Stephanie Kababie is one of Tourism Winnipeg’s Business Development Managers. Born in Guatemala, she immigrated to Canada, later played softball in Missouri on a university scholarship and married an American from the Midwest. She is a madly obsessed mother of three little humans and wants to travel to every spot on this amazing earth. If you are an Association or a third-party meeting planner, Stephanie is whom you want to call. She also specializes in education, financial services and transportation and distribution events.
What sort of trends are you seeing in Wellness in the Meetings & Conventions industry?
Health and wellness is a growing attraction for conference planners. I’ve even seen a conference include a “Wellness Wednesday” where they allowed the delegates an extra hour of sleep in the morning! I’d really encourage planners to have a guided run as an option for their delegates, or include a yoga break in the afternoon. Planners should take advantage of the jogging concierge program at the Inn at the Forks or take part in the Fairmont Fit program, where delegates who are Le Club AccorHotels loyalty program members can request their shoe size while making a reservation, and voilà: a pair of sporty kicks awaits them in their guest room. For an afternoon dose of zen, I’d highly recommend Yoga Public. It’s located centrally downtown, so it’s easy to drop in pre and post conference. All of these programs make it easier for delegates to stay healthy and fit when on the road.
Exploring the outdoors can be a great way to unwind for busy travelers, where would you recommend visiting while in Winnipeg?
We love the outdoors in Winnipeg, no matter what the season. I recommend getting delegates outside for some vitamin D. It allows them to embrace the valuable content organizers are trying to deliver. The Forks is the perfect spot with river trails for walking, cycling and skating (I don’t like to brag, but we do have one of the world’s longest frozen river trails). Plus, delegates can check out our Downtown BIZ – Pedal in the Peg bike rental program which includes a bike rental, a lock, helmet, lights, use of bike tools and cycling maps. Just 15 minutes away is one of my absolute favourites, Assiniboine Park, where I can happily get lost in the trails, boundless green grass, handsome old oaks and gardens blooming with thousands of flowers.
Exercising some self-care is important when traveling for business – what types of self-care rituals do you enjoy?
I absolutely believe in self-care. I have three kids, two dogs and a fast-paced career. Taking time to disconnect is very important. You will find me at Thermea all year round. Many people find it hard to believe my favorite season to go is winter. There is something magical about the saunas, warm pools and the scent of burning wood on a twinkling winter night.
I’m also a huge fan of the indoor full-service spas at Ten Spa at The Fort Garry Hotel, Spa and Conference Centre and the Urban Mineral Oasis Spa at The Clarion Hotel and Suites. There is nothing better than cozying up in a fluffy robe before you get a treatment, where you can sit back, relax and even go to sleep.
Where can we find you out and about this winter in Winnipeg?
Outside of my job, I may not be promoting Winnipeg but I’m still discovering everything Winnipeg has to offer. In the winter, we are ALWAYS outside doing activities like sledding and skating. My kids are incredible little skaters (they didn’t get it from me) and a winter must-do is skating at The Forks. My husband is American and loves the hockey scene here in Winnipeg; you’ll find my family taking in all the action at the Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose games. Although most people hibernate in the winter, it's my season for date nights with my husband and nights out with friends. My top spots are the Festival du Voyageur, delicious new restaurants that seem to open every week and warm spa nights.