Shaw Conference Centre

• The Shaw Conference Centre estimated economic impact for Greater Edmonton was $43.5 million in 2009. The Shaw Conference Centre also experienced its sixth consecutive year of revenue growth in 2009, far exceeding its financial targets.
• The Shaw Conference Centre has reached capacity and studies show it must double in size to remain competitive in the convention market. EEDC's vision is to grow a stronger convention industry and contribute to Edmonton's economic diversification.
• The Shaw Conference Centre has been managed by Edmonton Economic Development Corporation since 1993.
• The area in Grierson Hill where the Shaw Conference Centre now resides was originally a coal mine in operation from 1892 and 1893.
• The Shaw Conference Centre has seen over ten million guests in its 25 years of operation.
• Construction of the Shaw Conference Centre was one of the largest soil and rock excavations ever undertaken in the world to accommodate a building. Approximately 70 per cent of the Shaw Conference Centre is located underground. This burrowing conceals the fact the building is over 10 storeys high.
• The Shaw Conference Centre’s 2009 environmental efforts resulted in 110 metric tonnes of organic waste being diverted from the landfill to the city’s composting plant. With the 25 tonnes of cardboard recycled, the Shaw Conference Centre reduced its garbage disposal by about 60 per cent.
• The Shaw Conference Centre was awarded the 2008 Human Rights Award for Excellence by Human Rights City of Edmonton, thanks to the organization of Edmonton’s first Homeless Connect, which offered free services to at-risk individuals and Everyone for Edmonton, an event that provided the city’s non-profits a day to network and recruit volunteers.
• The Shaw Conference Centre is a BOMA Go Green certified venue and is committed to responsible environmental practices. Planners can “green” their events with Shaw Conference Centre’s Simple Steps, an industry-leading, eco-friendly planning program.
• Created in partnership with Edmonton Tourism, the Shaw Conference Centre and leading hospitality organizations, the FRESH initiative combines important meeting, conference and event elements with innovative environmental, social and economic programs. FRESH was created to inspire, to protect the environment, to strengthen our community, and to change perceptions about Edmonton.www.edmonton.com/fresh
• Award winning Chef Simon Smotkowicz is the 2010 Team Business Manager for Culinary Team Canada. Pastry Chef James Holehouse is one of six chefs that will represent Canada in the 2012 World Culinary Olympics.

For more information on the Shaw Conference Centre please visit their website.