The Canadian Alumni Network (CAN) reps took a trip to visit the Expo 2010 in Shanghai on October 22 to 24th. The group of 9 adventurers braved the elements and enjoyed their visit to the Expo site during the final full weekend.
BACKGROUNDER
Highlights of Canada's Participation at Expo 2010
Canada participated at Expo 2010 in Shanghai, which closes today (October 31, 2010). With 242 participating countries and organizations and more than 72 million visitors, it was the largest international exposition ever held.
Canada's theme at Expo 2010 was "The Living City: inclusive, sustainable, creative," which showcased our country's artistic, cultural, and democratic values and reflected the overall Expo 2010 theme chosen by China: "Better City, Better Life."
Canada's participation at Expo 2010 consisted of several elements. The Canada Pavilion was the focal point. A large portion of the pavilion was devoted to a public presentation; our participation also included a cultural program, a business program, and a culinary program.
The Canada Pavilion
Over the six months of the exposition (May 1 to October 31), the Canada Pavilion welcomed more than 6 million visitors. The numbers far surpassed the most optimistic predictions and the initial attendance goal set by Canada of 5 million visitors.
As well, 18,000 Canadians visited the Canada Pavilion, a clear indication of their support of Canada's participation at Expo 2010 Shanghai.
The design and structure of the Canada Pavilion reflected Canadian values of inclusivity, sustainability, and creativity. The three-story structure was the product of a partnership between the Government of Canada and Cirque du Soleil, with building expertise from SNC Lavalin.
The Cultural Program
The Cultural Program allowed 165 Canadian artists from the visual, literary and performing arts to showcase their work at the Canada Pavilion and to demonstrate their talent by participating in various events at the Expo 2010 presentation sites.
In all, performing artists gave 63 live performances, including 5 major shows in large venues, featuring several artists together on stage in front of a large audience.
The Business Program - Conference Centre
The Canada Pavilion Conference Centre and Visitors' Lounge welcomed more than 10,000 visitors to its business and networking activities. VIPs included 12 federal ministers, 5 provincial premiers, and 25 mayors from across Canada.
About 100 events were held, including the signing of several agreements in principle. For example, on May 16, 2010, Manulife-Sinochem Life Insurance Co. (Canada) and Bohai Bank (China) signed a $30 million agreement.
The Culinary Program
Six young chefs from across Canada joined Chef Wayne Murphy and the culinary program at the Canada Pavilion.
The young chefs served meals to more than 6,000 visitors to the Canada Pavilion, and enjoyed introducing guests and VIPs to Canadian cuisine.
The Canada Pavilion in the Chinese Media
The Canada Pavilion was ranked one of the most popular pavilions at Expo 2010.
The Chinese media praised the Canada Pavilion as the most entertaining, interesting, and "wired" pavilion at Expo 2010.
Awards and Honours
The Shanghai Morning News awarded the Canada Pavilion the Expo Oscar for most environmentally responsible pavilion.
SNC Lavalin, the company in charge of the construction of the Canada Pavilion, was named Canada Chinese Business Council "Member of the Year" at an awards ceremony held in Beijing, China, on October 13, 2010. The date also marked the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and China.
The Expo Organiser magazine and the Chinese financial daily Diyi Caijing Ribao awarded the Canada Pavilion their "Most Commercially Valuable" designation.
In July, the Canada Pavilion was consistently rated one of Expo's "top attractions." In an article entitled Five Expo "Bests," the popular Chinese website www.163.com described the Canada Pavilion as the "friendliest pavilion" in Shanghai.
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Expo 2010 Shanghai (Part 2)by richardliu18233 views
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