Launch a Burnaby Convention and Trade Show Organizer Business Today
This page offers a practical, starter-friendly roadmap for launching a Burnaby convention and trade show organizer business (NAICS 561920). Get a clear overview of the five essential requirements, the permits you may need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline from registration to your first event. It’s designed to be actionable, so you can start checking items off today.
This section covers what you’ll learn to do, in plain terms. It walks you through the five requirements and how to complete them: 1) register your BC business and get a business number, 2) secure a Burnaby municipal business license and any event permits, 3) arrange venue approvals and occupancy permits, 4) obtain comprehensive insurance for events and staff, 5) set up tax registrations and budgeting. You’ll also see typical costs and a practical timeline from kickoff to your first show.
Burnaby’s central location in Metro Vancouver, plus its mix of venues, hotels, and suppliers, makes it a smart place to launch a convention and trade show organizer business. Strong local networks, supportive city services, and easy access to talent help you grow and host successful events, even as you scale.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a convention and trade show organizer business in Burnaby is Business Number (BN) Registration. This is a legal must—you cannot legally run your company without a BN. The BN is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency and serves as the umbrella ID for all federal tax accounts. You’ll use it to register later for GST/HST, payroll deductions, and workers’ compensation, so getting it right from the start is non-negotiable.
Mandatory Operational Requirements cover health and safety and event-related permits. In practice, this means ensuring you have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration so your staff and contractors are protected and compliant with workplace rules. Develop clear safety plans for events, manage risks, and keep proper incident reporting. Depending on your venue and the nature of your show, you may also need local permits or venue-specific clearances—confirm these early to avoid last-minute holds on bookings.
Business Registration & Tax: With your BN in hand, you’ll also need BC-based registrations. If you plan to operate under a name other than your own, complete BC Business Name Registration for a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership. Then consider GST/HST registration if your taxable supplies reach the threshold or if you want to claim input tax credits. If you hire employees, set up Payroll Deductions Registration. These pieces tie back to your BN and keep your finances compliant.
Next steps and encouragement: Start by applying for your BN with the CRA, then register your BC business name, and set up GST/HST and payroll accounts as needed, plus arrange WorkSafeBC coverage. If you’d like, consult a local accountant or a Burnaby business service center for step-by-step help. With these foundations in place, you’ll be well positioned to plan successful conventions and trade shows.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a convention and trade show organizers in Burnaby:
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your convention and trade show organizers:
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Three-stream grant program for Nunavut-based artists, businesses, and organizations: (1) Getting Started/Arts Creation/Training — supports education, training, art supplies, equipment; (2) Arts and Culture Development — supports collaborative arts initiatives, exhibitions, shows, and touring; (3) Infrastructure Development — supports studios and cultural tourism infrastructure. Annual call for proposals.
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Provided contributions to settlement, employment, and community organizations delivering programs addressing employment barriers for racialized newcomer women, including work placements, mentorships, job counselling, and support for gender- and race-based discrimination. Program renewal ended in 2025; no new open call as of early 2026. Over 2,200 racialized newcomer women were served …
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