Pandemic Pivots The one good thing about having lots of space is the ability to use it when needed. And that’s what a number of convention centres were able to do during lockdown. Some novel uses, some common sense, but having large amounts of space came in handy for some facilities to keep the lights on and people working. In Toronto, aka Hollywood North, the Enercare Centre and the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) were able to use their space for fi lm and television shoots. Laura Purdy, general manager at Enercare, says, “We converted our space into a fi lm studio and managed to help with over 30 feature fi lms and streaming service productions. Some of them were here for six months. We practiced COVID and all infection protocols. When we knew in 2020 we weren’t going to be open to the public, we took fi lm bookings for six months at a time, they kept extending, so we ended up operating as a fi lm studio until October of 2021.” Meanwhile, in Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto, the vast halls were perfect for safely administering vaccinations. Claire Smith, vice president sales and marketing for the Vancouver Convention Centre, says, “We were never closed down com- pletely, we were able to support the health care system as a vaccination centre and a COVID testing sorting centre. We also rented out our meeting rooms for contract tracing for BC.” In addition, the halls were used for professional exams and several immersive art experiences, featuring Van Gogh and Picasso. The Fredericton Convention Centre (FCC) and the MTCC were temporarily used as law courts. Lorenz Hassenstein, CEO of MTCC, says, “We worked with the Ontario court sys- tem, they were struggling with the social distancing required. We were able to help out until they could do remote or online services.” Erin Blanchard, director of sales for FCC, says, “I t was defi nitely a silver lining that we were able to enter into an agreement with the New Brunswick Department of Justice for about 18 months. It was a win-win, when our industry couldn’t meet, our ballroom became two large courtrooms, and smaller rooms were used as judge’s offi ces. They provided all their own security and logistics and our spaces off ered safety for all concerned.” instant connectivity and smaller breakout areas that safely facilitate face-to-face meetings. The new space includes 350,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space, 80,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and a 50,000-sq.-ft. ballroom all spread over three fl oors. The stacked design concept makes distances from exhibit to meeting to ballroom effi cient for delegates when attending a large convention that simulta- neously incorporates a trade show, educational programming and plenaries. The outdoor plaza connects the facility with Calgary’s vibrant Victoria Park neighborhood. Park neighborhood. an agreement with the New Brunswick Department of Justice an agreement with the New Brunswick Department of Justice an agreement with the New Brunswick Department of Justice for about 18 months. It was a win-win, when our industry for about 18 months. It was a win-win, when our industry for about 18 months. It was a win-win, when our industry couldn’t meet, our ballroom became two large courtrooms, couldn’t meet, our ballroom became two large courtrooms, couldn’t meet, our ballroom became two large courtrooms, couldn’t meet, our ballroom became two large courtrooms, and smaller rooms were used as judge’s offi ces. They and smaller rooms were used as judge’s offi ces. They and smaller rooms were used as judge’s offi ces. They and smaller rooms were used as judge’s offi ces. They provided all their own security and logistics and our spaces provided all their own security and logistics and our spaces provided all their own security and logistics and our spaces provided all their own security and logistics and our spaces provided all their own security and logistics and our spaces off ered safety for all concerned.” off ered safety for all concerned.” off ered safety for all concerned.” provided all their own security and logistics and our spaces off ered safety for all concerned.” off ered safety for all concerned.” Fall 2022 | Ignitemag.ca | 65
