Meeting Planners Take A Cross-Country Stroll To Fredericton Convention Centre

FREDERICTON – After abruptly losing business at the beginning of the pandemic, the Fredericton Convention Centre launched a new campaign to keep their momentum going.

The campaign, called Fractive, called on over 60 meeting planners from across the country to participate in a 21-day walking challenge, running from late January until mid-February.

“[Fractive] was a really great way to keep Fredericton and the FCC top of mind, while we can’t currently welcome delegates,” said Erin Blanchard, Director of Sales for the Fredericton Convention Centre.

Since the pandemic has put a stop to large social gatherings, the FCC sought new ways to engage meeting planners across the country.

“In November, we had hosted a series of client advisory sessions with meeting planners from across the country,” said Blanchard. “During that call, we learned that our clients were spending most of their time at home, looking for educational opportunities, and were enjoying gameification.”

The challenge encouraged participants to measure their steps for 21 days and register them in an online platform called Movespring. At the end of the 21 days, participants collectively walked enough steps to make it from Fredericton to Vancouver.

Participants were able to set their own goals and were encouraged to share their daily strolls on social media, which many did.

“The engagement that we experienced has reiterated more than ever how important relationships are in the meetings and convention industry,” said Blanchard.

Blanchard says the convention centre is developing new ideas to keep the momentum going for the rest of the year. For now, she is happy the event reminded participants of Fredericton for when they can host events once again.

“It’s been a great way for us to remind clients about what a great destination Fredericton is and what a great meeting venue the Fredericton Convention Centre is,” she said. “It’s been our opportunity to remind our clients that we’re here to help them now and we’ll be here to help them when it’s time to return to face to face meetings.”

Liam Floyd is a reporter for Huddle. Send him story suggestions: [email protected].