'Vancouver's Expo '86, Part 1: The Centennial Vision' Webinar

Tickets: $18.88 - $34.70 (fees included) (includes access to the full replay for one week)

Click the link below to officially register for this experience:

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1983374991992

A city turned 100 — and invited the world to the party. In 1986, Vancouver marked its centennial by transforming a gritty industrial railyard into a dazzling global showcase that welcomed more than 22 million visitors in just six months. But how did an ambitious dream on the shores of False Creek become one of the most successful world’s fairs of the 20th century? From bold civic vision to futuristic pavilions and cutting-edge transit, it’s time to rediscover how Expo ’86 reshaped the once-nicknamed “Terminal City” and captured the imagination of millions.

Join New York Adventure Club for a two-part series exploring the extraordinary story of Expo ’86, the World Exposition staged to celebrate Vancouver’s 100th anniversary and position the city on the global stage. In Part One: The Centennial Vision, we’ll focus on the years of planning, design, and construction that brought the fair to life, along with a look at its earliest pavilions and attractions that set the stage for the six-month celebration.

Led by world’s fair historian and author Bill Cotter, this special experience will include:

• A look at the bold bid and political momentum that secured a world exposition for Vancouver during its centennial year
• An overview of the eight-year planning process, from financing hurdles to the massive redevelopment of former rail yards and docklands along False Creek
• A discussion around the fair’s theme, “A World in Movement, A World in Touch,” and how it shaped the design of exhibits and experiences
• Highlights from the first wave of pavilions and attractions, showcasing how provinces, nations, and major industries brought innovation and spectacle to the waterfront
• An exploration of Expo’s transportation legacy, including the debut of SkyTrain and other infrastructure improvements built to carry millions of visitors

Afterward, we'll have a Q&A with Bill — any and all questions are welcomed and encouraged!
Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay through one week after the entire series concludes.
See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar
**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you're using the latest version of your internet browser
***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week after the series finale
****If the event has already passed, but it's been less than a week since the series finale, you can still register for it on our website's active replay section!

Vancouver's Expo '86 Series
Part 1: The Centennial Vision (Thursday, March 19 @ 8:00pm ET)
Part 2: The International Spotlight (Thursday, March 26 @ 8:00pm ET)

About Bill
Bill Cotter was inspired by the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair to pursue a career in technology, becoming a submarine designer out of college for the US Navy, working on the Polaris-Poseidon-Trident guidance and launch systems. Cotter was then hired by The Walt Disney Company to set up the company's initial computer security. He also contributed to the designs for several major computer-controlled attractions. More recently, Bill retired as a Senior Vice President of Information Systems for Bank of America and is now an active volunteer with the Los Angeles Police Department.
Bill has written 13 volumes about the history of world’s fairs. He has contributed to dozens of books and documentaries and served as a consultant on several movies, including Iron Man 2 (2010) and Tomorrowland (2015). Bill spoke at the 50th anniversary of the 1964/65 New York World’s Fair and Disney’s D23 celebration of the Fair held at Walt Disney World Resort. Bill is also the author of a comprehensive history of Disney television and other entertainment projects, and operates three websites devoted to the study of world’s fairs.

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Categories: Virtual, Moments in History