Past Events

Executive Roundtable with NYIT

August 27, 2010

On August 27, Company of Young Professional (CYP) Members had a unique opportunity to learn more about the 2010 Shanghai Expo from recent visitors Michael Geller and Kent Munro. Michael is a Vancouver based architect, planner, real estate consultant and property developer while Kent is the City of Vancouver’s Assistant Director of Planning. Both gentlemen shared their experience from the Expo which includes representation from 240 exhibiting nations and organizations.

This may prove to be the biggest Expo ever with expected attendance of more than 70 million people and a site which is more than 5 kilometers square and. According to Michael the show is a chance for countries to display their sustainable technology and showcase their country to the world. With a tag line of “Better City, Better Life” the Shanghai Expo boasts some of the most creative and environmentally friendly innovations in the world today.

Some highlights from Michael included breathtaking pavilions from Spain, Sweden and Romania, the incredible line ups, and the phenomenal innovations of the countries at the fair. Many innovations we use every day actually begun at past World Fairs including the elevator and light bulb. After his visit, Michael predicts China to become the world’s next super power and anticipates the environment and technology having a dramatic impact on travel and building design.

As a Deputy Director of Planning at the City of Vancouver, Kent Munro visited China to help set up the Vancouver Pavillion. With uncertainty surrounding the number of guests they would see, flexibility was critical. The Vancouver pavilion provided a glimpse into West Coast life and focused on Community, Perspectives, and Prospects. By the time the Shanghai Expo is completed, it is anticipated that more than 750 thousand people would have visited the Vancouver Pavillion which is almost double initial estimations.

Both gentlemen provided unique perspectives and an eye opening look at the size, scale and scope of one the greatest fairs ever. We are incredibly grateful for Michael and Kent’s willingness to share their knowledge and take the time to address questions from guests. 

CYP would also like to thank the New York Institute of Technology's (NYIT) Vancouver Campus who generously hosted this event. Many of NYIT's MBA students are from China and contributed greatly to the audience question period. More information about their school, programs and offerings is available at www.nyit.edu