When three back-to-back citywides hit Winnipeg this past spring, the city’s hospitality industry rolled out the red carpet to deliver a world-class meeting and convention experience.
These high-profile conventions included Centrallia 2016 (May 25-27), the Liberal Party of Canada 2016 Biennial Convention (May 26-28), and the Federation of Municipalities Annual Conference and Trade Show (June 2-5). It was the first time two large conferences were concurrently in Winnipeg.
A large part of the success stemmed from the RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg’s newest addition - a state-of-the-art $180-million expansion. In short, it’s a stunner.
The gorgeous 43,000 sq. ft. City View Room with floor-to-ceiling windows played host to grand receptions, while keynote speakers, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, presented in state-of-the-art ballrooms. Located in the heart of downtown, the RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg was the place to be.
And it shined.
“The feedback about the expansion has been absolutely fabulous. Everyone loves the natural light that’s coming through the windows in both the York Ballroom and City View Room. Centrallia was blown away by the opening reception that was held in the City View Room and they are still receiving compliments about that event,” said David Chizda, director of sales and business development at RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg. “Everyone left very happy – we received glowing reviews from all three events.”
Downtown BIZ and Tourism Winnipeg collaborated to create an outstanding visitor experience. Delegates received a VIP welcome experience at the airport, while pageantry and banners were found throughout downtown to ensure visitors received a warm Winnipeg welcome.
Delegates mingle during Centrallia (Photo by William Au)
“We wanted to make the most of this opportunity and leave a lasting impression on delegates, who can then be ambassadors for our great city,” said Chantal Sturk-Nadeau, senior vice president of Tourism Winnipeg.
Downtown BIZ organized the ‘Best of Fest Downtown,’ for delegates so they could get a taste of what locals love most with a pop-up party outside the convention centre. The event included 10 food trucks, three bands, 15 farmers’ market vendors, buskers and visual art projected on giant screens.
“There was a feeling of coming together, that was what we wanted to show delegates, and how culture, food and music can come together to create a buzz in the downtown. Even if delegates only walked through it, they could definitely get a sense that there’s a vibe downtown,” said Jason Syvixay, managing director of Downtown BIZ.
For Sachit Mehra, the Liberal Party of Canada Manitoba chapter president, who helped bring home the Liberal Party of Canada Convention to Winnipeg, the city delivered on all fronts.
“The feedback that I've received -- and I shook well over 1,500 hands -- was nothing but positive. Many people were visiting Winnipeg for the first time. In fact, they came to the convention because they really wanted to see the heart of Canada,” said Mehra.
“Delegates were very excited about Winnipeg. They loved exploring the restaurants downtown and really enjoyed the experience at the brand new convention centre, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and the MTS Centre. Somebody remarked to me when they landed at the brand new Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, "This is a phenomenal facility," and noted the billions of dollars in infrastructure investment that is taking place right now in Winnipeg. All of this makes Winnipeg ready for conventions that will be coming here in coming years. I'm very excited.”
