b'destination profileConvention Centre was one of the first LEED Platinum convention centres built in the world, Drake notes, adding that the facility received double LEED Platinum certification through both its sustainable construction and green operating practices. This includes a six-acre living roofthe largest in Canada.If youre at the convention centre, we can really help [you] have a zero-waste conference, Drake says.But one of Drakes biggest tips is to embrace the landscape through venues in more natural settings. [The Stanley Park Pavilion] holds 300 people, surrounded by gardens and the trees, and youd never know theres a city nearby, he says. The pavilion has several different venues to choose from, including the Lord Stanley Ballroom (2,000 sq. ft.) and the Tea Room (1,750 sq. ft.), as well as plenty of outdoor space. Youre right in the middle of an old-growth forest. Or [you can] take a boat out to the ocean anddo a cruise [with] up to 300 people and watch thebeautiful sunset.A trip to Vancouver doesnt have to end at city limits, Cherry blossoms in front of the downtown skyline.eitherDrake notes that their regional partners are Credit: Destination Vancouver / Vision Event Photography Inc. just as big of a draw for the city. When you come to Vancouver, you know, people [can] head up to Whistler totally is part of our DNA, as we might say, Drake says.very easily. They go to Kelowna. They go to Victoria. Its We actually have a sustainability manager here, and hereally a regional experience, he concludes. Were really teaches other clients and/or attractions and suppliersa destination that helps leapfrog [visitors] into other great and hotels how to be more sustainable. spots, too.One of the ways they do this is by promoting local food sources. We can help [through] our Ocean Wise program [and] tell them what seafood to be purchasing thats good for the ocean, and purchasing wine thats from the Kelowna region only four or five hours away, or from our agricultural region out in Surrey and Abbotsford, Drake explains.We have an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with Indigenous Tourism BC, so we really encourage [visitors] to learn about the Indigenous community here, he continues. We actually have a team member who works with [us] and Indigenous Tourism BC. Indigenous communities are about protecting the land as the original stewards; with this new position, were hoping to grow and enhance Indigenous experience development and destination management.VENUESAccording to Destination Canada, Vancouver boasts over 987,482 sq. ft. of total meeting space across the city, leaving event planners no shortage of options for possible venues. Top of the list is Vancouver Convention Centre, located on Vancouvers waterfront in the heart of downtown. Split between two buildings, the facility offers 311,705 sq. ft. of exhibition space, 70,000 sq. ft. of ballroom space and 141,011 sq. ft. of pre-function space. In addition to being an award-winning facility with industry-leading technology services, the facility also furthers Vancouvers sustainable values. Vancouver Fall/Winter 2022CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS 17VAQ22_Print_Corporate-Ad_3.333Wx4.583H.indd 1 9/19/22 11:04 AM'