Connecting for Change was a groundbreaking high-profile project that brought together corporate and social leaders from around the world to explore ideas, encourage cross sector collaboration, share stories and discuss the role of the new Dalai Lama Center – soon to be built in downtown Vancouver.  Founded in 2005 with the active support of the Dalai Lama, the Vancouver-based Center has no religious or political affiliation.  It will be a multi-purpose venue located in the heart of Vancouver, featuring warm and inviting spaces for meetings, lectures and exhibitions and other amenities including a gallery, library, cafe and bookstore.

The three-day event was held in the prestigious Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue and began with an opening reception for 120 participants and guests.  The next day featured a full day of dialogues with prominent facilitators Peter Senge, Peter Block and Peter Koestenbaum.

The highlight of the conference was an open dialogue in the presence of His Holiness Dalai Lama on the third and final day, followed by a luncheon for 200 prominent business and social leaders hosted by the Premier of British Columbia and a closing reception for more than 300 guests.

The Pace Group played a large organization role in the event, assisting The Dalai Lama Center Trustees with the logistical design of the conference and its special events including the opening reception & orientation, Premier’s luncheon and closing reception.  The Pace Group also handled all pre-event communications with the 120 participants, as well as speaker liaison and accommodations and provided on-site staffing and management.

Objectives:

To create a memorable and meaningful inaugural event for the Dalai Lama Center in the presence of His Holiness.

Outcomes:

The conference was seen as an overwhelming success and was praised by organizers and the Dalai Lama himself at the event.