Two years after hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, The City of Vancouver will host The Cities Summit on February 1-2, 2012 at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

This international investment summit, organized by the Vancouver Economic Commission, will showcase Vancouver's urban model and the businesses leaders who are part of the business of city building in the 21st Century. The Cities Summit will gather forward-thinking mayors, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, major corporations, city planners and urban thought-leaders from Canada and beyond.

“Vancouver is a world-leader in the business of city building, and we want to capitalize on our global reputation as a way to strengthen our local economy,” said Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson. “We are a city with lots to offer, both in terms of shaping a sustainable urban future and building a competitive economic climate.

“It’s fitting that as we approach the two-year mark of hosting the 2010 Winter Games, The Cities Summit is another chance for Vancouver to show the world our innovation, talent and entrepreneurship in the business of city building.”

Vancouver is a recognized leader in innovative urban thinking and is a model for urban growth. The Cities Summit will provide a unique platform to address these vital issues and to promote Vancouver's companies to an international audience and attract investment to Vancouver and British Columbia.

"The Cities Summit is a major piece Vancouver's economic development platform," said Lee Malleau, CEO off the Vancouver Economic Commission. "It levers the global profile Vancouver has built, and engages the international community in a discussion on 21st Century solutions to building strong cities and supporting prosperous economies. This Summit will provide a great platform for business- matching, networking with potential new international partners, and further establishing Vancouver's brand as a business destination.”

Participants at the Cities Summit are already shaping our urban future. Some of the confirmed sponsors include IBM, Shaw Telecommunications, Veolia and Electricite de France (EDF). Delegates and representatives from various cities including the City of London, Copenhagen, and Kansas City will also be attending.

Over three and a half billion people now live in cities. Two billion more will join them by 2030. How we develop cities in a manner that combines economic opportunity and sustainability is the 21st century’s greatest challenge. It is also an unprecedented business opportunity.

Interested participants in The Cities Summit can learn more by visiting: www.vancouvercitiessummit.org.

The Vancouver Economic Commission, an agency of the City of Vancouver, works to strengthen the city's economic future by helping existing businesses, attracting investment, researching the business environment and making policy recommendations.

Media Contact: Tania Parisella, Manager, Communications, Marketing & Sponsorship Vancouver Economic Commission mobile: 604-889-2019 email: tparisella@vancouvereconomic.com