About Vancouver
Vancouver, British Columbia is one of the most desirable cities in Canada to live, work and visit. Situated on the west coast of Canada, it boasts a mild climate and a vibrant culture that has made it an international destination for leisure and business. In addition to being the home of global corporations such as Telus, IBM, Microsoft, and EA Sports, Vancouver hosts numerous conventions, corporate gatherings, and other important events each year.
Considered the third-largest film production center in North America, due to the many Hollywood films shot here every year, the city earned the “Hollywood North” moniker. The city hosts numerous functions annually, with selections of boardrooms and larger conference facilities available.
Private meeting spaces in Vancouver range from luxurious hotels with world-class conference rooms to cozy outdoor spaces with breathtaking views of nature. The city also offers a variety of unique event spaces such as galleries, theaters, and even historical sites.
Private Meeting Options in Vancouver
- Catering
Hiring a caterer for a private meeting in Vancouver can be an excellent option to provide attendees with delicious and refreshing food. The city’s catering services offer a wide variety of menu options, ranging from small finger foods to elaborate multi-course meals. Most caterers also customize menus for different budgets to accommodate special dietary requirements.
- Transportation
Create an impression before the meeting starts by transporting your business acquaintances to the private meeting space in style. Particularly if you are hosting larger groups of people, the city’s vehicle rental companies offer chauffeur services that ensure everyone gets where they should be on time and safely. Their selection of luxury vehicles comes with amenities such as air conditioning, music, and refreshments to make the journey more comfortable and enjoyable.
- Music
Professional live performers who specialize in various genres such as classical and jazz music are available for hire in Vancouver. DJs can also provide some much-needed acoustics during interludes, helping to entertain attendees and make the event more memorable.
Private Meeting Vendors in Vancouver
- Emelle's Catering
Emelle's Catering is a premier catering service based in Vancouver, BC offering award-winning cuisine with customized menus that reflect the freshest ingredients. Founded in 1999 they cater to diverse clients, whether you are planning a wedding, corporate event, fundraiser, luncheon, or office. Their services range from drop-off services for convenience to full catering for elevated experiences with boxed catered meal options.
- Doe Bender Jazz Trio
Led by keyboard and vocalist Doe Bender, Doe Bender Jazz Trio provides acoustic during diverse occasions. Their lineup of instruments includes a keyboard, acoustic bass, and a third dynamic instrument such as guitar, saxophone, drums, flute, or trumpet, all skillfully alternating between blues, Latin rhythms, and pop. With equipment from PA to lights arranged to fit any setup, their captivating performances will bring life to the most intimate dinner or cocktail hour through upbeat swing melodies and an unforgettable experience.
- Intralink Transportation
Intralink Transportation Services has provided the highest quality chauffeur services to the Vancouver area since 2012. The company prioritizes luxurious, comfortable transportation with experienced and reliable drivers. Their services are perfect for special events, conferences, or any other official trip needs, customers know they can rely on Intralink to arrive in a clean and new limo, sedan, SUV, or bus to their destination rapidly and safely.
Pros and Cons of Private Meetings in Vancouver
When planning a private meeting in Vancouver, it's essential to consider the potential benefits and challenges associated with this popular destination. To help make your decision more informed, here is an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of hosting such an event.
Advantages
- Vancouver has an excellent reputation for being one of the most livable cities in the world, with an abundance of high-end amenities and leisure activities to make any private meeting most enjoyable.
- The city offers diverse event venues ranging from cozy coffee shops to grand banquet halls.
- As a major port and hub for international trade, holding a private meeting in Vancouver allows participants from around the world to travel easily.
Disadvantages
- The weather can be unpredictable during certain times of the year and rain might interfere with outdoor activities or unexpected delays due to poor conditions could disrupt plans.
- Some parts of the city may not be suitable for hosting certain business functions due to noise considerations or other restrictions imposed by local authorities.
- Despite having strong public transportation infrastructure, traveling by car within the downtown core can be slow due to traffic congestion, especially during rush hours or holidays when roads are more crowded than usual.
Tips on How to Organize Private Meetings in Vancouver
Vancouver is a beautiful city filled with unique venues and attractions that make it a prime spot for hosting private meetings. To ensure your private meeting goes off without a hitch, there are several tips to keep in mind. Here are some essential tips on how to organize private meetings in Vancouver.
- Choose an appropriate venue: Before you begin the planning process, you should choose a venue that aligns with your goals and can accommodate the number of guests you are expecting. Consider locations such as hotels or conference centers, or even unique places like art galleries or outdoor spaces. Also, prioritize meeting spaces that don’t have capacity restrictions or noise ordinances that could affect your scheduled activities.
- Catering arrangements: Once you have chosen your venue, make arrangements for catering if necessary. Look into local caterers or restaurants that can provide delicious meal options for your guests, and make sure to double-check any special dietary requirements before the day of the event.
- Schedule breaks: When planning the schedule of events for your private meeting, be sure to include ample time for breaks between activities so that guests don't feel overwhelmed by long stretches of presentations or discussions. Additionally, leave some time at the end of the event to allow people to mingle and network with each other before they leave.
- Transportation Options: Depending on how many people will be attending your private meeting, it may be best to handle the transportation arrangements so that everyone can get there safely without having to worry about parking or traffic issues.
- Audio/Visual Equipment: If necessary for presentations or speeches during your private meeting, ensure audio/visual equipment is available at your chosen venue beforehand It's always helpful to have someone familiar with operating this type of technology readily available in case something goes wrong unexpectedly.
- Entertainment Options: If desired, allocate some resources towards entertainment options such as live music performances or trivia games which can help inject some fun into an otherwise formal gathering! Just remember not to over plan; everyone must have enough time during breaks throughout the day so they can relax and mingle freely with one another too!
Famous Locations in Vancouver
- Gastown
Gastown is a hip and historic neighborhood in Vancouver with something for everyone. As it’s home to some of the top restaurants, bars, cafes, and boutique stores in the city, there’s always something fun to explore. And check out the iconic Steam Clock, it’s a must-see! Don't forget that during Jazz Fest each summer, superb musicians take over Gastown's streets, so look out for live performances! Whether you're looking for unique finds or just want to fill your senses with music and culture, Gastown has something worth coming back for.
- Stanley Park
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the city with a visit to Stanley Park. Nestled downtown, the 400-hectare park offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Take time to enjoy an afternoon spent along the Pacific waterfront path surrounded by lush West Coast rainforest and abundant wildlife. Experience thrilling fun activities like rollerblading or, if you’re feeling adventurous, rent a bike and explore - Jo-e Cycles has a great rental package starting at only 7 CAD/hour plus access to a map. Whether exploring on foot or bike, Stanley Park will surely be an experience you won't forget.
- RBC Royal Bank
At RBC Royal Bank's main Vancouver branch, there's more than just access to your finances. Take the escalator up to the 2nd floor and you'll be surprised to find a large, stunning piece of First Nations artwork that greets visitors as soon as they enter. This massive carved mural is truly a sight to see and certainly adds an interesting element of culture and beauty to this financial institution. If you're in the area, definitely stop by and check it out!
