Sponsored Feature | Ignitemag.ca | 9 INNOVATIVE DINING With a creative approach to food and beverage, Exhibition Place sets itself apart from standard convention centre fare. OVG Hospitality, the exclusive caterer for Enercare Centre, Queen Elizabeth Building and Better Living Centre, curates fresh, inventive menus that showcase the diverse f avours of Toronto’s culinary scene using locally sourced ingredients. As the exclusive caterer for Beanf eld Centre, Cerise Fine Catering marries sophisticated cuisine with farm-fresh ingredients sourced from local suppliers as well as the venue’s chef’s garden. Controlling food waste while addressing food insecurity is one of several sustainability measures employed by Cerise—in partnership with Second Harvest Canada, surplus food from events is safely stored and donated to local shelters in need. DIVERSE AND WELCOMING Exhibition Place is committed to creating safe and welcoming spaces for everyone. T ey ensure barrier- free access in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and uphold a culture that champions equity and fairness. T eir dedication to embracing 2SLGBTQI+ inclusivity and diversity in their operations and services is highlighted by their recent accreditation as Rainbow Registered, awarded by the Canadian Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC). Additionally, Exhibition Place embraces and fosters gender inclusivity, boasting a robust presence of female leaders across various roles, including General Manager Laura Purdy, who also serves as Chair of the recently launched UFI North America Chapter. On a recent Meetings Today “Women T rough the Generations” webinar, Purdy says, “I think women need to take a look around and as they're climbing their own corporate ladder, as they’re making their progression in their careers, they need to put their hand out and grab the next woman behind them and bring them along with them to have that journey together.” DYNAMIC MEETINGS Spanning 192 acres along the Toronto waterfront, Exhibition Place’s expansive grounds provide countless opportunities to incorporate dynamic, interactive activations into events. Working with local partners, planners can infuse conferences with a festivalization component to enhance attendee engagement. Live entertainment, interactive installations, outdoor yoga sessions, scavenger hunts and food trucks are just a few ways to inject energy and creativity. SUSTAINABILITY COMMITMENT Recognized for their contributions to energy conservation and sustainability, Exhibition Place’s decades-long dedication to environmental stewardship is a central focus of their operations. T ey have committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 under the Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge and have signed the Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge. In addition to having two sustainably designed conference venues—the LEED Platinum-certif ed Enercare Centre and LEED Silver-certif ed Beanf eld Centre—Exhibition Place has implemented a range of sustainability initiatives under its innovative GREENSmart program. From harnessing renewable wind, solar and geothermal energy and implementing urban forestry practices, waste reduction and diversion strategies, to linen-free meeting rooms and eco-conscious food packaging, these proactive measures position Exhibition Place as the premier choice for hosting sustainable events. TWO THREE FOUR FIVE CONTACT [email protected] TO LEARN HOW WE CAN ENHANCE YOUR EVENT EXPERIENCE. Food truck alley at Collision Conference, 2023 PHOTO: RAMSEY CARDY/COLLISION VIA SPORTSFILE
