Specialties
Kingbridge is named both for its location, King City, Ontario, and the bridge it creates between individuals within an organization and between different organizations enabling collaboration and the production of intelligent outcomes. The combination of our comprehensive service allowing the focus to remain on meeting objectives and the innovative design of the Kingbridge space creates a versatile and agile meeting environment dedicated to helping our clients overcome barriers to success and achieve results.
History
Established in 2001.
Built in 1989 by Murray Koffler - founder of the Shopper's Drug Mart and co-founder of The Four Seasons Hotels - as Canada's first world class spa facility.
Converted in 1992, under the leadership of Chairman Al Flood and corporate education guru Hubert Saint Onge, by CIBC into a state-of-the-art training facility.
Purchased in 2001 by John Abele - John's interests are in science, literacy for children, education and the process by which new technology is invented, developed and introduced to society. John's continued involvement in these interests inspired him to envision a different kind of place: a living learning lab that exists for individuals, families, institutions and communities coming together for transformational cultural change. In 2001, this inspiration led to the creation of the Kingbridge Conference Centre and Institute.
Meet the Business Owner: John A.
"John Abele is a pioneer and leader in the field of less-invasive medicine, For more than four decades, John has devoted himself to innovation in health care, business and solving social problems."
He is retired Founding Chairman of Boston Scientific Corporation. John holds numerous patents and has published and lectured extensively on the technology of various medical devices and on the technical, social, economic, and political trends and issues affecting healthcare.
Current activities include Vice Chair of FIRST Robotics which works with high school kids to make being science-literate cool and fun, and development of The Kingbridge Conference Centre and Institute, a conferencing institution whose mission is to research, develop, and teach improved methods for interactive conferencing: problem solving, conflict resolution, strategic planning, new methods for learning and generally help groups to become "Collectively intelligent."