Collaborating with MIND Partnership: An Interview with Bob Gill, Chair of IEEE Vancouver Section
With a mandate to advance technological innovation and excellence for the benefit of humanity, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is the world’s largest technological professional organization. The organization inspires, educates and promotes the exchange of cutting-edge technical information through several quality publications; development of industry standards in a broad range of technologies; over 1,600 conferences and events hosted annually; and professional activities delivered globally and in regional sections.
IEEE Vancouver Section has collaborated with MIND Partnership, Destination Vancouver and the Vancouver Convention Centre for over a decade, with a mutual goal of increasing awareness of Vancouver as a coveted international meetings destination. We sat down with Bob Gill, chair of IEEE Vancouver Section, Computer Society, to learn about IEEE’s local and global work, and the importance of attracting global conferences to Vancouver.
Let’s start at the beginning. When did IEEE first connect with MIND Partnership?
We connected with Destination Vancouver and MIND Partnership in 2011, and a common goal swiftly emerged – promoting Vancouver to IEEE with the goal of attracting the association’s conferences to our city. We started helping each other, and since then we’ve hosted several IEEE conferences in Vancouver.
Why should associations connect with local destination marketing organizations or organizations like MIND Partnership?
Having the support of Destination Vancouver and MIND Partnership has definitely improved engagement among IEEE delegates traveling here for conferences. While we focus on conference logistics, they are able to enhance the delegate experience outside of the boardroom – whether securing room blocks at reduced rates, offering delegate badges or discounts, or gifting local swag to attendees.
In addition, MIND Partnership sponsors IEEE’s Annual General Meeting each year. And, when IEEE’s headquarter team travels here for site inspections or meetings, they help us create memorable experiences that showcase the best of Vancouver, such as attending a Vancouver Canucks hockey game.
Destination Vancouver and MIND Partnership have been an excellent partner to us over the years. I believe this type of collaboration is necessary among tourism and industry to promote destinations as potential hosts and attract international conferences.
How does the IEEE Vancouver Section attract global engineering conferences?
We travel to other associations’ engineering conferences and promote Vancouver through displays, presentations and stories. We also play the Vancouver destination video that MIND Partnership provided to us – it’s a compelling tool that shares the best of our city, and it’s always helpful to show associations the types of experiences their delegates could have if they selected Vancouver as a host city.
Among my many roles with IEEE Vancouver Section is conference activities chair. We spend a lot of time dreaming up ways to enhance and boost the appeal of our Vancouver conferences. Destination Vancouver has been a great partner by giving us the latest information on venues, accommodations, group tours and incentive experiences. And MIND Partnership has introduced us to fellow industry professionals who are equally passionate about raising the profile of Vancouver and bringing important meetings here.
How many IEEE conferences have been hosted in Vancouver to date?
Prior to the pandemic, we welcomed anywhere between 40 and 60 IEEE conferences in Vancouver each year. I worked on at least half of them as part of the Organizing Committee, which oversees all logistics, and the Technology Program Committee, which assures the integrity and quality of each conference.
What's next for IEEE Vancouver Section?
My goal is to bring the IEEE Global Communications Conference (GLOBECOM) to the Vancouver Convention Centre in the near future. It’s typically attended by over 2,500 delegates, and hosting it would be a huge win for the city. I’m in the process of championing Vancouver to IEEE and will definitely call on MIND Partnership for support throughout the bidding process.
To learn more about MIND Partnership, visit www.mindpartnership.ca.