The Calgary TELUS Convention Centre (CTCC) has announced a new partnership with the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in becoming the first academic institute in North America to join the ICCAUni programme.
ICCAUni launched in 2024 as a part of the International Congress and Convention Association’s (ICCA) educational offerings. Fostering connections between academia and the events industry, the platform brings international researchers and professors together to study the real challenges the industry faces and develop data-driven solutions. The programme currently includes 15 academic institutions across 13 countries. Now, the first purpose-built convention centre in Canada has got with the programme.
“ICCAUni was created to bridge the gap between the classroom and the industry, and welcoming SAIT as the first North American institution in the ICCAUni community marks an important milestone for our region,” said Shawn (Yih-Hsiang) Cheng, ICCA’s regional director, North America. “Our industry needs young talent who understand how international meetings come together and the value they create for both a destination and its community. ICCAUni connects SAIT’s students and faculty to a global community in more than 100 countries,” he added.
The move underlines CTCC’s commitment to supporting the future leaders of the industry. The CTCC’s involvement with SAIT extends well before this initiative, including job shadowing opportunities for students, behind-the-scenes facility tours as part of course curriculum and classroom guest speaking opportunities for employees throughout the organisation.
“The integration of students into industry associations is a strategic investment for the development and success of the business events industry. We are pleased to support SAIT and the ICCAUni programme as a mechanism in which to enhance the academic journey for the next generation of event professionals.” said Kurby Court, president and CEO of the CTCC.
Students make a large part of the events legacy effort, helping drive awareness and promoting event-community partnerships across operations and event execution. This topic was also a focus of a White Paper authored by the Centre, and presented by students at the 65th ICCA Congress in Panama.
