Innovation comes in many shapes and sizes, and Atlantic Canada’s new conference centres and meeting spaces are no exception. Not only are there imaginative concepts in design, engineering, construction and functionality, there’s also innovative ways of using spaces and partnering.

BILL CHANDLER IS CHUFFED. As president of Chandler Architecture Inc., he was involved in creating the new Prince Edward Island Convention Centre. “Although it’s essentially one large block of space incorporating 35,000 sq. ft. on one level with a 30 ft. high roof line, a wave canopy breaks down its mass and pays homage to its waterfront location,” Chandler says. At night, the wave features exterior LED strip lighting that changes colour to suit the function happening within. Bonus: the huge glass curtain walls in all the meeting rooms open onto decks for outdoor functions.

Other features? Recessed floor boxes contain power and data outlets throughout the space; users can simply “plug and play.” A digital wayfinding system incorporates both static and interactive touch screen monitors. Event attendees can view conference schedules as well as access the province’s interactive tourism website.

The convention centre will be fully operational this August. Bookings are already rolling in, including one for 1,000 delegates from the Transportation Association of Canada in September 2015.