It’s that time of year again: You’ve been tasked with planning your company or department training program, convention, or team-building event. You know how important this initiative is for strengthening your organization’s culture, building relationships, and creating space to learn and grow together.
But taking the team out of town can be complicated, and destinations like Montreal or Toronto often turn into costly and distracting experiences.
DEV Centre, located in Cornwall – a one-hour drive from Ottawa and Montreal – has established itself as a more focused and affordable option. Surrounded by nature yet fully equipped for business, it offers the best of both worlds – space to think, connect, and collaborate without the high costs and distractions of the big city.
An abundance of amenities
DEV Centre’s list of amenities is impressive: a 350-seat restaurant, Jet Set (a traditional Irish pub), two fully equipped fitness centres, a double gymnasium, a sauna, and a 25-metre indoor pool.
“It’s a one-stop shop,” says DEV Centre general manager Ian Bentley. “Everything you need is under one roof. You never have to leave the property.”
The DEV Centre seamlessly blends business with comfort and fun, offering meeting spaces, entertainment, and recreation under the same roof. Guests can unwind with a walk through 75 scenic acres overlooking the St. Lawrence River or recharge at the on-site Sky Serenity Spa, complete with a full-service hair salon, esthetics, and massage therapy.
For a touch of luxury guests can consider the Presidential or Commander suites, adds Bentley. Or the Pilot’s Lounge – a two-bedroom, two-bath suite featuring a living room, boardroom table, kitchenette, pool table, and four big-screen televisions.
Spacious and accessible
The DEV Centre is one of the largest event venues in Eastern Ontario, boasting 70,000 square feet of flexible, customizable meeting spaces, making the facility perfect for groups of 30 to 800. Easily accessed by car, rail, bus, plane, or helicopter, the facility includes 540 guest rooms equipped with the latest in smart room technologies. For added convenience, the DEV Centre offers a 24-hour shuttle service ready to pick up your team from either Ottawa or Montreal.
The tranquil atmosphere inside the DEV Centre is achieved thanks to its numerous windows, an abundance of plants, and a central open-air courtyard perfect for special events and ceremonies. Ample indoor spaces provide plenty of options should planned outdoor activities need to be relocated in case of inclement weather.
Superb service and cuisine
Adding to the ambiance is the DEV Centre’s super-friendly staff, many of whom have been with the facility for decades. “We pride ourselves on running a very smooth and efficient operation, which allows all our guests to truly relax and enjoy their time with us,” says Bentley.
Top-notch food offerings play an important role, as well, showcasing the freshest local ingredients, including honey harvested from the DEV Centre’s rooftop hive. If you’re looking for a customized event menu or meals adapted to meet dietary restrictions or special nutritional requirements for athletic training, the DEV Centre’s executive chef, Jeff Bradfield, looks forward to working with you.
Experience tradition and hospitality at the DEV Centre
The DEV Centre is proud to continue its tradition as an integral part of the community, sponsoring and hosting events and serving as a premier conference centre in Ontario since 1976. Special pricing is available for military guests, seniors, and CAA/AAA members.
For more information or to book your stay, contact info@devcentre.ca or visit www.devhotelandconference.ca.
This article first appeared in the Executive Report on Cornwall in the FEB Magazine. That publication is available in it’s digital format below:
