Rendez-vous Canada is a premier international tourism marketplace conference and as Vancouver was the 2014 host city, Destination British Columbia and Tourism Vancouver came together to host the all-delegate event “BC/Vancouver Night--Show Us Your Adventurous Side.” The E=MC2 team transformed an exhibition hall into an outdoor experience, thanks in part to 3,400 square feet of video walls.
Dramatic video wall content
Video content included high-definition landscape imagery of B.C. and Vancouver that spread across two 150-by-30-foot wall projection surfaces utilizing eight high-powered projectors and image-blend technology, along with custom-designed full wall Instagram feeds from two live sites that featured live guest uploads throughout the event, and picture-in-picture video footage of live action around the room and onstage.
Dramatic video wall content
Another dramatic scene.
Athletes amaze guests
A 150-foot aerial line took West Coast athletes from each end of the room over the heads of guests; skiers, surfers, snowboarders and kayakers zoomed across the room, while massive scene-scapes appeared on the walls, matching their sport.
BC sign anchors the event
A 50-foot 'B.C. Adventure' sign hung over the stage, with mountaineer rope extending back to the mountain bike zone. The sign was the anchor to the event and tied all theming of the action, decor and design together.
Chinatown
The event space was divided into six cohesive regions of B.C. and the lower mainland with the strategic placement of decor and food stations. Highlights included Chinatown, which served up dim sum, noodle boxes and moo shu pork under a replica of the Vancouver Chinatown gate.
RV park area
A full-size RV acted as an additional themed lounge with faux fire pit and Adirondack chairs. Next to it, the BC Slider Station food truck trailer serving up a variety of sliders in the Stanley Park-themed area.
Gastown Lounge
The Gastown Lounge featuring 'brick floors,' patio table sets with red signature sun umbrellas, the Gassy Jack Steam Clock, and, of course, a craft beer themed bar including free-flowing tapped kegs.
Aerial jumps
Giant mountain bike aerial jumps and ramps were installed behind the main stage, acting as the feature set behind stage performances.
A biker shows his stuff
A professional biker shows his stuff.
B.C. vending machine
A giant B.C. Adventure vending machine dispensed gifts included mountain bikes, kayaks and ski equipment. Two custom designs were created for the tokens and were used to differentiate prize distribution between tourism 'buyers' and 'sellers' attending the event.
Meet Mr. Bear
A life-size grizzly bear (which formerly appeared in commercials for international mega brands)--complete with animatronic head features and growling sound effects--'foraged' in the forest before posing for photos with a fly fisherman comic character and guests.
Themed photo stations
Two themed, interactive photo stations on either side of the room had guests lining up for pictures with comedic Canadian characters. Scenes included Whistler Mountain and Lions Gate Bridge.
First Nations artists
A real cedar First Nations longhouse was the backdrop for First Nations artists, who interacted with guests. Activities included live drumming, carving and painting.
River of Salmon
The 'river of salmon' in the First Nations area. As guests stepped close to a fish, it would swim away--to the bear’s dismay!
Bollywood entertainment
Onstage entertainment included solo acoustic performer Colin Bullock and a high-impact Bollywood performance from Shiamak.
Happy guests
The guests react with joy.
The Famous Players Band
And to close, The Famous Players Band took over the stage after Bollywood, performing classic hits that had partygoers dancing with shoes in hand.
