At Convergence 09

We went to Convergence 09, the first day of Digital Week here in Vancouver at the spectacular new Vancouver Convention Centre. In this photo, Nic Meyer from Downtown Suites, sitting beside Rebecca Bollwitt, Miss 604, waits to hear the keynote speech from David Plouffe (far right).

Plouffe was manager for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign, and in his keynote speech shared their approach – transparency, community building, intense and savvy use of digital connectivity and social media to create the capacity for the grassroots support that proved to be the tipping point of the election. The talk is well-covered here at Techvibes.

We also took part in the Twitter session, and other events on digital branding and the future of journalism.

Since then, Nic has been tweeting much more and Twitter is more than ever a major aspect of Downtown Suites communications. Be sure to say hi to us on Twitter here: http://twitter.com/DTSuites and connect!

Convention Centre Update

One of the most impressive structures to come along Coal Harbour will be the new Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre’s western expansion. Destined to be completed by late 2008, it will cover 1.2 million square feet, or 4 city blocks. A covered walkway will connect the original eastern section of the centre with the newly built addition. Its living roof is only one part of the environmental program of this expansion. Energy conservation, and innovative recycling, food and beverage management will combine with seawater heating and cooling and on-site water treatment to create a great example of green technology for the 21st century. Plans also include a fish habitat built into the foundation.

The expansion project will more than triple the current Convention Centre’s available space and will serve as the international broadcast centre for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Their site features this illustration of how the Centre will look when completed.