Q & A

 

Jack Tillar
General Manager
Vancouver

Contact Jack Tillar

 

How long has TBA operated in this destination?

We have been exceeding client expectations in Vancouver for over 20 years! As a top Vancouver DMC, we know this city inside and out - it's people, hotels, venues and attractions. We'd love to share it with you!

What is there to do in Vancouver that is not to be missed?

Majestic mountains, sparkling ocean, rainforests and beautiful foliage year round make Vancouver one of the most beautiful cities in the world. So it is only natural that any activity that allows you to experience some of this grandeur is not to be missed! And only in Vancouver's temperate climate can our clients ski the North Shore Mountains, hit a golf ball on the greens and sail English Bay all in the same day!

What is Vancouver's infrastructure for conferences and incentive programs like?

Vancouver International Airport has consistently been rated as one of North America's top airports. Hotel accommodations range to suit every need, including two AAA Five-Diamond rated properties. Meeting and convention facilities are leading edge. The Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre (VCEC) is British Columbia's flagship convention facility, hosting delegates from all over the world. A winner of numerous awards, the VCEC received the prestigious and highly competitive Apex Award for "World's Best Convention Centre" in 2002 and was named a finalist in 2004. An extraordinary expansion project is well underway that will more than triple the size of the existing centre. Once completed in early 2009, meeting, exhibit and function space will total almost 500,000 square feet (45,690 square meters). Sitting on the water's edge by the beautiful Pacific Ocean, breath-taking views of the ocean and mountains are the backdrop to all events.

Tell me about an unusual venue…

Set on the cliffs jutting out over the Pacific Ocean, the Museum of Anthropology is one of the most dramatic and remarkable structures in Vancouver. This award-winning building, designed by architect Arthur Erickson, was inspired by Indian longhouses. The Museum of Anthropology has achieved an international reputation for its collections from the First Nations of British Columbia, as well as its displays from cultures around the world. It is an incredible location to hold a First Nations evening event. And, a major expansion is underway! The venue is increasing its size by 50% by 2009.

What’s hot?

The 2010 Vancouver Olympics! Everyone in the city is excited about the upcoming Vancouver/Whistler Winter Games. Vancouver will host figure skating, hockey, speed skating, freestyle skiing and snowboarding. If you are bringing your group to Vancouver, a great theme right now is to tie the spirit of the games into your conference or incentive program.

Tell us about Vancouver's "Green Meetings"…

Vancouver is a city that promotes ‘sustainability in action’. We value our spectacular destination and wish to continue enjoying our environment; therefore we are making an effort to preserve it.

• > Tourism Vancouver has committed to "greening" all of its air travel with the purchase of carbon offset credits through Uniglobe Travel's Green Flight program, the only program of its type in Canada. Tourism Vancouver is the first destination marketing organization to commit to offsetting all of their flights through the program. A great idea for your next conference!
• > David Suzuki, chair of the David Suzuki Foundation and an award-winning scientist and environmentalist was born, raised and currently lives in Vancouver. He was also a professor at the University of British Columbia (1969 - 2001). An inspiring speaker for your next meeting!
• > The Vancouver Parks Board maintains more than 200 parks and 11 miles of beaches in Greater Vancouver. More than 12 new parks have been added to the city in the last 10 years. A sunset dinner in a park is a perfect way to enjoy Vancouver’s scenery.
• > More than half (58%) of the city's waterfront is public. The longest continuous stretch is 23 kilometres stretching from Crab Park to Kitsilano Beach Park. Spend the afternoon teambuilding by cruising along the beaches in a kayak.
• > Many of our hotels take pride in being socially responsible in the community, participating in promoting many ‘green’ efforts in an effort to minimize their ecological footprint.
• > TBA Global offers green meeting options for our clients. We hope you make your next event a green one!

Contact Jack Tillar