The Event Transformer
#120 256 Wallace Street Nanaimo, BC, Canada

Attending events changes lives. So does creating them. #events #abundance

USE EVENTS TO DRIVE THE ECONOMY "It’s easy to understand why cities will leap at the opportunity to invest in new structures: Starchitect-designed buildings, could add an iconic image to the cityscape and garner positive media buzz. However, such massive public investments in permanent structures what I’ve dubbed concrete culture are bad deals and bad policy for urban economic development. Once the hoopla fades, cities can be saddled with millions in debt and mixed re...sults. Take, for example, Charlotte’s NASCAR museum. Built in 2010 at a cost of $160 million, the facility has not met attendance projections and, according to the Charlotte Observer, is losing $1 million a year. Given the economic costs and risks, why do museums, stadiums and other concrete culture receive such a privileged place in urban development? After spending 10 years conducting research, I’ve found that this privilege should end; as an alternative, cities should champion music festivals as a cheaper, adaptable way to bolster urban communities. Festivals, both big and small, are becoming a more prominent feature of our cultural landscape. These events range from small street fairs to extravagant events that inhabit a city’s downtown area for a long weekend. Unlike permanent stadiums and museums, festivals are nimble; they’re able to switch venues and change up programming if necessary. They’re also much more inclusive. Many are free to the public, utilize existing public spaces and cultural assets, spark interactions among community members and nurture positive images of urban areas, especially neighborhoods that might need a boost. [Events] are adaptable, using spaces that might otherwise go unoccupied, and they can act as platforms for existing local artistic groups. We should build the events, says Toronto Mayor John Tory, and maybe a building will follow."

Mosaicon Gaming Convention coming to #Nanaimo and the Mgmt Vicc in September. Sweet! MosaiCon Mosaic Information Technologies Downtown Nanaimo Business Improvement Association Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce Peter McGee John Hankins Paris Corbin Gaudet SquareOne

Get a consistent presence downtown #Nanaimo at The Network Hub for only $30/month. Don't let changing volunteer board members, or a home address be a barrier to progressing your event. Our MAIL service provides event producers with a year-round, professional presence treat it as if you have a physical office at The Network Hub year round; and all deliveries, drop-offs, and physical messages are greeted by a smiling receptionist. Click below for details.

The Event Transformer is put on and facilitated by Roar Representation and Nanaimo The Network Hub.