Over 50 years ago, the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre became Canada’s first purpose-built convention centre. Half a century on, the venue is still outperforming for its modest size.
Calgary’s culture of overachievement
If Calgary had a motto, it might be ‘winner per capita’. Calgary, and the province of Alberta to which it belongs, is one of Canada’s most productive cities. The country’s oil and gas industry has always had its roots in Alberta. For a relatively modest population of five million, Alberta outcompetes all of its better-known counterparts like Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec on a per capita basis.
It is fitting, then, that Calgary’s event industry also punches above its weight. The city has two major convention centres – the newly-renovated BMO Centre and, of course, the CTCC. The BMO Centre recently underwent renovations to boost capacity, renovations that CTCC president and CEO Kurby Court says have “put Calgary on the map for expanded MICE opportunities.”
It was using both the CTCC and BMO Centre simultaneously that the triennial World Petroleum Congress held its 2023 edition in Calgary, attracting over 10,000 visitors.
Connectivity that delivers
It’s not just Calgary’s event infrastructure that punches above its weight. “Our airlift is quite impressive for a smaller city,” Court says. “The Calgary International Airport continues to offer one of the highest seats per capita than any other city in North America.”
Court also points to another notch on CTCC’s belt: “We continue to be the best connected convention centre in Canada. We are connected to over 1,100 attached hotel rooms. We have a direct connection to the C-train (Calgary’s light rail system), and we are connected to the JR Shaw Centre for Arts & Culture, which when reopened will be free to all delegates.”
Evolving interests and enduring strengths
While Calgary’s events industry has undergone a lot of changes in recent years, some things have remained steady. CMW asked Court if there was still a strong appetite for oil and gas events in Calgary. He responded emphatically: “It will forever be our backbone.”
Despite the transition to renewables that is gaining momentum across the West, the Albertan city has deep ties to the traditional energy industry.
For Kurby Court, the interests of organisers have certainly shifted. “We’re hearing more questions about sustainability, DEI, accessibility, food recovery and appropriate ways of engaging with our Indigenous communities,” he says.
“Clients, particularly in the corporate space, want to do things ‘differently’. They want to evoke an emotional connection – a memory – and fold this into their event.”
And, he adds, Calgary is well-positioned to cater to this request. “The size of our venue (capacity for 4,000) allows events to be customised and personalised compared to tier one venues. Here a client can create spaces that are truly their own.”
Beyond the boardroom
One of the most appealing attributes of Calgary as a destination is what’s on offer outside the event schedule. The city is on the doorstep of rugged wilderness. On a clear day you can see the Canadian Rockies from downtown.
Some of the most stunning scenery associated with Canada is found a short drive from Calgary, including Banff National Park, Horseshoe Canyon and Weaselhead Flats.
The CTCC also works with local Indigenous organisations like Authentically Indigenous Inc. and Warrior Women to promote the province’s local history.
