RBC Convention Centre draws thousands to Winnipeg

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.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "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.

Get daily National news

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

RELATED: Winnipeg mayor slams “not cool” hotel development plan

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.

RELATED: Winnipeg’s Convention Centre turns purple for Prince

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.