People

Von Mandel and Audain Talk B.C. Tourism

By Vancouver Magazine /

The fourth installment of the M Power Series at Brian Jessel BMW dove deep into the power of art, culture and culinary tourism as economic drivers.

Over 130 guests attended the M Power Speaker Series at Brian Jessel BMW last night (Monday, Sept. 14) to hear two iconic British Columbians exault the cultural and culinary attributes of B.C. and the key role tourism must play in the provincial economy. Michael Audain, Polygon Homes Chair and Audain Art Museum founder provided the back story of his upcoming Whistler Art Museum. Anthony von Mandl, proprietor of Mission Hill Family Estate discussed the appeal of Vancouver and the Okanagan to a new class of travellers seeking authentic experiences in a luxury context. Catch up on the full conversation on Twitter at #VanMagMPower and see photos from the event below.Photography by Sheldon Coxford@SheldonCoxford

More than 130 people attended the Monday evening event.

Truffles Fine Foods put on a spectacular spread for attendees hungry for insight and post-work snacks.

Guests mingled around the BMWs on display in the Brian Jessel showroom.

Anthony von Mandl made time to speak with attendees before guests made their way through to the event hall.

Stanley Park Brewing made sure people were kept hydrated throughout the event.

Mission Hill Family Estate Winery poured throughout the course of networking event.

Michael Audain caught up with some guests before taking the stage for the evening.

Publisher Tom Gierasimczuk welcomed the audience before beginning to address the evening’s matters at hand: arts and culture within B.C. tourism.

Stanley Park Brewing served their seasonal apricot-flavoured SunSetter Ale alongside a more classic brew.

The two speakers were extremely complimentary of each other’s work, particularly in the philanthropic sector.

The audience were keen to ask the experts about the future of tourism in B.C.

“B.C. is perceived mainly as nature and wildlife; do you think arts and culture should be pushed more to the forefront?”

Anthony von Mandl poses for a quick photograph with publisher Tom Gierasimczuk and Michael Audain.

Brian Jessel BMW’s Diana Zoppa thanked guests for coming, and made sure to share a photograph with Anthony von Mandl before the evening came to an end.

Truffles’ array of desserts certainly quelled any sweet tooth in the room.

Guests enjoyed wine and treats while discussing the evening’s events before heading home for the night.

There was still time for a quick read of our September real estate issue before the evening’s events concluded.