February 21, 2005
For Immediate Release

Conventions British Columbia launches in Victoria

VICTORIA - Conventions British Columbia will kick off their official Victoria launch with a dinner event on Monday February 21 at the Victoria Conference Centre (VCC). The event highlights Conventions BC, a new initiative to position British Columbia as a global meetings destination.

Provincial Small Business and Economic Development Minister John Les and Mayor Alan Lowe will speak at the event.

"We are pleased to be able to host the event tonight and to be taking a lead role in the formation of Conventions BC," said John Hill, General Manager of the Victoria Conference Centre and Chair of Conventions BC. "The work underway will support the VCC's own sales and marketing strategy to attract more US and international delegates to the City."

The VCC is now seeing results from increased sales efforts in Canadian, US and International markets. 2004 marked a record year for the VCC with delegate attendance numbers reaching 110,022 delegate days, up 2.18% over 2003 at 107,675.

The Conventions BC initiative will also capitalize on Victoria's image as a secure, cost effective and highly desirable venue for conferences.

"A successful convention program is integral to the achievement of our strategic goals and reinforces our image as an attractive city in which to work, live and play," said Mayor Alan Lowe. "The economic benefit of conventions alone means millions of dollars of direct spending going back into the local economy."

The VCC hosts over 230 events a year and delivers an economic benefit to the city of over $42 Million annually. The VCC is a member of Convention Centres of Canada (CCC), Conventions British Columbia (CBC), the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the International Association of Assembly Managers (IAAM).

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For more information, contact:
Jocelyn Jenkyns
Director of Marketing and Event Sales
(250) 361.1035
jocelynj@victoriaconference.com