Canadian Visionaries Network Targets International Business Events

Prince Edward Island Convention Centre in Charlottetown | © Winston Maund (Destination Canada)

Destination Canada has announced the launch of the Canadian Visionaries Network (“CVN”).

A national platform, the CVN is composed of Canada’s network of academic, industry, and association leaders, whose knowledge capital and industry excellence has helped to secure high-profile conference wins aligned with Canada’s six priority economic sectors. The CVN currently consists of 28 founding members across these key sectors including: life sciences, agribusiness, advanced manufacturing, finance and insurance, technology, and natural resources. 

The CVN was designed to support the growth and reach of local conference ambassador programmes from coast-to-coast-to-coast — whose priority will continue to focus on the bidding opportunities that bring international events to Canada — and raise awareness of the country's immense intellectual capital offerings, promoting Canada on the international stage.

“Canada is home to visionary minds pushing the boundaries of global innovation,” says Virginie De Visscher, Senior Director, Business Events, Destination Canada. “This expertise is especially important for attracting international conferences to the country’s diverse destinations, as it gives organisations the chance to supercharge their event agendas with acclaimed keynote speakers, captivating state-of-the-art site tours, unparalleled networking opportunities and more.”

The CVN operates on the understanding that Canada’s thought leaders are invaluable not only for accelerating Canada’s global reputation as a best-in-class innovation ecosystem and leading host of business events but strengthening local conference ambassador programmes and bid activity.

Adds De Visscher, “Among Canada’s many strengths as a host for international business events, it’s the thought leaders and an openness to collaborating, sharing ideas and innovation, that truly puts Canada in a league of its own. The Canadian Visionaries Network exemplifies this as well as the integral role these talented and inspiring individuals have to play in our industry’s resilience. The CVN also includes several TED speakers from TED@Destination Canada, a first-of-its kind event and partnership with TED that was held in New York this past February.”

In 2022, Canada hosted nearly 430 international business events and welcomed approximately 271,000 international business event delegates (visitors). Source: Destination Canada Research

More information on participating CVN members can be found here.