The Canadian Tourism Commission is gearing up to host a series of simultaneous promotional events for meeting and event planners in six cities across the United States. Dubbed Live Canada, the event—intended to promote Canadian cities as destinations for meetings and conventions—will be held in San Francisco, Dallas, Minneapolis, Chicago, New York, and Washington on September 9. Live Canada will also take place at Canada House in London's Trafalgar Square on September 8.
"It is a huge undertaking," said the C.T.C.'s Ava Sones. "It came about because we wanted to move away from the traditional marketplace with tables and brochures—that doesn't inspire relationships. So this year we'll be bringing Canada to them. We're showcasing the extraordinary meeting experiences that are available in Canada."
The event will highlight Canadian cuisine, as well as the arts and entertainment available in cities across the country, Sones said. "We're hosting the biggest meeting in the world," she said in reference to the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games. "Our capabilities as a country are illustrated by that. The theme is not Olympic but it speaks to Canadian experiences."
The six cities will be connected for a competition being hosted by comedian Colin Mochrie, who will quiz attendees on Canadian geography, food and wine, and popular culture. The winner will be awarded a trip to Canada.
