WINNIPEG — It’s convention central in Winnipeg this weekend.
The new expansion to the RBC Convention Centre has helped bring in the large scale events that officials say would otherwise not have normally fit.
“2015 was a good solid average year with 615 to 620 events throughout the year. This year already 720 events are booked,” said Klaus Lahr, the CEO and President of the RBC Convention Centre.
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Lahr explains that pre-expansion the centre would hold anywhere from 500 to 1,200 people. Now, this weekend alone, at least 5,000 to 6,000 people will pack the convention centre with three major events, instead of one.
The centre has now taken its place as 4th largest in the country. Sitting just behind Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. Tourism officials said this has given Winnipeg, the centre of North America, the chance to be the central meeting point for larger conventions. Meaning instead of flying to the east or west, delegates are now being given the chance to meet more centrally.
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Lahr said with the growth of tourism in Winnipeg, comes a greater need for places for delegates to stay. Right now, he says the over 3,000 people in town for the Liberal Convention are spread across at least 25 different hotels.
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