-ing package is exclusive to D2VA Partners.

PAN PACIFIC HOTELS: "We are proud to be part of this leadership program, as it reflects the culture of our organization and the way we lead our staff to work together to meet our customers’ individual needs with personalized care," says Steve Halliday, General Manager of the Pan Pacific Hotels in Vancouver. "In fact, we will continue this role with a Leadership Development Forum to demonstrate our appreciation to the association and corporate meeting planners who have selected Pan Pacific Hotels for their meetings.

--30--