Conference Centre Facilities

Designed with flexibility in mind.

An inspiring space spurs good ideas. It fosters memorable moments. It leaves a lasting impression. And that’s what the new Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo is all about. Function spaces can be turned into salons, meeting rooms, tradeshow floors and pre-function areas. The entire facility may be rented exclusively or modules of function spaces will allow several events to be accommodated at the same time.

The Vancouver Island Conference Centre is an ideal space for up to 1,300 delegates attending meetings, conferences and events. One level below is the new Nanaimo Museum (also opening in 2008), a unique venue for receptions and dinners. The entire complex, dubbed the Port of Nanaimo Centre, features three levels:

Module 1: Conference & Auditorium Level

• 13,697 sq. ft. ballroom divisible into four salons, ideal for meetings, exhibits and banquets
• Five multi-purpose meeting rooms, all with windows, ranging from 668–1,004 sq. ft.
• A spacious pre-function area perfect for registration, receptions, refreshment breaks and exhibits

Module 2: Shaw Auditorium

• 200-seat Shaw Auditorium wired with the latest technology
• A 1,868 sq. ft. multi-purpose meeting room, divisible into two rooms
• A pre-function area that flows to an outside terrace area ideal for refreshment breaks

Module 3: Museum Level

Houses the 16,000 sq. ft. Nanaimo Museum as well as retail shops accessible from the street. Not only will it be an attraction featuring the history and heritage of Nanaimo and Vancouver Island, but it will also offer unique, versatile space for receptions and dinners. This level also provides a distinct module of meeting space:

• A 2,658 sq. ft. multi-purpose meeting room, divisible into two rooms
• A pre-function area that accesses Commercial Street and downtown’s unique shops and restaurants
  
• A business centre available to both event organizers and delegates

Parking Level (Lower Level – Gordon Street)

Houses the parking garage accommodating 300 parking spaces. This level also provides exhibitors freight elevator access to the Conference and Auditorium Level.

The adjacent Port Theatre with 800 seats can be accessed for larger general sessions, meetings and symposia. Attendees and families may also enjoy a live performance in one of Canada's leading performing arts centres.

More event space

The Vancouver Island Conference Centre is within walking distance to many of the guestrooms available in Nanaimo. All hotels provide supplemental function and exhibit space for larger events.

A great event often includes a unique cultural experience, and Nanaimo has plenty of options. Here are a few venues that will give delegates a taste of the local colour in Nanaimo and beyond.

• The new Nanaimo Museum, Located within the conference complex; ideal for everything from intimate receptions to public galas.
• Art galleries, museums and restaurants, Within walking distance; small and large groups hosted for various functions.
• Newcastle Island, Accessible by passenger ferry (5 min.) from Nanaimo’s inner harbour; a dramatic setting for fully catered receptions and banquets.
• Dinner theatre, In the town of Chemainus (35 min. south); an entertaining night out at the Chemainus Theatre.
• Quw’utsun Cultural Centre, In the town of Duncan (45 min. south); a traditional native experience.

Let us help

Centre sales staff will be pleased to assist conference and event planners in securing additional function space or block-booking guestrooms for delegates and event attendees. Whether your group requires 50 or 500 guestrooms per night, let us research accommodation options suitable to your group’s needs.

If you’re planning off-site functions or partner programs, we’ll refer you to destination management companies and event organizers who can assist you with the details.