New General Manager for the Fredericton Convention Centre
Fredericton, NB (April 5, 2024) - The Fredericton Convention Centre (FCC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Erin Blanchard to the position of General Manager, effective April 1, 2024.
Blanchard joined the Fredericton Convention Centre as Director of Sales 14 years ago and in that time has led the business development growth, with steady increases every year in number of events and overall revenues.
“Erin has built a strong reputation in the meetings & conventions sector across the country and is recognized as a collaborative leader within Fredericton’s tourism industry. Her deep industry experience and a proven track record of exceptional performance position her well to take on this new role. We are confident that Erin is the leader to continue the Centre’s growth and take the FCC into the future, said David Seabrook, chair of the FCC Board of Directors.
A graduate of the Wallace McCain Institute Strategic Executives Program, Blanchard is also active in the Convention Centres of Canada, and is a graduate of the Venue Management School of the International Association of Venue Managers.
“Erin is a community builder. She brings an understanding of the FCC’s important role as an economic driver in Fredericton’s economy and also the need work in tandem with key stakeholders in the community to maximum the benefits the convention centre brings to Fredericton and the region,” Seabrook said.
Blanchard regularly collaborates with Ignite Fredericton, The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, The Fredericton International Airport as well as the City of Fredericton on behalf of the FCC.
Originally from Prince Edward Island, Blanchard has built her career and family in Fredericton for 25 years. Currently a board member with The Chalmers Foundation, she has also dedicated time to roles with the Fredericton Homeless Shelters board, an advisory board for the Fredericton International Airport, various Chamber of Commerce committees, and student-focussed programs at her childrens’ schools.
“Fredericton is my chosen home, and I am committed to positive contributions through work and volunteer activities,” said Blanchard. “I understand the impact, both economic and social, that a successful meetings industry has on a community. I am energized by the opportunities for growth for the FCC and our fantastic team.”
Current General Manager, Cathy Pugh, will stay involved with FCC leadership until June of this year.
“Although Cathy will be dearly missed, I am grateful for the solid foundation she built for the FCC,” said Blanchard “I look forward to leading the FCC team in continued growth and success.”
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For More information:
Patricia Donnelly
Fredericton Convention Centre
patricia.donnelly@frederictonconventions.ca
506-261-0397
About FCC:
The Fredericton Convention Centre, located in downtown Fredericton, features a 1,159-square-metre (12,480 square foot) ballroom, which can accommodate a banquet for 1000 people or 100 exhibit booths, and can be configured into multiple rooms. The facility includes an additional 799-square-metres (8,600 square feet) of flexible meeting space.
Since opening in January 2011, the FCC has generated more than 100 million dollars in economic impact for Fredericton, by attracting national conventions to the capital city, and providing a venue for local programs to increase capacity.
The Fredericton Convention Centre’s primary objective is to maximize event sales by attracting new event demand to the City of Fredericton and is committed to delivering excellence through innovative and personalized customer service with a sense of pride, integrity, and New Brunswick hospitality.