The upcoming meeting of over 7,500 leaders in academic pediatrics will mark the first time an international conference will utilize both the East and West buildings of the Vancouver Convention Centre for a single meeting.
Tourism Vancouver and the Vancouver Convention Centre are pleased to welcome the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) for their annual meeting, taking place from May 1 to 4. The PAS meeting is a significant milestone for Vancouver’s meetings industry. Prior to the expansion of the Vancouver Convention Centre, the facility couldn’t easily accommodate certain international conferences or multiple major events simultaneously.
The PAS meeting is the largest international meeting focusing on children’s health research. Apart from bringing new scientific knowledge and expertise to Vancouver, the group will engage upwards of 14,800 room-nights at citywide hotels. The Vancouver Convention Centre estimates the group will contribute approximately $62 million in economic activity to the city and British Columbia, based on estimated delegate spending of $19 million.
What’s more, the Pediatric Academic Society will be coming back to Vancouver in 2014.
“Tourism Vancouver and the Vancouver Convention Centre secured the Pediatric Academic Societies citywide conference in 2006 as part of a multi-year deal,” said Dave Gazley, vice president of Meeting and Convention Sales for Tourism Vancouver. “It was a big win for us as PAS will bring convention business to Vancouver in both 2010 and 2014. This booking was a result of effective sales and marketing of Vancouver as a preferred meeting destination.”
According to Ken Cretney, general manager of the Vancouver Convention Centre, competition for global convention business is fierce but Vancouver’s facilities and reputation are among the world’s best. “With the addition of the West building expansion, the Vancouver Convention Centre has set a new standard in convention hosting. Groups want to meet at our facility because of its modern design, environmental features, exceptional service standards and not least its great location and stunning views.”
“Our city’s successful convention business shows that Vancouver is recognized as a world-class city offering a rich cosmopolitan culture, superior service and first-rate amenities,” noted Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson. “We welcome delegates of the Pediatric Academic Societies and hope they take the opportunity to explore Vancouver’s exceptional restaurants, attractions and shopping.”
The Pediatric Academic Societies are four leading pediatric organizations – the American Pediatric Society, the Society for Pediatric Research, the Academic Pediatric Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics – who share a common mission of fostering the health and well-being of children worldwide. Their annual meeting in Vancouver will address basic and clinical sciences, translational and health services research, and clinical advances in pediatrics.
Tourism Vancouver, along with partners such as the Vancouver Convention Centre and the hotel community, spearheads the “Be A Host” program which encourages local British Columbians to work with the tourism industry to bring their colleagues to Vancouver for a national or international conference. For more information on the Be A Host program, please visitwww.tourismvancouver.com/beahost.
