Destination Canada has announced the launch of the Canadian Visionaries Network (CVN) to encourage business events planners to consider Canada for their next conference or other event.

“The CVN is composed of Canada’s network of academic, industry, and association leaders, whose knowledge capital and industry excellence has helped to secure high-profile conference wins aligned with Canada’s six priority economic sectors,” Destination Canada explained. “The CVN currently consists of 28 founding members across these key sectors including: life sciences, agribusiness, advanced manufacturing, finance and insurance, technology, and natural resources.”

The goal of the CVN is to support the growth of local conference ambassador programs from coast-to-coast-to-coast — whose priority will continue to focus on the bidding opportunities that bring international events to Canada — and raise awareness of the country’s immense intellectual capital offerings, promoting Canada on the international stage.

“Canada is home to visionary minds pushing the boundaries of global innovation,” says Virginie De Visscher, senior director of business events at Destination Canada. “This expertise is especially important for attracting international conferences to the country’s diverse destinations, as it gives organizations the chance to supercharge their event agendas with acclaimed keynote speakers, captivating state-of-the-art site tours, unparalleled networking opportunities and more.”

The CVN wants to encourage business and events planners to see the value in Canada’s thought leaders to encourage the hosting of business events in the country, as well as strengthening local conference ambassador programs and bid activity.

“Among Canada’s many strengths as a host for international business events, it’s the thought leaders and an openness to collaborating, sharing ideas and innovation, that truly puts Canada in a league of its own,” De Visscher added. “The Canadian Visionaries Network exemplifies this as well as the integral role these talented and inspiring individuals have to play in our industry’s resilience. The CVN also includes several TED speakers from TED@Destination Canada, a first-of-its kind event and partnership with TED that was held in New York this past February.”

In 2022, Canada hosted nearly 430 international business events and welcomed approximately 271,000 international business event visitors.

You can find more information on about the CVN here.