The City of Surrey is well on its way to becoming British Columbia’s largest community, with more than 12,000 new residents moving there every year.

With Surrey facing both the benefits - and challenges - that come with continued urban growth, the City of Surrey and the Surrey Board of Trade decided to work in cooperation to create a one-day conference aimed at bringing together experts on urban and economic growth to focus on the city’s options and opportunities ahead.

The Pace Group was brought in to work closely with both partners in creating, planning, coordinating and executing the first Surrey Regional Economic Summit in September of 2008.  A year in the making, this full day of timely panel sessions and presentations addressed some of the most pressing issues facing Surrey: transportation, public safety, sustainability, and the economy.

In addition to keynote speakers such as Premier Gordon Campbell, the Pace Group also secured former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani to kick off the day with a special breakfast presentation.  Mayor Giuliani presented his unique insights on overcoming the problems faced by every North American city, and how to create an economic engine that attracts industry and investment while ensuring a livable region for its population.

Objectives:

Develop a comprehensive one-day agenda of topics and speakers that would reflect Surrey’s growth and bring together a who’s who of business and community leaders, as well as experts in the areas of business, economics, urban growth and municipal affairs.

Outcome:

The Pace Group created a sold out signature event reflective of Surrey’s “coming of age”, attracting approximately 450 delegates and considerable media attention.  The success of this first event has also paved the way for the Summit to become an annual event.