The Halifax Convention Centre will host a Welcome Weekend open to the public Jan. 12-14, providing an opportunity to tour the new facility. 

“We know our state-of-the-art facility will make Nova Scotians proud," said Carrie Cussons, president and CEO of the Halifax Convention Centre. “We can’t wait to welcome the community to our new Centre and give people a sneak peek before we begin hosting visitors from around the world.”

Friday, Jan. 12, from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., there will be an after-work networking opportunity and tours of the new facility. Attendees will be encouraged to continue the evening at one of the many neighbouring restaurants and pubs downtown. 

Saturday, Jan. 13, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., is a family-themed event including a screening of Finding Dory, face painting, tours and light refreshments. 

Sunday, Jan. 14, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., there will be live music from East Coast Music Association artists Don Ross, Kim Harris and Reeny Smith and along with tours and light refreshments.

All events are free and open to the public.

The facility will host its first client event, the Canadian Junior Weightlifting Nationals on Jan. 20. There are 90 events in total booked for 2018, bringing an estimated 75,000 delegates and more than $50 million in new money to the province. This includes 44 national and international conventions. 

The Halifax Convention Centre is part of the Nova Centre, a one-million square-foot, mixed-used development including a hotel, financial towers, public plaza, retail space and parking. 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.

For more information, visit HalifaxConventionCentre.com/Welcome.

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