The Board of Governors of Toronto’s Exhibition Place has announced Direct Energy Centre and Exhibition Place have entered into an exclusive 11-year food and beverage services agreement with Ovations Food Services.
A public request for proposals was issued, and Ovations achieved the highest score and had the best overall proposal, according to board members. The agreement approved by Exhibition Place commenced July 18 and reflects the board’s objectives to increase food and beverage revenue across all venues utilized for trade and consumer shows.
Ovations operates more than 120 venues in Canada and the United States servicing more than 9 million guests and exceeding $250 million in sales. In the past five years, Ovations experience for renewals is almost 100 percent.
Ovations, which is a division of Comcast-Spectator, also announced a new general manager. As of July 11, Bradley Fletcher now oversees Ovations’ operations at Direct Energy Centre and Exhibition Place.
Exhibition Place is Canada’s largest entertainment venue, attracting more than 5.3 million visitors a year. The 192-acre site is an integral component of Toronto and Ontario’s economy, particularly with respect to conventions, sport, festivals, recreation, culture and tourism. Located at Exhibition Place is the award-winning Direct Energy Centre, Canada’s largest exhibition and convention center, and the Allstream Centre LEED Silver conference venue.
Since 2004, Exhibition Place has undertaken an environmental stewardship initiative, entitled GREENSmart, which includes the promotion of sustainable development, environmental initiatives and leading edge green technologies and practices across the site.
