BC Place has been named one of the world’s top concert stadiums by IQ Magazine as part of its 2026 Stadium Stars list. This recognition comes as the stadium is preparing for its biggest concert year ever, with nine of this year’s 10 concerts taking place between August and October, and on the heels of having just successfully hosted seven FIFA World Cup 2026 matches. The Stadium Stars list recognizes 20 venues worldwide, nominated by readers and selected by…
The Events Industry Council (EIC) has released the 2026 Global Economic Significance of Business Events Study Executive Summary, produced in association with Oxford Economics. The study provides a comprehensive view of the scale, scope and impact of business events worldwide, measuring activity across more than 180 countries. According to the study, business events generated US$1.3 trillion in direct spending worldwide in 2025 – 12.2 per cent higher than pre-pandemic 2019 levels. Including indirect and induced impacts, the sector supported…
Oak View Group (OVG) and TD Bank Group announced a multi-year naming rights sponsorship to name Hamilton’s premier sports and entertainment venue, TD Coliseum. Scheduled to open in late 2025, TD Coliseum is set to become the new centerpiece for concerts, sporting events, family entertainment, trade shows, and community events in the Golden Horseshoe. “This sponsorship goes far beyond naming rights — it reflects a shared commitment to delivering world-class experiences and making a lasting impact where it matters…
Vancouver-based Tahira Endean has been named head of program for the IMEX Group, an appointment that comes with the remodeling of the group’s professional learning programs delivered at both its global trade shows. Endean will develop a three-year education strategy to capitalize on IMEX’s free to attend programming to meet the industry’s thirst for knowledge and continuous development while embracing a growth mindset. The IMEX education program was envisioned and developed in 2005 by Dale Hudson, knowledge and events director.…
The Vancouver Convention Centre has been selected as a 2022 Center of Excellence by EXHIBITOR Magazine, recognizing North America’s best convention centres for trade shows and events. This is the third consecutive year that the facility, owned and operated by B.C. Pavilion Corporation, has made the Centers of Excellence list. The Convention Centre was awarded based on evaluation in five categories of criteria: Facility & Functionality, Location & Accommodations, Service & Execution, Expansions & Upgrades, and Honors & Awards. The evaluation process also…
As pandemic restrictions continue to lift, many trade shows are committed to returning to in-person operations. This is exciting not just for attendees but also exhibitors. There is a lot to coordinate before you hit the show floor for your next big event. Given it has been quite some time since large face-to-face gatherings have been allowed, this guide provides a refresher to make the experience seamless and minimize stress. It’s also a great tool for first-time exhibitors. Pre-Show In…
Elizabeth McCullough is retiring as general manager of trade shows at the Canadian Institute of Heating and Plumbing (CIHP), effective June 30. “On behalf of the CIPH board, her teammates and the general membership, we salute the 24 years of service Elizabeth has provided to CIPH,” says CIPH president and general manager, Ralph Suppa. “We wish her good luck on her retirement as she steps into this new and exciting phase of her life.” McCullough first joined CIPH in 1992,…
The Global Association of the Exhibitions Industry, UFI, has launched a new accredited designation for trade show professionals. The UFI Certified Professional (UCP) is a self-paced, fully customizable program offered to both members and non-members. It includes existing UFI programs as well as modules offered by a network of global educational partners. Additional benefits beyond the classroom include networking, specialization and career development. “Our members have been requesting a UFI endorsement of our education, so they can signal to employers…
Video conference call fatigue is real. Today’s virtual attendees are tired of the Brady Bunch squares they interact with daily and are looking for high-quality and to be intrigued when they attend virtual events or trade shows. Few people look at a video conference call and say, “Wow, this is captivating just like broadcast events.” These platforms may be a great tool for peer discussions, family functions or the classroom, but not for a professional presentation of topical information with testing,…
Eastern Ontario’s largest exhibition centre has a new show services provider. EY Centre announced its official partnership with Stronco on April 15. “It was paramount for us to choose an experienced partner who has a depth of experience and reputation for service excellence to seamlessly support our customers through post-pandemic recovery,” says EY Centre general manager, Neill Bales. “Stronco’s solid roots in the industry, especially in the Ontario market, made (it) the ideal partner of choice for our facility. The…
