A speaker at the Jehovah's Witness Convention in Kelowna on June, 15, 2024.

(JESSE TOMAS / iNFOnews.ca)

Thousands of people filled Prospera Place at the Jehovah’s Witness Convention in Kelowna.

It is one of 6,000 three day conventions organized by Jehovah’s Witnesses around the world.

The spokesperson for the event Derek McCoy said it's the biggest series of events on the planet with roughly 13 million attendees.

The local religious congregation rented out Prospera Place from Friday to Sunday, and the convention is open to the public with free admission.

McCoy said he doesn’t know how much it costs to put on the event.

“We don’t disclose financial information. I’m not even privy to that information,” he said.

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The convention includes speeches, a film screening, and even a baptism ceremony with an above ground pool in the centre of the arena.

Roughly 4,500 people were in the stands today and just as many are expected for the convention’s final day tomorrow.

“It’s a real pleasure working with the venue staff, tourism Kelowna, and the many hotels,” McCoy said in a press release. “The annual convention is always a highlight of the year and this year’s theme will be particularly encouraging as the program focuses on good news! With the many problems and challenges we are experiencing, it is encouraging to know that the future is bright.”

Tourism Kelowna’s CEO and president Lisanne Ballantyne said the event is good for local businesses.

“Conferences of this scale have a major and positive impact on our economy as they support our local businesses, accommodations and experiences as well as introduce visitors to the destination,” Ballantyne in a press release. “It has been a pleasure to partner again with Jehovah’s Witnesses to bring the Jehovah’s Witness Convention back to Kelowna, and we look forward to welcoming guests this June to enjoy exploring our city once again.”

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