Annie Henry is one of Tourism Winnipeg’s Business Development Managers. She hails from France, is a new Canadian and loves to spend her free time acting in live theatre and dancing the salsa/bachata. Annie specializes in attracting meetings, conventions and events in multiple markets, including sports, special events, unions, government and some of Winnipeg’s key economic sectors: advanced manufacturing, aerospace and creative industries.
Winnipeg has grown into a hub of world-class entertainment and we’ve seen more and more concerts and events coming to the city. What are some of your event picks?
It is so hard to narrow down when there is so much happening in Winnipeg, but it’s a good problem to have! I’ve already bought my tickets to see Elton John at Bell MTS Place, performing October 4 and 5. I’m so excited! Last year I watched Paul McCartney at Bell MTS Place and everything was amazing, from the production to his songs to his interaction with the crowd.
In your opinion, what are some of the most unique places to hold an event in Winnipeg?
I love the dramatic walk-through settings at the Manitoba Museum, including the 17th century full-size replica ship “the Nonsuch,” and the Urban Gallery, which recreates boom town Winnipeg in the 1920s. With spaces that can accommodate up to 1,200 for a cocktail reception, including the recently built Alloway Hall, you can find the perfect location to fit your event needs.
You can really wow your delegates by hosting a reception with polar bear viewing opportunities inside the Journey to Churchill Arctic species exhibit at Assiniboine Park Zoo. In the Gateway to the Arctic, guests can dine under dancing Northern lights in the Aurora Borealis Theatre and mingle in the Sea Ice Passage under the pools that polar bears and seals call home.
Another unique venue is the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. The natural light and stunning architecture make it a stellar location to host a reception, gala dinner or VIP client meeting – there are many spaces available to host.
Do you have any advice for planners looking to host an event in Winnipeg?
Please reach out to any of our team members at Tourism Winnipeg for planning assistance. For starters, our team can help you prepare a custom bid proposal and provide information about Winnipeg.
We can arrange and personally host a custom visit with specific venues, spaces and accommodations that match your specific needs.
Tourism Winnipeg also hosts FAM tours to show you why Winnipeg should be your next choice to host a meeting or convention. Our next one is slated for October 2019 and includes a night out to see Elton John! Please call me at 204.954.1990 or email annie@tourismwinnipeg.com to see if you qualify.
Once you have confirmed a conference in Winnipeg, our client services manager Lynnea Adrian can assist you with attendance building. From banners, to postcards, to hi-res images and b-roll, we have you covered with a huge range of promotional materials in our toolkit.
Where can we find you out and about this summer in Winnipeg?
Going to see our new professional football club Valour FC play a game at the world-class IG Field is on my summer bucket list. I’m also a huge fan of Winnipeg’s summer festivals, whether it’s taking in indie plays as part of Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival or watching musicians perform to large crowds at the laid-back Winnipeg Folk Festival. On Sunday nights, you’ll catch me dancing up a storm as part of Salsa Sundays at The Forks.
Where can industry professionals expect to see you representing Team Winnipeg in the near future?
I’ll be at the Canadian Meetings + Events Expo (August 13 & 14) in Toronto and the 2019 PCMA Canadian Innovation Conference (November 17-19) in Quebec City – I hope to see you there!
Tourism Winnipeg and partners are also be in Toronto this fall, so we’ll be reaching out to connect in advance.
