Burnaby Conference Facilities Played Key Role In Hosting International Visitors and Athletes For the Vancouver 2010 Olympics

BURNABY, BC - As the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics wrapped up at the end of February, so did much excitement surrounding Burnaby conference facilities. Minutes from downtown Vancouver, Burnaby meeting space and hotels played house to many important groups throughout the Winter Olympic period including the Russian Hockey and Dutch Speed Skating Teams, Team Czech House and the Scandinavian House.

With the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown's renovations to the guestrooms, meeting space and Crystal Ballroom complete, the 4-diamond hotel was ready to welcome the world. Host to the Dutch Speed Skating Team and the Russian Hockey team prior to the Olympics, the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown's conference space and ballroom were utilized for events much more than typically used in Burnaby hotels. The Tiffany Ballroom took form of a hospitality suite, office and dining area in one while the Waterford room made use of its attached outdoor patio to create a premiere lounge for its guests. Their recently renovated in-hotel restaurant, Reflect social dining + lounge, catered to the needs of its international guests featuring beer and cuisine from their home nations.

At the Delta Burnaby Hotel and Conference Centre, The Czech Republic took over. Not your typical metro Vancouver conference, the 7.500 sq ft Grand Villa Ballroom was converted into a 24-hour-a-day Czech House. Meeting space generally reserved for receptions, a Vancouver conference, training sessions, banquets and corporate events, was transformed into a Czech sanctuary dedicated to athletes, media, sponsors and invited guests. In-hotel restaurant EBO teamed up with celebrated Czech chef Pospisial to cater the two-week affair serving up authentic Czech creations and providing a warm welcome.

While the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown and the Delta Burnaby Hotel and Conference Centre utilized their space as private venues, the Scandinavian Centre converted itself into an Olympic venue open to the public – the Scandinavian House. Offering seated space for more than 200, the Banquet Hall and Fireside Lounge were transformed into a Scandinavian gathering place to watch events, eat, drink and mingle with visitors from all over the world. The Scandinavian Centre, which is open year-round, rents its conference space to private events as well as offers its own flavor of Scandinavia at events throughout the year.

Tourism Burnaby can assist you with bringing your next meeting or conference to Burnaby. Site inspections, hotel rates and collateral material are just the start of how we can help you plan your next event. Contact Tourism Burnaby at [email protected] for more information.

About Tourism Burnaby | Tourism Burnaby is a non-profit destination marketing organization whose purpose is to support tourism promotional activities in order to increase visitation to the city. As part of its mandate, Tourism Burnaby is responsible for marketing, promoting and selling the city as a site for corporate meetings, pleasure travel, cultural, sports and special events. The organization was incorporated on October 25, 2004 under the Society Act of British Columbia.

Ian Wish
Manger, Sales & Marketing
604-419-0375
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