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Edmonton Meetings, Conventions Expect Modest 2011 Growth
Economic tourism development in Edmonton is expected to grow in 2011 through the meetings and conventions market
26 January 2011
EDMONTON, AB -- The Edmonton meetings and conventions industry is poised for modest growth in 2011 following recent years' challenging conditions. "Based on 2010 results, we are starting to see momentum coming back into future bookings. The industry is projecting modest growth in 2011," says Ken Fiske, vice president of economic and tourism development at Edmonton Economic Development Corporation. New to Edmonton meetings and conventions in 2010 was the introduction of FRESH Edmonton, an industry-wide initiative that encourages socially and environmentally responsible event planning. It was integrated into the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects' August conference in Edmonton, Alberta. By targeting a reduced carbon footprint through FRESH Edmonton, event planners adopted such practices as using less paper for meeting documentation, planting a tree and working with a renewable energy supplier. Edmonton hosts international conferences year-round. Noteworthy 2010 Edmonton meetings and conferences included the Canadian Orthopeadic Association, Risk and Insurance Management Society and International Congress for Conservation Biology, which attracted 1,200 of the world's thinkers and conservation authorities. The city benefited from delegates' spending on accommodation, dining, shopping, attractions, and transportation. 2010 ended on a high note with the Grey Cup Festival, with thousands of football fans converging on downtown Edmonton. Meetings and conventions generate spending in the economy and contribute to the growth of tourism in Edmonton. "Event planners typically put together a program that includes a host city's offerings outside convention hours. That is where our city shines from our renowned festivals to the river valley to diverse dining options," says Fiske. "In addition, we find that many convention goers arrive ahead of time or stay back after to check out the host city and region. One of our 2011 objectives is to increase the number of delegates visiting Edmonton before and after a conference." Host facilities, such as Edmonton conference centres and meeting facilities, create a wide range of benefits for the city, ranging from business and investment to tourism and employment. Edmonton's flagship Shaw Conference Centre hosted 45 conventions in 2010. Other Shaw milestones include the Recycling Council of Alberta's corporate leadership award for its green initiatives, starting the process for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification for existing buildings, welcoming two Homeless Connect events, initiating a public art display program and being the training base for award-winning Culinary Team Canada. In 2010, Edmonton Tourism booked an estimated $15 million worth of future convention business, reflecting how much meetings and convention goers will spend directly from hotel rooms to taxi fare, dining to shopping. The Edmonton meetings and conventions industry continues to work with local institutions and professional associations to target event planners in marketing Edmonton as the ideal event destination. According to Fiske, "Major Edmonton employers, as well as national and international professional associations, contribute to the success of the city's meetings and events industry." For more information about Edmonton meetings and conventions, visit http://www.edmonton.com. About Edmonton Tourism Edmonton Tourism promotes Greater Edmonton as the destination of choice for tourism, conventions, major events and film production and is a division of Edmonton Economic Development Corporation (EEDC). Edmonton Tourism encourages socially and environmentally responsible tourism. Managed by Edmonton Economic Development Corporation, the Shaw Conference Centre is one of Canada's premier meeting, entertainment, and convention venues, and encourages socially and environmentally responsible event-planning. For more information, visit www.edmonton.com. Contact Organization Recent News
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