Vancouver CC Earns Third 'Center of Excellence' from EXHIBITOR Magazine

The Vancouver Convention Centre has been selected as a 2022 Center of Excellence by EXHIBITOR Magazine, recognising North America’s best convention centres for trade shows and events. This is the third consecutive year that the facility, owned and operated by B.C. Pavilion Corporation, has made the Centers of Excellence list.

The Convention Centre was awarded based on evaluation in five categories of criteria: Facility & Functionality, Location & Accommodations, Service & Execution, Expansions & Upgrades, and Honors & Awards. The evaluation process also included a survey of event planners, show organisers and exhibit managers who have recently hosted events at the considered facilities.

“We are so proud to be recognised once again as one of EXHIBITOR Magazine’s Centers of Excellence, and amongst such an incredible group of facilities,” said Craig Lehto, General Manager, Vancouver Convention Centre. “This is a crucial time for our industry, at every level. As we move forward towards recovery and the gradual return of meetings and events, it is vital that we evolve how facilities can serve their clients, guests and staff and continue to function safely and effectively to create successful events."

Situated centrally on Vancouver’s downtown waterfront, the venue’s connected East and West buildings offer a combined total of 466,500 ft2 (43,340 m2) of flexible meeting, exhibition and plenary space. The facility is designed to accommodate events of varying size, scope and complexity, ensuring that even large-scale trade and consumer shows are provided with a seamless experience from move-in to move-out.

Throughout the qualifying period, the Convention Centre implemented a number of new features and technologies that will expand facility functionality as well as further its ability to operate sustainably. This includes the addition of two Bio Composters that reduce the amount of organic waste requiring transport off-site, an Exhibitor Services Office to support clients and exhibitors in real time, as well as various technology enhancements such as extensive boardroom conference system upgrades.

After extensive consultation with health authorities and other partners, the Convention Centre has implemented a comprehensive safety plan to inform the execution of business activity held at the facility throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes a wide range of protective measures, including set-up designed to adhere to physical distancing; enhanced cleaning and sanitization procedures; use of protective barriers where necessary; specialized training for Convention Centre staff; availability of hand sanitizers throughout the facility; educational signage throughout the facility and more.