The goal of the event was to attract media attention locally, across Canada and around the World to the opening of Microsoft’s new space in Vancouver, B.C. We worked with the client to deliver a flawless experience for VIP dignitaries, stakeholders, clients and employees to celebrate Canadian technology talent and accomplishments.
Microsoft Canada’s local stakeholders, business partners and very special guests were invited to the exclusive grand opening and media launch of the new Excellence Centre in Vancouver.
This newly created, state-of-the art development facility houses the team behind innovative products for the global market on the 7th floor in a remodelled 142,000 square foot space in the Granville Centre. It features the latest architectural designs, and floor-to-ceiling views of the city and surrounding mountains. It also has a “Maker’s Garage,” an outlet for experimental projects with both hardware and software, that incorporates new design features to enhance productivity.
Microsoft Canada leaders and staff welcomed several hundred guests to explore their beautiful new space. The MCEC houses developers from the Vancouver region, across Canada and around the world, as they bring to life new technologies and applications ranging from apps (Skype, OneNote, MSN) to gaming products (Gears of War), interactive television app (NFL for Xbox and Windows 10), mixed reality (Microsoft HoloLens) and ground-breaking accessibility products (Seeing AI). Guests experienced demonstrations of state of the art technology such as The Seeing AI research project, being developed to help the visually impaired.
Guests enjoyed iconic West Coast food such as fried chicken with waffles, gravy and maple syrup, as well as healthy and fresh alternatives such as fresh-squeezed juice and fruit and yogurt parfaits.
In attendance for the formal presentation were the political leaders of all three levels of government – including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, BC Premier Christy Clarke and Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson.
