Today, Events East Group announced that the last fiscal year was the best year yet at the Atlantic region’s two largest event venues, the Halifax Convention Centre and Scotiabank Centre. In 2025-2026, Events East once again exceeded all business and performance targets and hosted the highest volume of national and international events, achieved the highest attendance numbers, and generated $147 million in economic impact at both venues.
“Nova Scotia’s reputation as a destination for memorable events, meetings and conventions continues to grow,” says Events East Group President & CEO Suzanne Fougere. “The Halifax Convention Centre is a key driver of economic growth in our region, and Scotiabank Centre continues to drive community vibrancy. We remain focused on attracting events that create impact and we are on track to see continued growth in the years ahead.”
Last year, Events East finalized a new Five-Year Strategic Plan that serves as a roadmap to 2030 and identifies the organization’s long-term target of generating $730 million in economic impact over the next five years. Since 2018, both venues combined have generated over half a billion dollars in economic impact, welcomed over 3.5 million guests to Halifax, and hosted over 1,900 events.
Highlights from last year at Scotiabank Centre include the 2025 Canadian Curling Trials, two PWHL Takeover Tour games, major concerts from Avril Lavigne, Bryan Adams, and Sarah McLachlan, the USPORTS 2026 Men’s University Cup, and two strong seasons from tenants the Halifax Mooseheads and the Halifax Thunderbirds. The Halifax Convention Centre hosted more than 190 events showcasing Nova Scotia’s leading sectors including medical and life sciences events, aerospace and defense, and oceans and natural resources.
Other achievements include the Halifax Convention Centre’s re-certification as an AIPC Gold Standard venue, re-certification as a Certified Age-Friendly Employer by the Age-Friendly Institute, and the launch of Bellies Before Bins, a sustainability program aimed at repurposing, sharing or donating surplus food. Since the program began, the Halifax Convention Centre has donated over 10,000 meals to non-profit organizations across Halifax Regional Municipality.
View the 2025-26 Annual Reports here:
“Events East continues to demonstrate the significant role that major events play in growing Nova Scotia's economy. Through the Halifax Convention Centre and Scotiabank Centre, the organization is attracting visitors, showcasing our key industries, supporting local businesses, and creating opportunities for communities across the province. Congratulations to the Events East team on their continued success in helping make Nova Scotia a destination of choice for events, meetings, sports and entertainment." - Honourable Colton LeBlanc, Minister of Growth and Development, Province of Nova Scotia.
“The world wants to be here in Halifax — and the results show it. The Halifax Convention Centre and Scotiabank Centre are bringing more people downtown, supporting local businesses, and raising our region’s profile across Canada and beyond. I want to thank Events East for helping ensure Halifax is ready to meet this moment, with the kind of civic infrastructure a confident, connected city needs.” - Mayor Andy Fillmore, Halifax Regional Municipality