Tourism Nanaimo's Meetings and Events Toolkit

Apr 13
3 min read

For Immediate Release

April 13, 2026

Tourism Nanaimo Showcases Where Urban Meets Nature with Meetings and Events Toolkit

Planner-facing resource highlights Nanaimo’s venues, accommodations, incentives, and local support as BC’s hotel industry gathers in the city

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqdE36xEv-A

Snuneymuxw First Nation Territory, Nanaimo, B.C. - Tourism Nanaimo is shining a light on its meetings and events offering with the launch of its updated Meetings and Events Toolkit, a planner-facing resource designed to make it easier for organizers to explore Nanaimo’s venues, accommodations, delegate perks, and local planning support in one place.

The launch comes ahead of the British Columbia Hotel Association Summit, taking place April 14 to 15, 2026 at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo. The annual event will bring together more than 350 hotel owners, operators, general managers, hospitality professionals, and industry leaders from across the province, giving Tourism Nanaimo a timely opportunity to showcase the city’s growing meetings and conferences offering on home turf.

The toolkit positions Nanaimo as a destination where urban meets nature and authentic connections can lead to memorable gatherings. It highlights a mix of downtown and waterfront venues, including the Vancouver Island Conference Centre with space for up to 1,300 guests, along with local supplier support and more than 1,200 hotel rooms city-wide, while giving planners a clearer picture of the city’s group experiences, transportation options, and event incentives.

“At its best, Nanaimo offers planners something that feels both easy and distinctive,” said Gina Bethell, Business Development Manager at Tourism Nanaimo. “You have the professional infrastructure to host with confidence, but you also have local character, coastal energy, and a city that gives delegates more to connect with once they get here.”

The toolkit brings Nanaimo’s meetings offer into one place, making it easier for planners to see the full picture, from venue and hotel guidance to site inspections, delegate ideas, and bid support. It also helps dispel a common misconception: Nanaimo is easier to get to than many expect, with multiple access points by air and ferry. For planners balancing experience with budget, the resource outlines conference incentives of up to $10,000 for eligible bookings, the Outside the Box BC partnership, and the free Nanaimo Unlocked Delegate Pass, a perk packed with exclusive deals, local gems, and can’t-miss experiences curated for visiting delegates and teams. The pass gives attendees an easy way to score discounts, sip craft brews, shop indie boutiques, and experience more of the city on their own schedule.

As Tourism Nanaimo continues to grow its business events profile, the toolkit gives planners a clearer starting point and a stronger sense of what meetings in Nanaimo can look and feel like.

Media images can be found here.

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About Tourism Nanaimo:

Tourism Nanaimo is the official destination management organization for Nanaimo, British Columbia, playing a central role in how the city plans for and benefits from visitation. Rather than focusing solely on promotion, Tourism Nanaimo works across destination planning, experience and product development, business and event attraction, and strategic investment to ensure the visitor economy supports broader community outcomes.

Operating in alignment with Nanaimo ReImagined, the City of Nanaimo’s Official Community Plan, Tourism Nanaimo applies a Doughnut Economics approach to balance economic vitality with social well-being and environmental responsibility. This integrated model ensures tourism is planned as part of the city’s long-term growth and resilience, contributing to a destination that is economically strong, culturally vibrant, and livable for residents while remaining welcoming and competitive for visitors.

For more information, visit: tourismnanaimo.com, or connect socially on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok.