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Nova Scotia has always been a marine town, so hosting Oceans 2024 is a huge honor. It’s a perfect fit for a place where the ocean is at the heart of everything—from fishing to marine research. This event also comes as Halifax hits a new milestone, with 3.2 million event attendees and over half a billion dollars in economic impact, showing that the city is becoming a true year-round destination for big events. Halifax isn’t just a summer spot anymore—it’s proving to be a four-season city, and Oceans 2024 is a great way to show it off.
The convention is expected to draw experts, innovators, and policymakers from around the world, all focused on the future of marine industries. This year’s Oceans event offers an exciting lineup of presentations, panels, and networking opportunities, solidifying its status as a cornerstone of global marine discourse. But it’s not just the scientific discussions that will make waves—this event symbolizes a broader trend in Halifax’s thriving event industry.
The momentum behind Oceans 2024 highlights the broader success story of Events East, the organization behind the Halifax Convention Centre and Scotiabank Centre. Since 2018, Events East has overseen a steady rise in event bookings, with significant economic impact for the city. The organization reports that its bookings across both venues will have drawn more than 3.2 million attendees and generated over $500 million in economic impact by the end of this year.
What’s particularly noteworthy is the shift in event scheduling patterns. Traditionally, Halifax’s event calendar was lighter in the summer and early fall months. However, thanks to a strategic five-year plan, Events East has transformed these periods into some of the busiest on record. Conferences like Oceans 2024 and major entertainment events like the 2024 JUNO Awards and 2023 IIHF World Juniors have played a pivotal role in surpassing projections.
Carrie Cussons, President and CEO of Events East, emphasized how essential these venues have become to the region’s economy: “We set out with a clear vision to make Halifax a go-to destination for major events, and with Oceans 2024, we’re seeing that strategy pay off. Reaching the milestone of $500 million in economic impact underscores just how important these events are to the city and province.”
The impact is clear. By the end of 2023, the Halifax Convention Centre will have hosted nearly 1,000 events, generating $305 million in economic benefit. The Scotiabank Centre, meanwhile, has welcomed 2.8 million guests over the past five years, contributing $226 million in economic impact.
As Oceans 2024 sets the stage for another round of international attention, it’s clear that Halifax’s venues are not only drawing in crowds but also reshaping the local economy. Events East’s success is a testament to the city’s growing appeal as a destination for both local and global audiences. With continued growth on the horizon, Halifax is well-positioned to keep making waves in the event industry for years to come.
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