Business Events Canada (BEC) and their partners returned to Europe this September for their annual series of roadshows designed to promote the country’s world class meeting, conventions & incentive travel offerings to local meetings and incentive agencies.
The interactive and informative events in France and UK provided attendees with networking opportunities and practical advice on holding events in Canada whilst helping them get up to speed with all the latest news and developments, from airlines, new hotels to venues and incentive travel options.
The first event took place in Paris on Monday 18th September at the Official Residence of the Ambassador of Canada to France and the second event took place in London on Thursday 21st September at Canada House, 1 Trafalgar Square. The events kicked off with a drinks reception followed by the “Totem Poles Challenge” game and a prize draws of two tickets to Canada.
Highlighting Canada’s unique culture, all of the guests were given “Totem Poles” replicas. A type of First Nations art, the Totem Poles were the symbol chosen to emphasize the importance of Canada’s rich aboriginal history which is preserved in attractions, events, and adventures, found in every province, from coast to coast. Especially ordered for the occasion, the Totem Poles made guests engage by travelling around the venue to meet with Canada partners while collecting quirky and interesting facts.
Chantal Sturk-Nadeau, Executive Director of BEC, commented: “Recently voted the World’s Most Reputable country 2017 by the Reputation Institute, Canada’s vast landscape is punctuated with distinct, dynamic and in-demand destinations, with chic and connected cities on the doorstep of pristine wilderness. With such a dynamic and ever evolving industry, Business Events Canada sees the importance of creating a platform where buyers, meeting and incentive planners can hear more about our offering, explore our destinations and find the inspiration for their next meeting or event”.
Emma Cashmore, the European representative for BEC, commented: “From the ease of access and great range of airlift to our world class venues and facilities and packed, year-round calendar of events and festivals, Canada is a natural choice for holding international events for European clients. Our Canada Week roadshow events act as a ‘one stop shop’ for European event planners and MICE agents, helping them discover everything they could ever want or need to know about holding a major event in Canada”.
Chantal Sturk-Nadeau, Executive Director of BEC