b'CHOOSING CANADA:The allure of planning an event closer to homeby Matthew BradfordI Whether its digital industries,If you look around, Calgary just got In the search for event destinations, there are advantages to lookinghealth and life sciences, finance andthe new the new BMO Centre, Halifaxs closer to home. Canada offers ainsurance, advanced manufacturing,new centre is seeing great success, and rich landscape of opportunitiesnatural resources or agribusiness,the Yukon is planning a new convention for business gatherings that rivaltheres just an incredible wealth ofcentre in Whitehorse, which is fantastic international destinations, especiallyknowledge and intellectual capitalfor Canadas north, says Walton. when it comes to saving costs,across the country that will lend itselfThese additions will enable those creating memories and making to pretty much any event, cities to host larger and more dynamic an impact. Walton says. events, which drives inbound business Its an opinion that Joel WaltonImportantly, he adds, manyand, as a result, stokes thoseshares with his colleagues atCanadian destinations put groupsdomestic markets.Destination Canada. As senior directorin close connection with diverseThere are also broader advantages of business events strategic initiatives,communities and demographics:to planning an event withinWalton is intent on generatingCanada has many areas thatCanada, including: more buzz for the country amongput groups in close proximity Lighter travel: For Canadian groups, international planners so they, too, canto Indigenous knowledge andstaying domestic makes travelling discover what many domestic eventexperiences, and that can be a bigeasier, more accessible and more organizers already know: Canada isfactor in terms of how their events cost-effective. It also reduces the one of the bestif not the bestplaceare positioned. burdens that come with updating for business events in the world,passports, converting currencies or he says. It really has something forHOT SPOTS FROM COAST TO COAST subjecting guests to long-haul flights everyone, depending on the size ofWhen it comes to Canadian hot spots,that leave them drained rather than your group or what youre trying there are obvious picks ranging fromready to engage.to accomplish. Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, CalgaryAccess to local business Part of that appeal stems from theand other major urban centres. The fact that Canada is home to a wealthspotlight doesnt stop at major metros,communities: Planners can tap into of diverse experiences and locales,however, as smaller markets likelocal teams or partners across the from bustling urban centres, resortKelowna, St. Johns and Quebec Citycountry and bring people together towns and some of the most inspiringare gaining traction for their uniquein a way that feels both inclusivenatural environments on the planet.character and localized experiences.and practical.For planners, there is also the benefitDestinations like Banff or Victoria alsoSustainable events: Corporate socialof being close to numerous centresoffer planners a chance to create aresponsibility and environmental of excellence that enable visitingsense of escape without crossing theawareness are increasing priorities in organizations access to leaders,border, as do places like the Rockies tothe planning process. Staying local innovators and educators in theirthe west or Halifax in the east, wherecuts down on the environmental field. Such centres include health,planners can add local flavour andcosts of travel. Moreover, Canada mining and AI research centres inauthenticity to corporate gatherings. has a reputation for championing Ontario, cleantech and digital mediaCutting-edge venues are anothersustainability within the meeting hubs across British Columbia, energydraw. Here again, Canadas diverseand events space through LEED-innovation and biomedical researchlocales are home to equally interestingcertified venues, eco-forward hubs in Alberta, and ocean tech andvenues, with a number of newprogramming and connections to marine research in the Atlantic region,convention centres coming onlinelocal environmental groupsto name only a few.across the nation. and initiatives.18 CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca'