Lynnea Adrian and Maria Paletta are here to make your work oh-so-easy when it comes to bringing conferences and events to Winnipeg. This dynamic duo are our newest Business Development Managers and are ready to rock–although Lynnea is also no new kid on the block, having been our Client Services Manager since 2017.
Both are responsible for attracting business events to Winnipeg through national and international associations and third party meeting planners, with Maria specializing in Agribusiness, Financial Services, Energy & Environment, and the international association market, and Lynnea taking care of Life Sciences, Transportation & Distribution, and the Canadian Association market.
But above all, they are both charming, friendly, and at the ready to meet all your Winnipeg meetings and conventions needs. Let’s get to know them below:
What do you love about Winnipeg?
Lynnea Adrian: There are so many things to love about Winnipeg, it's hard to choose! I love that Winnipeg is a four-season city, is always sunny, and has a never-ending list of things to do! I am a foodie, so enjoying the culinary scene is one of my favourite pastimes.
Maria Paletta: As a born and raised Winnipegger there's a plethora of reasons I love “The Peg.” My husband and I had the opportunity to live away for nearly 10 years and I developed a fond appreciation for what mattered most and why Winnipeg was calling us back. I love and appreciate our vibrant and creative communities, world-class culinary scene and attractions that can be enjoyed differently during each distinct season.
What's the best part about working for an organization that showcases the city?
LA: The best part about working for Tourism Winnipeg and Economic Development Winnipeg is working with a great community, amazing partners, and building connections with individuals from all over the world.
MP: As a new Business Development Manager with Tourism Winnipeg and Economic Development Winnipeg the best part of working with this passionate team is the connections we develop with our world-class partners locally, nationally and around the globe showcasing how connected we all are and how Winnipeg is truly amazing and a must visit/see city!
What are some new things delegates can get excited about for their next business trip here?
LA: Winnipeg’s world-class attractions include: the Canadian Museum for Human Rights; the Journey to Churchill at Assiniboine Park; Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq which is home to the largest contemporary Inuit art collection in the world; The Leaf at Assiniboine Park (opening late 2022)—an indoor/outdoor horticultural attraction that replicates biomes from across the globe; and The Forks, a vibrant centre for gathering.
MP: ... Not to mention the new Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada, which showcases never before seen aircrafts and a new observation deck to see all the action at Richardson International Airport.
With the world now back open for business, how is Winnipeg setting itself apart here at the centre of the continent?
LA: Winnipeg continues to shine both in person and online. Our city features numerous world-class attractions that double as off-site venues and virtual playgrounds for your next hybrid event. Now is the time to discover how Winnipeg is combining the best in digital and in-person for your next business event.
MP: We are ready and excited to welcome delegates and guests back both virtually and/or in-person. Love that we are not the only ones noticing how vibrant Winnipeg is and what it offers in showcasing your next meeting, conference and event. Being named by TIME as "one of the world's greatest places" was amazing for the city this year, particularly as it focused on Qaumajuq, which doubles as an incredible offsite venue to book next time you are here.
As well, I’m excited to be part of Winnipeg’s next chapter! Our Economic Development Winnipeg team in partnership with Travel Manitoba and McKim have launched “Winnipeg: Made from What’s Real”—a brand that captures the story of Winnipeg and its people. We are authentic, creative, warm, connected, innovative, industrious, independent and strong.
Favourite local beer
LA: Definitely the new limited Winnipeg: Made From What's Real Prairie Lager, a collaboration between Tourism Winnipeg and Kilter Brewing Co.
MP: I am not a big beer drinker however if I had to choose…of course it would be the newly brewed and limited edition “Winnipeg Lager” made locally by Kilter Brewing Co.
Favourite local restaurant?
LA: It's so hard to choose... Winnipeg's culinary scene is buzzing with a ton of top-notch restaurants! Special mention goes to nationally acclaimed restaurant Passero at The Forks by chef Scott Bagshaw, with my favourite dish being the gnocchi!
MP: Oh my…that is a trick question for me. I enjoy all things food and Winnipeg has such a diverse and tantalizing culinary scene. I am a big fan of food halls, not only for the people watching, but also all the amazing options and talent under one roof.
So on that note, I would recommend
The Common at The Forks and Hargrave Street Market.
What are a few of the upcoming conferences that will be of note in Winnipeg?
LA: We are excited to host the International Society for Heart Research (ISHR) & International Academy of Cardiovascular Science (IACS) Conference as well as the Canadian Mental Health Association Conference (MB chapter) in September 2022.
MP: We are thrilled to welcome and host the Seeds Canada Annual Meeting, the Egg Farmers of Canada Annual Summer Meeting, and the Dairy Farmers of Canada AGM in July 2022.
What are you looking forward to this summer in Winnipeg?
LA: There is so much to look forward to this summer in Winnipeg! Most notably I am excited to enjoy exceptional folk music at the internationally renowned Winnipeg Folk Festival, July 7-10, 2022.
MP: I enjoy being a tourist in my own city and happy for the return of one of our most long standing and notable multicultural festivals every summer, Folklorama. It is a great way to soak in all the culture, diversity, cuisine and entertainment with international flair from around the world right here in Winnipeg!
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Be sure to come see Lynnea Adrian at CSAE Summer Summit at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, ON, July 13-15.
As well, Annie Henry, BDM for advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and creative industries, will be at the CME Expo in Toronto, August 16-17.