Skip to content

Details

Tickets: $18.88 ( incl. $3.88 fees ) (includes access to the full replay for one week)

Click the link below to officially register for this experience:

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1983377555660

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 Two: The International Spotlight, we’ll uncover the fair’s most memorable international exhibits and headline attractions before turning to what became of the site after the gates closed.

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

  • A virtual tour of the international pavilions, showcasing how dozens of nations brought architecture, culture, and innovation to Vancouver’s waterfront
  • A look at the fair’s most buzzworthy attractions, from the floating “McBarge” to blockbuster exhibitions and visiting tall ships from around the globe
  • Highlights from the Pink, Yellow, and Green Zones, home to many of Expo ’86’s most dynamic global showcases
  • A discussion around the fair’s final months and closing ceremonies, as millions passed through the gates one last time
  • An examination of Expo ’86’s afterlife, including where key structures, artifacts, and even entire pavilions ended up once the exposition concluded

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.

Disclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Categories: Virtual, Moments in History

Related topics

Adventure
Architecture
New York City
Culture
Urban Exploration

You may also like