In The News

Women of Influence: The Challenges, Goals and Predictions of Six Industry Leaders

The meetings and events business has long been dominated by women, but across 2018 and 2019 it may have set a new standard: Women were elected to the top spots at six major industry organizations. And while these leaders knew the scope of the roles they were stepping into, they will be the first to tell you that their posts have come with a variety of unexpected challenges.

Vancouver Convention Centre 1st in North America to Join Les Clefs d'Or

One of Canada’s top convention destinations adds another accolade to its growing roster of achievements. The Vancouver Convention Centre is the first convention centre in North America to be granted exclusive Corporate Affiliate membership to the most prestigious international organization of concierges in the world.

Vancouver Convention Centre granted prestigious Les Clefs d’Or membership

The Vancouver Convention Centre has become the first convention centre in North America to be granted Corporate Affiliate membership to Les Clefs d’Or Canada.

Vancouver Convention Centre granted membership into most prestigious international organization of concierges in the world

The Vancouver Convention Centre is proud to be the first convention centre in North America to be granted exclusive Corporate Affiliate membership to the most prestigious international organization of concierges in the world.

LOT185 Cafe + Wine Bar: Re-imagining Conference Centre Cuisine

LOT185, Vancouver Convention Centre’s new cafe and wine bar, opened last year in the prime corner of the building facing out onto the Jack Poole Plaza, and aims to redefine our conference food standards.

Ring in 2019 at Vancouver's only indoor New Year's Eve party with fireworks

Give 2018 a proper wind down, and start 2019 with a bang! There will not be anything understated about the Concord Countdown Central indoor partyheld inside the beautiful West Building of the Vancouver Convention Centre in downtown Vancouver.

This FREE Vancouver New Year’s Eve celebration features dazzling fireworks

It’s one of the biggest celebrations in the city, with over 100,000 people expected to attend Concord’s New Year’s Eve Vancouver this year. As the fourth annual instalment of the massive celebration, the organizers have arranged a number of things to see and do.

Convention Centre Hoops it Up

Instead of choosing a conventional arena such as Rogers Arena or the Langley Events Centre as the site for its Vancouver-area basketball event, organizer BD Global picked the Vancouver Convention Centre to host the inaugural TCL Vancouver Showcase, played Nov. 18-24.

Casual Chic: LOT185 Café + Wine Bar

Across from the Olympic Cauldron, inside the Vancouver Convention Centre’s west building, LOT185 is a West Coast riff on a modern Euro-cafe.

Delivering Leadership

Thousands of women will arrive in Vancouver this June in a concentrated effort to help dismantle "the barriers" facing girls and women in every country on the planet.

Concord’s New Year’s Eve Vancouver fireworks returns for countdown to 2019

One of the largest New Year’s Eve celebrations in Canada, the fireworks spectacle on the Coal Harbour waterfront in downtown Vancouver on this auspicious night sees an attendance of over 100,000 people.

Vancouver Showcase: Elite women's coaches dish on adversity, youth, Twitter and hoop glory

The inaugural TCL Vancouver Showcase is dishing up unusual opportunities. The eight-team women’s basketball portion of the event tips off Thursday at the Vancouver Convention Centre, with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish as headliners.

NCAA basketball lights up Vancouver Convention Centre

A unique sporting event got underway in the Vancouver Convention Centre yesterday as four NCAA teams played in front of a sold-out crowd on a temporary court in the innaugural Vancouver Showcase basketball tournament.

Basketball tournament bring economic boom

A college basketball tournament is expected to generate millions in economic spin-off for Vancouver.

NCAA basketball at Vancouver Convention Centre this weekend

The Inaugural Vancouver Showcase begins Sunday at the Vancouver Convention Centre. It’s a unique event in a very unique location.

There's a new basketball stadium inside the Vancouver Convention Centre

Nearly three years after the event was first announced, the Vancouver Showcase features top calibre American college basketball in a unique setting. Instead of choosing a conventional basketball arena like Rogers Arena, UBC, or the Langley Events Centre, organizers instead opted for the Vancouver Convention Centre.

Vancouver Showcase hoops organizers hyped about tourney entries, venue

Howard Kelsey’s search for the perfect fit for a venue to host his prospective basketball tournament was a tale in itself, the hardwood version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

Vancouver Showcase brings big-time basketball to iconic waterfront location

He may not know it, but North Vancouver basketball star Robert Sacre should be awarded an assist for his role in bringing a unique and exciting NCAA tournament to the Vancouver Convention Centre.

Lawn and order: Who mows the grass at Vancouver Convention Centre?

It only happens once a year. The annual mowing of the Vancouver Convention Centre’s green roof started this week.

Vancouver Christmas Market returns with extended hours, love-lock installation, and even more festive treats

The Vancouver Christmas Market returns for its ninth year at Jack Poole Plaza from November 21 to December 24—this time around with extended hours, a love lock installation, and a slew of festive treats and events in tow.

All the new Vancouver restaurants you need to try right now

If you’re bummed about the end of summer, we recommend checking out these new and noteworthy Vancouver restaurants as we guarantee their top-notch eats will make you feel much better. While there are a ton of new eateries open and opening soon, here’s a short list of some of our must-tries. Here are all the new Vancouver restaurants you need to try right now.

For Vancouver, A New Vintage: Convention center hopes to lure visitors, residents with new cafe and wine bar

European flair has come to Vancouver (British Columbia) Convention Centre, in the form of Lot185 Café + Wine Bar. The new venue overlooks the waterfront Jack Poole Plaza and is open to the public.

Top 25 Women in the Meetings Industry 2018

In an industry dominated by women, many not only excel at their jobs, but shape the future of meetings and events. M&C's fourth annual list of the Top 25 Women in the Meetings Industry applauds outstanding professionals who've demonstrated extraordinary talent, leadership, creativity and advocacy in our field.

LOT185 Cafe + Wine Bar: New Coffee and Wine Bar in Vancouver Convention Centre

A local-focused coffee and wine bar opened in September in the Vancouver Convention Centre. Overlooking Jack Poole Plaza, the new space offers a casual dining experience for both locals and visitors. LOT185 is spread out over two levels, accommodating 80 people. The modern space was inspired by the laidback atmosphere of European cafes, tapas and wine bars -- while the menu is focused on local ingredients. A full coffee bar features ethically sourced beans from North Vancouver coffee roasters Moja Coffee.

LOT185 Café + Wine Bar: 5 Reasons to Go

LOT185 is a new spot downtown with plenty of promise. If you look back a while, there wasn’t a whole lot happening around what’s now Jack Poole Plaza. Then along came Cactus Club, followed by Tap & Barrel. And now, perhaps not surprisingly,Vancouver Trade & Convention Centre has thrown its hat into the ring.

LOT185 Café and Wine Bar brings pastries and tapas to the Vancouver Convention Centre

The Vancouver Convention Centre (1055 Canada Place) is usually associated with global forums, lifestyle events, or graduation parties, but now it can also be known as a place to grab a bite or glass of wine.

The Top 500 People in Events

Meet the Top 500 people in the meeting and event industry in North America. Actually, it’s likely you’ve met many of them already, or know them by reputation. They lead the largest trade and consumer shows. They orchestrate massive brand campaigns that touch consumers globally. They plan the Super Bowl. They also educate practitioners and cultivate the next generation of superstars through industry association groups. They give those of us not at their events FOMO. And some of them truly change the world.

Sneak peek of Vancouver's new glam cafe and wine bar 

LOT185 Café + Wine Bar, Vancouver’s newest coffee shop and wine bar, is finally opening this week, and here’s your first look at the new glam spot. Located at #78–1055 Canada Place in the new Convention Centre, LOT185 will serve as a coffee spot by day and a wine bar by night.

Get FREE coffee and treats at this new Vancouver cafe this week

Lot 185, Vancouver’s newest coffee shop and wine bar in Canada Place, has FINALLY announced its opening date. The new spot is a coffee shop by day and a wine bar by night and is located at #78–1055 Canada Place.

Connecting Generations at SIGGRAPH 2018 in Vancouver

The global conference’s 2018 theme is “Generations”, a concept that supports the industry’s constant boundary-pushing, generation over generation. While various conference highlights support this idea, there are also more specific, individualized cases of next-gen storytelling at SIGGRAPH. 

SIGGRAPH 2018 Celebrates Generations in Vancouver

SIGGRAPH 2018, the world’s leading annual interdisciplinary educational event showcasing the latest in computer graphics and interactive techniques, has concluded in Vancouver, BC, with over 16,500 attendees from around the world.

Combining Innovation & Cooperation For Meeting Success

Each year, the ASNR Annual Meeting & The Foundation of the ASNR Symposium brings together nearly 2,500 physicians and experts who are advancing the field of neuroradiology. It was only fitting that this year’s conference was held in Vancouver, where attendees were in proximity to one of the most influential life sciences communities in the world.

Vancouver, You Sustained Me

At a Green Meetings fam trip sponsored by Tourism Vancouver, sustainability came in all shapes, from e-bikes to green roofs to sablefish.

3 Questions to Claire Smith of Vancouver Convention Centre

On the occasion of the Sustainable Brands conference which took place in Vancouver last June, Boardroom sat with Claire Smith, Vice-President, Sales & Marketing at Vancouver Convention Centre. Chair of PCMA, Claire shared a lot of interesting insights on the way she has been working with associations.

SIGGRAPH 2018 worth over C$37m to Vancouver

Vancouver is to welcome back thousands of computer graphics and digital effects specialists for SIGGRAPH 2018, a conference expected to deliver C$37.1m in direct spending to the local economy. The event will be the largest convention held at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

Vancouver's SIGGRAPH 2018 blends science, technology, art and entertainment

The influential conference, hosted by ACM SIGGRAPH, celebrates its 45th anniversary this year. At the Vancouver Convention Centre until August 16, the five-day event covers innovations in everything from computer graphics and virtual reality to video games and digital art. The theme of SIGGRAPH 2018 is Generations—celebrating past, present and future.

Vancouver set to rack up record number of conventions in 2018

Vancouver’s reputation for being a beautiful city with mild summers, nearby nature and a culture of sustainability has helped the city attract a record 33 citywide conventions and events in 2018.

Vancouver: A Sustainable Pioneer

Throughout its young history, Vancouver has made the news as an environmental activist. Nowadays, Vancouver constantly ranks one of the most sustainable cities in the world, thanks to a series of initiatives in all green areas – whether environmental, social or ethical.

10 Incredible 'Green' Buildings around the World

Steel and glass were, at one point, shiny, new toys (pun intended) in the world of architecture. But as the Earth's population grows and our cities get denser, more designers are choosing to incorporate plants and sustainable elements. Here is a look at 10 of the world's coolest city spaces, designed with greenery in mind. 

Vancouver Convention Centre Receives Industry Community Service Award

The Vancouver Convention Center has been awarded the Canadian Association for Exposition Management’s (CAEM) 2018 Give Back Award, which recognizes a member organization that has made corporate social responsibility and giving back to its community an integral part of doing business. 

Vancouver’s TED Conference looks to the future with amazement

For Chris Anderson, curator of the high-profile TED Conference, the future is an amazing thing to imagine. Some of that amazement is good, but not all of it.

Vancouver Convention Centre honoured with industry community service award

The Vancouver Convention Centre is the recipient of the Canadian Association for Exposition Management’s (CAEM) 2018 Give Back Award, which recognises a member organisation that has contributed to the enhancement of their community within the past year.

Creativity Takes Center Stage at Convention Centers

The artwork installed at an increasing number of popular convention centers transforms these necessarily utilitarian buildings into magnificent galleries that rival some of the most inspired museums in the world.

CAEM Honours Vancouver Convention Centre for Giving Back to Community

The Vancouver Convention Centre is the 2018 recipient of the Canadian Association for Exposition Management’s (CAEM) Give Back Award.

Women Innovators Featured at #BCTech Summit

Western Canada’s largest technology conference, the #BCTECH Summit, is set to welcome some of the industry’s greatest local and global thought leaders and power players from May 14-16 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. 

The challenges faced by event food and beverage teams

From addressing food allergies to dealing with shrinking budgets and tighter-than-ever timelines, venue food and beverage teams face a host of challenges with every event they help organize.

New conventional thinking: meet in Vancouver, leave a legacy

When 1,300 Trend Micro employees descended on Vancouver for the company’s annual sales kick-off earlier this month, they did all the usual things convention-goers do.

Convention Centre preps for busiest year ever

There is some optimism about what this year could look like for Vancouver’s bottom line as it’s expected to be a record one for conventions.

Vancouver Gears Up for its Busiest Convention Year Ever

Vancouver will host 33 citywide conventions and events in 2018, an increase from 28 in 2017 and, more importantly, the highest number the city has ever hosted in a single year.

Vancouver Convention Centre VP of Sales and Marketing Takes on Role of 2018 PCMA Board Chair

Vancouver’s business events and hospitality community congratulates Claire Smith, Vice President of Sales and Marketing,Vancouver Convention Centre on her appointment as the Professional Convention Management Association’s (PCMA) Board Chair this year, effective today.

Vancouver Convention Centre VP Takes on Role of 2018 PCMA Board Chair

Claire Smith, vice-president of sales and marketing for the Vancouver Convention Centre, started her term as chairperson of the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Board of Directors on January 10, the final day of the association’s  2018 Convening Leader conference.

Vancouver Convention Centre’s Claire Smith Helms PCMA Board of Directors — the first supplier, the first Canadian and the first non-US-based chair to do so

anada’s business events and hospitality communities congratulate Claire Smith, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Vancouver Convention Centre on her appointment as the Professional Convention Management Association’s (PCMA) Board Chair this year, effective January, 2018.

Vancouver CC VP appointed new PCMA Board chair

Vancouver’s business events and hospitality community has welcomed the appointment of local eventprof Claire Smith (pictured), vice-president of sales and marketing at the Vancouver Convention Centre, on her appointment as the Professional Convention Management Association’s (PCMA) Board chair.

2018 will be the 'busiest year ever' for convention visits to Vancouver

Thousands of birders from around the world will be flocking to Vancouver this August. They won’t be alone. At various times throughout the year, insect aficionados, innovators in brand strategies and sustainable business entrepreneurs will also be gathering here to share their passion and knowledge with each other.

Vancouver Named Top Meeting Spot in North America by Data House STR

According to research compiled by data house STR, Vancouver is currently North America’s highest-rated destination for a business meeting.

Spectacular green roof tops Vancouver’s double LEED Platinum convention center

Vancouver’s stunning convention center doesn’t shy away from breaking records—not only is the building home to Canada’s largest green roof, but it also recently became the world’s first double LEED Platinum-certified convention center.

Meetings Industry Report Ranks Vancouver Top Destination in North America

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Vancouver is North America’s highest-rated destination for a business meeting, according to STR’s DestinationMAP (Meeting Assessment Program), a comprehensive study of meeting professionals and the meetings market in North America.

Open House at the Vancouver Convention Centre

Trumpeting dollar amounts with loads of commas and zeros can help lawmakers understand what a convention center represents to its community, but those figures might not mean so much to average citizens. Instead of asking them to add up numbers, it might be more meaningful to invite them to be a part of the event experience.

Vancouver Convention Centre goes Double Platinum

The Vancouver Convention Centre has set a new bar in the event sustainability realm. Last month, the already greener-than-green convention center’s West building was awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification (version 4).

Vancouver boasts world’s first double LEED Platinum certified convention centre

Last month, the Canada Green Building Council commended the Vancouver Convention Centre for demonstrating sustainability excellence—it earned the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design(LEED) Existing Building Platinum certification.

Trend Report 2018

Industry insiders share their thoughts on what will be making the scene at events in the new year. Hint: it's all about engagement, customization and being real!

Vancouver Convention Centre certified ‘double platinum'

LMN Architects said Vancouver Convention Centre West is the first convention center to become “double LEED platinum” certified — for new construction earlier, and now for operations and maintenance.

Vancouver Convention Centre goes Double Platinum

The Vancouver Convention Centre (VCC) has earned a LEED v4 Existing Building Platinum, making it the first double LEED convention centre in the world.

Vancouver's most interesting jobs: What it's like to be a rooftop grass cutter for the Vancouver Convention Centre

When it comes to his team’s annual care task on the living roof of the Vancouver Convention Centre, Mike Rist considers the job an “honour.”

Crop the top: Vancouver Convention Centre set for its annual mowing

The Vancouver Convention Centre is facing its annual must-do: it’s getting mowed.

Vancouver Continues to Push Boundaries in Sustainability with World's First Double LEED Platinum Convention Centre

The Vancouver Convention Centre is proud to announce that its iconic West building has been awarded LEED Platinum certification (version 4) for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance by the Canada Green Building Council.

Vancouver Convention Centre: The world’s first double LEED Platinum convention centre

The Vancouver Convention Centre is proud to announce that its iconic West building has been awarded LEED Platinum certification (version 4) for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance by the Canada Green Building Council.

Vancouver Convention Centre Achieves World-Leading Sustainability Rating

The Vancouver Convention Centre is the world’s first double LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum convention centre.

Vancouver Convention Centre is the First Double LEED Platinum Convention Centre in the World

Vancouver does it again. North America’s top destination for meetings and conventions has another feather in its cap: the Vancouver Convention Centre’s iconic West building has been awarded LEED Platinum certification (version 4) for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance by the Canada Green Building Council.

DESTINATION: VANCOUVER

Vancouver, British Columbia’s largest city, delivers on expectations.

Vancouver boasts a convention center with amazing views, access to industry leaders, and a wide selection of venues and hotels.

Le Vancouver Convention Centre devient le premier palais des congrès au monde à obtenir une double certification LEED® Platine et constitue le premier projet de bâtiment existant v4 certifié Platine au Canada

Le mercredi 11 octobre 2017Le Conseil du bâtiment durable du Canada (CBDCa) félicite le Vancouver Convention Centre (VCC)

Vancouver Convention Centre becomes first double LEED Platinum certified convention centre

The Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) says the Vancouver Convention Centre (VCC) has demonstrated sustainability excellence by earning LEED v4 Existing Building Platinum, becoming the first double LEED Platinum convention centre in the world, and the first v4 Platinum Existing Building project to certify in Canada.

Vancouver Convention Centre is world's first double LEED® Platinum certified convention centre and first v4 Platinum existing building project in Canada

October 11, 2017The Canada Green Building Council® (CaGBC) commends the Vancouver Convention Centre (VCC) for demon

Vancouver Convention Center West Wing exhibition hall to become the world's first double platinum certification conference center

Vancouver Convention Center (Vancouver Convention Center) on Tuesday by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) issued the fourth edition of the energy and environmental design leading platinum certificate (LEED Platinum certification).

Vancouver Convention Centre is officially the world's greenest convention centre

It has been nearly nine years since the West Building of the Vancouver Convention Centre opened its doors, and it is still making waves for its high standard of green building design.

Vancouver convention center achieve rare LEED feat

The expansion wing of the facility has received a LEED platinum certification for existing buildings’ operation and maintenance. It adds to its 2010 new construction platinum certification, which is the highest level of the LEED green building rating system

International headache conference in Vancouver next month

The Congress is titled “New Horizons in Headache” and will be the 18th Congress held by the International Headache Society.

On-site apiaries add buzz to convention centres in Nashville and Vancouver

The Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver, B.C., and the Music City Center in Nashville, Tenn. - both Centerplate venues - are doing their parts to keep the bee populations buzzing in their cities.

Vancouver Makes Giving Back a Part of the Meeting Experience

Here's how the city engages attendees and the public in socially responsible activities.

10 Top Conference Destinations: Vancouver's Green Ambitions

Set against a backdrop of rippling waters and dramatic mountains, the Vancouver Convention Centre is one of the world’s most exciting business hubs

Go West

The size, shine and prestige of Vancouver’s big meetings jewels bear testimony to the city’s status as a quality of life global leader.

TED Eats / Out & About

"Customization" has become an event buzzword, but it really came to life at the TED Conference, held at the Vancouver Convention Centre (VCC) in April.

Rooftop honeybees create business buzz

How two convention centers served by Centerplate make their rooftop apiaries a showcase for sustainability and a source of hyper-local honey for sweet menu items.

Healthy meetings in Vancouver

When choosing a venue for your next meeting, have you considered a ‘healthy’ one?

TED talkers take over Vancouver Convention Centre with ideas for our "shared future"

TED Talks senior fellow Manu Prakash’s specialty in solving the world’s problems is devising simple, inexpensive tools to bring science to places that lack infrastructure. And he brought his latest discoveries to Vancouver for the fellows sessions that start the annual TED Talks. Prakash’s first idea was the Foldscope, a $1.50 microscope made of cardboard and plastic lenses that is being used to do field tests for cervical cancer in Argentina, among other things.

Wayne Moriarty: Green pastures of convention centre roof leave me dreaming

I have two columns left in me. Today, I will solve a mystery. Friday, I will tell a story. Until about eight years ago, the historic Marine Building on the corner of Burrard and Hastings streets, with its Art Deco nuts and bolts, was my favourite bit of architecture in this town. I greatly delight in the gothic beauty of Vancouver City Hall, too. But for the past number of years, my new favourite building has been the west wing of the Vancouver Convention Centre — notable for many reasons, none more so than the pasture on its roof.

How not to give a TED Talk: Advice from the head of TED

Here's a little secret about TED Talks that you wouldn't know from the carefully-selected glossy online videos that have racked up 6.1 billion views online. In person, it does not always go well.

Experience the TED2017 conference in movie theaters, with other curious minds

You probably watch TED Talks on an assortment of small screens. But next week, you’re invited to experience them on the big screen.
As the TED2017 conference takes place in Vancouver, Canada, special sessions will be broadcast live in movie theaters across the United States and world.

Canucks support Autism Awareness Day, April 2

Did you know that 1 in 68 children has been identified with autism? April is as Autism Awareness Month and April 2nd is recognized worldwide as Autism Awareness Day. In celebration of the month, the Canucks Autism Network (CAN) will be hosting the 6th Annual CAN Family Festival on Sunday, April 9th at Jack Poole Plaza (Vancouver Convention Centre).

Heiltsuk First Nation village among oldest in North America: Archeologists

The excavation on Triquet Island has already produced extremely rare artifacts, including a wooden projectile-launching device called an atlatl, compound fish hooks and a hand drill used for lighting fires, said Alisha Gauvreau, a PhD student at the University of Victoria. Gauvreau will present her findings at the annual meeting of the Society for American Archeology on Thursday in Vancouver. The five-day conference at the Vancouver Convention Centre will be attended by 3,000 archeologists from around the world.

Photos: Classic cars on display at Vancouver Auto Show

Feast your eyes at the array of rare classics, luxury cars and new models on display at the Vancouver Auto Show, held at Vancouver Convention Centre West, Vancouver March 28, 2017.

List of TED 2017 speakers includes tennis legend Serena Williams, tech giant Elon Musk

This year’s conference, entitled TED 2017: The Future You, will take place April 24-28 at the Vancouver Convention Centre . The sold-out conference, which charges $8,500 for admission, promises to “explore the most pressing questions of our time and to imagine what our shared future might look like.”

Latest grocery trend blends the global with local

Locally grown and produced food with an international twist is on one of the biggest food trends this year, according to a group of independent grocers. Hundreds of grocers and exhibitors gathered at the Vancouver Convention Centre this week to share new trends and new products at Western Canada's largest grocery show.

Coding wiz, 13, trying to personally assist 100,000 people

Tanmay Bakshi, 13, speaks quickly and passionately. The ambitious teen gestures with both arms, and litters his sentences with the type of positive language that you'd expect from a professional speaker. On Wednesday morning, Bakshi will deliver a keynote address to about 1,500 people — mostly youth — at the B.C. Tech Summit in Vancouver. Organizers expect hundreds more to watch the speech on the online livestream.

2017 Trend Report: Food & Beverage

Chef Blair Rasmussen, executive chef at the Vancouver Convention Centre, shares his thoughts on the food trends he sees gaining ground in 2017.

Healthy Meetings: The New Green

Over the past year, associations have become increasingly aware of the negative health impact of events and meetings.

Outlook 2017: All eyes on convention centre for NCAA event

When it comes to the city’s 2017 sports tourism outlook, all eyes will be on the Vancouver Convention Centre during the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday weekend. That’s when the venue will host an exhibition tournament of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 men’s and women’s basketball.

Meeting Places Feature WOW Factor

Seasoned conference-goers know that meetings and tradeshows are more than just the content; they are about networking opportunities. And, when it comes to technology, networking of the digital sort is key to making sure events run smoothly and live up to participants' expectations.

A First-Ever Honor For A North American Convention Centre

When attendees and exhibitors arrive at the Vancouver Convention Centre, they can look forward to learning and networking while managing one essential item: their well-being. In May, the World Obesity Federation accredited the Vancouver Convention Centre with the Healthy Venue accreditation.

How To Give Your Attendees Enhanced Meeting Space Options

Conference attendees and their most productive learning environments are more diverse
than ever. See how one leading convention centre is using innovative design strategies to
inspire more meaningful meeting experiences.

Waste not want not: Building a better food chain

Feeding the multitudes, with minimal waste: Blair Rasmussen balances quality and efficiency at one of B.C.’s biggest and busiest kitchens.

Profile, Craig Lehto, General manager, Vancouver Convention Centre

It’s tough to ask Craig Lehto, general manager of the Vancouver Convention Centre, for a favourite Olympic moment. Having worked multiple Winter Olympic Games including 1988 in Calgary, 2002 in Salt Lake City, 2006 in Torino, 2010 in Vancouver and 2014 in Sochi, he’s been front and centre for countless historic moments.

Vancouver gets top marks for hosting international meetings

Vancouver has been named in two industry rankings as one of the top North American destinations for international meetings.

PCMA in Vancouver

Canada’s convention capital hosted the Convening Leaders annual conference early this year, an event resulting in a $6.2m direct spend for the local economy.

Berlin Rises to Top in ICCA Rankings

Leading the way in North America is Vancouver, Canada, which stands at No. 29 for top association meeting cities. The top five North American cities also include Montreal, Washington, D.C., Toronto and New York City.

The Future Of Convention Food: How Your Menus Might Change By 2030

Some participants register for conferences to learn. Some will travel thousands of miles for on-site networking and job prospecting. Some may simply be searching for an opportunity to recharge their spirits. There are many different motivators for attending a conference, but there’s one common trait among every member of an audience: they’re hungry.

HQ Report: Vancouver, only a lateral move away

On the occasion of the 2016 edition of PCMA Convening Leaders held in Canada, I discovered Vancouver, which is quite European with its high standard of living if you ask me. But another European PCMA attendee found the city typically American with its streets and building set in squares, so who to believe?

Convention of convention planners could be windfall for Vancouver tourism

Vancouver’s growing tourism sector is expected to get a lasting boost from a convention of convention planners.

What's Awe Got to Do With It?

Great! Attendees have described your event as “awesome”! While that word is surely overused and its meaning watered down, recent studies indicate that giving attendees truly awe-inspiring experiences benefits them in numerous ways — and may, in fact, be the most valuable byproduct of face-to-face events.

PCMA: Vancouver Reveals Juxtaposition of Beauty and Brains

PCMA selected Vancouver as only the second city outside of the U.S. to host its flagship event, Convening Leaders, earlier this year.

Convention inception: Vancouver hosts a convention for people who host conventions

The people who plan conventions, the people who go to them and the cities that host them are at the Vancouver Convention Centre for four days for Convening Leaders, the annual meeting of Professional Convention Management Association.

The Convention Centre Experiment That Planners, Attendees And Sponsors Will Love

The area used to be a standard pre-function space, occasionally hosting coffee breaks during conventions, but otherwise, it was a relatively unused section of the centre. Now, it’s a hub of next-generation convention center design.

Why Giving Up Control Will Create A Better Convention Experience

Shuffling attendees from room to room doesn’t always maximize the real potential of bringing hundreds or thousands of attendees together.

Vancouver Convention Centre Launches Fresh New Website

It's a fresh way of looking at things. The Vancouver Convention Centre is proud to launch a refreshed website that offers innovative new tools and features for planners, exhibitors and attendees.

Convening Leaders conference to bring £3m to Vancouver

More than 4,000 meeting planners and suppliers are expected to attend the Professional Convention Management Association’s (PCMA) education conference, Convening Leaders, in Vancouver.

How Vancouver buildings could conserve water

If buildings in downtown Vancouver had their own water reclamation systems for treating toilet wastewater and building cooling water, they could reduce their water demand by 95% and help keep contaminated water from going back into the environment.

The Brainy Case for Green Roofs

New research shows that exposure to nature for periods as short as 40 seconds increases concentration and performance.

Vancouver Convention Centre, a best in show

Congrats to The Vancouver Convention Centre. It received a Best in Show award for food and beverage in Convene, a convention management association publication.

Vancouver Convention Centre named “Best in Show” for food and beverage by leading industry association

The culinary offerings at the award-winning Vancouver Convention Centre continue to receive industry acclaim.

Vancouver Meetings Industry celebrates success of its “Be A Host program”

Meetings from all over the world convene in Vancouver attracting thousands of delegates who spend money at the city's world-ranked hotels, diverse restaurants, shopping venues and attractions. Last year, Vancouver's meetings and conventions industry generated over $302 million in economic impact for the city.

Living Roof: A Look at the Vancouver Convention Centre’s Unique Topper

The Vancouver Convention Centre boasts one of the greenest roofs in the world.

Vancouver a growing hotspot for international health conferences

Even when a major medical conference is about to kick off in Vancouver, there are people bidding for a new one.

Vancouver welcomes first major health conference of 2015

AMERICAS – Hard work by conference ambassadors and big investment in the Vancouver Convention Centre has resulted in the city recording its biggest year for international medical conferences.

Vancouver Convention Centre welcomes first major health conference of 2015

The first of four massive health conferences has descended on the city this week, with 10,300 delegates in town for the World Congress of Dermatology, one of the largest medical conferences to ever take place in the city.

Fox Sports transforms Vancouver Convention Centre into FIFA broadcast studio

The Vancouver Convention Centre grounds are undergoing a massive makeover as Fox Sports prepares to broadcast the FIFA Women's World Cup from there starting June 1.

3 Ways Furniture Can Facilitate Better Networking At Your Meeting

Most meetings have structured networking receptions and cocktail hours, but many of the best connections are made in the unstructured periods of time.

Vancouver Convention Centre generates $1bn in five years

AMERICAS – Canada’s Vancouver Convention Centre (VCC) has been marking the fifth anniversary of the opening of its expanded West building facility with an infographic showing the centre generating over CAN$1bn in direct spending for the province over the period.

Huge Crowds Turn Out For All New Vancouver International Auto Show

The most important event for the auto industry in British Columbia and best-attended consumer show in Western Canada released the 2015 attendance numbers of 98,694 for the six-day event.

TED conference makes plans for the long run in Vancouver

The flagship TED conference will be staying in Vancouver for at least a few more years. TED curator Chris Anderson says the organization’s main annual conference, which wraps up Friday, will return to the city next year and beyond.

Infographic: Just how big is TED?

The intangible benefits of TED, and Vancouver's biggest ever conference

Engage, fascinate: TED talks return to Vancouver Convention Centre

VANCOUVER -- A scientist looking in the cosmos for a twin of Earth, a disabled activist who teaches people to ‘see with their ears’ as well as a child jazz prodigy are among more than 70 innovators and experts from around the world are taking part in TED 2015 which starts Monday and continues daily to Friday at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

Vancouver confirmed as TED Conference host through 2016

The high-profile TED Conference will return to Vancouver in 2016. Applications are now being accepted for next year’s event. (Yes, attendees must apply to attend the conference.)

Canada: Vancouver Begins Banner International Convention Year

2015 will be one of Vancouver’s strongest years for international conventions, according to the Vancouver Convention Centre and Tourism Vancouver.

Vancouver Convention Centre Appoints New Director Of Events

The Vancouver Convention Centre has appointed Adam Radziminski as its new director of events.

Canadian Convention Centres Lead Green Scene

The Vancouver Convention Centre (VCC) in British Columbia, the world's first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certified convention facility, has received the APEX and ASTM international sustainability standard certifications.

How To Take Your Meeting To Canada For The First Time

Many of the recent conversations in the meetings industry have focused on one key topic: the need to reach more international attendees.

5 Key Trends That Will Impact Convention Centers In 2015

No matter where you turn in the meetings industry, you’ll find one common characteristic: change.

Vancouver Convention Centre awarded two international sustainability standards

AMERICAS – The Vancouver Convention Centre has obtained level one certification in two internationally sustainability standards.

The Vancouver Convention Centre's Six-Acre Living Roof Gets Its Annual Haircut

The Vancouver Convention Centre’s six-acre living roof gets a haircut once a year in the fall.

The Meetings Industry Has Rock Solid Stars

This industry has some of the most talented and most dedicated volunteers you’ll find any professional setting. At PCMA, we wanted to highlight some of our Board of Directors who are accomplishing much more than what’s listed in their job descriptions.

Defying Convention: 7 Ways Convention Centers Are Changing to Stay Relevant

It used to be simple. You attended a show at a convention center, and there was the exhibit floor, perhaps a stage for speakers, and maybe a dedicated area for seminars. And that was it.

Vancouver Convention Centre generates $1bn in five years

AMERICAS – Canada’s Vancouver Convention Centre (VCC) has been marking the fifth anniversary of the opening of its expanded West building facility with an infographic showing the centre generating over CAN$1bn in direct spending for the province over the period.

TED Constructs Theater Within Ballroom

The annual TED Conference moved to its new home at Vancouver (B.C.) Convention Centre, March 17-21, but the work to build a custom, reusable theater inside a ballroom began long before the opening date.