CANADA ’ S BLUE WAVE
LEADERS IN FISHERIES , AQUACULTURE , DEFENCE , OFFSHORE RESOURCES , MARINE RENEWABLES , BIORESOURCES , SHIPPING , AND OCEAN TECHNOLOGY ARE COMING TOGETHER TO ADVANCE CANADA ’ S BLUE ECONOMY , ATTRACTING GLOBAL BUSINESS EVENTS IN THE PROCESS
WITH THE WORLD ’ S FOURTH largest ocean territory and bounded by the Atlantic , Pacific and Arctic oceans , Canada ’ s coastline is as vast as it is diverse . With one-fifth of the world ’ s fresh water , a growing ocean science innovation ecosystem , support from industry , academia and government , and a goal to give protected status to 25 % of the country ’ s oceans by 2025 , Canada is taking a global lead in developing its ‘ blue economy ’ in a sustainable way . Such depth of resources has captured the attention of organisations such as the World Aquaculture Society and IEEE , each hosting international delegations at global conferences in Canadian knowledge hubs .
“ When you combine Canada ’ s natural and cultural attributes with the unique opportunities to explore ground-breaking ideas in ocean technologies and aquaculture , it ’ s easy to understand why organisations the world over are choosing Canadian locations to host events in the ocean sciences space ,” says Virginie De Visscher , senior director of business development , economic sectors , Destination Canada Business Events .
Spotlighting innovation to attract and engage audiences Showcasing Canada ’ s industry leadership to attract global events falls to De Visscher and the team at Destination Canada Business Events . De Visscher points out that , “ St . John ’ s , Halifax , and Vancouver are natural homes ,” to oceanbound industries like aquaculture , offshore oil and gas exploration , fisheries , and others , and that these well-known locales make some of the most compelling venues for oceanfocused conferences and events . So much so , that De Visscher ’ s team will host their signature customer event , Innovate Canada , in St . John ’ s , Newfoundland and Labrador in July 2021 .
“ In the case of ocean sciences , it makes sense to host in Canada where organisers can tap into unique Canadian expertise ,” says De Visscher , noting that world-class facilities such as the world ’ s longest ice tank , which allows evaluation of ocean vessel performance in simulated icy conditions , and the Offshore Engineering Basin , a testing site for autonomous underwater vehicles , are highlights for events hosted in St . John ’ s . Or , that delegates can
Right : Virginie De Visscher , senior director of business development , economic sectors , Destination Canada Business Events learn how Canadian researchers are using submersible technology to map the ocean floor , or how a team from the University of Victoria Ocean Network Canada are monitoring the east , west and Arctic coasts to provide researchers with real-time data for disaster relief , ocean management and environmental protection .
Creating meetings with purpose By augmenting speakers series with Canadian subject matter and experts , or enriching their programming with localised technical tours , and lab visits , business event organisers can attract delegates , increase revenues , fuel innovation , and even inspire future generations . “ We call that ‘ meeting with purpose ’,” says De Visscher who points out that when the time is right for in-person events to resume , Canada is poised to show off its deep marine history , its innovation ecosystems , and the researchers and industry leaders who are riding Canada ’ s blue wave .
To learn more about what Canada can offer your next event , visit www . businesseventscanada . ca
CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD
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