b'NEWANDRENEWED VENUES7 fresh faces for your next eventby Warren HeeleyLike the seasons, corporate meeting and event (M&E) spaces in Canada are constantly changing as existing venues renovate and new venues open. Whether adding space, refreshing the look or introducing a new hotel, corporate event planners need up-to-date information on the latest M&E sites so they can make informed decisions about their event destinations.CM&E has compiled seven new or renovated venues that have recently opened to help planners with their work.VERSANTE HOTEL Richmond, BCThe new Versante Hotel opened in July 2021 as the only independent boutique hotel in Richmond, locally owned and operated. It is located five minutes from Vancouver International Airport and offers a wide variety of services, including complimentary airport transfers and transportation to local attractions in its luxury car shuttles. The venue has 100 rooms and suites designed around five decor themes. Both the rooms and lobby (which has been described as a Chinese night market) feature artwork created by local artisans. Environmental sustainability is also an important corporate objective for the hotelits bath amenities are both biodegradable and cruelty-free.Versantes 5,500 sq. ft. of M&E space includes five meeting rooms, with capacities ranging from 14 to 180 and a maximum of three breakout rooms. The largest M&E space spans the entire third floor and includes an outdoor terrace. Meeting space on the 12th floor also serves as the Alaa restaurant, with excellent surrounding views.Other hotel features include a 24-hour fitness facility, an outdoor rooftop pool and hot tub and easy access to attractions in the Richmond area.For more information, visit versantehotel.com.Spring/Summer 2022CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS 25'