Event Tourism in Truro ::: Colchester, Nova Scotia

Event Tourism in Truro ::: Colchester, Nova Scotia

History of Event Tourism in the Region Strong hosting history 2007 Nova Scotia 55+ Games 2006 Hockeyville NHL Exhibition Game 2004 Canadian Table Tennis Championships 2002 Fred Page Cup 2000-01 World Under 17 Hockey Challenge 1998 Allan Cup 1997 Super Seniors Golf Championship of Canada Many CAA Championships Annual Homegrown Festivals & Events - Dutch Mason Blues Festival - Not Since Moses Run - Tatamagouche Tattoo New position created in 2010 by Colchester RDA

Role 1. Work with community groups to attract new events to the region 2. Work with existing community groups to help grow their existing events and festivals 3. Create new events in the region that will attract visitors from outside of the region 4. Create an economic impact!

Early Strategy Liaise with various community groups Liaise with PSOs Bring people together in the community who have an interest in event tourism and get them involved Destination Colchester advisory committee formed

Successes Bid submissions 2011 & 2012 Maritime Horseshoe Pitching Championship 2012 Under 21 Women s Canadian Fastpitch Championship 2013 Fred Page Cup 2013 Nova Scotia 55+ Games 2014 Nova Scotia Music Week

2012 Under 21 Women s Canadian Fastpitch Championship Partnership with North River Recreation Association and the North River Softball Hosting Society 14 teams in total Representation from every province 600+ room nights Thousands of dollars in new upgrades to Leo Blair Fields

2013 Fred Page Cup Bid submitted in November 2011 Partnership with the Truro Bearcats The best 4 Eastern Canadian Junior A teams Numerous scouts and hockey personnel First place Bearcats team in 2012-13

2013 Nova Scotia 55+ Games Bid submitted during summer 2011 Partnerships with recreation departments and seniors groups Over 20 activities Projecting 800 participants

2014 Nova Scotia Music Week Bid submitted in 2011 Partnership with Marigold Cultural Centre and Cobequid Arts Council Expecting 800+ delegates $891,000 EI in Yarmouth County

2011 & 2012 Maritime Horseshoe Pitching Championship Over 75 participants from across the Maritimes

Supporting existing events Worked with Blues Festival organizing committee to help it have its most successful year in 2010 2.1 million dollar economic impact in 2010

Creation of a new event 5KM Race 5 Unique Obstacles Spaghetti supper and kids activities Steady growth since first year

Purpose of Strategy Event tourism strategy recently completed this year Provide more focus Economic driver and branding mechanism Help maximize usage of current and future facilities Improve collaboration on events Improve sustainability and success of events

Strategy Priorities Event targets should be i) sports events ii) festivals Need an events clearinghouse Need volunteer database for event organizers Need facility inventory for event promoters Need an event attraction and development fund More collaboration and information sharing

What has been accomplished or is underway Event facility inventory near completion Marketing levy being explored

Next Steps Solidify Destination Colchester advisory committee Have members agree on terms of reference Secure event attraction and development fund Create volunteer database Create events clearinghouse Complete facility inventory