Known for its ethnic diversity and as one of the most livable places on the planet, Vancouver is an energetic young city that has a lot to offer in terms of natural attractions and outdoor activities, not to mention a relaxed lifestyle and thriving cultural and art scene.
That said, Vancouver is also a fast-rising economic hub in North America and has recently been making waves as a favorite destination for trade shows, events, and exhibitions because of its glowing reputation as a perfect place for business and leisure.
Here is a List of Vancouver’s Top Trade Show Venues
Vancouver Convention Centre, 1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver
Consisting of two immense and connected buildings – the East and West wings – the Vancouver Convention Centre is relatively new, having been opened in 1987. Nevertheless, it has rapidly risen to the top of the list because of its sheer size and state-of-the-art facilities – two of the most desirable qualities for a trade show venue.
Situated along Vancouver’s beautiful downtown waterfront, the Vancouver Convention Centre offers a stunning view of the mountains and the Pacific Ocean and boasts a total of 29,378 sqm of exhibition space that is fully backed by excellent customer service staff to meet the needs of exhibitors and trade visitors alike.
The Vancouver Convention Centre is one of only 20 Centers of Excellence awardees for 2020 by Exhibitor Magazine that lists the best convention centers for trade shows and events in North America annually.
Among the hundreds of recent and upcoming events at the Vancouver Convention Centre is the Women Deliver 2019, the Vancouver International Auto Show, the Pacific Dental Conference, and Buildex Vancouver, to name a few.
Pacific National Exhibition, 2901 East Hastings Street
The Pacific National Exhibition, both as an organization and as a venue, has been at the forefront of trade shows and exhibitions for more than 100 years, offering spaces for meetings and events that capture the very spirit and history of the city and its people.
Its signature showcase is the PNE Fair that began in 1910 and remains strong to this day, drawing millions of visitors who look forward to attending the event as a summer tradition.
While originally an agricultural event, the Fair now includes nightly musical concerts on top of acrobatic shows, the Pacific Spirit Horse Show and a lot more.
Another recent gathering held at the PNE is the Vancouver Train Expo, an annual show for railroad modelers and enthusiasts that also draws great interest from the general public.
The PNE has 18,647 sqm of meeting space. In addition, the Pacific Coliseum which is its largest single venue boasts an area of 8,763 sqm.
BC Place Stadium, 777 Pacific Boulevard
BC Place, a multi-purpose stadium, is a state-of-the-art venue for major exhibitions and events that is recognized as the largest indoor gathering place in Western Canada, hosting year-round events that cover all facets of activities from sports, culture, entertainment, business and consumer trade shows, among others.
Its most distinguishing feature is the largest retractable roof in the world that makes it ideal for hosting a wide variety of indoor and outdoor trade exhibits. It is also the main stadium for the 2010 Winter Olympics, among other major sporting events.
Opened in June 1983, BC Place underwent extensive renovations after the Winter Olympics and continues its proud heritage as a premier tourist and activity destination. More than 35 million guests have visited the Stadium to date, contributing to the robust growth of British Columbia’s economy and livelihood of its people.
Among the major events held regularly at BC Place includes the Vancouver International Boat Show that features more than 250 exhibitors showcasing the newest and most innovative boats and accessories, as well as seminars for enthusiasts and casual hobbyists alike.
Another mainstay is the BC Home and Garden Show, which on its next edition in 2020 promises more industry experts and celebrities who will offer practical tips and advice for a bountiful gardening and elegant homemaking experience.
Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Drive
While not as large as the other trade show venues in Vancouver, the Croatian Cultural Centre is nevertheless a favorite among those who seek more intimate and elegant gatherings, as well as conferences and presentations.
Opened in 1986, it offers facilities ranging from an auditorium, an exhibition hall, conference rooms, meeting rooms, a sports arena, and a banquet hall, as well as full-service catering for any such occasion. It has a total meeting space of 1,537 sqm that is versatile and suitable even for festivals and fairs.
Some of the most renowned international events hosted by the Croatian Cultural Centre include the Vancouver Ukulele Festival, a specialized gathering for those interested in all things ukulele, whether learning or playing it or simply enjoying its distinctive rhythm in a variety of formats: jazz, blues, swing or folk.
Then there is the Century Flea Market that offers an eclectic mix of interesting finds such as retro items, jewelry, home items, old records, decors, even tools, and sports items that appeal to a range of individual tastes.
A closely related event is the Retro Design & Antiques Fair, with nearly 200 vendors displaying unique items for every taste and budget, and has been a favorite of antique hunters, dealers and collectors from all over the city and beyond.
The Westin Bayshore, 1601 Bayshore Drive
One of Vancouver’s finest luxury hotels, the Westin Bayshore is an ideal trade show venue especially for those who favor a resort setting and ambiance for such big gatherings. The hotel offers a total of 6,503 sqm of meeting space, including 5,574 sqm of exhibit space and some of the largest ballrooms in Western Canada.
Some of the major shows being held at the Westin Bayshore include the Vancouver Wedding & Honeymoon Fall Show, considered the longest-running and most successful wedding show in Canada. It is a one-stop-shop for those looking for weddings and entourage dresses, veils, accessories, florists, wedding planners, caterers, and even tattoo artists.
Another notable gathering at the Westin Bayshore is the UBC Summer Finance Conference which is organized by the University of British Columbia in Vancouver that allows students to explore future business opportunities as well as develop their character, all at the same time giving them the chance to expand their network and make new friends.
Finally, the Westin Bayshore hosts the TLA Convention and Trade Show which is being organized by the Truck Loggers Association as a showcase for loggers in particular and the forest industry in general. It is an event that provides not only networking opportunities but also new ideas and markets that keeps the industry robust and continuously growing.
Discover Your Vancouver Trade Show Needs
Beaumont & Co. can help you choose which type of trade show display best suits your needs in Vancouver. We offer portable displays, custom trade show exhibits, trade show booth rentals and custom projects.
You can get in touch with us through live chat, email or phone.
