Buying local is more than just a buzzword in Halifax—it’s part of our culture.
Before we had one-click same-day delivery and the world at our fingertips, local suppliers and businesses were often the only option. And that didn’t mean we went without. Local farmers, producers, and businesses have always been part of our story, with entrepreneurial-minded folks stepping in to make sure we have everything we need and more.
Today, our strong culture of buying local remains firmly intact and is a huge part of the fabric of Halifax and Atlantic Canada as a whole. It’s even a major pillar of Halifax’s sustainable events focus. For more information on how buying local supports sustainability, check out our comprehensive sustainable events guide.
For conveners and event planners, Halifax makes it easy to integrate a little—or a lot—of local flavour into your next event. It’s just part of what makes Halifax such a unique and attractive place for large groups to come together.
Provincial Programs
Our love for all things local isn’t just grassroots—the Nova Scotia provincial government is a huge advocate for our local producers and businesses, offering incentives and programs to support local companies. The Nova Scotia Loyal program is the flagship program, which includes the Nova Scotia Loyal Supplier Directory, a comprehensive directory of local growers, producers, and businesses in Nova Scotia.
The program also makes it easier to spot which goods are local when you or your attendees are out and about—just look for the Nova Scotia Loyal sticker or tag on a product to know it’s authentically Nova Scotian.
We also love to eat local—fun fact: Nova Scotia has the most farmers’ markets per capita in all of Canada. A complete list can be found on Farmers Markets of Nova Scotia’s website. Or better yet, check out some of Halifax’s most popular markets for yourself:
Local at Scale
When you think local, there might be a tendency to think small and higher cost. The reality is that supporting local doesn’t have a limit in Halifax. Incorporating local is something that meetings and events of all shapes and sizes can do easily and cost-effectively. In fact, using a local option is often just as competitive, if not more so, than sourcing a non-local option. Plus, using local suppliers often means less environmental impact from shipping and transport.
We have a list of local suppliers for conferences and events available on our website, but below are a few ideas to help get you started.
Food and Beverage
Venues like the Halifax Convention Centre have a focus on incorporating local ingredients, where possible, on their menus as regular practice. Additionally, local catering companies like RCR Hospitality, or The Clever Barkeep can work with event planners and conveeners to include local menu items and pour local beverages showcasing the best local producers for attendees to enjoy.
Experiences and Entertainment
Ever heard of a little thing called the East Coast Kitchen Party? It’s a Maritime tradition with live music, laughter, and maybe a libation or two shared amongst friends—kitchen optional. You can opt to keep the party traditional with local East Coast themed bands like Mac and Hawes or Merimac, or, if you’re looking for a unique show-stopper, SQUID features a high-energy showcase of bagpipes, drums, and East Coast favourites like you’ve never heard before. Give your delegates and guests an authentic, foot-stomping, hand-clapping East Coast good time that they’ll be talking about for weeks to come.
If you’re looking to take things beyond the conference room, Halifax has several tour operators who specialize in large group experiences with a focus on local sights, sounds, and tastes.
For a small city, Halifax has a reputation for the high quality and variety of its music, entertainment, and tourism industries, all thanks to its passionate local performers and operators.
Collateral and Gifts
Supporting local businesses can also have a positive environmental impact. Paperless events are becoming the norm, and many of our meeting and convention spaces are fully equipped with ample digital signage to keep delegates informed and on track. If you need to print, consider using a local printer to avoid shipping or a service like Fairware’s lanyard lending program to cut down on waste.
Attendee gifts are also another way to support local. We can provide some recommendations on local artisans and producers who can create something bespoke to give to event attendees. Another way to support local is by contributing funds to a local organization or cause that aligns with the theme of your meeting or event. Donating on behalf of conference attendees is an excellent way to keep the local support going long after your conference has wrapped, and it cuts down on waste.
Buying local isn’t just for locals—it’s something everybody can participate in, whether you’re here for a few days or a few weeks. For a full list of preferred local suppliers, visit our online Suppliers guide. And if you don’t see something you’re looking for, just ask! We’d be happy to help.
