b'destination profileFrom the new and innovative Halifax Convention Centre to its surrounding hotels, shops andHALIFAX CONVENTION CENTRErestaurants, the city has what you need to host your event in Halifax. A FEW FAST FACTS ABOUTTHE HALIFAX CONVENTION CENTRE:Over 120,000 sq. ft. of flexible event space, including: -30,000-sq.-ft. ballroom overlooking the city, -50,000 sq. ft. of multi-purpose convention space, and -40,000 sq. ft. of intimate meeting space.Ability to divide into two independent conventionlevels, allowing for privacy and optimal traffic flow during multiple events.Features a bright and iconic atrium arrival area, andnatural light throughout most of the facility.Photo credit: Scott Munn. Photo courtesy of Tourism Nova Scotia.Nearing says Discover Halifax is now set up betterAs we market the region to groups and individuals, than ever to assist planners, as the pandemic created thewe also work alongside our partners who share a mutual opportunity to reassess its approaches and tools to helpinterestbusinesses such as hotels, restaurants, special planners visualize their events.venues and attractions, he adds. We also connect Case in point, the organizations website offers 3Dplanners and delegates with pre- and post-event renderings and walk-throughs of the Halifax Conventionopportunities and entertainment choices. We want to be Centre, as well as some of the citys major hotels andconsulted [on everything] from specific individual needs to attractions. This feature alone allows users to virtually walk the halls of the centre, helping planners visualize what theirhigher-level, larger companies and corporate planners.event might look likewhether its a meeting, trade show or large conference.GETTING THEREThe pandemic provided us with the time to do thisWith the country now mostly clear of pandemic concerns, right, Nearing explains. The pause in activity allowedits obvious to just about everyone that people are wanting us to think about how to best showcase our amenities,to travelnot only individuals, but corporations as well. Of particularly for international conferences and meetingscourse, there are many airports in the country still playing for people who dont know about Halifax or even Atlanticcatch up post-pandemic, and travel-related hassles remain Canada. The Matterport software we used was trulya realistic concern.amazing; the design firm behind one of the hotels weLike other destinations, Halifax is seeing some rendered didnt have their architectural drawings anymore,challenges around labour and services. But in general, the but could use our scans to create their own drawings. Itscity provides a pretty seamless experience from the airport that refined and accurate!to the conference floor, says Nearing. Here on the east POSITIVE SOCIAL IMPACTS coast, were an easy place to get to. We are, after all, the With years of experience under its belt, Discover Halifaxhub city for Atlantic Canada, and have more direct flights has become the go-to organization not only for eventfrom more cities than any other centre in the region. planning, but also for promoting the entire Halifax regionOpen for business is hardly a novel slogan for to small, medium and large businesses and corporations.any city. But its fair to say Halifax has experienced a The organizations team helps groups host events, learnrevolution in terms of infrastructure, new hotels, buildings about the region and even helps others to relocate. and restaurants, and major new developments on the Discover Halifaxs group of planning pros is clearlywaterfront, such as the Queens Marque. focused on maximizing the use of all event facilities andLike New Yorks Ellis Island, Halifaxs Pier 21 is now the accommodations in the city. But as Nearing puts it: Its not just about putting people in bedswhat we do goescelebrated Canadian Museum of Immigration. The building far beyond that. Were always thinking about how weand grounds have welcomed immigrants and newcomers can attract business to Halifax, but also the right kind offor generations, and that hasnt changed. As Discover businessthose with the most positive social impacts, Halifax states, The city is a young person with an old soul, for example. and the region remains a beacon for all who venture to it.30 CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca'