The Social Events Committee has several exciting events planned for delegates of the 2009 ITE Quad Conference in Vancouver, showing off the beauty and hospitality that Vancouver has to offer.

• On Thursday evening, we will kick off the conference with a mix n' mingle in the Gallery Lounge in the Hyatt Regency. Whether you are travelling from out of town or stopping by after work, this will be a great opportunity to meet and socialize with your fellow delegates before the sessions begin the following day.


• On Friday evening, we will take you on a fabulous dinner cruise through the waters of False Creek and the Inner Harbour, along the banks of Stanley Park and under the scenic Lions Gate Bridge, offering a peaceful escape and a chance to view the city from a different perspective. Companions and spouses are welcome, so be sure to purchase an extra ticket when you register!
  
  The dinner cruise will be aboard the Queen of Diamonds. Boat loading and unloading will take place behind the Edgewater Casino (a large glass building along the waterfront), located a short distance from Stadium Skytrain station. Your punctuality is greatly appreciated.
  Boarding time: 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm
  Cruising time: 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
  
  For more information regarding the company providing the cruise, please see http://www.vancouvercruises.com/.
  
  Please see below for a map to the departure location from the hotel:
  
  
  
  
• For the active enthusiasts out there, guided runs along the famed Stanley Park seawall in downtown Vancouver will be offered on Friday and Saturday morning before the conference to get you started on your day. Come out and socialize with your fellow delegates while taking in the Vancouver experience.

The following events happening in the city may also be of interest:

• In keeping with the "Our Transportation Legacy" theme, there is a free public lecture being offered on Thursday, April 30 at 7pm at the nearby SFU Harbour Centre. The Life and Death of Cities: Accounting for Environmental and Social Sustainability will be presented by Paul James of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University. Visit http://www.sfu.ca/city/fpl3popup.htm for more details and to register.


• The BMO Vancouver Marathon is happening on Sunday, May 3. 8 km, half and full marathon routes are being offered. Check out http://www.bmovanmarathon.ca/hm/ for more information on how to register, volunteer or cheer these athletes on.

We hope that your attendance at the conference will be a memorable one!