The 32nd Rendez-Vous Canada travel trade show is expected to attract more than 1,600 buyers and sellers. Here’s our list of 10 things not to miss…
Rendez-Vous Canada, the country’s premier event for the international travel trade, will take place from May 24-28 at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia.
In addition to showcasing the best of what Canada’s tourism industry has to offer, the four-day event will give delegates the opportunity to witness preparations for the 2010 Winter Olympics.
1. Find your feet
To help first-timers get their bearings, the organiser has laid on an orientation session on the first morning. The ‘How to RVC’ seminar will be run by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada.
When and where? Sunday May 25, from 9am-10am in room 11 (second floor).
2. Attend a seminar
Buyers who are confused following the Canadian government’s decision last year to replace the Visitor Rebate Programme with a Foreign Convention and Tour Incentive Programme can get some clarification at a session hosted by the Canada Revenue Agency.
When and where? Sunday May 25, 10.30am-11am, room 12, Vancouver Convention Center.
3. Stop for lunch
The daily hosted lunches provide a good opportunity to network and learn more about Canada. On Sunday, Parks Canada will provide information about the country’s national parks and historic sites.
On Monday, Banff Lake Louise Tourism will unveil the destination’s key attractions; on Tuesday you’ll be hosted by the Canadian Tourism Commission; and on the last day, Travel Alberta will woo delegates with highlights from eastern Canada.
When and where? All lunches are in Exhibit Hall C from 12pm-1.30pm, except on Sunday, when it is at 11.45am-1pm.
4. Pick up tips
Newcomers to RVC might like to seek out old hands who can give them some tips. Those who have attended more than 20 will be easy to spot this year as they will all receive plaques commemorating their participation.
When and where? The plaques will be given out at the How to RVC session on Sunday May 25 from 9am-10am in room 11 (second floor).
5. Mingle
Delegates are invited to a welcome reception on Sunday evening, co-hosted by Tourism Vancouver and Tourism Whistler. It’s a good chance to network and to sample local food, drink and entertainment.
When and where? Sunday May 25, 7pm-9pm, Pan Pacific Hotel.
6. Party
Let your hair down to classic Canadian rock at the CityPass Takin’ Care of Business free party night. To get an entry pass, contact the sponsor Fantasyland Hotel, West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton Tourism or City Passports at RVC.
When and where? Monday May 26, the Commodore Ballroom, Granville Street, Vancouver, from 9pm-1.30am.
7. Take a tour
Vancouver and Whistler are gearing up to host the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Although there are no spaces left on the official RVC pre and post-conference tours, delegates should try to visit one of the competition venues, including Whistler Olympic Park and Cypress Mountain.
8. See something new
There will be lots of new products to see this year, including zorbing in the Canada Olympic Park and hands-on marine programmes from Remote Passages Marine Excursions.
9. Take a break
Travel Alberta will provide a Relaxation Zone with juice bar and eight therapists offering back, neck and foot massages. Appointments can be made on site by Alberta sellers, buyers and VIPs.
When and where? In the delegate lounge, next to the marketplace, from 1pm-5pm on May 25 and from 8am-5pm on May 26-28.
10. Eat, drink and relax
Delegates are invited to sample the local food, wine and entertainment at British Columbia’s Share the Excitement party. The tourist board promises “a few surprises for everyone”, but is keeping the details under wraps until the big night.
