It’s been so nice to being back in-person during 2022, and we can’t wait to do so even more often in 2023.
This past year Winnipeg has continued to move forward in grand style. There’s a bold new attraction that is sure to grow the world’s list of top horticultural experiences. We’ve launched a new place brand that celebrates our authenticity. And, as some of you may have seen, we’ve had plenty of fun creating content–and hit tv shows!–for all our prospective and returning clients.
Here are some 2022 highlights:
See your business event bloom at The Leaf
Canada’s newest blockbuster attraction is now open. The Leaf is a jaw-dropping horticultural attraction featuring Canada’s largest indoor waterfall, a butterfly garden, massive biomes that replicate Mediterranean and tropical climates, and an onsite restaurant that celebrates the growing seasons.
As an event space, there’s simply nothing like it. Its 5,200-square-foot, 300 seat or 450 standing space Banquet Hall provides guests with views that overlook the massive biomes, which they can of course go explore.
Imagine mixing and mingling as a butterfly lands on your glass, or standing underneath towering palms as winter swirls outside, all while the sounds of the waterfall resonate in the background.
In summer, The Leaf includes Canada’s Diversity Gardens, with its thematic flora extending out from the conical glass building. Throughout these outdoor gardens there are more event space opportunities, with settings that include a pond for ceremony, a performance garden with built-in amphitheatre-style seating, and numerous walkways and viewing points. The Kitchen Garden, located right beside The Leaf, also features an outdoor pizza oven and plenty of seating for cocktail parties, as does the onsite restaurant with its dining room and expansive outdoor patio that overlooks more of the Gardens.
Keeping it real with our new place brand
“Winnipeg: Made from what’s real” is the city’s new place brand.
The slogan, which accompanies a new logo that’s open to interpretation (it features a W and M or could be a snowflake, sunset, cog, etc.), was created by McKim.Sherpa as part of Travel Manitoba’s Place Branding Program. It came to fruition after Probe Research Inc. was engaged to speak with Winnipeggers from diverse backgrounds across business, tourism and community organizations to ask what words came to mind when they think of Winnipeg.
What they discovered was no surprise.
Winnipeg is authentic: Whether you are visiting or have lived here, you know that this city sparks genuine experiences, connections and ideas.
We’re creative, diverse and talented: Our cultural offerings are genuine and a cut above while we’ve become a beacon for human rights with a museum that speaks volumes–both in architecture and content. Plus, the stage is always set in Winnipeg, with renowned performance groups and a live music scene that is always ready for an encore.
We're innovative and industrious: We make things go, like electric buses, motor coaches and plane parts. We make discoveries in microbiology labs, polar bear conservation centres and top research universities. We improve everything from video game player experiences to payroll processing and mobile food delivery. We make noise and an outsized impact on the music and film world. And, we’re taking our place on the global stage: Whether we’re named the world’s Most Intelligent Community, or one of TIME magazine’s greatest places in the world, Winnipeg is offering something special and others are recognizing us for our unique qualities.
To help celebrate, we’ve partnered up with great local businesses to create a range of products you can use and wear. From Kilter Brewing’s Winnipeg Lager, to FFO’s high fashion streetwear, Coal and Canary candles, activewear from MPG Sport, to cozy branded clothing from We Heart Winnipeg and necklaces from Hilary Druxman jewellery, you can find a whole lineup of gear here.
Events take flight at the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada
For tourists, visitors and event attendees alike, the new $27-million Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada soars beyond expectations. It's first year saw countless events– from suave galas and elaborate weddings to corporate meetings and all manner of gatherings–all staged within a setting that features a dazzling array of aircraft (although, be sure to call them “artifacts” when onsite).
On pleasant days the whole west side of the building can open out onto Winnipeg James Richardson International Airport, while year-round the observation deck is perfect for plane-spotting during an event. (It also makes a great reality tv backdrop as you’ll see below.)
Flexible catering options and an impressive onsite kitchen (featuring a Rational Oven and all the amenities) allow you to work with local companies, plus state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, tables (round or rectangular), chairs, portable bars, gallery access, and security for after-hours events all come standard. Due to massive popularity, inquire early about this space, or get us working for you.
Hot new Winnipeg productions (and some retro ones too)
Our creative team was back at it in 2022. Following up on some hits like M&C Action News, The Story Meeting, and a not so cutting-edge video for the WRLA we brought you Selling Winnipeg (and in fact a whole cable-package worth of programming).
WPG M&C TV, Channel 7 in Winnipeg is your new source for all the Winnipeg Meetings and Conventions info you crave, along with hot new shows and the sort of retro fare your delegates can’t live without. We hope you enjoyed a laugh along with us as we showcased new things Winnipeg has on offer, through an homage to Body Break and a preview of the hottest new reality show on our fictions tv station.
We can’t wait to show you what our fierce sales associates are up to on Season 2, which includes cast members Lynnea Adrian and Maria Paletta.
And finally, one of our out of this world productions–a bid video featuring Winnipeg’s renowned ufologist and some cosplayers–helped land The 15th North American Science Fiction Convention. You can catch this fun here.
From our team to yours,
Happy holidays and new year!