Vancouver Convention Centre Receives Industry Community Service Award

April 5, 2018

The Vancouver Convention Center has been awarded the Canadian Association for Exposition Management’s (CAEM) 2018 Give Back Award, which recognizes a member organization that has made corporate social responsibility and giving back to its community an integral part of doing business. 

“Through the Vancouver Convention Centre’s efforts in energy and sustainability as being the world’s first double LEED platinum certified facility to their contributions to their local community through charities such as United We Can, among many other efforts, the Vancouver Convention Centre is undoubtedly the deserving recipient of this award,” said Jennifer Allaby, president of CAEM, Canada’s national association of event professions involved in the production, management and planning of trade shows, consumer shows and events.

Besides being one of the greenest convention facilities in North America, the VCC boasts a strong corporate social responsibility program and partners with several local charities committed to supporting communities in Vancouver’s inner city. 

One such partnership is with United We Can, a Vancouver-based charitable organization that creates “green-collar” recycling jobs for disadvantaged people facing multiple barriers to traditional employment. 

Through its hospitality partner, Centerplate, the VCC donates 100 percent of its beverage recyclables to the charity’s recycling depot, and in the last year alone, the facility donated 241,246 bottles and containers, at a value of more than $20,000.  

The VCC also works with event organizers to ensure leftover goods and materials are donated to local charities or community groups for re-purposing, with donations made to the Vancouver Public Library; Vancouver Orphaned Kitten Rescue Association; Vancouver Food Bank Society; Union Gospel Mission; First United Church; Salvation Army and Common Thread.

“We are truly honored to be recognized by our industry with such a meaningful award,” said Craig Lehto, VCC general manager. 

He continued, “With the size, scope and reach of our facility, along with our location in the heart of downtown Vancouver surrounded by business and local residents alike, we recognize the important role we need to play to enrich our community. We hope this award shines light on the amazing local charities we work with and that our partnerships with them, along with our efforts in sustainability, will inspire others to make a difference in their communities.”

Last fall, the VCC was awarded its second Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance (version 4)by the Canada Green Building Council, making it the only double LEED Platinum convention center in the world.

This achievement required a rigorous effort to build on the facility’s sustainable performance in areas including waste management, energy efficiency, indoor water use reduction, and facility maintenance and renovations.

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Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact