A network
of luminaries will help Canada secure more international conferences.
The Canadian
Visionaries Network (CVN) has 28 founding members from the world of academia
and industry as well as association leaders who have already helped to secure
high-profile conferences, aligned with Canada’s priority economic
sectors: life sciences, agribusiness, advanced manufacturing, finance and
insurance, technology, and natural resources.
The CVN was designed to
support the growth and reach of local conference ambassador programs from
coast-to-coast-to-coast — whose priority will continue to focus on the bidding
opportunities that bring international events to Canada — and raise awareness
of the country's immense intellectual capital offerings, promoting Canada on the
international stage.
“Canada is home to visionary minds pushing the
boundaries of global innovation,” said Virginie De Visscher, senior director,
Business Events, Destination Canada. “This expertise is especially important
for attracting international conferences to the country’s diverse destinations,
as it gives organizations the chance to supercharge their event agendas with
acclaimed keynote speakers, captivating state-of-the-art site tours,
unparalleled networking opportunities and more.”
The CVN aims to bolster
Canada’s international reputation as an ‘innovation ecosystem’ and host of
business events, while strengthening local conference ambassador programmes and
bid activity.
De Visscher added: “Among
Canada’s many strengths as a host for international business events, it’s the
thought leaders and an openness to collaborating, sharing ideas and innovation,
that truly puts Canada in a league of its own. The Canadian Visionaries Network
exemplifies this as well as the integral role these talented and inspiring
individuals have to play in our industry’s resilience.
The CVN also includes
several TED speakers from TED@Destination Canada,
a first-of-its kind event and partnership with TED that was held in New York
this past February.”
In 2022, Canada hosted nearly 430 international
business events and welcomed approximately 271,000 international business event
delegates.
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
