Rather insulting to we Canadian media people. Once again we go south and ask big brother to tell us how to do our job. C'mon folks, we can stand on our own 2 feet! Sorry Niel, bad call! I can get good information from "experts" who know what they're talking about right here at home.

How does this work? Magazines CANADA go to the USA to hire a USA "expert" to tell us how to do OUR job, in OUR market, with OUR readers. Do we not have the talent in Canada, or is this another case of the CFL vs. the NFL, where it seems the Canadian version is seen as almost amateur and the USA version is viewed as the real thing by many?

Sorry, but I have to agree with Not Impressed. Why is it that our US-counterparts are becoming overwhelmingly involved with notable Canadian events? I think overall, Magazines Canada does a good job at representing our industry - but over the past few years, they seem to have turned to US resources to help them along the way. Strangely, these US-based resources have perfectly capable counterparts and/or competitors right here on Canadian soil. With Magazines Canada being the obviously Canadian "national voice" for the magazine publishing industry, we need to see more "Red & White", and a little (well, alot)less "Blue".

Huh. I don�t get all of this parochial reaction. When there was money, Canadian publishers flocked to US conferences. So now our association is bringing some Yanks and Brits in on occasion to provide some different perspectives. What�s wrong with that? And in case you didn�t notice, of the five individuals presenting that day, FOUR are Canadian! My advice is to stay home. I will be there with others who may soon be doing your job.

You don't get it? Let me exlain it to you Anonymous. Back when there was money, SOME, not all, publishers flocked to USA conferences. While a number went to improve their knowledge, many saw it as a perk, somewhat of a mini-holiday. (Been there, saw it too many times!) Sorry to say, but the industry was out of control. Remember the 3 hour lunches, private boxes, corporate "incentives" and over the top entertaining? Yes, it did happen! The fawning over the supposed "experts" was revolting. Now that the slush funds and unlimited travel and expense budgets no longer exist, and budgets do not allow "fun conferences", it's great to see that by staying home, we're forced to realize we don't need to look up at "big brother" as the all knowing. Canadian talent is as strong as any other, and its time we realized that. You go and "be there with others", but while you're there talking about it, the good ones will be at their desks, doing it.

Thank-you for the obvious observation Anonymous#4 - this is a great program and I for one am glad MagsCan occasionally brings speakers in from US and UK to balance our Canadian perspectives - we need to think global, act local.

Anonymous 5 needs spell check and probably more to the point, a vacation!

Sorry # 7. Our accounting department is suspending any further seminars and conferences. So much for a holiday. But thanks for your concern.