When the RBC Convention Centre opened in 1975, it marked a historic moment as Canada’s first free-standing, purpose-built convention centre. It quickly became a catalyst for growth in downtown Winnipeg, sparking incremental development and becoming a central hub for the city’s cultural and commercial life.
On January 15, 2025, the Centre honoured its 50-year legacy with an immersive, high-impact celebration titled “A Celebration of the Decades,” bringing together stakeholders, industry partners, clients, supporters, board members, and staff who have been instrumental in its journey.
The event’s purpose extended beyond marking a milestone. It was a moment to reflect on the impact the Convention Centre has had—and continues to have—on the city, MB, and the Canadian meeting and convention industry. It was an expression of gratitude, a nod to the past, and a vibrant future.
The evening featured the premiere of a powerful anniversary video created and produced by Tripwire Media Group. The footage offered a walk-through in time, sharing interviews with industry partners, past employees, dignitaries, and a stunning collection of archival footage and photography. It beautifully captured the heart of the Centre’s story: one rooted in community, vision, and legacy.
Emma Singh Creative was entrusted with planning, conceptualizing, creating, and designing this extraordinary event. As a long-time partner of the RBC Convention Centre, the agency understood the magnitude of the occasion. Emma Singh and her team took a bold approach, creating an experience that was not only celebratory but meaningful and deeply memorable. The event was themed “A Celebration of the Decades,” designed to honour each era of the Centre’s existence and showcase its evolution alongside the changing tides of the industry and community.
Upon arrival, dazzling “Gold Performers” welcomed guests, who were invited to select their favourite decade and escorted through a dramatic gold carpet tunnel where champagne flowed. From the outset, they were transported on a sensory journey from the 1970s to the 2020s. Each decade was brought to life through immersive decor, carefully curated entertainment, vibrant styling, and themed experiences.
Held on the third floor in the Centre’s iconic City View Room, guests were greeted with breathtaking panoramic views through the wall of windows. The room’s unique architectural ceiling offered a striking backdrop as the evening unfolded. Between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., guests witnessed the room’s transformation—from a glowing golden sunset to the shimmering lights of the downtown skyline—a perfect metaphor for the Centre’s past and future.
Emma Singh Creative developed custom branding that seamlessly integrated into every design element. Bold colour palettes and rich visual storytelling transported attendees through the decades. Six custom-designed culinary stations, each themed to a specific decade, served reimagined dishes and drinks inspired by that era, elevated with contemporary flair by the Centre’s talented kitchen and banquet teams. The food was as creative as it was nostalgic.
Lively animators, dancers, and performers welcomed guests into each decade. Entertainment was woven throughout, with the program emceed by local Virgin Radio Winnipeg personalities Ace, Chrissy, and LTI. These emcees doubled as roaming reporters, highlighting fun facts from each era and capturing live impressions from guests, offering a playful and dynamic energy to the experience.
The formal program opened with a sacred invocation from Elder Dennis White Bird, followed by a compelling performance by The Walking Wolf Drum Group. These Indigenous contributions grounded the evening in tradition and honour, emphasizing the Centre’s strong and enduring connection to the Indigenous community. Key remarks were delivered by Sue Kathler, Board Chair of the RBC Convention Centre, and Drew Fisher, President & CEO, who shared reflections on the Centre’s legacy and vision for the future.
Performances by Keith MacPherson and the Little City Band filled the City View Room with the sounds of each era, adding energy and authenticity to the celebration. Performers from Heather’s Pretty Parties and Starr Blazers brought the decades to life, with roaming characters and dancers creating moments of delight and surprise throughout the evening.
“The room looked beautiful, entertainment was great, food was AMAZING, Your wonderful team was outstanding in every way” David Chizda, Director, Sales & Business Development, RBC Convention Centre
The festivities concluded with a joyful Cake Parade with sparklers, a showstopping four-foot anniversary cake, and an impressive display of custom cupcakes. As guests departed, they were given keepsake chocolates bearing the Centre’s 50th anniversary logo—a sweet ending to an unforgettable night.
The event was not just a party—it was a love letter to a legacy. Guests were inspired and moved by the profound sense of pride, community, and vision woven into every detail. The RBC Convention Centre was reimagined as a venue and a living symbol of what is possible when a city comes together to celebrate its past while building its future.
Partners on this project:
Venue: RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg
Planning & Design: Emma Singh Creative
AV & Lighting: Encore Canada
Décor & Rentals: Dream Day Decor, Glitter Balls Co., Party Pointe
Beyond the Lounge, Creating A Scene Winnipeg
Printing: The Sign Source Winnipeg, Esdale Printing
Entertainment: Keith MacPherson, Folklorama, Heather’s Pretty Parties
Starr Blazers, 6 Degrees Photobooth
Photography & Videography: Ian McCausland Photography
Charmaine Mallari Photography, Tripwire Media Group
Hashtag: #RBCCC50