A few days ago, someone reminded me that this is the bicentenary of The War of 1812, which spanned the years from 1812 - 1815. On June 1, 1812, after a speech by U.S. President James Madison, Congress voted to support the declaration of war.

Commemorative events are taking place on both sides of the U.S./Canada border. It's an ideal time to plan business meetings and conferences as there will already be special events to which you can take groups. You can access the full calendar events on:

• The Official War of 1812 Bicentennial Website
• War of 1812 Reenactments

Here are some highlights:

Canada

Burlington, Ontario

There will be a number of Burlington, Ontario War of 1812 events between June 2012 and the end of 2014, coinciding with the years in which this area was involved in the war. There were no battles in this area but it was a place of trade, transportation and safety 200 years ago. There will be a Peace Garden, theater productions, story telling festivals and art exhibits. Historical trails will be marked and restaurants will feature special menus. Hewitt's Dairy has developed special War of 1812 ice cream flavors.

Places to Stay in Burlington, Ontario

• Waterfront Hotel Downtown
  Six story boutique hotel on Lake Ontario large and small meeting facilities and spectacular views
• Homewood Suites by Hilton

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

A full slate of Niagara-on-the-Lake War of 1812 commemorative events has been planned as there were battles on the Niagara Commons and Fort George. The Niagara Historical Museum will have a special exhibit and lecture series until December, 2012. At Fort George, Bicentennial Grand Opening will take place from June 15-18, 2012. From mid-June to October there will be the 1812 FLAMES OF WAR - Son et Lumiere Show at Fort George. There will be special celebrations on Canada Day. From October 12-14, there will be reenactments of The Battle of Queenston Heights.

Places to Stay in Niagara-on-the Lake:

Niagara-on -the-Lake has a number of boutique hotels as well as bed and breakfasts in garden settings. Hotels include:

• Oban Inn
• Vintage Inns of Niagara
  (Pillar and Post, Prince of Wales Hotel, Queens Landing)

The Cvent Blog has previously featured Niagara-on-the-Lake:

• Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario - An Event Planner's Dream Destination
• Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario: Romancing the Grape
• Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Festival

Other Canadian Events:

• War of 1812 (Canada)
• Mark the War of 1812 on the St. Lawrence
• Toronto Bicentennial Commemoration of the War of 1812

USA

Niagara Falls, New York

There will be a number of War of 1812 events at Old Fort Niagara. On June 12, there will be a Declaration of War Commemoration that includes a flag raising, musket salute, firing demonstrations, and artillery demonstrations. There will be games and a recruitment and drill for children. From July 6-8, 2012, there a French and Indian War Encampment with with living history camps and battle reenactments. A War of 1812 Encampment will also take place on September 1-2, 2012.

Places to Stay in Niagara Falls New York:

• The Giacomo Hotel
• The Red Coach Inn

Erie, Pennsylvania

The Erie Maritime Museum has exhibits and the reconstructed flagship of U.S. Brig Niagara that won the Battle of Lake Erie. The sailing vessel will have a number of voyages this summer. The 2012 Mariner's Ball will be taking place in June, 2012.

Places to Stay in Erie, Pennsylvania:

• Avalon Hotel & Conference Center
• La Quinta Inn & Suites Erie

Other US Events:

• National Park Service War of 1812 Bicentennial

Photo Credits: crazysanmanhistory

Learn more about these historic sites and hotels at Cvent's Event Venue Directory.