THE COUNTDOWN TO BIG HAS STARTED AT NORTHLANDS
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
‘Edmonton EXPO Centre’ unveiled as name for new $150 million facility
The ‘Countdown to Big’ has officially started, and Northlands is setting the stage for even more excitement with the formal unveiling of ‘Edmonton Exposition & Conference Centre’ (Edmonton EXPO Centre) as the name for its new $150 million trade show and conference facility. The formal unveiling was held earlier today at a stakeholder event attended by Alberta Premier, Ed Stelmach; Mike Lake, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry and Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Millwoods-Beaumont; and Edmonton Mayor, Stephen Mandel.
“Today we began the countdown to the opening of the Edmonton EXPO Centre – a facility that will boast a total of 522,000 square feet – making it the premier venue in Western Canada and the largest outside of Toronto,” said Andrew Huntley, Chair of the Northlands Board of Directors. Huntley continued by stating, “This incredible transformation for Northlands would not have been possible without the support of many partners including the Governments of Alberta, Canada, and the City of Edmonton.”
The Edmonton Exposition & Conference Centre was made possible with significant support from Northlands’ government partners. The Government of Alberta invested $50 million to the project, in addition to $25 million contributed by the Government of Canada. “Edmonton is rightly proud of this wonderful new facility,” said Premier Ed Stelmach, whose government contributed $50 million. “This building will attract thousands of people to the city for business and tourism every year, giving a tremendous boost to Edmonton’s economy,” he added. “My government has been very pleased to contribute to such an excellent and worthwhile project."
In recognition of the Government of Alberta’s contribution, Northlands dedicated the Alberta Ballroom within the Edmonton EXPO Centre. “Our Government is proud to participate in today’s naming ceremony,” said MP Lake. “This project is a reflection of our Government’s commitment to invest in infrastructure initiatives that build the foundation for our future and create jobs for Canadians.”
“The Edmonton EXPO Centre will open the door for opportunities that weren’t previously conceivable for our City,” said Edmonton Mayor, Stephen Mandel. “It will confirm our leadership position in the convention, tourism, tradeshow and entertainment industries,” he added. “The most significant facility of its kind in all of Western Canada belongs right where it is – here in Alberta’s Capital.”
Northlands’ vision for its new trade show and conference facility is to position the organization at the forefront of Canada’s trade and consumer show, and entertainment industries while ensuring that Edmonton achieves its potential as a key trade and tourism destination.
When officially opened this December, the Edmonton EXPO Centre will effectively double the size of Northlands existing trade show and conference space – boasting an additional 220,000 square feet including four new exhibit halls, a grand ballroom and world-class conference and catering facilities. Visit the Edmonton EXPO Centre website for more information on ‘The Countdown to Big.’
