Must-Attend Upcoming Conventions in Vancouver (2025)

Renowned as a premier hub for events and conventions, Vancouver draws visitors from around the world with modern amenities and world-class event venues like the Vancouver Convention Center. Whether you’re a pop culture enthusiast, an avid learner, or a business professional, this city offers an exciting lineup of events for everyone. Check out these upcoming conventions in Vancouver.

February 8 - 16, 2025 | Various Locations in Vancouver

The Invictus Games 2025, an international adaptive sporting event for service personnel and veterans, is set to take place in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada, from February 8th to 16th, 2025. This inspiring event will welcome 550 competitors representing up to 25 nations. These athletes will showcase their resilience and determination as they compete in a diverse range of adaptive sports.

The sporting event includes winter sports such as Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing, Skeleton, and Wheelchair Curling, specially adapted to accommodate athletes with various disabilities. In addition to these winter disciplines, the Games will also feature the core Invictus Games sports, which encompass a variety of other athletic activities.

The Invictus Games 2025 will be hosted on the ancestral lands of the Lil̓wat7úl (Líl̓wat), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

February 13 - 23, 2025 | Multiple Venues in Vancouver

Just For Laughs Vancouver is Western Canada’s biggest comedy festival, taking place each February for 10 days. The festival features a wide variety of comedy acts, including stand-up, podcasts, improv, and sketch shows. It attracts well-known comedians like John Mulaney, Bill Burr, and Trevor Noah, as well as emerging talent. The 2025 lineup includes Jerry Seinfeld, Kumail Nanjiani, Margaret Cho, Roy Wood Jr., and The Basement Yard, with over 70 shows in total. Shows are at multiple venues across the city.

February 21 – 23, 2025 | Vancouver Convention Center

This exciting Vancouver event celebrates all things pop culture. Including appearances from celebrity guests, panel discussions with actors, writers, and producers, an exhibitor hall offering merchandise and collectibles, and more, Fan Expo Vancouver is a can’t-miss event for fans of cult classics, new favorites, and everything in between. 2025’s Fan Expo Vancouver guests include Jared Padalecki of Supernatural and Gilmore Girls, Jenna Coleman and Catherine Tate of Doctor Who, Corbin Bleu and Lucas Grabeel of High School Musical, and more, including voice animation actors, comic creators, anime guests, gaming stars, and cosplayers. Fan Expo Vancouver 2025 tickets are on sale now! 

February 21 - 23, 2025 | Vancouver Convention Centre

Fan Expo Vancouver is an awesome pop culture event that attracts tons of fans every year. They've had amazing celebrity guests like Brendan Fraser, Tom Welling, and Christina Ricci in the past, and panels from popular shows like The Walking Dead and Star Trek, so there's something for everyone. You can get autographs and photos, hear insider info, watch sketch duels, attend workshops, and find unique items to buy. Check out their website for the latest event schedules and ticket info!

February 21 - 23, 2025 | BC Place

Get ready for the 2025 HSBC SVNS Vancouver, back for its 10th year in Vancouver and 3rd year with both women's and men's tournaments happening at the same time! That's three days of awesome rugby action and crazy costumes. This is the ultimate Vancouver sports experience, with 12 women's and 12 men's teams battling it out for the HSBC SVNS Vancouver champion title. You'll even get to see Canada's Olympic silver medal winning Women's and Men's Sevens Teams in action!

March 6 - 8, 2025 | Vancouver Convention Centre

The Pacific Dental Conference is one of the biggest dental conferences in North America and the biggest in Canada, so it's a must-go for dental professionals! With over 200 open sessions and hands-on courses taught by leading experts, the PDC offers tons of learning opportunities to keep you ahead in the industry. Plus, with almost 300 exhibitors, the conference showcases the latest and greatest in dental tech, products, and services, so your team will have everything it needs to take your practice to the next level. Visit the Vancouver Convention Centre this March for Canada's top dental conference, where you can learn, network, and discover new innovations!

April 7 - 11, 2025 | Vancouver Convention Centre

TED 2025 will explore how AI, biotech, and human creativity can shape a future that benefits everyone. Join dozens of speakers as they discuss the challenges and opportunities of AI and what they means for humans.

May 27 - 30, 2025 | Vancouver Convention Centre

Web Summit will be hosted in Vancouver from May 27 to 30, 2025. This is their first North American event, and it is expected to attract thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, media, and tech leaders. Web Summit has been acclaimed as "Glastonbury for geeks", "where the future goes to be born", and "the best tech conference on the planet". This convention is a must for tech and business oriented mindsets. Don't miss out!

Carmana Hotel is just 0.6 miles from the Vancouver Convention Centre, making it a breeze to hop from your hotel to the convention center whether you’re dressed in cosplay or carrying merch. Public transportation options to the convention center from around the city include the Canada Line, the Skytrain’s newest line. You can also reach the convention center by boat if you hop aboard the SeaBus which connects downtown to the North Shore. 

Parking is available on-site at Fan Expo Vancouver if you drive yourself. The parking entrance is at the foot of Howe Street, with parking available on P1 and P2. There is also parking nearby, including Waterfront Centre, Station East, TDPC Parking, and Commerce Place. Learn more about getting to the 2025 Vancouver Fan Expo here.

Carmana Hotel is the ideal place to stay in Vancouver when attending an event at the convention center. Located just a short walk from the venue, Carmana offers spacious suites perfect for relaxing after a long day at a con. Book early to secure the best rates and take advantage of this Vancouver hotel's promotions, like a $100 Amazon gift card when you book directly. 

Save money and time by buying your tickets in advance. Early bird specials and other rewards can make a huge difference in your budget, freeing it up for more fun on your trip. For example, Fan Expo Vancouver's advanced pricing is available through February 6 ahead of their February 21 convention start date. Buying your tickets in advance also keeps you from waiting in line on the day of the convention to get your ticket before you can wait in the entry line! 

Map out your must-see’s and determine the best way to pack it all in – and don’t be afraid to attend an event alone. Just make a plan to meet back with your group afterward and stay in communication if something changes. The venue’s map and event schedule are your best friends during a convention.

Don’t Forget: Bring essentials like a portable charger, a refillable water bottle (or hydropack if the venue allows it), and a repair/touch-up kit for your cosplay if you’re dressed up.  

Fan Expo Vancouver is just one of the conventions that will draw visitors to the city in 2025. As you plan your trip, keep Carmana Hotel & Suites in mind. Offering the perfect blend of comfort and convenience to enhance your experience, plus its proximity to the Vancouver Convention Center and other major event venues in the area, it’s the ideal home base for all of your convention adventures in 2025. Book your stay today!