Vancouver Convention Centre is British Columbia’s flagship waterfront conference venue, comprising East and West buildings with a total of 43,340 m² (466,500 ft²) of meeting and exhibition space. It hosts over 500 events and welcomes more than 1.6 million visitors annually, generating substantial regional economic impact.

Buildings & Architecture

East Building: Located within Canada Place, this component offers 12,400 m² of column-free exhibition space, 20 meeting rooms, large ballroom, and shared infrastructure with the cruise terminal.
West Building: Opened in 2009, this award-winning LEED Platinum structure includes 20,490 m² of event space, 8,400 m² retail promenade, and parking for 450 vehicles. A 6-acre “living roof” supports urban ecology and public engagement.

Sustainability & Design
West building is globally pioneering as the first convention centre with dual LEED Platinum certification. Its living roof, waterfront promenades, and on-site water recycling systems exhibit cutting-edge green design.

Facilities & Services

Multiple exhibition halls, ballrooms, plenary rooms, outdoor plazas, and back-of-house loading zones.
Full event support: telecommunications (exclusive Bell provider), AV, rigging, security, catering, accessibility services, and on-site staffing.
Certified green initiatives include energy-efficient tech, waste diversion, and indoor environmental quality.

Visitor Experience & Surroundings

Conveniently accessible via SkyTrain, buses, ferries, and SeaBus.
Adjacent to scenic seawall, Stanley Park, Canada Place, Gastown, and nearby hotels (Fairmont, Pan Pacific).
Public art installations like “The Drop” and “Digital Orca” enrich the visitor experience.

Operational Performance
Operated by BC Pavilion Corporation (PavCo), a Crown corporation of British Columbia, the centre delivers economic benefits (approx. CAD $255 M over 12 months) and employment through direct facility jobs.

Assessment & Notes
Vancouver Convention Centre balances scale with sustainability and public integration. The living roof and green measures enhance environmental credentials, while flexible facilities accommodate conferences, exhibitions, and galas. Its premium location and comprehensive services are major draws, though mission-critical planning is advised to secure preferred dates and manage logistics efficiently.