Boasting a backdrop of the Canadian Rockies and its Banff National Park, Calgary is just a short drive away from stunning natural beauty. Mix that with a cowboy culture that bolts to life every July during the renowned Calgary Stampede and you’ve got the recipe for a full-bodied Western Canada experience.
And while most know of its energy sector success, Calgary has become a center of the nation’s research and medical industries.
“It’s much more than oil and gas,” says Heather Lundy, director of marketing and communications for Meetings & Conventions Calgary.
The city offers a roughly 10-block downtown area filled with restaurants, shopping opportunities such as department stores and retail outlets, and the Stephen Avenue pedestrian mall. Major hotel brands include Hyatt, Fairmont, Westin and Marriott, and the city is poised to add greatly to its hotel inventory.
“By 2017 we’re going to have 3,000 more guest rooms added to the city,” Lundy says, “the majority of which will be in the northeast quadrant, which is hopping.”
Near the airport, the northeast quadrant is enjoying a $1 billion makeover that will include a new international airline terminal with 22 gates and a Delta hotel.
“There’s lots of hotels coming up and lots of retail and restaurants coming in, so over the next two years it’s an area that should be looked at seriously,” says Lundy, who also represents the city’s main convention facility, Calgary TELUS Convention Centre.
Befitting a city that hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics, many groups utilize Canada Olympic Park, and the new TELUS Spark science center brims with exhibits and event opportunities, including the services of a staff team-builder who can “spark” the creativity of attendees.
5 Fantastic Off-SITES
Arts Commons: Jack Singer Concert Hall
This facility is one of the most acoustically acclaimed in North America. The Concert Hall can seat 1,797 and up to 1,000 can fit in the lobby areas.
Canada’s Sports Halls of Fame
Inspiration is on tap here. Its 40,000 square feet of space includes more than 50 exhibits, and can accommodate 120 for a banquet, 225 for a reception and 120 theater-style.
Charbar
Opening this summer in the historic Simmons Factory, Charbar will offer customizable event space for up to 200 or dinners for up to 100.
Glenbow Museum
Within the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre, there are three floors of space with historical and contemporary art. Second-floor capacity is 500 and third floor capacity is 175.
Heritage Park: Gasoline Alley
Vintage vehicles and other auto-related memorabilia transport guests back to the golden age of auto culture. The Mezzanine is included in the standard rental fee.
CONNECT
Meetings & Conventions Calgary
403.261.8592; 877.710.6338
info@meetingscalgary.com
www.meetingscalgary.com
