Halifax Convention Centre wins ICCA Best Marketing Award

A convention centre still under construction has won the ICCA Best Marketing Award, thanks to some innovative pre-opening branding. The award was announced at the Closing Ceremony of the record-breaking 54th ICCA Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina on 4 November. Halifax Convention Centre, in Nova Scotia, came out ahead in a stronger than usual final of four, including Istanbul Convention and Visitors Bureau, ProColombia and Visit Aarhus Convention Bureau. Chairman of the all-European judging panel of six, Patrick Delaney (SoolNua), said: “Halifax had a very creative solution to a very real challenge: How to promote and sell a product that did not exist? They did so in a very novel and creative way, engaging with their customers and achieving significant results. They communicated their project in a simple and clear manner, with coherent messages.” Scott Ferguson, president & CEO of Halifax Convention Centre who had presented his venue’s campaign, which included ‘Gary the fork’ and samples of carpet being sent to clients for evaluation, said upon receiving the award: “This award provides great global recognition for the city of Halifax and the provence of Nova Scotia, and the wonderful team at the Halifax Convention Centre. Bold, simple and fun, that’s who we are.” Congress delegates were also given a preview of what they can expect from the 2016 ICCA Congress, which takes place in Sarawak, Malaysia. A tribal display was designed to ‘Awaken the Warrior Within’, the Malaysian team explained. Yang Berhormat Datuk Amar Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Sarawak Tourism Minister said: “Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, has further elevated its position in the international arena as one of the top business events destinations. This is a great privilege for us, as it has provided a great impetus to the State of Sarawak in developing local industries and enhancing our global network. Its unique offering attracts tourists and businesses, purely for the fact that Sarawak is a place where adventure meets business.”