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October 2, 2006

Edmonton hosts two national conventions in September

The Shaw Conference Centre has attracted two major national conferences to the Edmonton market. The events will bring over 1,100 visitors to the city and deliver valuable economic benefits to area businesses.

Together with Edmonton Tourism, the Shaw Conference Centre worked diligently to secure both events, recognizing these particular conferences provide a unique opportunity to showcase the city and position the Shaw Conference Centre as one of Canada’s top convention destinations.

Canadian Tire National Convention, Sept. 15-19, 2006
This national event is significant because it signals the first-time an Edmonton convention was confirmed as a direct result of the new Hall D expansion. The 650 Canadian Tire dealers and associates are using all three exhibit halls while Hall D is hosting the event’s banquets and galas. The event’s top-calibre entertainment included a Saturday night fireworks display viewed by conference delegates from Hall D’s spectacular outdoor deck overlooking the river valley. In order to surprise delegates, some aspects of this private industry event were not publicized in advance.

Canadian Society of Association Executives National Conference, Sept. 28-30, 2006
The Shaw Conference Centre will also host the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) national conference Sept. 28-30, 2006. This is a major marketing coup for Edmonton since the event introduces nearly 500 national meeting and convention planners to Edmonton’s facilities, attractions and amenities. Considered by many as Canada's "association of associations," CSAE is the professional organization of the men and women who manage many of the country's most progressive associations, as well as those who supply the sector with essential products and services.

Edmonton Tourism’s Festival City in a Box will be featured at the CSAE convention. This popular arts showcase promotes the region’s finest festival performers while positioning Greater Edmonton as a destination for festivals and cultural events in the national and international marketplace.

Edmonton Economic Development Corp. is a not-for-profit company owned by the City of Edmonton that is responsible for regional economic development, regional tourism marketing, management of the Shaw Conference Centre and management of Edmonton Research Park. The Shaw Conference Centre is one of Canada's largest convention centres and generates an annual economic impact of $43 million annually for Greater Edmonton.