FAQ

Find the answers to your common questions.

General

What is Discover Halifax and how can you help me with my event?

Discover Halifax is the regional destination marketing organization responsible for overseeing the visitation economy’s growth in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It is a non-profit, membership-based marketing and sales organization in partnership with the Halifax regional government, the Hotel Association of Nova Scotia, and participating industry members.

Visit our corporate DMO website for more information

What types of events does Discover Halifax support?

Discover Halifax supports organizations, associations, and corporations that are considering or have selected Halifax as their host destination. This could be a conference, meeting, seminar, summit, corporate retreat, etc. Reach out to our Business Events team to learn more.

Our organization also support large sporting events, tournaments, competitions, and other types of public events that are considering Halifax as a host destination. If you’re looking to host a festival, sporting event, or other public event in Halifax, please reach out to our Festivals and Events team.

Where can I point my event attendees to get more information about Halifax and Halifax experiences?

How can you help me with my event?

We offer free destination services — including venue sourcing, local expert referrals, virtual 3D tours, tailored visitor guides, maps, images, custom landing pages, etc.  Contact us to learn more. 

Does Discover Halifax support home-grown Halifax events?

Although we’re happy to advise home-grown Halifax events when we can, our services are really designed to support events that are coming to Halifax from outside the city.

Do I need to be a member of Discover Halifax to receive services?

No, our services are provided to event planners and organizers without any membership or fees being required.

What is Halifax most known for?

  • Maritime Hospitality – Halifax is famous for being a safe, warm and welcoming place for visitors with incredible food. It also means incredible support and collaboration for your event.
  • Walkability – The downtown core is incredibly walkable, so getting between venues, hotels, sights and experiences is a breeze and often means less transportation logistics. Win win!
  • Halifax Convention Centre – Finished in 2018, the LEED Certified, Halifax Convention Centre offers 120,000 ft² of flexible event space in the heart of downtown.
  • Vibrant arts and music scene – You can’t walk down the street without seeing the local art or artisans and at night, the city lights up with music and entertainment that will have you and your delegates toe tapping and singing along.

Event Planning in Halifax

When should I start planning my event in Halifax?

Start early! We suggest initiating venue and logistics discussions at least 12 months in advance. Securing hotels, venues, and key transportation like busses should be your first priority once you’ve selected Halifax as your host city.

Where can I find approved images or video of Halifax that I can use in my meeting/events materials?

Halifax images and videos can be found here. These media assists may be used to promote your event in Halifax.

How do I make my event more sustainable in Halifax?

We’re glad you asked! Halifax hits above its weight when it comes to event sustainability, with more programs and initiatives being added all the time.

Check out Halifax’s Sustainable Business Events Guide which includes actionable insights for hosting more sustainably in Halifax. Depending on the goals for your event, there are programs, tools and organizations ready to engage and help you leave a positive and lasting impression on your host city.

Discover Halifax’s Sustainable side

What services does Discover Halifax provide?

Think of us as your boots-on-the-ground partners in planning your event. We’ll put our connections, experience, and local know-how to work to ensure your event is an unforgettable success. And we do it all for free! Looking for more specifics? Learn more here. 

Where can I find a local event planner for my event?

We have two routes you can take. Check out our suppliers page, which includes a few planners and Destination Management Companies that help. Or Contact Michele on without Group Servicing  team for assistance.

Can Discover Halifax help with attendance building for my event?

We can provide visitor guides, maps, images and videos, a custom landing page, connections with local partners, and more that can be used to woo potential attendees to register. Reach out to our Group Servicing team to talk about what makes sense for your upcoming event.

Can you connect me with local speakers or sector specialists?

Absolutely — we can help connect you with Halifax experts in any industry. We’re especially strong in industries like Oceans, Life Sciences, and Aerospace & Defense. With 7 universities and colleges in Halifax and numerous research centres and business leaders, we’ll do our best to connect you with whoever you need. Reach out to us when you’re ready to chat. 

Membership & local event partners

I'm a Halifax business, how do I become a member of Discover Halifax?

Discover Halifax is a non-profit destination marketing organization that supports those operating in or serving the hospitality industry in Halifax. It is free for businesses in the Halifax Regional Municipality to join. Find more details about membership here.