James Bateman

AWARD-WINNING YEAR FOR THE VANCOUVER CONVENTION CENTRE Recognition for excellence in venue management and operations, sustainability and innovation August 2, 2011 Vancouver, BC The Vancouver Convention Centre’s leadership in environmental sustainability, venue management and innovative programs is in the spotlight. These efforts have earned the Centre many prestigious awards over the past year, including the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM)’s 2011 Venue Excellence Award, presented last week in Phoenix, Arizona during its Annual Convention and Trade Show. “We’re extremely honoured to be recognized with the IAVM Venue Excellence Award in the Convention Centre category,” says Ken Cretney, General Manager, Vancouver Convention Centre. “This award speaks to our team’s commitment to operational excellence while continuing to deliver exceptional service to our guests, community and other stakeholders.” The IAVM Venue Excellence Awards recognizes venues that demonstrate excellence in the management and operation of public assembly venues, which were assessed on four criteria: service to the community, team building/professional development, safety and security, and operational excellence. “These awards were created to recognize outstanding venues. The venues that have been chosen this year have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and unsurpassed commitment of the highest standards within our industry. They are most deserving of this recognition,” says IAVM Chairman of the Board, John Siehl. The Vancouver Convention Centre also won the International Association of Congress Centres’ (AIPC) 2011 Innovation Award as the Overall Winner in late June, an award that recognizes initiatives that represent “innovation”– the development of a new, more creative or more effective approach to any aspect of convention centre management, operations or marketing. The award recognizes the Centre’s Service Excellence Program, a program launched to coincide with the opening of its West building expansion in 2009. The program is multifaceted, including daily service line-up meetings, guest service training, a Guest Ambassador Team and innovative delegate resources to ensure that every guest experiences unparalleled service at every touch point. “We’re very proud of the impact of our Service Excellence Program and to be recognized by AIPC for this team effort,” adds Cretney. “We want to ensure that our guests are not only inspired by the glass, wood and spectacular views of our

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stunning West building, but also by our incredible service. The program is a success because it has truly been embraced by every employee along with all of our official suppliers.” Other awards the Vancouver Convention Centre won this year include: IMEX 2011 Green Supplier Award (silver) – recognizing environmental excellence and innovation within the meetings industry and represents the highest accolade for environmental responsibility among meetings and events industry suppliers. American Institute of Architects' Committee on the Environment’s Top Ten Green Projects for 2011 – recognizing the top 10 examples of sustainable architecture and green design solutions that protect and enhance the environment. The Vancouver Convention Centre is the only two time winner of AIPC’s APEX award for “World’s Best Convention Centre” and is the world’s only convention centre to have earned LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification. -30-

Media Contact: Jinny Wu Communications Manager Vancouver Convention Centre Phone: +1-604-647-7353 [email protected]

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