The Halifax Convention Centre announced today, June 14, they have secured the 2018 Canadian Brewing Awards and Conference.

“We’re thrilled to provide a platform to showcase our province’s vibrant craft brewery industry to the rest of the country,” said Mark Furey, Minister of Business. “Events like this highlight our local expertise and inspire visitors to experience all that our province has to offer.”

Nearly 500 representatives from breweries from across the country will come to Nova Scotia and the new Halifax Convention Centre in May 2018. The three-day event will feature keynote speakers, vendor exhibitions, networking events and a closing awards gala.

“Our city is a perfect backdrop for this event, with countless breweries, pubs and restaurants featuring local products all within steps of our new centre,” said Mike Savage, mayor, Halifax Regional Municipality. “We’re so proud of our local brewing industry and are excited for the opportunity to showcase our talent to the rest of the country.”

The successful bid was a partnership between Discover Halifax, the Halifax Convention Centre and the Craft Brewers Association of Nova Scotia.

“Nova Scotia is home to more craft breweries per capita than any other province, with many who have received national and international recognition, including gold medals at the 2017 Canadian Brewing Awards,” said Rob Engman of the Canadian Brewing Awards and Conference. “Halifax was a natural fit for the 2018 conference.”

To date, the centre has secured 74 national and international events, with more than 54,000 visitors who will generate an estimated $77 million in direct spending. Including the Canadian Brewing Awards and Conference, the centre is approaching its projected delegate target for 2018 with a mix of significant national and international events.

“Our new centre continues to draw strong interest from national and international clients and we can’t wait to open our doors later this year,” said Carrie Cussons, president and CEO of Events East, which manages the Halifax Convention Centre. “Together with our community, we know that we will deliver an amazing event experience and make Nova Scotians proud.”

The Halifax Convention Centre is part of the Nova Centre, a one-million square-foot, mixed-used development including a hotel, financial tower and retail space. It is the largest integrated development project in the province's history. The funding of the convention centre is shared between three levels of government, totaling $169.2 million.

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