More than 10 years ago, Vancouver helped to found BestCities Global Alliance, the world’s only CVB alliance of certified convention bureaus. Since then, the alliance’s main objective has been to deliver the highest levels of service, expertise and quality standards to meeting planners. The continued appeal and success of this commitment was reflected in a recent survey of clients from the association market segment who evaluated the performance of the eight cities that make up the alliance: Vancouver, Cape Town, Copenhagen, Dubai, Edinburgh, Melbourne, San Juan and Singapore. Clients were questioned about their satisfaction on issues ranging from site inspections to preparation of bid documentation. Highlights of the survey include:

• 97% of clients reported their expectations of the host city were either matched or exceeded.
• 82% felt the attendance level at their conference was either "as expected" or "above expectations".
• Average score for meeting planners who would recommend BestCities Global Alliance to their colleagues was 8.6 out of 10.
• Overall experience with a BestCities bureau was rated 9.18 out of 10.

To read the full release, click here.  

Over the past year, the Vancouver Convention Centre’s leadership in environmental sustainability and venue management has earned a number of accolades – and now there’s one more to add to the list.

In July, the Convention Centre was presented with the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) 2011 Venue Excellence Award during IAVM’s Annual Conference and Trade Show in Phoenix. The award honours venues that demonstrate excellence in the management and operation of public assembly sites. Contenders are assessed on criteria that include service to the community; team building and professional development; safety and security; and operational excellence.

Other awards the Vancouver Convention Centre has won this year include:
• International Association of Congress Centres (AIPC) 2011 Innovation Award
• IMEX 2011 Green Supplier Award (silver)
• American Institute of Architects’ Committee on the Environment’s Top Ten Green Projects for 2011
www.vancouverconventioncentre.com 

It’s no wonder Dwight Sanford was drawn to the old-world elegance of Vancouver’s recently reopened Rosewood Hotel Georgia. Originally from Vidalia, Georgia, Sanford served as director of rooms at a Rosewood property in Atlanta, The Mansion on Peachtree. During his time there, he embraced Rosewood Hotels & Resorts’ guiding principles of enhancing the guest experience and preserving heritage features. When offered the opportunity to lead the team of the newest Rosewood property in Vancouver, Sanford eagerly stepped into his new role. Below, he reflects on the historic hotel and shares his favourite Vancouver hotspots.

What’s so great about being a hotel manager in Vancouver? This city is filled to the brim with talented hospitality professionals, particularly the outstanding team here at Rosewood Hotel Georgia. During my time in Vancouver, I have established wonderful relationships with guests and employees alike, and that has cemented Vancouver as my favourite city in North America.

Why is the Rosewood Hotel Georgia ideal for hosting meetings and events? Our meeting spaces are stylish and elegant, and range from intimate function rooms to the grand Spanish Ballroom, which includes chandeliers, stained-glass windows and hand-crafted features. We also offer the very latest in technology and audiovisual equipment, which is incorporated into the design of the rooms so presentation during meetings is crisp and clean.

What’s your favourite spot in Vancouver? Chill Winston in Gastown since it’s the premier spot for taking in the Vancouver International Jazz Festival. Also, Rosewood Hotel Georgia's lobby lounge "1927" is building a reputation as a late-night cocktail hotspot thanks to talented bartenders and cocktails that are tied to the colourful history of our magnificent hotel.
www.rosewoodhotelgeorgia.com

VeloSpoke            
September 8 to 9                                
Taking place at the Vancouver Convention Centre just prior to Canada’s largest mass biking event, the GranFondo Whistler, VeloSpoke involves upwards of 100 exhibitors showcasing the latest trends in the cycling industry. More than 7,000 racers and biking enthusiasts are expected to attend, and all will have the opportunity to hear from high-profile cyclists, explore interactive displays and view products from top cycling and lifestyle brands.

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) 2011 Convention                      
September 19 to 23                                                   
During the IBEW conference, which occurs once every five years, organization members meet to set policy goals that will guide the union over the next half-decade. This year’s conference at the Vancouver Convention Centre is expected to attract some 3,000 union delegates, officers and staff to the city.

Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists (PCSO) Annual Meeting                  
September 22 to 25                             
The PCSO annual session involves thousands of orthodontists, staff and exhibitors uniting to share information, network and attend a variety of lectures. This year's seminar topics range from the use of video in the office to proper implementation of various technologies. The meetings will take place in the East and West buildings of the Vancouver Convention Centre.

Interior Design Show West (IDSwest)                   
September 28 to October 2                  
The annually held IDSwest is Western Canada’s premier residential design show where exhibitors have the opportunity to present their newest products and services to industry professionals, architects, designers, consumers and the media. The 2011 show will be held at the Vancouver Convention Centre’s West Building. Featured speakers include Ross Lovegrove, host of CNN’s "Just Imagine," and Omer Arbel, founder of OAO and creative director of Booci.