Meeting Places Alberta 2017 by GLACIER MEDIA DIGITAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP dba BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER

2017

BRING IT ON

Alberta welcomes with urban panache and breathtaking breaks to the wild side

MeetingPlacesAB

Meeting and event planning in WONDROUS Alberta Listings | More than 350 venues around alberta

$25

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rogers PLACE OPENS

team builders

central albertA

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The moment your meeting reached new heights.

An awe-inspiring destination unlike any other, the unspoiled beauty of the Rocky Mountain wilderness in Alberta, coupled with the legendary service and luxurious accommodations of Fairmont’s iconic western region properties — Fairmont Banff Springs, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge — create an unforgettable setting for meetings, conferences and incentive travel programs. Your group will be captivated by the majestic surroundings, and the limitless ways to enjoy them.

RECEIVE ENHANCEMENTS UP TO

$150*

PER DELEGATE

2017 marks Canada’s 150th birthday and we are offering you a gift! Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Canada’s Western Mountain Region is excited to extend $150 CAD per delegate of enhancements for your next meeting or event.* CALL +1 866 540 4413 E-MAIL RFP-MTN@FAIRMONT.COM

FAIRMONT BANFF SPRINGS

FAIRMONT CHATEAU LAKE LOUISE

FAIRMONT JASPER PARK LODGE

*For new bookings of 10 rooms or more per night, booked after August 15th, 2016 and taking place in 2017. Enhancements may vary by hotel and dates. Subject to availability. Blackout dates may apply.

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JASPER IS:

THE REAL ROCKIES.

A C O N F E R E N C E A N D R E T R E AT H O T E L I N T H E C A N A D I A N R O C K I E S SAWRIDGE INN & CONFERENCE CENTRE With 6,000 sq. feet of banquet space, 7 ﬂexible meeting rooms and a grandiose ballroom the Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre Jasper is the quintessential venue for all types of events. Experience the rustic mountain decor, modern guest rooms, local menus, full service spa and picturesque backdrops. 780.852.5111 | WWW.SAWRIDGEJASPER.COM

C O R P O R AT E M E E T I N G S W I T H A V I E W MOUNTAIN PARK LODGES Mountain Park Lodges in Jasper National Park is the perfect seeing for your upcoming meeting or event. With breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies, we oﬀer professional conference service planning, full service hotels with meeting space for up to 80 people and award winning food and beverage menus. 780.852.2516 | SALES@MPLJASPER.COM | WWW.MPLJASPER.COM

CUSTOM EVENT PLANNING JASPER EVENT MANAGEMENT From meetings and activities to dining and transportation, Jasper Event Management is here to help with event planning and destination management services. We tailor your corporate meetings, team building retreats and special events to ﬁt all your group’s needs, allowing you to make the most of your time here. 780.931.2245 | JORDAN@JASPEREVENTS.CA | WWW.JASPEREVENTS.CA

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE TEAM BUILDING ROCKABOO MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES Take your team building to new heights with our certiﬁed guides as they lead you into a spectacular natural seeing all year round, while engaging in exciting activities designed for all levels. Custom 1 or 2 day programs packed with canyon zip-lining, rock and ice climbing, and back country adventures. No experience necessary. 780.820.0092 | INFO@ROCKABOO.CA | WWW.ROCKABOO.CA

THE ENTRY POINT TO EPIC ADVENTURE; WHETHER YOU’RE SHREDDING THE SLOPES OR STAR-GAZING NEXT TO A FROZEN LAKE, THERE’S SOMETHING TO SUIT EVERYONE AT EVERY LEVEL. IT IS A RUGGED RESORT FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO VENTURE BEYOND THEIR COMFORT ZONE – BUT RETURN TO THE COMFORTS OF AN AUTHENTIC MOUNTAIN TOWN. WHERE AMENITIES AND ACCOMMODATIONS FEEL REFINED, YET TRUE TO THE PLACE. AND WHERE PEOPLE WELCOME YOU LIKE YOU’RE ONE OF THEIR OWN.

W W W. J A S P E R .T R A V E L

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contents 10

2017

Team Builders

BRING IT ON

Alberta welcomes with urban panache and breathtaking breaks to the wild side

Alberta is perhaps the best place on the planet to test or forge a corporate team

MeetingPlacesaB

Meeting and event planning in WOndROUS albeRta ListiNgs | More thAN 350 veNues ArouNd ALbertA

$25

Alberta’s new centre ice

features Alberta’s new centre ice Team builders Lessons learned Ultimate sport city Wow factor So you want to be an event planner

Association messages

professional associations for meeting and event planners

Meeting Places at a glance

6 10 14 16 18

The stunning new Rogers Place arena launches Edmonton’s entertainment and meeting space into the big leagues

rogers PLACe oPeNs

teAM buiLders

CeNtrAL ALbertA

Publisher: Sue Belisle Vice-president, Audience and business development: Kirk LaPointe Vice-President, Sales and Strategy:

Jennifer Smith Editor: Frank O’Brien Design: Randy Pearsall Production: Rob Benac Writers: Rob Alexander, Andrea Cox, Pat Johnson, Geoff Kirbyson, Baila Lazarus, Peter Mitham, Yvonne Zacharias research: Anna Liczmanska Proofreader: Meg Yamamoto Advertising sales: Joan McGrogan, Corinne Tkachuk Administrator: Katherine Butler Sales Operation Manager:

Michelle Myers

Alberta Rockies

Meeting Places Alberta 2017 is published by BIV Magazines, a division of BIV Media Group, 303 Fifth Avenue West, Vancouver, B.C. V5Y 1J6, 604‑688‑2398, fax 604‑688‑1963, www.biv.com. Copyright 2016 Business in Vancouver Magazines. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or incorporated into any information retrieval system without permission of BIV Magazines. The list of services provided in this publication is not necessarily a complete list of all such services available in Vancouver, B.C. The publishers are not responsible in whole or in part for any errors or omissions in this publication. ISSN 1205-5662 Publications Mail Agreement No: 40069240. Registration No: 8876. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Circulation Department: 303 Fifth Avenue West, Vancouver, B.C. V5Y 1J6 Email: subscribe@biv.com Cover: Churchill Square, Edmonton Photo: Sabrina Hill/Travel Alberta

Southern Alberta

Alberta by the region Overview and listings

Calgary & area 25 Edmonton & area 29 Alberta Rockies 34 Central Alberta 37 Southern Alberta 42 Northern Alberta 46

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Association messages

ILEA Canada | Bringing events and professionalism together Formerly the International Special Events Association, the newly rebranded International Live Events Association (ILEA) has four chapters across Canada with two in Alberta – ILEA Edmonton and ILEA Calgary. For over 25 years, ILEA has been the principal association representing the creative events professional globally. And as such, members are regarded as some of the most professional and knowledgeable people in the industry. From galas to conferences to weddings and private events, ILEA members and professionals are working together to attract and execute some of the best events in Canada right here in

beautiful Alberta. ILEA Edmonton will be kicking off its 2016-17 season with an incredible calendar of events promoting professional development, education and networking opportunities for event professionals to continue collaborating, learning and inspiring great events in Alberta as well as Canada and worldwide. For more information on ILEA Edmonton, visit www. ileaedmonton.com, or follow us on social media at @ ileaedmonton. Caitlin McElhone, CM Events, president, Edmonton chapter, International Live Events Association

PCMA | ANNUAL CONFERENCE OPENS IN JANUARY The Professional Convention Management Association ( PCMA) aims to deliver superior, innovative education and promote the value of professional convention management. Representing 6,500-plus meeting-industry leaders globally, our members include planner and trade show/ exhibit professionals, suppliers, faculty, students and emeriti. Building on the success of the Canadian Innovation Conference, November 22-24, 2015, in Toronto, Ontario, we will once again bring together meeting and event professionals and suppliers to experience educational content in an environment customized to the Canadian market. We invite you to expand your peer network while earning continuing

education units at this exciting event. T he Canada West chapter holds numerous educational, networking, and social events throughout the year. Please check www.pcma.org/cw for further details. Finally, Austin, Texas will be hosting the annual conference for PCMA Convening Leaders, January 8-11, 2017. This is the premier education and networking conference where leading meeting professionals gather to advance their professional development and discover new ideas, solutions and approaches, and network with peers for meeting success. Grit Schoenherr, president, Canada West chapter, Professional Convention Management Association

Professional associations for meeting and event planners Professional associations provide a means of pooling resources and giving a unified voice to working professionals who share common interests. They may represent broad national and international interests or cover specialty niches within the event-planning industry. In addition to providing forums for like-minded meeting and event-planning professionals, associations offer a wealth of resources, including newsletters, magazines and other reference materials. Association of Destination Management Executives www.adme.org Business Events Industry Coalition of Canada www.beicc.com Canadian Association of Exposition Management www.caem.ca Canadian Association of Professional Speakers www.canadianspeakers.org Canadian Society of Professional Event Planners www.canspep.ca Canadian University and College Conference Organizers Association www.cuccoa.org Center for Exhibition Industry Research www.ceir.org Connected International Meeting Professionals Association www.cimpa.org Convention Centres of Canada www.conventioncentrescanada.com Convention Industry Council www.conventionindustry.org Corporate Event Marketing Association www.cemaonline.com Destination Marketing Association International www.destinationmarketing.org

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Destination Marketing Association of the West www.dmawest.org Exhibit & Event Marketers Association (E2MA) www.e2ma.org Exhibit Designers and Producers Association www.edpa.com Exhibition Services & Contractors Association www.esca.org Event Service Professionals Association www.espaonline.org Financial & Insurance Conference Planners www.ficpnet.com Global Business Travel Association - Canada www.gbta.org/canada Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association www.hcea.org Incentive Marketing Association www.incentivemarketing.org International Association of Conference Centres www.iacconline.org International Association of Convention Centres www.aipc.org International Association of Exhibitions and Events www.iaee.com International Association of Fairs and Expositions www.fairsandexpos.com

International Association of Professional Congress Organisers www.iapco.org International Association of Venue Managers www.iavm.org International Festivals & Events Association www.ifea.com International Hotel & Restaurant Association www.ih-ra.com International Live Events Association www.ileahub.com Meeting Professionals International www.mpiweb.org National Association of Consumer Shows www.nacslive.com Professional Convention Management Association www.pcma.org Religious Conference Management Association www.rcmaweb.org Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) Canada www.sitecanada.org Society of Event Organisers www.seoevent.co.uk Society of Independent Show Organizers www.siso.org

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ALBERTA’S NEW

CENTRE ICE

The stunning new Rogers Place launches Edmonton entertainment and meeting space into the big leagues

By Rob Alexander

hen it comes to finding that perfect venue in Edmonton, event organizers are faced with a daunting task: it’s not a matter of too few options to choose from but too many great ones.

Renée Williams communications and event media manager. EDMONTON TOURISM

It opens up another level for us

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The 24,000-square-foot Ford Hall doubles as an all-season city venue for public and private events with more than half-an-acre of covered space | Submitted

Conference centres, hotels, restaurants, pubs and unique facilities like the Art Gallery of Alberta or Fort Edmonton Park not only make the choice difficult but also ensure Edmonton is a top choice when considering a conference destination. And the newly opened Rogers Place pushes Edmonton further up the list. This $640 million facility anchors the Ice District, a mixed-use development currently under construction on 25 acres in downtown Edmonton. Rogers Place, described as “one of the most advanced sports and entertainment venues in North America,” can seat up to 20,000 people in the stadium itself, but that is only a small part of the story. The structure also includes a multi-level concourse filled with pockets of bookable space such as the Sky Lounge and the Sportsnet Club and an entrance plaza, the 24,000-square-foot Ford Hall, that also doubles as a venue for both public and private events. An outdoor plaza large enough to accommodate an estimated 10,000 people is also in the works.

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Renée Williams, Edmonton Tourism’s communications and event media manager, says Rogers Place enhances what is already available in Edmonton. It also allows Edmonton’s event industry to offer planners and organizers something new and unique. “It opens up another level for us,” says Williams. “It adds more capacity and ability. We’ve just launched a new meeting and conventions platform called ‘All In’ and it shows that the entire meetings and conventions industry in Edmonton is all in; whatever you need, we’re all going to put it together and we’re going to make it work and make your business and your event a success. “So what Rogers Place does, it adds capacity to what is existing; it puts us into a higher category in terms of being able to be competitive with some of the other major cities in the country.” Rogers Place also offers technology and a design that open the competitive door even further. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silvercertified structure provides 1,200 TVs, state-of-the-art digital systems and Wi-Fi throughout the facility. The Ice District itself will also see two office towers, condominiums, a JW Marriott luxury hotel, a casino, theatres and shopping, all within easy access to the rest of the downtown core and its many amenities, including

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The newly opened $640 million Rogers Place arena anchors the Ice District, the heart of meetings and entertainment in downtown Edmonton | Katz Group/Rogers Place

Oilers Entertainment Group owner Daryl Katz (left) and Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson open Rogers Place | Andy Devlin/ Oilers Entertainment Group

2,000 hotel rooms, shopping and restaurants. And rather than cut off a large slice of the pie for itself, Williams says this $2.5 billion development promises to support Edmonton’s other sectors. “What is unique about the Edmonton industry is that we all work together, especially in the meetings and conventions realm, to put our best foot forward to show planners and organizers what we have to offer, and the folks at OEG [Oilers Entertainment Group] have stepped right into that and have supported us in our efforts and have helped to showcase the facility, and it is another

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Alberta’s new centre ice

The Art Gallery of Alberta joins a parade of stunning architecture and destination meeting places in Edmonton | Edmonton Economic Development

Edmonton Expo Centre meetings and convention facility at night: Alberta’s capital offers a breathtaking array of big meeting venues | Northlands

feather in the cap.” Another feather adorning Edmonton’s cap is the range of venues already available for meetings, conventions and conferences, some of which are unique in Alberta, such as the Royal Alberta Museum (set to reopen in its new downtown building by early 2018), Citadel Theatre and the Francis Winspear Centre for Music, or large-scale facilities such as the Edmonton Expo Centre or Shaw Conference Centre that do what they do exceptionally well.

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Along with its diverse range of facilities, Williams says, Edmonton is also focusing on providing more opportunities for delegates on either end of an event or conference. Rogers Place and the Ice District feed into that, she says, by providing more opportunities, such as sporting and cultural events. The development also helps to enhance Edmonton’s sense of place as what Williams describes as a “bighearted maverick” known for its community engagement, volunteerism and outright risk-taking in all avenues including the arts and business. “It is authentic, it is eclectic, it is unique,” she says of Edmonton. “You’re in what is perceived to be the service centre for the oil and gas industry and you probably have a perception in mind of what you are going to see, what you get here and you end up going down quirky streets like Whyte Avenue or hanging out in Old Strathcona and you get to see the artistic, eclectic side, and that is spread throughout the entire city. “Those who have visited once before end up looking to do business again because of that. Our teams are great to deal with and they want to do whatever they can to make your time here memorable, and that is a real unique piece to Edmonton.” 

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Is there a secret to hosting meaningful and game changing conferences? You bet there is. It’s a can-do philosophy. An all-in attitude. And the confidence that together we can make anything happen. We’ll take your vision and turn it into ‘unforgettable’ for delegates. How? With creative solutions and a roll-up-your-sleeves attitude. You’ll be happy to learn we don’t understand the word no. It’s this attitude that makes Edmonton, Edmonton. Let’s talk.

EXPLOREEDMONTON.COM/MEETINGS

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Team builders Alberta is perhaps the best place on the planet to test or forge a corporate team By Yvonne Zacharias

Gloria Cowley co-manager, Cowley’s Rafter Six Ranch

Their eyes are sparkling more and their ears are perked up, just like the horses

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hether it’s trail riding in the rugged Rockies, roaring a raft down rapids in the pristine waters of Kananaskis Country or slipping into the bobsled slipstream of former Olympians, Alberta has a vast array of corporate team-building activities on offer. There, foot soldiers who man computers, devise spreadsheets and plot company strategy are encouraged to flee the corporate trenches for some wacky and inspiring adventure in the wilds.

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Out at Cowley’s Rafter Six Ranch on the doorstep of the Rockies, Gloria Cowley, who runs the place along with her husband and kids, has witnessed how the fresh air that sweeps the trails of the eastern Rockies blows away office stress. She recalled the time she hosted a group of Calgary bankers. “When they came in, they were quite hesitant about horseback riding. For a lot of people, to get out of their cubicles or away from their computers to come into this environment is a big stretch.” By the end, the bankers were so taken with their adventure that they came back with a few stragglers from the office who couldn’t make it out the first time. With the ranch accommodating everyone from riding novices to the pros, Cowley admits there is the occasional mishap like the time a horse was stung by a wasp and threw the rider. But, cheered on by his office mates, he dusted himself off and happily climbed back in the saddle, no worse for wear.

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Calgary’s Canada Olympic Park challenges corporate teams with “high and low” rope balancing and even luge and bobsled runs in Olympicclass venues | Canada Olympic Park/Winsport

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Team builders

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT

A team from Nissan Motor Corp. release their inner cowgirls (and boys) At Rafter’s Six Ranch in the foothills of the Rockies | Rafter Six Ranch Young office workers discover trails – and co-operation – during a hike in the Alberta Rockies | Inside Out Experience A corporate team tests itself against the wild waters of Kananaskis Country with a guide from Inside Out Experience | Inside Out Experience

Steve stauch challenge course manager, WInsport

There is a playful and competitive aspect that comes out

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“They are a little more human when they get back. They are more relaxed,” says Cowley. “Their eyes are sparkling more and their ears are perked up, just like the horses.” Out in the rugged Kananaskis Country, Andrew Pratt, a native Australian, offers companies rafting and hiking in the summer and showshoeing and ice walks with cleats and poles on frozen creeks in the winter through his company, Inside Out Experience. Corporate team-building activities, with scavenger hunts, clues and little rewards, can sound like a grownup version of a kid’s birthday party but it’s not all fun and games. According to Pratt and others who offer these activities, there is some method to the madness. The idea is to forge stronger office ties and light a spark

of corporate creativity. It definitely worked with one conflict-ridden outfit that resorted to Pratt’s services to ease tensions. Pratt sent them packing with activities up into a fairly isolated canyon. “Just the sight of them, walking down the trail with their arms around each other’s shoulders and laughing with people they had never had much time for in the past, that was really powerful.” While Pratt offers the thrill of rafting down the Bow or Kananaskis rivers, he also has some simple pleasures on offer. Like sitting down by a creek on a hike to read a poem. “It’s amazing how many people have never done that in their lives. Some people finish the day saying that was the best 10 minutes.” At Canada Olympic Park on the western outskirts of Calgary, office workers take turns hopping in a bobsled used by athletes to learn how to push off for Olympic luge and bobsled events. Three team members push while the fourth goes on the ride of his life, careening down the start of the course until it gently lifts and the bobsled slows down. “It’s quite fascinating to watch some of the corporate groups because there is definitely a playful and competitive aspect that comes out,” says Steve Strauch, team lead and challenge course manager for WinSport, which runs park operations. While some of the corporate team-building operations at the park like the Amazing Race and Corporate Survivor are patterned after television shows, with teams trying

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to outwit each other in a series of physical and mental challenges, others have a definite Olympic edge to them. In the high and low rope activities, office workers don harnesses hooked to ropes and are supported by their teammates,while they simulate a rock climb. While on or assisting in this steep vertical climb, teams build trust, practise clear and effective communication, learn to collaborate, solve problems and think creatively, says Strauch. He, too, has seen firs-hand the fruits of these teambuilding puzzles. In an activity called midnight campsite, two people build a tent blindfolded while other team members verbally guide them.

Strauch recalled seeing a fellow standing back with his arms crossed observing this activity. “Are you not in a place to participate today?” Strauch inquired of him. The guy explained: These were his office workers. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing, how they were taking on different roles and communicating. Whether it’s building a campfire and cooking together on a trail ride with Cowley’s ranch hands or learning to throw a boomerang with Pratt, these mini-armies who desert the corporate ranks for a whiff of life on the outside seem to return to the office invigorated and with a new outlook. And, likely, with lifetime memories of when they challenged Alberta’s wild side. 

INSPIRING SPACES WinSport is home to one of the most dynamic meeting and event spaces in Calgary. From large to small, formal to informal – our venues are perfect for any occasion and feature complimentary parking, floor to ceiling windows, world-class catering and on-site audio and visual. Plus, the site of the ‘88 Olympic Games offers year-round experiences that your team won’t forget.

Skiing | Snowboarding | Bobsleigh | Mini-golf | Team builders Book your next event at winsportmeetings.ca

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Lessons Learned Don’t freak out, don’t make assumptions and be realistic on timing By Baila Lazarus

hen it comes to event planning, “Expect the unexpected” can be a planner’s mantra. Another one might be “Don’t

freak out.” Geneve McNally, co-founder of DreamGroup Productions i n Va ncouver, has 17 yea rs of experience in large event planning. She recalls one event for 300 where tables were named rather than numbered and the floor plan was misread, causing key guests to be put at the back of the room.

OLIVIA PILIP OWNER, BOUTIQUE EVENTS, EDMONTON

You need to be unflappable. You can freak out in your head but you can’t show it

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“They had actually set up the room backwards,” McNally says. “I looked at the room and I looked at my assistant and the blood just drained out of my head.” Taking charge, she went up to the patrons to explain the situation and had venue staff circle each table with trays to escort the guests to switch the tables. The change went off without a hitch, but McNally still insisted on giving a refund for the cost of her time for the day. “Admit fault” is the lesson she conveys, even though she had done all the arrangements properly. In another scenario, information was forwarded to a DJ to ensure the music for the event was aligned with what the client wanted, but the information was never received.

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“I made a note on my checklist to talk to the DJ to ensure he got my email.” Unfortunately they were talking about different emails and the wrong music was played. “There was a huge learning lesson there,” she says. “And it has never happened to me again.” Being realistic about timing is also key for success, McNally says. “Just because you think certain things can happen in a certain time frame doesn’t mean it can. For example, how long will it take to clear 300 plates, realistically?” In McNally’s emergency toolbox: BandAids, chalk, clear nail polish, extension cords, duct tape and batteries. Olivia Pilip, owner of Boutique Events in Edmonton, is also very sensitive to time flow. She had one client who brought a hockey player in to an event wanting the player to sign 500 jerseys in half an hour. “Often clients don’t understand how much time things takes so you need to educate them,” she says. Identifying the primary goal of an event can prevent getting sidetracked with things that would be “great” but not essential, especially when time is critical, she adds. Pilip also emphasizes the importance of being transparent in your plans. One organization she worked with had planned fireworks and ice-climbing events that they wanted to be a surprise, but hadn’t counted on the transportation needs. Shuffling hundreds of people around needs extensive panning, she warns.

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No matter what circumstances occur, Pilip says planners have to stay calm. “You need to be unflappable,” she says. “You can freak out in your head but you can’t show it.” In Pilip’s must-have kit: tape, an X-Acto knife and cellphone charger. Of course, the more you can plan beforehand, the less likely you’ll have to put out fires the day of the event. “Creating a critical path outlining the activities and assignments is key to the success of any type of event,” says Wendy Sears of Lewis & Sears Marketing & Event Management on Vancouver Island. “This helps with not only the planning stages, but while the event is happening. Check in with the team once a week to see if the project is on course and reassign tasks if necessary.” But no matter how good you are at planning, nothing can save an organization that has left too little time, she cautions. “We often get called at the last minute to take on an event that requires sponsorship,” says Sears. “No matter what kind of relationship you have with a sponsor, they still need to receive value for their partnership. If the event takes place in three months, what sort of recognition will they receive in this short lead time?” In Sears’ emergency kit includes:various types of chargers, reinforcements to fix name badges and extra lanyards, Sharpies, scissors, a hole punch, pipe cleaners, fishing wire, safety pins, clips and other office supplies. “Something we wish we had shares in is zap straps,” she says. “We must go through thousands of them in a year.” 

Geneve McNally, (right) co-founder, Dream Group Productions: admit fault and offer a refund to maintain good client relations | handout Wendy Sears, co-founder, Lewis & Sears Marketing & Event Management: leaving plans to the last minute will compromise your chance to get sponsors | submitted

Event planning takeaways •Have your key vendors on speed-dial, with an emergency day-of-event call list. •Don’t assume your messages have been received if you haven’t got confirmation. •Don’t cut corners on staff for support systems; they can save your butt in a pinch.

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ULTIMATE

SPORT CITY Sports-crazy Calgary bids for the 2026 Olympics – and it has well-used venues ready to go

By Andrea Cox

Dale Oviatt director of communications, WinSport Canada

The city of Calgary really is at the front and centre of all sport in Canada

Mountain biking at WinSport all part of the sports environment in Canada’s Ultimate Sports City | Travel Alberta

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ore than 18 years after Calgary drew international acclaim for hosting the 1988 Winter Games, it is once again in the limelight with its potential bid to host the 2026 Winter Olympics. It’s a bold move that comes on the heels of earning a place as one of the world’s top sports cities – it was recently recognized as the No. 2 Ultimate Sports City in the world by SportBusiness. Certainly Calgary prides itself on its long-term and progressive vision as one of the top sports cities in the world. It’s a vision that began with the city’s genesis as an entrepreneurial force at the turn of the 20th century, when sport provided the social glue that held a community together on the edge of civilization. At one time, rollicking polo games drew horses, riders and cheering crowds into the town’s muddy streets. That participation has endured and expanded. “Sports and a healthy active lifestyle are really important to Calgarians, and people here are proud of our Olympic legacy from the 1988 Winter Games,” says Mary Moran, CEO of Calgary Economic Development. The 1988 Olympics catapulted Calgary from a big town into a cosmopolitan hub and transformed it into an international powerhouse in winter sport. The Olympics brought solid sports venues to the city. And in so many other levels from its culinary to its arts scene, the city emerged as something greater. “The city of Calgary really is at the front and centre of all sport in Canada,” says Dale Oviatt, director of communications at WinSport Canada, a not-for-profit organization that owns and operates Canada Olympic

Park in Calgary, the Bill Warren Training Centre at the Canmore Nordic Centre in Canmore and the Beckie Scott High-Performance Training Centre on Haig Glacier. Founded in 1956 to bid on behalf of Calgary to host a Winter Games, WinSport is committed to supporting Canadian athletes and the growth of sport. It has fostered and elevated the legacy of the 1988 Winter Olympics with the creation of the leading-edge winter sports institute and high-performance training lab at Canada Olympic Park. Each year close to 150 Olympians train on site and countless high-level athletes march through the doors. But it’s not just freestyle skiers, bobsledders, figure skaters, snowboarders, biathletes and lugers that train in Calgary: wrestlers like gold medallist Erica Wiebe, a native of Ontario, recognize that Calgary is a sport hub. “We’ve got so many Olympians training here, and that spurs on the interest of other athletes that want to make Calgary home,” says Oviatt. Over the years, Canada Olympic Park has undergone a major transformation with the addition of new facilities from ice arenas to mountain bike trails. In addition to the high-performance training centre,

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Clockwise from top LEFT

Bobsledding as team building: Olympic legacy venues can turn corporate conferences into challenging events | Travel Alberta Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame features more than 40,000 square feet in an international award-winning facility at Calgary’s Canada Olympic Park | Travel Alberta

the Markin MacPhail Centre includes three NHL-sized rinks, an Olympic ice surface with seating for 3,000, the ice house, and an office tower housing the National Sport School as well as several national sport federations, including Hockey Canada, Alpine Canada and Bobsleigh Canada. It is choke full of meeting space and even boasts a state-of-the-art kitchen run by world-class executive chef Liana Robberecht, which helps attract top athletes and major corporations wanting to host events and teambuilding functions. “We really have so many experiences that no other venue can offer,” says Oviatt. Participants can whoosh down a bobsled track at 80 kilometres per hour, swing 10 feet in the air across a rope challenge, mountain bike on one of the top courses in the country, spend an evening downhill skiing or compete in anAmazing Race. And to top off the day, after rubbing shoulders with a few Olympians, participants can sit down for a sumptuous meal with up to 900 people. The facility also offers meeting space for up to 600 people. “There are not a lot of places in Canada where you can go down the hallway of a venue and run into an Olympian. That is a huge drawing card for a lot of corporations when it comes to team building. You feed off of that high-performance atmosphere – it’s inspirational,” says Oviatt. Sport in Calgary is becom ing a n econom ica lly sustainable and prosperous industry. It now jostles alongside industries like agribusiness, transportation

00_MPAB 2017_0.indd 17

Paddling on the Bow River: for Calgarians, sports activities are a way of life in Canada’s youngest and – arguably – most active city | Travel Alberta

and logistics, renewables snf film and TV production – industries that are forging to the top of Calgary’s economic grid and creating a powerful economic stabilizer in the midst of uncertainty in the energy sector. Hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics would have a strong positive economic impact on the city. Doug Mitchell, Calgary Sport Tourism Authority chair, has indicated that a successful bid would translate into a $4 billion increase to the province’s GDP along with a $2.5 billion increase in labour income and the creation of 40,000 new jobs. The fate of the potential bid remains to be seen as the decision sits in debate. If Calgary decides to move forward, it will need to submit its bid to the Canadian Olympic Committee board by June 2017. The International Olympic Committee will then name the host city of the 2026 Winter Games in 2019. “Regardless of whether or not the city goes forward, sport is just going to get better and better here. We are really committed to being the best. There are just so many new facilities that have recently come on stream and many new ones in the works,” says Oviatt. 

2016-10-17 12:10 PM

18 | meeting places Alberta 2017 published by Business in VAncouver

Wow factor Technology can animate a convention experience – while quietly mapping every step and stop a delegate makes

Demonstration photo shows how “heat mapping” can monitor the movements of conference delegates by tracking their thermal imprint. Some say the precise monitoring can be thrown off by the location of a coffee or food station | RetailFlux

00_MPAB 2017_0.indd 18

By Peter Mitham

easoned conference-goers know that meetings and trade shows are more than just the content; they’re about the networking opportunities. And, when it comes to technology, networking of the digital sort is key to making sure events run smoothly and live up to participants’ expectations.

2016-10-14 4:06 PM

| 19

“When I work with high-tech equipment, we always talk about what happens if our power goes down,” says Sharon Barwick, event and client manager at Simply Elegant Corp. in Calgary. Technology functions best when it enhances and enriches participants’ experiences, bringing the proceedings alive in fresh and unexpected ways. And when that doesn’t happen – for whatever reason – the instantaneous “wow” is lost. Technology can also facilitate a room’s design to manage the flow of people through a space. While sophisticated modelling of crowd flows assisted security personnel in Vancouver in the run-up to the 2010 Winter Olympics, a system known as chip mapping tracked delegates to last year’s giant Global Petroleum Show in Calgary. “We partnered with [Toronto-based] Panvista to take a sample attendee audience and track them throughout the event,” explained Aaron Wilson, senior marketing manager with DMG Events, the show producer. The attendees had an electronic chip embedded in their event lanyard and synced with their full registration info. “This allowed us to see the visitor participate at the event in real time – traffic patterns, time on site and more specifically what booths they visited and for how long. We could see if the attendee returned to specific booths and what entrances, exits and registration stations were used. We could also track when people would gather together at key session times and use that info to improve the on-site experience. The online dashboard and tools also provide great lead generation for our exhibitors as well,” Wilson says. In 2016, the Vancouver International Auto Show used a process called heat mapping that tracked the thermal imprint of all show visitors. “It changes the way you can understand the traffic flow of your audience, how many people are in attendance, where they go, how they travel through the show,” says Jason Heard, the show’s producer. Tracking conference participants is less of a concern than engagement for Niesa Silzer, president of Details Convention & Event Management Inc. in Calgary. Silzer specializes in conferences for associations and corporate groups of 300 to 1,000 people, and she is skeptical of fancy mapping systems. “I wonder if they actually show anything other than regular human behaviour,” she says. “For example, people tend to turn right into a trade show floor, and they head to drink and food stations. So if the beacon shows a dead spot on your floor, and you move a coffee station to that dead spot, do you not just create a different dead spot?” With a background in theatre, Silzer leans more to engaging with audiences and seeks to manage event content with this in mind. “[I’m] trying to do as much content capture as possible,” she says, arguing that conferences that connect people are often so much more than the events themselves; they have the potential to spark lasting collaborations. “How can we extend the life of the conference after the conference?” she asks. “Can we make it into a webinar that can be sold to members later?”

00_MPAB 2017_0.indd 19

As well as advanced audio and video presentations, the Global Petroleum Show 2016 in Calgary used “chip mapping” that remotely tracked a cross-section of the 45,000 attendees through every step of the giant trade show | DMG Events Niesa Silzer of Details Convention & Event Management helps Vancouver chef and restaurateur Vikram Vij with the logistics of audio feeds during a Calgary event. Silzer believes audience engagement trumps geewhiz technology | Details Convention & Event Management

Silzer is particularly excited about the potential for social media and particularly apps to create opportunities to connect participants. Just as Pokemon Go distracted scores of conferencegoers last summer, apps can make a game of conferences, drawing people into activities such as interacting with presenters, visiting exhibitors or simply networking. While it’s a measurable way to track engagement for participants and conference organizers alike, Silzer notes that “not everyone buys into the game. … You’re really appealing to the super-competitive people.” That’s where it pays to know the demographic attending the conference. While most 20-somethings know the latest apps, their parents and grandparents may prefer more traditional forms of engagement. “Why use hashtags in a social media campaign at a large event if you’re dealing with the older traditionalists who don’t use their phones? That’s a fail to start with,” Barwick says. “There’s no sense using technology if it’s going to fail, because technology is designed to make a wow factor.” 

2016-10-14 4:07 PM

20 | meeting places Alberta 2017 published by Business in VAncouver

So you want to be an event planner What it takes to succeed today is much different than even a few years ago

A Anh Nguyen is the principal of Spark Event Management Inc. of Calgary

Building an event in today’s economic climate is like starting a small business

s Alberta continues to adjust to our new normal, the job market is seeing a flood of talented, educated and qualified candidates vying for limited positions in the event management industry. Over the summer, our team went through the hiring process twice and it was extremely eye-opening. We fielded more than 350 resumés in each round of hiring. There were candidates from a varying number of backgrounds, experience and qualifications. From laid-off engineers with 25 years of oil and gas experience to students fresh out of school – everyone was sending in their cover letters and applications hoping to just stand out. So just what does it take to stand out? We looked at more than 700 appl ications th is su m mer a nd interviewed more than 20 people to join our small team in the role of event and administrative assistant. While going through this process, I realized that the landscape of our industry has changed and what it takes to succeed is different now than it was 12 years ago when I first started my career. Versatility • The candidates

who were t he most app e a l i ng to us had a very diverse skillset. Photography, graphic design, web design, programming, you name it. In our industry, the more hats you can wear, the more valuable you are to an employer. If you’re between job s, i nve s t i n you r p erson a l development and learn some new skills that will make you stand out. An event co-ordinator who has experience working at a hotel? Good. An event co-ordinator who has experience working at a hotel and also took a course in HTML coding? Even better.

00_MPAB 2017_0.indd 20

Money matters • Building an event in today’s economic climate is like starting a small business. You need to be able to understand your event’s financial strategy, to draft accurate budgets, conduct sensitivity and scenario analysis on your budget and plan for financial contingencies. Do you know and understand what your financial statements mean? Do you know what your break-even point is? Do you know what your cancellation tradeoff costs are? I easily spend 50 per cent more time looking at our event budgets and financials than I ever have before. Being able to answer the tough financial questions for our clients make us indispensable to them, especially when purse stri ngs a re tight. Ta ke a basic business course, peruse someone’s annual report or volunteer to be the treasurer for a com munity association – anything you can do to broaden your understanding of the world of finance and business will ensure you have a head start on your competition. We totally judge a book by its cover • When you have 300

resumés to review, the slightest esthetic touches can set your pitch apart. More than 80 per cent of the applications we received were created using a generic template and visually looked exactly the same as the next one in the pile. Adopt the mindset that every piece of communication you send out to a potential employer is a reflection on your brand. For a small investment, you can have your resumé formatted by a graphic designer (using a service like 99designs.com or upwork.com) and your application will stand out. When someone looks at your resumé, they correlate that to the effort and pride you put into your day-to-day

work. It may seem superficial, but it is important. Your brand matters • Yes,

it is true. Potential employers will probably Google you and they will certainly look you up on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat – not just LinkedIn. Make sure you know (and are controlling) what your online brand says about you. You do not have to worry about having a squeaky-clean profile but you want your online brand to be authentic and portray the facets of your personality and experience that would make you a good fit for the company you are applying for.

It’s who you know • You can do away with your carefully crafted list of references. In our socially connected world, employers no longer need to ask for your references – one shared connection on LinkedIn or Facebook and they can go directly to the source. Make sure you know what your network has to say about you. Make sure you know who those common connections are and get to them before your potential employer can find them. Any application that was sent to me by a trusted source or endorsed by a colleague automatically made it to the top of the pile. In a world that has way fewer than six degrees of separation, use your network to your advantage.

At the end of the day, a company will hire an employee based on skill set, experience and fit. Take some time to assess your fit with the organization, its team and culture before hitting send. And while you wait, invest in yourself and your education. The more you can learn about the event planning industry, or the more you can develop a unique technical skill, the more you will stand out. 

2016-10-14 4:07 PM

| 21

How to use Meeting Places’ region-by-region directories of venues and services Welcome to the meeting planners’ resource section of Meeting Places, including directories of all the resources you’ll need for planning meetings, conferences, conventions and trade shows throughout Alberta. Start by using the colour-coded map of Alberta on page 24 to identify the region of your intended event. Then use the two main sections of the Meeting Places resource guide: “Meeting places at a glance,” which offers details of meeting venues in each region; and regional directories, which guide you to all the services you’ll need wherever you are holding your event.

Meeting Places at a Glance ■ If you’re looking for details of specific venues, start with “Meeting places at a glance,” below. First check the Alberta map on page 24 to confirm which region your event is in, then browse the listings under that region.

Calgary & area 25 Edmonton & area 29 Alberta Rockies 34 Central Alberta 37 Southern Alberta 42 Northern Alberta 46

Regional Directories ■ Refer to the Alberta map on page 24 for the page numbers of individual regional directories. The introductory pages will update you on the latest news: new conference or convention facilities that have come online in the past year or significant meeting-venue renovations. The directories that follow list the services available in each of the region’s towns and cities.

Calgary & Area Airdrie •

240

500

•

• •

Glenmore Inn & Convention Centre, The/ 403‑279‑8611

1,200

169

•

180

103

Hampton Inn & Suites Airdrie/403‑980‑4477

125

•

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Airdrie/ 403‑912‑1952

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Calgary University/ 403‑289‑9800

120

•

Heritage Park Historical Village/403‑268‑8500

1,000

•

Nose Creek Valley Museum/403‑948‑6685

Hotel Blackfoot/403‑252‑2253

300

•

Ramada Inn & Suites Airdrie/403‑945‑1288

Hy’s Steakhouse/403‑663‑3363

•

150

Hyatt Regency Calgary/403‑717‑1234

1,450

355

•

International Hotel Calgary/403‑290‑7851

100

248

•

Acclaim Hotel Calgary Airport/403‑291‑8000

175

Kahanoff Conference Centre/403‑262‑1224

100

•

Arts Commons/403‑294‑7455

1,800

•

Kensington Riverside Inn/403‑228‑4442

•

Bank and Baron Pub, The/587‑293‑9688

•

Rouge/403‑531‑2767

Best Western Plus Port O’ Call Hotel/403‑291‑4600

200

184

•

Scotiabank Saddledome/403‑777‑3687

8 300

Best Western Premier Freeport Inn & Suites/ 403‑264‑9650

114

•

Service Plus Inns & Suites Calgary/403‑256‑5352

139

•

400

305

•

Glenbow Museum/403‑268‑4132

Best Western Regency Inn/403‑948‑3838

•

Gerry Thomas Gallery/403‑265‑1630

Comfort Inn & Suites Airdrie/403‑948‑3411

•

Num

b er o

f me etin g ro o L arg ms est m ro o m e et i n capa g cit y (p er Num sons b er o ) f sle epin g ro o Res t ms aura nt on p r e Walk mis e s to sh ops / re s t Pool aura /s p a nts /g y m Air p or t s hut t le

b er o f me etin g ro o L arg ms est m ro o m e et i capa ng cit y (p er Num sons b er o ) f sle epin g ro o Res t ms aura nt on p rem Walk is e s to sh ops / r e s t aur Pool ant s /s p a /g y m Air p or t s hut t le

Meeting places at a glance

•

Bragg Creek Wintergreen Golf and Country Club/403‑949‑3333

•

Calgary 225

•

193

•

Calgary Airport Marriott-in-Terminal/403‑250‑6112

630

318

•

Sheraton Cavalier Calgary Hotel/403‑250‑6300

•

Calgary Marriott Downtown/403‑266‑7331

448

388

•

Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire/403‑517‑6612

6,136

323

•

Calgary Stampede/403‑261‑0282

9,000

Westin Calgary/403‑508‑5206

2,000

525

•

Calgary Telus Convention Centre/403‑261‑8500

4,000

•

WinSport/403‑202‑6578

1,500

•

Century Casino Calgary/403‑287‑1183

300

•

Charbar/403‑452‑3115

100

•

Coast Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre/ 800‑661‑1464

•

1,200

•

200

248

•

Cochrane Days Inn & Suites Cochrane/403‑932‑5588

•

• •

Courtyard by Marriott Calgary Airport/403‑238‑1000 9

300

151

•

225

•

High River

•

De Winton

Courtyard Calgary South/587‑349‑7599

Cottonwood Golf & Country Club/403‑938‑7200

Deerfoot Inn & Casino/403‑723‑4025

700

188

Delta Calgary Airport/403‑250‑6031

200

296

•

Heritage Inn Hotel & Convention Centre/ 403‑652‑3834

400

Delta Calgary South/403‑225‑8631

350

252

•

Delta Hotel Calgary Downtown/403‑205‑5490

500

394

•

Highwood Golf And Country Club/403‑652‑2402

200

•

Executive Royal Hotel Calgary, The/403‑219‑7482

400

201

•

Four Points by Sheraton Calgary Airport/ 403‑648‑3177

D’Arcy Ranch Golf Club/403‑938‑5522

180

•

250

159

•

Lynnwood Ranch Event Centre/403‑938‑2203

400

•

00_MPAB 2017_0.indd 21

•

Okotoks

2016-10-14 4:07 PM

22 | meeting places Alberta 2017 published by Business in VAncouver

Edmonton & Area Acheson Nova Inn Acheson/587‑336‑9531

103

•

Best Western Cedar Park Inn/780‑434‑7411

195

•

Best Western Plus City Centre Inn/780‑479‑2042

100

109

•

Best Western Plus Westwood Inn/780‑483‑7770

500

172

•

Characters Fine Dining/780‑421‑4100

•

Chateau Lacombe Hotel/780‑428‑6611

1,000

307

•

Chateau Louis Hotel & Conference Centre/ 780‑452‑7770

325

140

•

Chateau Nova Hotel & Suites Kingsway/ 587‑336‑9531

175

152

•

Chateau Nova Yellowhead/587‑336‑9531

250

127

•

Citadel Theatre/780‑428‑2119

680

Conference Services - University of Alberta/ 780‑492‑6057

• • •

320

•

280

136

•

Edmonton Expo Centre/780‑471‑7210

4,000

•

Executive Royal Inn West Edmonton/780‑484‑6000

500

235

•

Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, The/780‑429‑6406

350

198

Holiday Inn Express Edmonton Downtown/ 780‑701‑3314

200

140

Metterra Hotel on Whyte/780‑431‑5318

650

Millennium Place/780‑464‑8244

500

290

•

Best Western Plus The Inn at St Albert/780‑470‑3800 2

St Albert Inn & Suites/780‑459‑5551

400

148

•

Star of the North Retreat Centre/780‑459‑5511

Banff Aspen Lodge/403‑762‑4401

•

Banff Centre/403‑762‑6485

959

419

•

Banff Park Lodge Resort Hotel & Conference Centre/ 403‑760‑3265

550

211

•

Banff Voyager Inn/Spruce Grove Inn/800‑879‑1991

150

208

•

Buffalo Mountain Lodge/403‑781‑8131

108

•

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel/403‑762‑2211

1,500

764

•

• •

Alberta Rockies Banff •

•

Courtyard by Marriott Edmonton West/780‑638‑6070 3

Holiday Inn Sherwood Park - Conference Centre/ 780‑464‑4900 St Albert

Edmonton •

Num

b er o

b er o f me etin g ro o L arg ms est m ro o m e et i capa ng cit y (p er Num sons b er o ) f sle epin g ro o Res t ms aura nt on p rem Walk is e s to sh ops / re s t Pool a uran /s p a ts /g y m Air p or t s hut t le

f me etin g ro o L arg ms est m ro o m e et i capa ng cit y (p er Num sons b er o ) f sle epin g ro o Res t ms aura nt on p rem Walk is e s to sh ops / re s t Pool aura /s p a nts /g y m Air p or t s hut t le

Meeting places at a glance

•

• •

Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre, The/587‑222‑4377 7

450

•

Rimrock Resort Hotel/403‑762‑3356

600

•

Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies/ 403‑762‑2291

350

•

Best Western Plus Pocaterra Inn/403‑678‑4334

100

•

Grande Rockies Resort, The/877‑223‑3398

150

•

Oasis Centre - Conferences, Weddings & Events, The/ 780‑451‑9227 4 720

Ramada Inn & Suites Canmore/403‑609‑5408

200

189

•

Solara Resort & Spa/403‑609‑3600

150

214

•

Quality Inn West Edmonton/780‑484‑8000

Windtower Lodge & Suites/403‑609‑6600

•

Lakeview Inn & Suites Hinton/780‑865‑2575

•

Overlander Mountain Lodge/877‑866‑2330

100

159

•

Ramada Edmonton Hotel and Conference Centre/ 780‑454‑5454

1,000

•

Renaissance Edmonton Airport Hotel/780‑488‑7159

550

•

Shaw Conference Centre/780‑421‑9797

5,000

•

Sutton Place Hotel Edmonton/780‑428‑7111

600

•

Telus World of Science - Edmonton /780‑451‑3344

400

Union Bank Inn/780‑401‑2209

150

•

Varscona Hotel on Whyte/780‑431‑5318

100

•

Westin Edmonton, The/780‑426‑3636

1,100

412

•

Winspear Centre/780‑401‑2522

1,932

213 308

•

Hinton •

Jasper

•

Best Western Jasper Inn & Suites/780‑852‑4461

144

•

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge/780‑852‑3301

600

441

•

Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre Jasper/ 780‑852‑6593

300

152

•

Kananaskis

• •

•

Mount Engadine Lodge/403‑678‑4080

•

Leduc

Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino/403‑881‑2830

450

110

•

Best Western Plus Denham Inn & Suites/ 780‑986‑2241

Lake Louise

200

•

Days Inn & Conference Centre Edmonton Airport/ 780‑986‑6550

118

125

•

Executive Royal Hotel Leduc-Nisku Edmonton Airport/780‑986‑1840

240

255

•

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Edmonton International Airport/780‑980‑9775

130

111

Hilton Garden Inn Edmonton International Airport/ 780‑612‑2350

220

165

•

160

112

•

400

156

•

Quality Inn & Suites - Edmonton International Airport/780‑955‑3001

150

RedTail Landing Golf Club/780‑890‑7886

250

•

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise/403‑522‑3511

750

554

•

Lake Louise Inn/403‑522‑3791

100

247

•

Comfort Inn & Suites/780‑826‑2020

•

Holiday Inn Express & Suites/780‑687‑8888

108

•

113

•

Camrose Best Western Plus Camrose Resort Casino/ 780‑679‑4956

600

Camrose Regional Exhibition/780‑672‑3640

2,280

Chuck MacLean Arts Centre/780‑672‑9949

125

Norsemen Inn/780‑672‑9171

300

•

144

•

Best Western Plus Meridian Lloydminster/ 780‑875‑8884

128

•

Lloydminster Exhibition Association/306‑825‑5571

3,000

•

Royal Hotel Lloydminster/780‑875‑6113

150

•

Nova Inn Edson/587‑336‑9531 Lloydminster

Sherwood Park Best Western Plus Sherwood Park Inn & Suites/ 780‑416‑7800

Festival Place/780‑410‑8567

9 500

Hampton Inn by Hilton Sherwood Park/780‑449‑1609 3

00_MPAB 2017_0.indd 22

1 4

Edson

Parkland County Devonian Botanic Garden/780‑987‑3054

Baker Creek Mountain Resort/403‑522‑3761 Deer Lodge/403‑781‑8131

Bonnyville

Nisku

Nisku Inn & Conference Centre Edmonton Airport/ 780‑955‑7744

•

Central Alberta

•

Four Points by Sheraton Edmonton International Airport/780‑770‑9099

•

Canmore

•

343

•

50 120

90 121

•

• •

•

2016-10-14 4:07 PM

Num

b er o

| 23

Ramada Lethbridge/403‑329‑0555

Rogue Restaurant, The/403‑328‑4384

150

•

Sandman Hotel Lethbridge/403‑328‑1111

350

139

•

Super 8 Lethbridge/403‑328‑6636

•

Travelodge Lethbridge/403‑328‑2366

200

•

University of Lethbridge Conference & Event Services/403‑329‑2244

2,000

•

Medicine Hat

110

•

Best Western Plus Sun Country/403‑527‑3700

122

Clarion Hotel & Conference Centre/403‑527‑8844

600

•

Coast Hotel Medicine Hat/403‑526‑7487

100

•

Connaught Golf Course/403‑526‑0737

180 138

Olds Olds College/403‑556‑4762 Red Deer

400

700

•

Baymont Inn & Suites Red Deer/800‑661‑1657

150

233

•

Best Western Plus Inn & Suites/403‑346‑3555

228

•

Black Knight Inn/403‑343‑6666

900

Comfort Inn & Suites Red Deer/403‑348‑0025

175

Days Inn Red Deer/403‑340‑3297

100

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Red Deer/ 403‑967‑1002

•

• •

•

Holiday Inn & Suites Red Deer South/403‑348‑8485

500

114

•

Quality Inn Red Deer/403‑343‑8800

350

114

•

Radisson Red Deer/403‑357‑1108

325

142

•

Ramada Red Deer Hotel & Suites/403‑342‑4445

•

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Medicine Hat/ 403‑548‑7818

Medalta - Medicine Hat Clay Industries National Historic District/403‑529‑1070

2 200

Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede/403‑527‑1234

2,500

•

Medicine Hat Lodge Resort/403‑502‑8190

500

•

Southside Events Centre/403‑528‑9997

455

•

Travelodge Hotel Medicine Hat /403‑527‑2275

160

•

Heritage Inn Hotel & Convention Centre/ 403‑627‑5000

165

•

Lebel Mansion/403‑627‑5272

Pincher Creek Community Hall/403‑627‑3601

485

200

270

121

•

300

•

Franklin Suite Hotel/780‑788‑2199

•

MacDonald Island Recreation Park/780‑791‑0070

500

Merit Hotel & Suites/780‑714‑9444

150

•

Platinum Hotel/780‑747‑7878

• •

Red Deer College Summer Conference Services/ 403‑356‑4900

500

•

Sandman Hotel Red Deer/403‑343‑7400

143

•

Sheraton Red Deer Hotel/403‑755‑1150

2,500

241

•

TownePlace Suites by Marriott/403‑341‑3589

Westerner Park/403‑343‑7800 Rimbey

16 1,200

Best Western Rimstone Ridge Hotel/403‑843‑2999 Rocky Mountain House

•

Walking Eagle Inn & Lodge/403‑845‑2804 Sylvan Lake

138

•

Best Western Plus Chateau Inn/403‑887‑7788

110

•

Sylvan Lake Golf & Country Club/403‑887‑6695 Three Hills

200

Best Western Diamond Inn/403‑443‑7889

•

Super 8 Three Hills/403‑443‑8888 Vermilion

•

Vermilion Regional Centre/780‑581‑2413 Wetaskiwin

600

Reynolds-Alberta Museum/780‑312‑2065 Whitecourt

135

Eagle River Casino/780‑779‑2727

•

125

222

•

• •

•

Rosebud Centre of the Arts/403‑677‑2350 Strathmore •

Travelodge Strathmore/403‑901‑0000

Northern Alberta

•

Fort McMurray

•

Southern Alberta

•

Heritage Inn & Suites/403‑362‑8688

•

Heritage Inn Hotel & Convention Centre/ 403‑362‑6666

600

106

•

Sawridge Inn & Conference Centre Fort McMurray/ 780‑799‑7410

850

188

•

Lakeview Inn & Suites Brooks/403‑362‑7440 Drumheller

•

Vantage Inn & Suites/780‑713‑4111

•

Badlands Community Facility/403‑823‑1333

600

•

Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Drumheller/403‑823‑3322 Lethbridge

•

• •

•

Grande Prairie

113

•

Coast Lethbridge Hotel & Conference Centre/ 403‑327‑5701

850

Cut + Char Chophouse/403‑317‑7427

Days Inn Lethbridge/403‑327‑6000

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott/587‑425‑0388

Fort Whoop Up National Historic Site/403‑329‑0444

Galt Museum & Archives/403‑320‑4247

200

•

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Lethbridge/ 403‑394‑9292

102

•

Holiday Inn Lethbridge/403‑359‑5612

120

119

•

Lethbridge College /403‑329‑7218

1,000

109

•

Lethbridge Exhibition Park/403‑317‑3213

34,000

•

Lethbridge Lodge Hotel & Conference Centre/ 403‑328‑1123

850

•

00_MPAB 2017_0.indd 23

•

Taber Heritage Inn Hotel & Convention Centre/ 403‑223‑4424

Brooks

Best Western Plus Service Inn & Suites/ 403‑329‑6844

•

Rosebud

•

Pincher Creek

•

103

190

•

• •

• • •

•

250

100

•

Evergreen Park/780‑357‑2849

2,000

•

Holiday Inn & Suites Grande Prairie - Conference Centre/780‑357‑2624

800

145

•

Podollan Inn & Spa Grande Prairie/780‑830‑4244

200

168

•

Pomeroy Hotel & Conference Centre/780‑832‑2440

400

200

•

Sandman Hotel Grande Prairie/780‑513‑5555

150

137

•

Stanford Hotel Grande Prairie/780‑539‑5678

204

•

500

•

300

•

Belle Petroleum Centre/780‑624‑8318

580

•

Chateau Nova Peace River/587‑336‑9531

425

119

•

Sawridge Inn Peace River/780‑624‑3621

250

131

•

• •

High Level

•

Bear Creek Golf Club/780‑538‑3393 Centre 2000 Tourism & Trade/780‑513‑0240

Best Western Plus Mirage Hotel & Resort/ 780‑821‑1000

•

High Prairie Peavine Inn & Suites/780‑523‑2398 Peace River

2016-10-14 4:07 PM

24 | meeting places Alberta 2017 published by Business in VAncouver

Regional map of Alberta N.W.T . Calgary & Area—25 Airdrie—27 Bragg Creek—27 Calgary—27 Cochrane — 28 De Winton—28 High River—28 Okotoks—28

Edmonton & Area—29

High Level

Acheson—32 Ardrossan—32 Beaumont—32 Edmonton—32 Leduc—33 Nisku—33 Parkland County—33 Sherwood Park—33 St Albert—33

Northern Alberta—P46

Alberta Rockies—34 Banff—36 Canmore—36 Hinton—36 Jasper—36 Kananaskis—36 Lake Louise—36

Fort McMurray

Peace River

S AS KA T C H E W A N

Central Alberta—37 Bonnyville—40 Camrose—40 Edson—40 Lloydminster—40 Olds—40 Red Deer—40 Rimbey—41 Rocky Mountain House—41 Sylvan Lake—41 Three Hills—41 Vermilion—41 Wetaskiwin—41 Whitecourt—41

Southern Alberta—42 Brooks—44 Drumheller—44 Lethbridge—44 Medicine Hat—44 Patricia—44 Pincher Creek—44 Rosebud–44 Strathmore—44 Taber—44

High Prairie

Clairmont

Slave Lake

Grande Prairie

Lac La Biche Edmonton Cold Lake & area—P29

Athabasca

Bonnyville

Westlock

Whitecourt Grande Cache

St. Paul

Bruderheim

St. Albert Edmonton Fallis Acheson Sherwood Park Spruce Grove Stony Plain Enoch Beaumont Devon Nisku Drayton Valley Leduc Camrose Westerose Wetaskiwin New Norway Evansburg

Edson Hinton

Jasper

Northern Alberta—46

Central Alberta—P37

Rocky Mountain House

Fort McMurray—47 Grande Prairie—47 High Level—47 High Prairie—47 Peace River—47

Lamont Fort Saskatchewan

Nordegg

Lake Louise

Kitscoty Lloydminster

Wainwright

Rimbey Blackfalds

Sylvan Lake

Provost

Stettler

Red Deer Innisfail Olds

Alberta Rockies—P34

Three Hills

Carstairs

Drumheller

Airdrie Banff Morley Cochrane Rosebud Canmore Dead Man’s Flats Kananaskis Calgary Rocky View Langdon Bragg Creek De Winton Priddis Okotoks Turner Valley High River

Southern Alberta—P42 Patricia Brooks

Calgary & area—P25

Medicine Hat Claresholm

BRITISH COL U MB I A

Heinsburg

Picture Butte

Fort Macleod Coleman

Taber

Bow Island

Lethbridge

Pincher Creek Waterton Park

WASHINGTON

00_MPAB 2017_0.indd 24

I DAH O

MONT ANA

2016-10-14 4:07 PM

| 25

Calgary & area

Calgary unplugged Vibrant young city brims with big and bright concepts as it welcomes the world

C By Andrea Cox

algary is a city brimming with beauty and big ideas. Rugged landscapes, snow-capped mountains and rushing rivers backdrop a bustling urban centre alive with avant-garde, glasssheathed skyscrapers, pristine parks, sidewalk cafés, museums and cultural

destinations. But what really elevates this city of 1.2 million people to world-class status is its pervasive and vibrant can-do energy, bursting with innovation and ingenuity. “Calgary’s young, highly educated and globally

00_MPAB 2017_0.indd 25

connected workforce is the city’s No.1 resource and aligns well with the legendary entrepreneurial spirit in the city. Our slogan ‘be part of the energy’ plays on Calgary’s reputation as a global centre for all things energy; it also embodies the energy and vibrancy of our people,” says Mary Moran, CEO of Calgary Economic Development. Calgary boasts the highest number of head offices in western Canada (132) and the second-highest number in the country, just slightly behind Toronto. In July 2016, the diamond icon De Beers Canada transplanted its Canadian headquarters to Calgary from Toronto as it prepares to open one of the largest diamond mines in the world.

Lively food trucks serving tasty fare are ubiquitous on Calgary streets – and serve many events as mobile caterers | Tourism Calgary

2016-10-17 12:20 PM

26 | meeting places Alberta 2017 published by Business in VAncouver

Calgary & area

Clockwise from top LEFT

Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, opened on Canada Day 2016 in Calgary’s trendy East Village. Space in the stunning complex can be rented for everything from corporate events to celebrations and weddings | MIR/Brandon Wallis The new $1.6 billion terminal at Calgary International Airport opened in the fall of 2016. With approximately two million square feet of space, it includes two central retail plazas and a 318-room, four-star Marriott hotel with more than 17,000 square feet of conference space | CG Architect

The city is brimming with signs of expansion and growth despite the jagged spikes of world oil prices. Peppering the horizon are cranes, and mid-build skyscrapers, most of which will offer a string of meeting venues that up the ante on the status quo. In the downtown core, Brookfield Place, a muchanticipated, block-long commercial development is rapidly unfolding. The project will eventually include 2.4 million square feet of meeting spaces, offices, retail shops and a 60-foot-high glass pavilion with a public plaza. The first tower just capped 56 storeys – among the tallest buildings in Western Canada. It is slated to open in late 2017. New hotels are popping up in all quadrants of the city, ignited by exciting new projects such as Calgary International Airport’s largest expansion – the new international terminal. The $1.6 billion terminal

opened in October 2016 and spans five levels, with some two million square feet, adding 24 new gates. It includes two central retail areas in its international departure halls and a brand-new 318-room, four-star Marriott hotel with more than 17,000 square feet of conference space, a spa, indoor pool and fitness centre. The new terminal also features innovative connections that allow passengers to stay in the secure area without needing to pick up and recheck their bags. It also boasts the YYC Link shuttle, a 10-person futuristic people mover that transports passengers between concourses in style. Minutes away from the airport, a Westin hotel is inching skyward, and the Clique group of hotels – one of the first hotel groups to capitalize on the excitement swirling around the airport – has recently flung open the doors of its signature hotels, Hotel Clique Calgary Airport and Applause Hotel (they are adjoined), which together offer 206 luxury rooms and over 4,500 square feet of meeting space. Closer in to the downtown core, a new 14-storey, 320room Hilton hotel opened its doors in the spring of 2016. And the ultra-modern Alt hotel, by Germain, will offer eco-friendly features and rates to suit the shrewdest of wallets, when it opens in 2017. Both hotels boast ample meeting space and a stellar location in the heart of the East Village, a government-led gentrification initiative, evolving next to the Bow River, just steps from the downtown core. It’s becoming the hip place to wine, dine and hang out. Perhaps the most exciting happening in the East Village is the unveiling of the architecturally stunning National Music Centre. It’s a design by the Portland, Oregon firm Allied Works Architecture, and spans 160,000 square feet with five floors of exhibition space. It features a collection of rare instruments, artifacts, sound equipment and Canadian music memorabilia that tells the story of music in Canada. The exhibits are interactive and encourage people to explore and engage. The facility features a 300-seat performance centre and several smaller theatre rooms – perfect for conferences and meetings of every size. 

Musicians prepare for a performance at Studio Bell, one of the many Calgary music venues | Leblond Studio

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2016-10-14 4:07 PM

| 27

Calgary & area Airdrie Hotels and Motels Best Western Regency Inn 121 Edmonton Trail SE, Airdrie T4B 1S2 ��p: 403‑948‑3838 f: 403‑912‑2177 e: 61040@hotel.bestwestern.com www.bestwestern.com Comfort Inn & Suites Airdrie 133 Sierra Springs Dr SE, Airdrie T4B 3G7 ��p: 403‑948‑3411 f: 403‑948‑0021 e: reservations@comfortinnairdrie.com www.choicehotels.com Hampton Inn & Suites Airdrie 52 East Lake Ave NE, Airdrie T4A 2G8 ��p: 403‑980‑4477 f: 403‑980‑0535 www.airdriesuites.hamptonbyhilton.com Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Airdrie 64 East Lake Ave NE, Airdrie T4A 2G8 �� p: 403‑912‑1952 f: 403‑945‑0253 e: gm@hieairdrie.com www.hieairdrie.com Ramada Inn & Suites Airdrie 191 East Lake Cres, Airdrie T4A 2H7 ��p: 403‑945‑1288 f: 403‑945‑1012 e: gm@ramadaairdrie.com www.canaltahotels.com Venues - Event or Meeting Facilities Nose Creek Valley Museum 1701 Main St SW, Airdrie T4B 1C5 Laurie Harvey �� p: 403‑948‑6685 e: ncvm@telus.net www.nosecreekvalleymuseum.com

Bragg Creek Golf Courses & Country Clubs Wintergreen Golf and Country Club PO Bag 2, Bragg Creek T0L 0K0 �� p: 403‑949‑3333 f: 403‑949‑4090 e: functions@wintergreengolf.com www.wintergreengolf.com Resorts/Retreats Riverside Chateau 104 White Ave Box 1319, Bragg Creek T0L 0K0 ��p: 403‑835‑6032 e: info@riversidechateau.com www.riversidechateau.com Restaurants Bavarian Inn Restaurant 75 White Ave Box 808, Bragg Creek T0L 0K0 ��p: 403‑949‑3611 e: restaurant@thebavarianinn.com www.thebavarianinn.com

Calgary Airlines Jazz Aviation Charters 8050 22 St NE, Calgary T2E 7H6 Reuben Anderson �� p: 403‑974‑2345 www.flyjazz.ca

Associations/Chambers of Commerce/Tourist Info Centres Meeting Professionals International Greater Calgary Chapter Box 61203 Kensington RPO 1436 Kensington Rd NE, Calgary T2N 3P9 �� p: 403‑835‑1601 f: 403‑266‑6709 e: info@mpi-gcc.org www.mpi-gcc.org Audiovisual Services Westin Calgary 320 4 Ave SW, Calgary T2P 2S6 Andrea Fernando p: 403‑508‑5206 f: 403‑265‑7908 e: andrea.fernando@westin.com www.westincalgary.com Banquet Facilities Bank and Baron Pub, The 125 8 Ave SW, Calgary T2P 1B4 Tigist Sleeman �� p: 587‑293‑9688 e: info@bankandbaronpub.com www.bankandbaronpub.com Century Casino Calgary 1010 42 Ave SE, Calgary T2G 1Z4 Todd Thull �� p: 403‑287‑1183 f: 403‑243‑3166 e: info.calgary@cnty.com www.calgary.cnty.com Hy’s Steakhouse 751 3 St SW, Calgary T2P 4K8 �� p: 403‑663‑3363 f: 403‑663‑5963 e: calgary@hyssteakhouse.com www.hyssteakhouse.com/calgary Westin Calgary 320 4 Ave SW, Calgary T2P 2S6 Andrea Fernando p: 403‑508‑5206 f: 403‑265‑7908 e: andrea.fernando@westin.com www.westincalgary.com Bus Services Airport Shuttle Express Ltd - Calgary Box 42125 Southland Crossing PO, Calgary T2J 7A6 Jim Townshend ��p: 403‑509‑4799 f: 403‑270‑2727 e: jimt@airportshuttleexpress.com www.airportshuttleexpress.com Caterers Distinctive Catering 2828 18 St NE Suite 1, Calgary T2E 7B1 Connie Quinton �� p: 403‑256‑4380 e: info@distinctivecatering.ca www.distinctivecatering.ca Green Bean Restaurant & Catering 550 6 Ave SW Suite 102, Calgary T2P 0S2 Jackie Tyler �� p: 403‑232‑1122 f: 403‑266‑3719 e: orders@greenbeancatering.com www.greenbeancatering.com

Conference Organizers/Planners/Trade Show Consultants Delisle Marketing & Events Inc 1120 44 Ave SE Suite A, Calgary T2G 4W6 Charlene Delisle p: 403‑203‑9243 f: 403‑236‑0524 e: cdelisle@dmeinc.ca www.dmeinc.ca Marketplace Events 5940 Macleod Trail SW Suite 602, Calgary T2H 2G4 �� p: 403‑253‑1177 f: 403‑253‑7878 www.marketplaceevents.com Display Designers & Builders Nexus Exhibits Ltd 2424 2 Ave SE, Calgary T2E 6J9 Milena Radakovic �� p: 403‑262‑8030 f: 403‑266‑3414 e: marketing@nexusexhibits.com www.nexusexhibits.com Employment Agencies/Event Staffing

BBW International Inc Calgary  ��p: 866‑984‑0352 e: sales@bbwinternational.com www.bbwinternational.com Local Calgary and Edmonton event staff for conference registration, cashiers, booth hostesses and experiential marketing brand ambassadors. Event Planners Event Group, The 1235 17 Ave SW Suite 210, Calgary T2T 0C2 David Howard �� p: 403‑543‑1509 f: 403‑543‑1516 e: dave@eventgroup.ca www.eventgroup.ca OneWest Events Inc 3920B Edmonton Trail NE, Calgary T2E 2L7 Renee Pittet �� p: 877‑598‑9378 f: 866‑684‑3533 e: info@onewestevents.com www.onewestevents.com Par-T-Perfect Calgary  ��p: 888‑983‑3862 e: calgary@par-t-perfect.com www.par-t-perfect.com Simply Elegant 3600 19 St NE Unit 6, Calgary T2E 6V2 Sharon Barwick �� p: 403‑242‑0598 f: 403‑291‑0568 e: sales@simplyelegantcorp.com www.simplyelegantcorp.com

Floral Design and Plants Twigs & Company 121 8 Ave SW, Calgary T2P 1B4 Sheila Duff �� p: 403‑263‑3302 f: 403‑263‑6970 e: twigs@twigs.ca www.twigs.ca Hotels and Motels Acclaim Hotel Calgary Airport 123 Freeport Blvd NE, Calgary T3N 0A3 �� p: 403‑291‑8000 f: 403‑532‑9400 e: info@acclaimhotel.ca www.acclaimhotel.ca Best Western Airport Inn Calgary 1947 18 Ave NE, Calgary T2E 7T8 �� p: 403‑250‑5015 f: 403‑250‑5019 e: sales@bestwesternairportinncalgary.com www.bestwesternairportinncalgary.com Best Western Plus Calgary Centre Inn 3630 Macleod Trail S, Calgary T2G 2P9 �� p: 403‑287‑3900 f: 403‑287‑3906 e: info@bwcalgarycentre.com www.bwcalgarycentre.com Best Western Plus Port O’ Call Hotel 1935 McKnight Blvd NE, Calgary T2E 6V4 Lisa Marthaller ��p: 403‑291‑4600 f: 403‑250‑6827 e: info@bwportocallhotel.com www.bwportocallhotel.com Best Western Premier Freeport Inn & Suites 86 Freeport Blvd NE, Calgary T3J 5J9 ��p: 403‑264‑9650 f: 403‑264‑9651 e: info@bestwesterncalgary.com www.bestwesterncalgary.com Calgary Marriott Downtown 110 9 Ave SE, Calgary T2G 5A6 Tiffany Richards ��p: 403‑266‑7331 f: 403‑262‑8442 e: tiffany.richards@marriott.com www.marriott.com Coast Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre 1316 33 St NE, Calgary T2A 6B6 �� p: 800‑661‑1464 f: 403‑248‑0749 e: info@calgaryplaza.com www.calgaryplaza.com Courtyard by Marriott Calgary Airport 2500 48 Ave, Calgary T3J 4V8 ��p: 403‑238‑1000 f: 403‑238‑1077 e: yycap-sales@marriott.com www.courtyardcalgaryairport.com Courtyard Calgary South 3750 Market St SE, Calgary T3M 2P2 �� p: 587‑349‑7599 f: 587‑349‑7598 www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/yyccs-courtyardcalgary-south Deerfoot Inn & Casino 11500 35 St SE Suite 1000, Calgary T2Z 3W4 Michael Seguin ��p: 403‑723‑4025 f: 403‑252‑4767 e: mseguin@dfic.ca www.deerfootinn.com

HISTORIC EVENTS HAPPEN HERE Let Heritage Park be your picturesque backdrop for entertaining 12 to 3,000 guests. Our diverse and distinctive venues offer the perfect setting for any event, year round. BANQUETS • SEMINARS • WEDDINGS • BUSINESS LUNCHEONS • BARBEQUES

For details and booking: 403.268.8526 or HeritagePark.ca

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28 | meeting places Alberta 2017 published by Business in VAncouver

Calgary & area Delta Calgary Airport 2001 Airport Rd NE, Calgary T2E 6Z8 Lisa Kiehl ��p: 403‑250‑6031 f: 403‑250‑8722 e: dca.sales.sm@deltahotels.com www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/yycca-deltacalgary-airport Delta Calgary South 135 Southland Dr SE, Calgary T2J 5X5 �� p: 403‑225‑8631 f: 403‑225‑5813 www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/yycdc-deltahotels-calgary-south Delta Hotel Calgary Downtown 209 4 Ave SE, Calgary T2G 0C6 �� p: 403‑205‑5490 f: 403‑205‑5460 www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/yycbv-deltahotels-calgary-downtown Executive Royal Hotel Calgary, The 2828 23 St NE, Calgary T2E 8T4 Tracey Arnold �� p: 403‑219‑7482 f: 403‑291‑2019 e: catering2.erc@royalhotelgroup.ca www.executivehotels.net/calgary Four Points by Sheraton Calgary Airport 2875 Sunridge Way NE, Calgary T1Y 7K7 Natasha Tiel �� p: 403‑648‑3177 f: 403‑648‑3179 e: catering@fourpointscalgaryairport.com www.fourpointscalgaryairport.ca Glenmore Inn & Convention Centre, The 2720 Glenmore Trail SE, Calgary T2C 2E6 Rick Dickison ��p: 403‑279‑8611 f: 403‑236‑8035 e: reservations@glenmoreinn.com www.glenmoreinn.com Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Calgary University 2231 Banff Trail NW, Calgary T2M 4L2 Rupesh Mulakkal p: 403‑289‑9800 f: 403‑289‑9200 e: hsuites@shaw.ca www.hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/alberta/ hampton-inn-and-suites-by-hilton-calgaryuniversity-northwest-YYCHSHX Hotel Blackfoot 5940 Blackfoot Trail SE, Calgary T2H 2B5 Jennifer Johnston �� p: 403‑252‑2253 f: 403‑252‑3574 e: sales@hotelblackfoot.com www.hotelblackfoot.com Hyatt Regency Calgary 700 Centre St SE, Calgary T2G 5P6 Danielle Durand ��p: 403‑717‑1234 f: 403‑537‑4487 e: salescalrc@hyatt.com www.calgary.hyatt.com International Hotel Calgary 220 4 Ave SW, Calgary T2P 0H5 Portia Manyimbiri �� p: 403‑290‑7851 f: 403‑290‑7885 e: catering@internationalhotel.ca www.internationalhotel.ca Kensington Riverside Inn 1126 Memorial Dr NW, Calgary T2N 3E3 �� p: 403‑228‑4442 f: 403‑228‑9608 e: info@kensingtonriversideinn.com www.kensingtonriversideinn.com Service Plus Inns & Suites Calgary 3503 114 Ave SE, Calgary T2Z 3X2 ��p: 403‑256‑5352 f: 403‑256‑5321 e: reservations@spis.ca www.serviceplusinns.com Sheraton Cavalier Calgary Hotel 2620 32 Ave NE, Calgary T1Y 6B8 Grant Erickson �� p: 403‑250‑6300 f: 403‑250‑6349 e: sales@sheratoncalgary.ca www.sheratoncavaliercalgary.com Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire 255 Barclay Parade SW, Calgary T2P 5C2 Kate Sulit �� p: 403‑517‑6612 f: 403‑266‑1300 e: eau.salesleads@sheratonsuites.com www.sheratonsuites.com

Westin Calgary 320 4 Ave SW, Calgary T2P 2S6 Andrea Fernando p: 403‑508‑5206 f: 403‑265‑7908 e: andrea.fernando@westin.com www.westincalgary.com

00_MPAB 2017_0.indd 28

Photography - Event/Videography Accent Photography 1842 31 Ave SW, Calgary T2T 1S7 Lawrence De Pape �� p: 403‑271‑4120 e: lawrencedepape@gmail.com www.calgaryphotographer.com Regional Convention Spaces

Gerry Thomas Gallery 602 11 Ave SW Suite 100, Calgary T2R 1J8 Logan Chubak �� p: 403‑265‑1630 e: info@gtgallery.com www.gerrythomasgallery.com Glenmore Inn & Convention Centre, The 2720 Glenmore Trail SE, Calgary T2C 2E6 Rick Dickison ��p: 403‑279‑8611 f: 403‑236‑8035 e: reservations@glenmoreinn.com www.glenmoreinn.com Heritage Park Historical Village 1900 Heritage Dr SW, Calgary T2V 2X3 Julie Copland-Stene �� p: 403‑268‑8500 f: 403‑268‑8501 e: jcopland-stene@heritagepark.ab.ca www.heritagepark.ca

Calgary Stampede 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary T2G 2W1 Greg Newton ��p: 403‑261‑0282 f: 403‑261‑0421 e: gnewton@calgarystampede.com www.calgarystampede.com/venues Calgary Telus Convention Centre 120 9 Ave SE, Calgary T2G OP3 �� p: 403‑261‑8500 f: 403‑261‑8510 e: sales@calgary-convention.com www.calgary-convention.com Restaurants Charbar 618 Confluence Way SE, Calgary T2G 0G1 �� p: 403‑452‑3115 e: events@charbar.ca www.charbar.ca Rouge 1240 8 Ave SE, Calgary T2G 0M7 �� p: 403‑531‑2767 f: 403‑531‑2768 e: events@rougecalgary.com www.rougecalgary.com Westin Calgary 320 4 Ave SW, Calgary T2P 2S6 Andrea Fernando p: 403‑508‑5206 f: 403‑265‑7908 e: andrea.fernando@westin.com www.westincalgary.com Speakers/Facilitators Ballyhoo Concepts Inc 159 Woodfield Rd SW, Calgary T2W 5K5 Andrea Davis ��p: 403‑281‑0140 f: 403‑281‑0102 e: speakerandreadavis@ballyhooconcepts.com www.ballyhooconcepts.com Tourist Attractions - Major

Cochrane Heritage Park Historical Village 1900 Heritage Dr SW, Calgary T2V 2X3 Julie Copland-Stene �� p: 403‑268‑8500 f: 403‑268‑8501 e: jcopland-stene@heritagepark.ab.ca www.heritagepark.ca Kahanoff Conference Centre 105 12 Ave SE Suite 200, Calgary T2G 1A1 Shea Rankin ��p: 403‑262‑1224 f: 403‑263‑7101 e: meetings@tkcca.org www.kahanoffconference.com Scotiabank Saddledome 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary T2G 2W1 Julie Mirdoch ��p: 403‑777‑3687 f: 403‑777‑2171 e: saddledome@calgaryflames.com www.scotiabanksaddledome.com Westin Calgary 320 4 Ave SW, Calgary T2P 2S6 Andrea Fernando p: 403‑508‑5206 f: 403‑265‑7908 e: andrea.fernando@westin.com www.westincalgary.com

De Winton Golf Courses & Country Clubs Cottonwood Golf & Country Club Box 28 Site 2 RR 1, De Winton T0L 0X0 ��p: 403‑938‑7200 f: 403‑938‑7412 e: admin@cottonwoodgcc.com www.cottonwoodgcc.com

High River

WinSport 88 Canada Olympic Rd SW, Calgary T3B 5R5 Jennifer McCandie �� p: 403‑202‑6578 e: jmccandie@winsport.ca www.winsport.ca Venues - Historical or Themed or Outdoor

Calgary Zoo 1300 Zoo Rd NE, Calgary T2E 7V6 Maria Martinello p: 403‑232‑7770 f: 403‑232‑7582 e: salesinfo@calgaryzoo.com www.calgaryzoo.com Venues - Event or Meeting Facilities Arts Commons 205 8 Ave SE, Calgary T2G 0K9 Amy Lin ��p: 403‑294‑7455 f: 403‑294‑7457 e: booking@artscommons.ca www.artscommons.ca

Associations/Chambers of Commerce/Tourist Info Centres Cochrane Tourism Association c/o Cochrane RancheHouse 101 RancheHouse Rd, Cochrane T4C 2K8 Hillary Richardson �� p: 403‑981‑6716 e: cochranetourism@gmail.com www.cochrane-tourism.ca Hotels and Motels Days Inn & Suites Cochrane 5 Westside Dr, Cochrane T4C 1M1 ��p: 403‑932‑5588 f: 403‑932‑9541 www.daysinn.ca Speakers/Facilitators Kevin Burns - Safety Speaker/Mgmt Consultant 14-312 5 Ave W Suite 150, Cochrane T4C 2E3 Kevin Burns �� p: 403‑770‑2928 e: kevin@kevburns.com www.kevburns.com

Golf Courses & Country Clubs Highwood Golf and Country Club 400 7 St NW, High River T1V 1M6 �� p: 403‑652‑2402 f: 403‑652‑1316 e: highwood@highwoodgolf.com www.highwoodgolf.com Hotels and Motels Heritage Inn Hotel & Convention Centre 1104 11 Ave SE, High River T1V 1M4 Rick Bart ��p: 403‑652‑3834 f: 403‑652‑4432 e: catering.highriver@heritageinn.net www.heritageinn.net

Okotoks

Calgary Stampede 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary T2G 2W1 Greg Newton ��p: 403‑261‑0282 f: 403‑261‑0421 e: gnewton@calgarystampede.com www.calgarystampede.com/venues Glenbow Museum 130 9 Ave SE, Calgary T2G 0P3 Devon LeClair �� p: 403‑268‑4132 f: 403‑265‑9769 e: dleclair@glenbow.org www.glenbow.org

Golf Courses & Country Clubs D’Arcy Ranch Golf Club PO Box 279, Okotoks T1S 1A5 Barb Binkley ��p: 403‑938‑5522 f: 403‑938‑6352 e: bbinkley@darcyranchgolf.com www.darcyranchgolf.com Venues - Event or Meeting Facilities Lynnwood Ranch Event Centre Box 328 Stn Main, Okotoks T1S 1A6 Wendy Keller LeDuc �� p: 403‑938‑2203 f: 403‑938‑5567 e: info@lynnwoodranch.com www.lynnwoodranch.com

Calgary Stampede 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary T2G 2W1 Greg Newton ��p: 403‑261‑0282 f: 403‑261‑0421 e: gnewton@calgarystampede.com www.calgarystampede.com/venues

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| 29

Edmonton & area

plunge into Edmonton New arena, bright optimism define Alberta’s brash and beautiful capital

By Rob Alexander

ased on the large amount of new construction, updated attractions and the growing list of events, Edmonton appears to be feeling optimistic about the future, despite the downturn in the Alberta economy. Part of that optimism is spurred by Ice District, an ambitious, 25-acre, mixeduse development in Edmonton’s downtown centred around the newly opened $640 million Rogers Place. This 819,000-square-foot arena is described as “one of the most advanced sports and entertainment venues in North America” and the first piece of this district that will also include a JW Marriott hotel, casino, theatres and large outdoor plaza. While much of the Ice District is still to come, Canada’s first Hyatt Place hotel — the Hyatt Place Edmonton Downtown — opened in late 2015 offering 255 guest rooms and suites, 11,000 square feet of event space, underground parking and a host of other amenities typical of the Hyatt Place brand in a striking angular 11-storey tower. Edmonton’s second Hyatt Place, the seven-storey Hyatt Place Edmonton-West, meanwhile, opened shortly afterwards near West Edmonton Mall. The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, a four-diamond luxury hotel built in 1915, renovated its seventh floor and eighth-floor suites in 2016 to create Fairmont Gold. A “hotel within a hotel,” Fairmont Gold provides a new standard for conference-goers seeking something extraordinary by offering a private access and exclusive services and amenities, including personalized service. The Hotel Macdonald is also home to Smudge, a golden Labrador dog and the hotel’s friendliest greeter. On the attraction side, the Royal Alberta Museum is planning to move into its new $375.5 million building in Edmonton’s Arts District by early 2018. West Edmonton Mall, meanwhile, North America’s largest mall, recently added new attractions such as the Tsunami indoor surfing and Galaxy Quest, a combined roller-coaster and shooting gallery. Another new attraction coming to

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Edmonton is the new 100-store outlet mall set to open towards the end of 2017. Along with new and updated hotels and attractions, Edmonton’s 2016-17 event calendar is full of promise with events like the 2016 FISE (International Festival of Extreme Sports) World Series and the 2017 Ford World Men’s Curling Championship and conferences such as the Engineers Without Borders National Conference, the Western Regional Leaders 4-H Forum and the Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference. For those looking for options beyond the city limits in smaller centres, Leduc, St. Albert and Devon are three possibilities. Leduc, which is minutes from the Edmonton International Airport, offers ease of access to accommodation and event facilities, and to Edmonton itself.

Summer visitors take advantage of the fountains at Edmonton’s Churchill Square | Sabrina Hill /Travel Alberta

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Edmonton & area

Edmonton’s Art Gallery of Alberta is among the architectural destinations that attract thousands of visitors, including Alexandra Hanase. Miss Teenage Alberta 2011 | Submitted The striking angular 11-storey Hyatt Place Edmonton Downtown is now open with 11,000 square feet of event space | Hyatt Hotels

2017

BRING IT ON

Alberta welcomes with urban panache and breathtaking breaks to the wild side

MeetingPlacesaB

Meeting and event planning in WOndROUS albeRta ListiNgs | More thAN 350 veNues ArouNd ALbertA

$25

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2018 MEETING PLACES AB AD Call Marie at 604-608-5158 or email mpearsall@biv.com Space Close: September 18, 2017

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Edmonton & area

Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre 780 442 7563

Terwillegar Community Recreation Centre 780 944 1972

MORE THAN JUST A MEETING ROOM.

The Executive Royal Hotel, Executive Hotel Alexandra and the Nisku Inn and Conference Centre are three such facilities in Leduc within easy reach of the airport. Northeast of Leduc at the town of Devon, the Devon Golf and Conference Centre is home to an 18-hole golf course located along the picturesque North Saskatchewan River and provides intimate event facilities suitable for small groups of up to 185 guests. Northwest of Edmonton, meanwhile, the city of St. Albert, known as the Botanical Arts City for its beauty and park-like setting, offers an intriguing event facility: the Enjoy Centre. This multi-use facility located east of Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park is equal parts commercial greenhouse, retail centre and three-room event centre capable of hosting groups that range in size from 10 guests to 1,000. With a predominance of glass in the roof and walls, the Enjoy Centre offers sweeping prairie views by day and star-filled skies by night. With its new and updated facilities, full events calendar and unique existing opportunities, Edmonton and its neighbours have a surprising diversity and range to offer conferences, conventions and meetings. 

The Edmonton Folk Music Festival is among the events popular with one of the youngest urban populations in Canada | Anthony Redpath/Travel Alberta/

Our impressive selection of venues delivers unique settings for your next event. From historical elegance to modern comfort to outdoor adventure, our facilities give you options to create an unforgettable experience. Your ideal venue awaits at edmonton.ca/facilityrentals

The Shaw Conference Centre attracts conference delegates from across Canada and around the world | Travel Alberta

Prince of Wales Armouries 780 496 8355

Edmonton Valley Zoo 780 496 2601

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Edmonton & area

Acheson Hotels and Motels Nova Inn Acheson 26302 Township Rd 531A Suite 1, Acheson T7X 5A3 Mindy Smythe �� p: 587‑336‑9531 f: 780‑732‑5719 e: mindy_s@novahotels.ca www.novahotels.ca

Conference Organizers/Planners/Trade Show Consultants Timewise Event Management Inc 18112 105 Ave NW Suite 101, Edmonton T5S 2T4 Arlene Schilke �� p: 780‑444‑3773 e: info@timewise.biz www.timewise.biz Destination Management/Marketing

Ardrossan Display Designers & Builders Exhibit Installation Services Inc 53028 Range Road 224, Ardrossan T8E 2M1 Brad Henderson ��p: 780‑922‑4966 f: 780‑922‑2297 e: info@exhibitinstallation.ca www.exhibitinstallation.ca

Beaumont Team Building Powerful Play Experiences 4103 46 St, Beaumont T4X 1G1 Robert Manolson �� p: 780‑929‑5949 e: robert@powerfulplay.ca www.powerfulplay.ca

Edmonton Associations/Chambers of Commerce/Tourist Info Centres

Edmonton Tourism 9990 Jasper Ave NW, Edmonton T5J 1P7 Stephanie Gruson �� p: 780‑969‑0480 e: sgruson@edmonton.com www.edmonton.com Meeting Professionals International Greater Edmonton Chapter 11215 Jasper Ave NW Unit 93, Edmonton T5K 0L5 �� p: 780‑999‑5799 e: mpiedmonton@gmail.com www.mpiedmonton.org Banquet Facilities Union Bank Inn 10053 Jasper Ave, Edmonton T5J 1S5 Kristina Freiburger �� p: 780‑401‑2209 f: 780‑401‑2213 e: sales@unionbankinn.com www.unionbankinn.com Caterers Fort Edmonton Park Edmonton  �� www.fortedmontonpark.ca Zinc Catering at the Art Gallery of Alberta 2 Sir Winston Churchill Sq, Edmonton T5J 2C1 Elisa De Fazio ��p: 780‑392‑2505 f: 780‑392‑2485 e: elisa.defazio@compass-canada.com www.zincrestaurant.ca

Edmonton Tourism 9990 Jasper Ave NW, Edmonton T5J 1P7 Stephanie Gruson �� p: 780‑969‑0480 e: sgruson@edmonton.com www.edmonton.com Entertainment Services Advanced DJ Services 4204 40 Ave, Edmonton T6L 5T4 Tarcy Schindelka �p: 780‑235‑3866 f: 780‑436‑2035 e: booking@advanceddj.ca www.advanceddj.ca Hotels and Motels Best Western Cedar Park Inn 5116 Gateway Blvd, Edmonton T6H 2H4 �� p: 780‑434‑7411 f: 780‑437‑4836 e: sales@cedarparkinn.com www.bestwesternalberta.com Best Western Plus City Centre Inn 11310 109 St, Edmonton T5G 2T7 �� p: 780‑479‑2042 f: 780‑474‑2204 e: hotel@citycentreinn.ca www.bestwesternalberta.com Best Western Plus Westwood Inn 18035 Stony Plain Rd, Edmonton T5S 1B2 �� p: 780‑483‑7770 f: 780‑486‑1769 e: hotel@bestwesternwestwood.com www.bestwesternalberta.com Chateau Lacombe Hotel 10111 Bellamy Hill NW, Edmonton T5J 1N7 Mindy Smythe �� p: 780‑428‑6611 f: 780‑425‑6564 e: mindy_s@novahotels.ca www.chateaulacombe.com Chateau Nova Hotel & Suites Kingsway 159 Airport Rd, Edmonton T5G 0W6 Mindy Smythe �� p: 587‑336‑9531 f: 780‑732‑5719 e: mindy_s@novahotels.ca www.novahotels.ca Chateau Nova Yellowhead 13920 Yellowhead Trail, Edmonton T5L 3C2 Mindy Smythe �� p: 587‑336‑9531 f: 780‑732‑5719 e: mindy_s@novahotels.ca www.novahotels.ca Courtyard by Marriott Edmonton West 10011 184 St NW, Edmonton T5S 1B6 Trevor Ducherer �� p: 780‑638‑6070 f: 780‑638‑6299 e: trevor.ducherer@marriott.com www.marriott.com Executive Royal Inn West Edmonton 10010 178 St, Edmonton T5S 1T3 �� p: 780‑484‑6000 f: 780‑489‑2900 e: info.ere@royalhotelgroup.ca www.executivehotels.net/west-edmonton-hotel

Meeting & Event Planning in BC

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Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, The 10065 100 St, Edmonton T5J 0N6 ��p: 780‑429‑6406 f: 780‑424‑8017 e: hotelmacdonald@fairmont.com www.fairmont.com/macdonald Holiday Inn Express Edmonton Downtown 10010 104 St NW, Edmonton T5J 0Z1 Srikant Shetty �� p: 780‑701‑3314 f: 780‑425‑1783 e: sales@hiexedmonton.com www.hiexdowntown.com Metterra Hotel on Whyte 10454 82 Ave, Edmonton T6E 4Z7 Pat Smith �� p: 780‑431‑5318 f: 780‑431‑5336 e: psmith@hotelsonwhyte.com www.metterra.com Quality Inn West Edmonton 17803 Stony Plain Rd, Edmonton T5S 1B4 Vivian Basaraba � p: 780‑484‑8000 f: 780‑486‑6060 e: sales.qie@royalhotelgroup.ca www.qualityinnwestedmonton.com Ramada Edmonton Hotel and Conference Centre 11834 Kingsway Ave NW, Edmonton T5G 3J5 Mindy Smythe �� p: 780‑454‑5454 f: 780‑453‑7360 e: mindy_s@novahotels.ca www.novahotels.ca Renaissance Edmonton Airport Hotel 4236 36 St E, Edmonton T9E 0V4 ��p: 780‑488‑7159 f: 780‑488‑6372 e: rhi.yegbr.sales@marriott.com www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/yegbrrenaissance-edmonton-airport-hotel Super 8 Edmonton South 3610 Gateway Blvd NW, Edmonton T6J 7H8 �� p: 780‑433‑8688 f: 780‑433‑8823 e: info@super8edmontonsouth.com www.super8edmontonsouth.com Sutton Place Hotel Edmonton 10235 101 St, Edmonton T5J 3E9 �� p: 780‑428‑7111 f: 780‑441‑3099 e: info_edmonton@suttonplace.com www.suttonplace.com Union Bank Inn 10053 Jasper Ave, Edmonton T5J 1S5 Kristina Freiburger �� p: 780‑401‑2209 f: 780‑401‑2213 e: sales@unionbankinn.com www.unionbankinn.com Varscona Hotel on Whyte 8208 106 St, Edmonton T6E 6R9 Pat Smith �� p: 780‑431‑5318 f: 780‑431‑5336 e: psmith@varscona.com www.varscona.com Westin Edmonton, The 10135 100 St, Edmonton T5J 0N7 ��p: 780‑426‑3636 f: 780‑424‑1525 e: sales@thewestinedmonton.com www.thewestinedmonton.com Regional Convention Spaces Shaw Conference Centre 9797 Jasper Ave NW, Edmonton T5J 1N9 ��p: 780‑421‑9797 e: sccsales@edmonton.com www.shawconferencecentre.com Restaurants Characters Fine Dining 10257 105 St, Edmonton T5J 1E3 �� p: 780‑421‑4100 e: chef@characters.ca www.characters.ca

Speakers/Facilitators Creating People Power 9750 51 Ave Suite 24, Edmonton T6E 0A6 Michelle Devlin �� p: 780‑701‑2990 e: michelle@creatingpeoplepower.ca www.creatingpeoplepower.ca Universities and Colleges Conference Services - University of Alberta 1-047 Lister Centre, Edmonton T6G 2H6 ��p: 780‑492‑6057 f: 780‑492‑5297 e: conference.services@ualberta.ca www.conference.ualberta.ca Venues - Event or Meeting Facilities

Chateau Louis Hotel & Conference Centre 11727 Kingsway NW, Edmonton T5G 3A1 Nigel Swarbrooke �� p: 780‑452‑7770 f: 780‑454‑3436 e: nigel@chateaulouis.com www.chateaulouis.com Citadel Theatre 9828 101A Ave, Edmonton T5J 3C6 �� p: 780‑428‑2119 f: 780‑428‑7194 e: citadel@citadeltheatre.com www.citadeltheatre.com City of Edmonton - Community & Recreation Facilities Branch 1004 104 Ave Suite 1400, Edmonton T5J 0K1 Marlene Walsh �� p: 780‑442‑0688 e: marlene.walsh@edmonton.ca www.edmonton.ca/facilityrentals Edmonton Expo Centre 7515 118 Ave, Edmonton T5B 4X5 �� p: 780‑471‑7210 f: 780‑471‑7134 e: info@northlands.com www.edmontonexpocentre.com Oasis Centre - Conferences, Weddings & Events, The 10930 177 St NW, Edmonton T5S 2X7 Christine Dimler � p: 780‑451‑9227 f: 780‑486‑7870 e: info@oasiscentre.com www.oasiscentre.com Rexall Place 7424 118 Ave PO Box 1480, Edmonton T5J 2N5 �� p: 780‑471‑8107 f: 780‑471‑7134 e: info@northlands.com www.northlands.com Telus World of Science - Edmonton 11211 142 St NW, Edmonton T5M 4A1 ��p: 780‑451‑3344 f: 780‑455‑5882 e: bookings@twose.ca www.telusworldofscienceedmonton.ca Winspear Centre 9720 102 Ave NW, Edmonton T5J 4B2 Diana de Sousa � p: 780‑401‑2522 f: 780‑425‑1913 e: ddesousa@winspearcentre.com www.winspearcentre.com

www.biv.com/advertise

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Edmonton & area

Venues - Historical or Themed or Outdoor

Fort Edmonton Park Edmonton  �� www.fortedmontonpark.ca

Leduc Hotels and Motels Best Western Plus Denham Inn & Suites 5207 50 Ave, Leduc T9E 6V3 Carol J Borowic ��p: 780‑986‑2241 f: 780‑986‑1511 e: info@bestwesterndenham.com www.bestwesterndenham.com Days Inn & Conference Centre Edmonton Airport 5705 50 St, Leduc T9E 6Z8 ��p: 780‑986‑6550 f: 780‑986‑7885 e: book@daysinnedmontonairport.com www.daysinnedmontonairport.com Executive Royal Hotel Leduc-Nisku Edmonton Airport 8450 Sparrow Dr, Leduc T9E 7G4 Paul Gabrielson � p: 780‑986‑1840 f: 780‑986‑1864 e: edmontonairport@royalinn.com www.executivehotels.net/leduc

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Edmonton International Airport 3916 84 Ave, Leduc T9E 8M6 �� p: 780‑980‑9775 f: 780‑980‑3054 www.hamptoninn.hilton.com Hilton Garden Inn Edmonton International Airport 8208 36 St, Leduc T9E 0H7 ��p: 780‑612‑2350 f: 780‑612‑2351 e: yeggi-salesadm@hilton.com www.hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com

Nisku Banquet Facilities RedTail Landing Golf Club 435 Airport Perimeter Rd Suite 7, Nisku T9E 0V4 Dean Stefanic ��p: 780‑890‑7886 f: 780‑890‑7887 e: chef@redtaillanding.com www.redtaillanding.com Hotels and Motels Four Points by Sheraton Edmonton International Airport 403 11 Ave, Nisku T9E 7N2 �� p: 780‑770‑9099 f: 780‑770‑9098 www.fourpointsedmontonairport.com Nisku Inn & Conference Centre Edmonton Airport 1101 4 St, Nisku T9E 7N1 �� p: 780‑955‑7744 f: 780‑955‑7743 e: sales@niskuinn.com www.niskuinn.com Quality Inn & Suites - Edmonton International Airport 501 11 Ave, Nisku T9E 7N5 �� p: 780‑955‑3001 f: 780‑955‑3006 e: sales@qualityinnairport.com www.qualityinnairport.com

Parkland County Venues - Historical or Themed or Outdoor Devonian Botanic Garden 51227 Hwy 60, Parkland County T7Y 1C5 Kerry Mulholland p: 780‑987‑3054 f: 780‑987‑4141 e: dbg.info@ualberta.ca www.devonian.ualberta.ca

Sherwood Park Hotels and Motels Best Western Plus Sherwood Park Inn & Suites 300 Lakeland Dr, Sherwood Park T8H 0N6 �� p: 780‑416‑7800 f: 780‑467‑8879 e: gm@bestwesternsherwoodpark.com www.bestwesternsherwoodpark.com Hampton Inn by Hilton Sherwood Park 950 Emerald Dr, Sherwood Park T8H 0W6 �� p: 780‑449‑1609 f: 780‑400‑0260 www.hamptoninn.com Venues - Event or Meeting Facilities Festival Place 100 Festival Way, Sherwood Park T8A 5T2 Peggy Thomas �� p: 780‑410‑8567 f: 780‑449‑0743 e: thomasp@strathcona.ab.ca www.festivalplace.ab.ca Holiday Inn Sherwood Park - Conference Centre 2100 Premier Way, Sherwood Park T8H 2G4 �� p: 780‑464‑4900 f: 780‑464‑4796 www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/sherwoodpark/yeasp/hoteldetail Millennium Place 2000 Premier Way, Sherwood Park T8H 2G4 �� p: 780‑464‑8244 f: 780‑416‑7200 e: millenniumplace@strathcona.ca www.strathcona.ca

St Albert Associations/Chambers of Commerce/Tourist Info Centres St Albert & District Chamber of Commerce 71 St Albert Trail, St Albert T8N 6L5 ��p: 780‑458‑2833 f: 780‑458‑6515 e: events@stalbertchamber.com www.stalbertchamber.com Caterers Up-Town Catering 17 Perron St, St Albert T8N 1N2 ��p: 780‑932‑8857 e: up-town@shaw.ca www.uptowncatering.ca Hotels and Motels Best Western Plus The Inn at St Albert 460 St Albert Trail, St Albert T8N 5J9 �� p: 780‑470‑3800 f: 780‑470‑0038 e: gm@bestwesternstalbert.com www.bestwesternstalbert.com St Albert Inn & Suites 156 St Albert Rd, St Albert T8N 0P5 ��p: 780‑459‑5551 f: 780‑460‑7687 e: info@stalbertinn.com www.stalbertinn.com Resorts/Retreats Star of the North Retreat Centre 3A St Vital Ave, St Albert T8N 1K1 Nancy Vaculchik �p: 780‑459‑5511 f: 780‑458‑8877 e: admin@starofthenorth.ca www.starofthenorth.ca Team Building Stumbling Blocks Team Building Seminars 47 Walden Cres, St Albert T8N 3N5 Barbara May �� p: 780‑722‑3188 e: barbaramay@barbaramay.com www.stumbling-blocks.com

We’ve got you

C ov e r e d 10 unique meeting venues ranging from 700 to 9000 square feet including an Airfield Hangar and a state-of-the-art 4-D theatre Numerous outdoor spaces, including the courtyard of a 1840s trading fort, a 1920s band shell and Midway with rides and games Full service boutique hotel Brand new catering facilities and an award-winning culinary team Historically-themed entertainment and transportation options Centrally located in Edmonton's river valley - 15 minutes from Downtown or Whyte Avenue; 10 minutes from West Edmonton Mall

Speak with one of our experienced event planners

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sales@fortedmontonpark.ca WWW.FORTEDMONTONPARK.CA

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Alberta Rockies

Peak of the market Luxury new venues and boutique hotels elevate the Alberta Rockies experience

Free admission is offered in 2017 to Banff National Park in celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary | The Canadian Encyclopedia

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O By Andrea Cox

ver the past few years, the quaint mountain towns of Canmore, Banff and Jasper have reshaped the nature of the corporate retreat. The metamorphosis has evolved slowly and with intent, spurred on by an influx of culinary and hospitality-savvy residents migrating to the trio of funky mountain destinations from cosmopolitan centres across the globe. They have infused the towns with a lively, artistic esthetic. New locally inspired eateries, smart boutiques,

craft breweries and intimate new hotels are popping up everywhere. “Alberta’s mountain region offers a huge international draw and this evolution has really occurred because of demand. We are really catering to the wants of a global clientele,” says Farra Gillis, communications and marketing manager for the Clique hotel chain, which manages four boutique-style hotels in Canmore: Blackstone Mountain Lodge, StoneRidge, Copperstone Resort and Falcon Crest Lodge. The latter was named one of the top hotels in Canada by the 2016 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards for the fifth year in a row. Gillis says that recently there has been a burgeoning

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Alberta Rockies

market for smaller and more intimate conferences and events and that the mountain locale is one of the top destinations on the corporate retreat must-attend list – so much so that the three towns are often bursting at the seams with hotels at capacity. Banff National Park greeted 3.6 million visitors in 2015, the highest number since 2003. During the first half of 2016, occupancy rates were up 10 per cent from the previous year. And those numbers are set to skyrocket in 2017, when visitors will enjoy free admission to all national parks to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Canada’s Confederation. The draw to the mountain milieu is spurred on by a potent combination of fresh air, an abundance of all-season activities, jaw-dropping mountain scenery, pristine lakes that sparkle emerald green and world-class sports, arts and meeting facilities. Conference-goers can scoot across snow-clad trails on a dogsled, mountain bike down spectacular terrain laden with wildflowers or rub shoulders with some of the greatest artistic talent in the world at the renowned Banff Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that can accommodate groups of up to 1,600 people. Canmore boasts the Nordic Centre where biathletes and cross-country Olympic superstars train side by side with corporate groups gliding for pleasure. It also offers indoor recreation at its $39 million recreation centre, Elevation Place, with its indoor pools, climbing walls, art studio and public library. A new arts centre with a theatre and meeting spaces opened its doors in the summer of 2016. For those wanting to venture further into the park, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel offers bucketfuls of OldWorld charm amidst a fairy-tale backdrop. Perfect for any sized group, the hotel features 76,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space, a world-class spa and a championship golf course. Similarly, the Chateau Lake Louise elevates the resort and meeting experience with a myriad of opportunities from ice skating on the frozen waters of Lake Louise (it’s just steps from the outdoor

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Clockwise from top LEFT

A legacy of the 1988 Winter Olympics, Canmore’s Nordic Centre welcomes top ski competitions – and all-season fun for the whole family | Stella Alpina Bed and Breakfast

Spacious and beautifully designed conference facilities welcome thousands of celebrants to Canmore in the Alberta Rockies | Clique Hotels AND RESORTS

terraces and promenades surrounding the Chateau Lake Louise) to horse-drawn carriage rides around the lake’s perimeter, replete with tinkling bells, crisp mountain air, warm blankets and cups of steaming hot chocolate. No matter where one turns the backdrop is stunning, a postcard-perfect scene, a Cornelius Krieghoff landscape painting in the works. There are also more intimate getaways, such as the cozy Stella Alpina Bed and Breakfast, which offers two rooms, free Wi-Fi, sauna and ski-waxing facilities. But perhaps the most exciting news for conferencegoers and tourists alike is the Malcolm Hotel, a mountaininspired, 124-room luxury hotel with a contemporary feel and over 6,500 square feet of meeting and banquet space. It’s located just steps from the main street in Canmore, surrounded by trickling creeks and tall pine trees. “It’s the first new hotel in the area in 20 years,” says Gillis, noting that Clique Hotels and Resorts will be managing the boutique hotel, adding to its already wellstocked portfolio of luxury hotels in the area. “It will be such a great addition to the selection of hotels and it will provide much-needed additional rooms and meeting space,” she says. The Malcolm Hotel is slated to open in late 2017. 

Hot tubs with views part of the attraction at the Applause, one of four Clique hotels in Canmore | Clique Hotels and resorts

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Alberta Rockies

Banff Associations/Chambers of Commerce/Tourist Info Centres Banff Lake Louise Tourism PO Box 1298, Banff T1L 1B3 Jason Elie ��p: 403‑762‑0271 f: 403‑762‑8545 e: jelie@banfflakelouise.com www.banfflakelouise.com Banquet Facilities Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre, The 100 Mt Norquay Rd PO Box 1260, Banff T1L 1A1 Marie-Eve Jackson �� p: 587‑222‑4377 f: 403‑762‑1264 e: rentals@banff.ca www.banff.ca/thefenlands Hotels and Motels Banff Aspen Lodge 401 Banff Ave PO Box 1017, Banff T1L 1A9 Christy Massey ��p: 403‑762‑4401 f: 403‑762‑5905 e: sales@banffaspenlodge.com www.banffaspenlodge.com Banff Voyager Inn/Spruce Grove Inn 555 Banff Ave Box 1540, Banff T1L 1B5 Glory Joseph ��p: 800‑879‑1991 f: 403‑760‑7792 e: sales@banffvoyagerinn.com www.banffvoyagerinn.com Resorts/Retreats Banff Park Lodge Resort Hotel & Conference Centre 222 Lynx St Box 2200, Banff T1L 1K5 ��p: 403‑760‑3265 f: 403‑762‑4740 e: sales@banffparklodge.com www.banffparklodge.com Buffalo Mountain Lodge 700 Tunnel Mountain Rd Box 1326, Banff T1L 1B3 ��p: 403‑781‑8131 f: 403‑410‑7406 e: bmlmanager@crmr.com www.crmr.com Fairmont Banff Springs 405 Spray Ave, Banff T1L 1J4 James Fraser ��p: 403‑762‑2211 f: 403‑762‑5755 e: banffsprings@fairmont.com www.fairmont.com/banffsprings Taxi/Limo Alpine Limousine & Tours PO Box 2235, Banff T1L 1B9 Amdreas Lindner �p: 403‑762‑5558 f: 888‑370‑5238 e: info@alpinelimo.ca www.alpinelimo.ca Team Building

Town of Banff 110 Bear St PO Box 1260, Banff T1L 1A1 Marie-Eve Jackson ��p: 587‑222‑4377 e: marie-eve.jackson@banff.ca Tourist Attractions - Major Banff Gondola PO Box 1258, Banff T1L 1B2 ��p: 403‑762‑2523 f: 403‑762‑7493 e: bgondola@brewster.ca www.brewster.ca/activities-in-the-rockies/ brewster-attractions/banff-gondola

Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies 111 Bear St Box 160, Banff T1L 1A3 Monte Greenshields �� p: 403‑762‑2291 f: 403‑762‑8919 e: mgreenshields@whyte.org www.whyte.org Venues - Event or Meeting Facilities Banff Centre 107 Tunnel Mountain Dr Box 1020, Banff T1L 1H5 ��p: 403‑762‑6485 f: 403‑762‑6202 e: conferences@banffcentre.ca www.banffcentre.ca/conferences Rimrock Resort Hotel 300 Mountain Ave PO Box 1110, Banff T1L 1J2 ��p: 403‑762‑3356 f: 403‑762‑1842 e: sales@rimrockresort.com www.rimrockresort.com

Venues - Event or Meeting Facilities Municipality of Jasper - Culture & Recreation 303 Bonhomme St, Jasper T0E 1E0 Activity Centre Front Desk �� p: 780‑852‑3381 f: 780‑852‑5176 e: activctr@town.jasper.ab.ca www.jasper-alberta.com

Kananaskis Resorts/Retreats Mount Engadine Lodge 22084-22114 Range Rd 104A, Kananaskis T1W 2T9 Eric Lekun ��p: 403‑678‑4080 e: mountengadine@castleavery.ca www.mountengadine.com

Hinton

Town of Banff 110 Bear St PO Box 1260, Banff T1L 1A1 Marie-Eve Jackson ��p: 587‑222‑4377 e: marie-eve.jackson@banff.ca Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies 111 Bear St Box 160, Banff T1L 1A3 Monte Greenshields �� p: 403‑762‑2291 f: 403‑762‑8919 e: mgreenshields@whyte.org www.whyte.org Venues - Historical or Themed or Outdoor Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies 111 Bear St Box 160, Banff T1L 1A3 Monte Greenshields �� p: 403‑762‑2291 f: 403‑762‑8919 e: mgreenshields@whyte.org www.whyte.org

Canmore Caterers Bow Valley Gourmet PO Box 8703, Canmore T1W 0B9 Michael Anderson �� p: 403‑679‑8470 f: 403‑678‑0085 e: chef@bowvalleygourmet.ca www.bowvalleygourmet.ca Hotels and Motels Best Western Plus Pocaterra Inn 1725 Mountain Ave, Canmore T1W 2W1 ��p: 403‑678‑4334 f: 403‑678‑3999 e: sales.bwp@royalhotelgroup.ca www.pocaterrainn.com Grande Rockies Resort, The 901 Mountain St, Canmore T1W 0C9 Stacey Mitchell ��p: 877‑223‑3398 f: 403‑678‑9390 e: sales@granderockies.com www.granderockies.com Ramada Inn & Suites Canmore 1402 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore T1W 1N5 Rose Chobaniuk �p: 403‑609‑5408 f: 403‑609‑2773 e: tours@ramadacanmore.com www.ramadacanmore.com

Meeting & Event Planning in BC

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Windtower Lodge & Suites 160 Kananaskis Way, Canmore T1W 3E2 ��p: 403‑609‑6600 f: 403‑609‑6666 e: sales@windtower.ca www.windtower.ca Taxi/Limo Canmore Limousine & Tours 405 Canyon Close, Canmore T1W 1H4 ��p: 403‑609‑1680 f: 888‑370‑5238 e: info@canmorelimo.com www.canmorelimo.com Tourist Attractions - Major Alpine Helicopters Inc 91 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore T1W 1N8 ��p: 403‑678‑4802 f: 403‑678‑2176 e: canmore@alpinehelicopters.com www.alpinehelicopters.com Venues - Event or Meeting Facilities Solara Resort & Spa 187 Kananaskis Way, Canmore T1W 0A3 ��p: 403‑609‑3600 f: 403‑609‑3455 e: stay@solararesort.ca www.solararesort.ca

Hotels and Motels Lakeview Inn & Suites Hinton 500 Smith St, Hinton T7V 2A1 ��p: 780‑865‑2575 f: 780‑865‑2976 e: hinton@lakeviewhotels.com www.lakeviewhotels.com Super 8 Hinton 284 Smith St, Hinton T7V 2A1 Aasim Mohd ��p: 780‑817‑2228 f: 780‑817‑2880 e: hintonsuper8@gmail.com www.super8hinton.com Resorts/Retreats Overlander Mountain Lodge PO Box 6118, Hinton T7V 1X5 ��p: 877‑866‑2330 f: 780‑866‑2332 e: events@overlandermountainlodge.com www.overlandermountainlodge.com

Jasper Associations/Chambers of Commerce/Tourist Info Centres Tourism Jasper PO Box 568, Jasper T0E 1E0 ��p: 780‑852‑6236 www.jasper.travel Hotels and Motels Best Western Jasper Inn & Suites 98 Geikie St PO Box 871, Jasper T0E 1E0 ��p: 780‑852‑4461 f: 780‑852‑5916 e: groups@jasperinn.com www.bestwesternjasperinn.com Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre Jasper 76 Connaught Dr PO Box 2080, Jasper T0E 1E0 Pat McLeod ��p: 780‑852‑6593 f: 780‑852‑6594 e: pmcleod@sawridge.com www.sawridge.com Resorts/Retreats Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge 1 Lodge Rd, Jasper T0E 1E0 James Fraser ��p: 780‑852‑3301 f: 780‑852‑5107 e: jasperparklodge@fairmont.com www.fairmont.com/jasper

Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino 888 Nakoda Way, Kananaskis T0L 1N0 Chris Grimes ��p: 403‑881‑2830 f: 403‑881‑2831 e: events@stoneynakodaresort.com www.stoneynakodaresort.com Venues - Event or Meeting Facilities Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino 888 Nakoda Way, Kananaskis T0L 1N0 Chris Grimes ��p: 403‑881‑2830 f: 403‑881‑2831 e: events@stoneynakodaresort.com www.stoneynakodaresort.com

Lake Louise Hotels and Motels Lake Louise Inn 210 Village Rd Box 209, Lake Louise T0L 1E0 ��p: 403‑522‑3791 f: 403‑522‑2950 e: events@lakelouiseinn.com www.lakelouiseinn.com Resorts/Retreats Baker Creek Mountain Resort Bow Valley Parkway Box 66, Lake Louise T0L 1E0 ��p: 403‑522‑3761 f: 403‑522‑2270 e: bakerinfo@bakercreek.com www.bakercreek.com Deer Lodge 109 Lake Louise Dr Box 100, Lake Louise T0L 1E0 ��p: 403‑781‑8131 f: 403‑410‑7406 e: dlmanager@crmr.com www.crmr.com/deer Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise 111 Lake Louise Dr, Lake Louise T0L1E0  James Fraser ��p: 403‑522‑3511 f: 403‑522‑3834 e: chateaulakelouise@fairmont.com www.fairmont.com/lakelouise Moraine Lake Lodge PO Box 70, Lake Louise T0L 1E0 ��p: 403‑522‑3733 f: 403‑522‑3719 e: info@morainelake.com www.morainelake.com Tourist Attractions - Major Lake Louise Gondola & Interpretive Centre PO Box 5, Lake Louise T0L 1E0 ��p: 403‑522‑1341 e: groups@skilouise.com www.lakelouisegondola.com

www.biv.com/advertise

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Central Alberta

Central station All roads meet and mingle in the warm welcome of Central Alberta

The award-winning Reynolds -Alberta Museum in Wetaskiwin celebrates the “spirit of the machine” with an outstanding collection of cars, airplanes and industrial displays. The museum offers plenty of fun for visitors, from cruising the grounds in a chauffeur– driven vintage vehicle to barn-storming in an opencockpit biplane | REYNOLDSARNOLD MUSEUM

World-ranked flyboarder Jordan Fabro performs – and teaches the sport – at Sylvan Lake, the recreational heart of Central Alberta | Best Body Fitness, Sylvan Lake /Aquafly

By Geoff Kirbyson

egardless of what the oil industry is doing, Albertans still need places to meet, and that’s got Meghan Gustum content with the present and looking forward to the future. The marketing manager of Westerner Park, a multi-use facility with more than 250,000 square feet of event space in Red Deer, saYS conventions, trade shows and weddings are going to take place regardless of where the economy is headed. “We’re seeing more people are staying closer to home this year. People are still spending money; they’re just choosing to spend it differently. They’re staying here and taking in the variety of events we have,” she says. One of those was the 125th edition of the Westerner Days Fair and Exposition last summer, which saw a record 92,000 people ride the midway, groove to SaltN-Pepa and take in rodeo events over four days. “Our first half of this fiscal year has been very strong. We’re attracting new events and we have some big events on the horizon,” she says.

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Central Alberta

The giant AgriTrade show and the Westerner Days Fair and Exposition – which drew a record of 92,000 in 2016 – are annual highlights of Westerner Park, which boasts a quarter-million square feet of Red Deer event space | Westerner ParK

“It’s always hard to predict the economy. We are cautious about it. We were hoping we would see the benefit on the staycation side. Once it turns around, we expect to stay strong and attract more and bigger events.” She declined to provide any specifics because her team is in final negotiations with a number of parties.

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But she was quick to say that just because Red Deer has a population of about 90,000 and her arena’s capacity is about 6,000 for concerts, she’s not aiming for acts you’d expect to see at a high school talent contest. “We had Elton John here in 2012. Classic rock and country do really well here,” she says. A new outdoor garden meeting area, ideal for weddings and other summer festivities, is helping drive Westerner Park’s 1,500 events this year. Gustum says about 1.5 million visitors are expected to be on the grounds over that period. Westerner Park also hosts agriculture-related events and meetings for sports organizations, and its 7,000seat arena enables it to rent out ice to local hockey teams. A non-profit facility that receives more than $500,000 in provincial and federal funding each year, Westerner Park reinvests all its profits back into its facilities. The facility is about 10 years into a 40-year strategic development plan and its board is currently evaluating a number of alternatives for growth. A hotel, however, doesn’t appear to be in the cards. “It was an option we explored for several years. I’m not sure it makes the most sense for us. We have a healthy working relationship with the local hotels. We partner with them as sponsors of our events to help draw tourism to the area,” she says. Not every upgrade has a direct link to tourism, however. For example, Westerner Park received a Canada 150 grant, in honour of the country’s 150th birthday this year, which will be put towards upgrading the HVAC system in one of its pavilions. Gustum says being equidistant from Edmonton and Calgary – it’s 90 minutes away from the province’s two biggest cities – allows Red Deer to serve as a middle ground for groups that have people in both places. Red Deer’s largest conference centre is the Sheraton hotel, which has a large exhibition hall that can hold up to 1,000 people for events, as well as spacious banquet areas and plenty of meeting space. Red Deer also attracts business from nearby communities such as Blackfalds, Lacombe and Sylvan Lake. Lacombe, located about a half-hour north of Red Deer, hosts meetings and trade events at the Lacombe Memorial Centre, which has a quartet of meeting spaces ranging from 750 square feet to more than 8,000 square feet. Wetaskiwin, south of Edmonton, focuses on attracting regional and provincial conferences. The Wetaskiwin Drill Hall can accommodate about 1,000 guests while smaller groups can look at the Memorial Arts Centre (capacity of 300) and Best Western Wayside Inn (capacity of 250). A unique experience for gearheads awaits at the Reynolds-Alberta Museum in Wetaskiwin, which celebrates the history and ingenuity of all types of machines, from vintage automobiles to open-cockpit biplanes. More than 100 major artifacts are on display in its exhibition hall. 

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hotelsreddeer.ca Red Deer is mid-way between Calgary and Edmonton. We are the only city on the Canadian prairies with a potential market of over 2 million people within a 160 km radius. 2000+ Accommodations | 350,000+ Meeting and Event Space Options Host 10 to 10,000 ppl | Expanding Red Deer Regional Airport Start new partnerships in a great location.

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Central Alberta Bonnyville Associations/Chambers of Commerce/Tourist Info Centres Bonnyville & District Chamber of Commerce Box 6054 Hwy 28 West Vezeau Beach Park, Bonnyville T9N 2G7 Megan Naylor ��p: 780‑826‑3252 f: 780‑826‑4525 e: info@bonnyvillechamber.com www.bonnyvillechamber.com Equipment and Supply Rentals Signature Events 5012A 51 Ave Box 7548, Bonnyville T9N 2H8 Toy Brand �� p: 780‑687‑3373 e: signatureeventsonline@gmail.com www.facebook.com/signatureeventsonline Hotels and Motels Comfort Inn & Suites 5404 Lakeland Rd, Bonnyville T9N 0B2 �� p: 780‑826‑2020 f: 780‑826‑2063 e: comfortinn.bonnyville@yahoo.com www.choicehotels.com Holiday Inn Express & Suites 4404 52 Ave, Bonnyville T9N 0C3 �� p: 780‑687‑8888 f: 780‑687‑8889 e: info@hibonnyville.com www.hibonnyville.com

Camrose Event Planners Premiere Event Management 5407 52 St, Camrose T4V 3C7 Ashley Meadahl ��p: 780‑781‑7272 e: info@premiereeventmanagement.ca www.premiereeventmanagement.ca

Hotels and Motels Best Western Plus Camrose Resort Casino 3201 48 Ave, Camrose T4V 0K9 Dawn Anderson ��p: 780‑679‑4956 f: 780‑679‑0992 e: danderson@bestwesterncamrose.com www.camroseresortcasino.com Norsemen Inn 6505 48 Ave, Camrose T4V 3K3 Sean Willms �� p: 780‑672‑9171 f: 780‑608‑1789 e: catering@norsemeninn.com www.norsemeninn.com Venues - Event or Meeting Facilities Camrose Regional Exhibition 4250 Exhibition Dr, Camrose T4V 4Z8 �� p: 780‑672‑3640 f: 780‑672‑8140 e: cre@cre.ab.ca www.cre.ab.ca Chuck MacLean Arts Centre 4809 52 St, Camrose T4V 1T9 Jane Cherry Lemire �� p: 780‑672‑9949 f: 780‑608‑8740 e: jcherry@camrose.ca www.camrose.ca

Edson Hotels and Motels Nova Inn Edson 5625 2 Ave, Edson T7E 1L6 Mindy Smythe �� p: 587‑336‑9531 f: 780‑732‑5719 e: mindy_s@novahotels.ca www.novahotels.ca

Lloydminster

Olds

Equipment and Supply Rentals Tent Guys, The PO Box 10087, Lloydminster T9V 3A2 Pamela Becotte �� p: 780‑205‑7368 e: office@thetentguys.net www.thetentguys.net Hotels and Motels Best Western Plus Meridian Lloydminster 1402 50 Ave, Lloydminster T9V 2K5 Marlene Neumann �� p: 780‑875‑8884 f: 780‑875‑3719 e: info.bwm@royalhotelgroup.ca www.bestwesternplusmeridian.com Royal Hotel Lloydminster 5620 44 St, Lloydminster T9V 0B6 Marlene Neumann �� p: 780‑875‑6113 f: 780‑875‑2265 e: info.rhl@royalhotelgroup.ca www.royalhotellloyd.ca Regional Convention Spaces Lloydminster Exhibition Association 5521 49 Ave Box 690, Lloydminster S9V 0Y7 Michelle Myers ��p: 306‑825‑5571 f: 306‑825‑7017 e: lloydexh@lloydexh.com www.lloydexh.com Venues - Historical or Themed or Outdoor Lloydminster Exhibition Association 5521 49 Ave Box 690, Lloydminster S9V 0Y7 Michelle Myers ��p: 306‑825‑5571 f: 306‑825‑7017 e: lloydexh@lloydexh.com www.lloydexh.com

Universities and Colleges Olds College 4500 50 St, Olds T4H 1R6 Kerry Moynihan � p: 403‑556‑4762 f: 403‑559‑4710 e: kmoynihan@oldscollege.ca www.oldscollege.ca

Red Deer Associations/Chambers of Commerce/Tourist Info Centres

Hotels Red Deer 4200 Hwy 2 Suite 101, Red Deer T4N 1E3 Karen Kitchen ��p: 403‑304‑4050 f: 403‑346‑5081 e: karen@hotelsreddeer.ca www.visitreddeer.com

EVERYTHING YOU WANT AND NEED IN ONE LOCATION

EventPlanning

CateringServices

~ Conferences ~ Retreats ~ Summer Camps ~ Weddings ~ Christmas Parties ~ Sporting Events ~ Conventions ~ Banquets

~ Special Events ~ Buffets ~ Barbecues ~ Tailored Menus ~ Cafeteria Dining

Services

~ Ample Parking ~ RV Parking

Facilities

Accommodations ~ Centennial Village ~ Townhouses ~ Pomeroy Inn & Suites at Olds College ~ Suites & Kitchenettes

~ Boardrooms ~ Banquet Halls ~ Theatre & Lecture Halls ~ Meeting Rooms ~ Conference Rooms ~ Computer Labs ~ Recreational Facilities ~ Gymnasiums ~ Outdoor Spaces

~ 24 Hour Campus Security ~ Audio Visual &

Multimedia Equipment ~ Technical Support

OLDS COLLEGE – CONFERENCE SERVICES

4500 – 50 Street. Olds. Alberta. Canada. T4H1R6 • 1-800-661-6537 www.oldscollege.ca/campus/conference_services

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Central Alberta

Tourism Red Deer 4200 Hwy 2 Suite 101, Red Deer T4N 1E3 Liz Taylor �� p: 403‑346‑0180 e: info@tourismreddeer.com www.visitreddeer.com Audiovisual Services Vold Audio Group Inc 4819C 48 Ave Suite 106, Red Deer T4N 3T2 John Vold �� p: 403‑348‑5800 f: 403‑346‑5803 www.voldaudio.com Hotels and Motels Baymont Inn & Suites Red Deer 4311 49 Ave, Red Deer T4N 5Y7 �� p: 800‑661‑1657 f: 403‑341‑3220 e: info@baymont.ca www.baymontinns.com Best Western Plus Inn & Suites 6839 66 St, Red Deer T4P 3T5 Lana Goldie �� p: 403‑346‑3555 e: sales@bestwesternreddeer.com www.bestwesternreddeer.com Black Knight Inn 2929 50 Ave, Red Deer T4R 1H1 Tamara Pribilic �� p: 403‑343‑6666 e: sales@blackknightinn.ca www.blackknightinn.ca Comfort Inn & Suites Red Deer 6846 66 St, Red Deer T4P 3T5 �� p: 403‑348‑0025 f: 403‑348‑0026 e: sales@comfortinnreddeer.com www.comfortinnreddeer.com Days Inn Red Deer 5001 19 St Suite 1000, Red Deer T4R 3R1 Stephanie Morlidge �� p: 403‑340‑3297 f: 403‑340‑3274 e: smorlidge@d3h.ca www.daysinnreddeer.ca Econo Lodge Inn & Suites 23 Gasoline Alley E, Red Deer T4E 1B3 ��p: 403‑346‑4188 f: 403‑346‑8225 www.choicehotels.com Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Red Deer 128 Leva Ave, Red Deer T4E 1B9 Lisa Klein �� p: 403‑967‑1002 f: 403‑341‑9996 e: lisa.klein@hilton.com www.reddeersuites.hamptoninnbyhilton.com Holiday Inn & Suites Red Deer South 33 Petrolia Dr, Red Deer T4E 1B3 Ash Ahamed �� p: 403‑348‑8485 e: aahamed@zsholdings.com www.bestsleepintown.com/red-deer/red-deersouth Holiday Inn Express Red Deer 2803 50 Ave, Red Deer T4R 1H1 Ash Ahamed �� p: 403‑343‑2112 f: 403‑340‑8540 e: aahamed@zsholdings.com www.bestsleepintown.com/red-deer-express Howard Johnson Inn 71 Gasoline Alley E, Red Deer T4E 1B1 Al Samji �� p: 403‑343‑8444 f: 403‑342‑4310 e: reservations@hojoreddeer.com www.hojoreddeer.com Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham 126 Leva Ave, Red Deer T4E 1B9 Angie Balkau �� p: 403‑967‑0320 f: 403‑346‑0593 e: gm@reddeermicrotel.com www.microtelinn.com/hotels/alberta/red-deer/ microtel-inn-and-suites-by-wyndham-red-deer/ hotel-overview Motel 6 Red Deer 900 5001 19 St, Red Deer T4R 3R1 Stephanie Morlidge �� p: 403‑340‑1749 f: 403‑349‑8954 e: smorlidge@d3h.ca www.motel6rd.ca

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Quality Inn Red Deer 7150 50 Ave, Red Deer T4N 6A5 Silvia Park �� p: 403‑343‑8800 f: 403‑346‑8690 e: silvia@qualityinnnorthhill.com www.qualityinnnorthhill.com Radisson Red Deer 6500 67 St, Red Deer T4P 1A2 Amin Suleman �� p: 403‑357‑1108 f: 403‑343‑3600 e: rhi_rdal@radisson.com www.radisson.com/red-deer-hotel-ab-t4p1a2/ canrdal Ramada Red Deer Hotel & Suites 6853 66 St, Red Deer T4P 3T5 Vimal Pillay �� p: 403‑342‑4445 f: 403‑342‑4433 e: info@ramadareddeer.com www.ramadareddeer.com Sandman Hotel Red Deer 2818 50 Ave, Red Deer T4R 1M4 Dale Ferguson ��p: 403‑343‑7400 f: 403‑343‑7411 e: gm_reddeer@sandman.ca www.sandmanhotels.com Sheraton Red Deer Hotel 3310 50 Ave, Red Deer T4N 3X9 Lisa Francoeur �� p: 403‑755‑1150 f: 403‑346‑4790 e: sales@sheratonreddeer.com www.sheratonhotelreddeer.com Super 8 Red Deer City Centre 4217 Gaetz Ave, Red Deer T4N 3Z4 �� p: 403‑358‑7722 f: 403‑358‑7778 e: info@super8reddeer.ca www.super8reddeer.ca TownePlace Suites by Marriott 6822 66 St, Red Deer T4P 3T5 Laura Williamson �� p: 403‑341‑3589 e: lhunter@tpsreddeer.com www.towneplacesuitesreddeer.com Western Budget Motel 57 Gasoline Alley E, Red Deer T4E 1B1 �� p: 403‑347‑2177 f: 403‑347‑2699 e: reddeer2manager@westernbudget.ca www.westernbudgetreddeer2.ca Restaurants Glenn’s Family Restaurant 125 Leva Ave Westside Gasoline Alley, Red Deer T4E 1B2 Glenn/Jessie Simon �� p: 403‑346‑5448 f: 403‑340‑2199 e: glenrest@telus.net www.glenns-restaurant.com Universities and Colleges Red Deer College Summer Conference Services 100 College Blvd PO Box 5005, Red Deer T4N 5H5 Corry McGregor � p: 403‑356‑4900 f: 403‑342‑3459 e: continuingeducation@rdc.ab.ca www.rdc.ab.ca Venues - Event or Meeting Facilities

Rocky Mountain House Hotels and Motels Walking Eagle Inn & Lodge 4819 45 St Hwy 11 PO Box 1317, Rocky Mountain House T4T 1A9 Colleen Dwyer ��p: 403‑845‑2804 f: 403‑845‑3685 e: info@walkingeagle.net www.walkingeagle.net

Sylvan Lake Golf Courses & Country Clubs Sylvan Lake Golf & Country Club 5331 Lakeshore Dr, Sylvan Lake T4S 1E8 ��p: 403‑887‑6695 f: 403‑887‑2561 e: info@sylvanlakegolf.com www.sylvanlakegolf.com Hotels and Motels Best Western Plus Chateau Inn 5027 Lakeshore Dr, Sylvan Lake T4S 1R3 �� p: 403‑887‑7788 f: 403‑887‑2598 e: suef@beca.ca www.bestwestern.com Venues - Event or Meeting Facilities Town of Sylvan Lake 5012 48 Ave, Sylvan Lake T4S 1G6 Monique Cummings �� p: 403‑887‑2199 f: 403‑887‑2258 e: mpummings@sylvanlake.ca www.sylvanlake.ca

Three Hills Golf Courses & Country Clubs Three Hills Golf Club Box 1004, Three Hills T0M 2A0 ��p: 403‑443‑5065 f: 403‑443‑7181 e: threehillsgolfclub@gmail.com www.threehillsgolfclub.ca

Hotels and Motels Best Western Diamond Inn 351 7th Ave N Box 1348, Three Hills T0M 2A0 �� p: 403‑443‑7889 f: 403‑443‑7233 e: fdres@telus.net www.bwdiamondinn.com Super 8 Three Hills 208 18 Ave N Box 1810, Three Hills T0M 2A0 Louise Alberts �� p: 403‑443‑8888 f: 403‑443‑8889 e: lfalbert2@gmail.com www.super8threehills.com

Vermilion Venues - Event or Meeting Facilities Vermilion Regional Centre 5702 College Dr, Vermilion T9X 1X1 Carol Coleman �� p: 780‑581‑2413 f: 780‑853‑4910 e: vrc@vermilion.ca www.vermilion.ca

Wetaskiwin Venues - Historical or Themed or Outdoor Reynolds-Alberta Museum PO Box 6360, Wetaskiwin T9A 2G1 Melissa Daoust p: 780‑312‑2065 f: 780‑361‑1239 e: reynoldsalbertamuseum@gov.ab.ca www.reynoldsalbertamuseum.com

Whitecourt Banquet Facilities Eagle River Casino Junction Hwy 43 & 32 N PO Box 10, Whitecourt T7S 1N3 Eris Moncur ��p: 780‑779‑2727 f: 780‑706‑7451 e: gm@eaglerivercasino.ca www.eaglerivercasino.ca

plan for work-life

Retreat to the lake for your next team meeting, conference, or event. Sylvan Lake offers the ideal opportunity to balance work with fun and relaxation.

Westerner Park 4847A 19 St, Red Deer T4R 2N7 Meghan Gustum p: 403‑343‑7800 f: 403‑341‑4699 e: askus@westerner.ab.ca www.westernerpark.ca

Rimbey Hotels and Motels Best Western Rimstone Ridge Hotel 5501 50 Ave Box 1546, Rimbey T0C 2J0 Valerie-Ray St Jean �� p: 403‑843‑2999 f: 403‑843‑2997 e: valerie.stjean@bwrimbey.com www.bestwestern.com

Opening spring 2017, the new NexSource Centre will feature over 4,100 square feet of combined multipurpose room, fully equipped with audio & video.

sylvanlake.ca

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Southern Alberta

Southern comforts Badland landscapes and ghosts of dinosaurs background some of Alberta’s finest southern meeting venues

Visitors splash in the water beneath the iconic crossing at Lethbridge, Alberta’s fourthlargest city | Travel Alberta

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T By Pat Johnson

he unique landscapes of Southern Alberta call for a tough decision for those who want to surround an event or celebration in dramatic scenery. T he emba rrassment of riches includes rolling foothills, alpine forests, colourful canyons and the geological formations of Canada’s badlands. Add to this some of Canada’s most impressive natural and human history and there is plenty to recommend the region for group events of any size. The grasslands around Brooks,Southwest of Calgary, were once fertile bison territory. Now, Brooks promises “small-town charm, big-city service,” with event spaces that can accommodate more than 1,600. Dinosaur Provincial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the second-largest deposit of dinosaur fossils from the Late Cretaceous period, is minutes outside the city but 75 million years back in time. Options abound for amateur palaeontologists, including hiking and bus

tours, guided excavations, fossil safaris and a sunset tour. The Brooks Aquaduct – built by the Canadian Pacific Railway nearly a century ago as a “river in the sky” – helped irrigate the region and launch the region’s agricultural heyday. The EID (Eastern Irrigation District) Historical Park preserves the legacy of early farming in the area. Nearby is Lake Newell, the largest lake in Southern Alberta and a destination for outdoor recreation. The Heritage Inn Hotel and Convention Centre, just off the Trans-Canada Highway, can accommodate up to 600 guests, with full catering, customized menus, staging, dance floors, audiovisual support and event setup and take-down. (The complex was damaged in a small fire in May 2016, but has recovered.) While fossils have been discovered in various locations, nowhere is more synonymous with dinosaurs than Drumheller. About 100 kilometres northeast of Calgary in the Red Deer River Valley, Drumheller’s natural attractions include the rock formations and hoodoos of the badlands, as well as Horseshoe Canyon. The Royal Tyrrell Museum is the destination for dinosaur-seekers from around the world. Canalta Jurassic Hotel is home to the fabulously titled Cretaceous Conference Centre. Corporate or family events of up to 170 people are welcome. Just out of the shadow of the Rocky Mountains is Alberta’s fourth-largest city, Lethbridge. The pioneering Galt family have left a substantial legacy in the city, not only in the form of Galt Gardens, the town common since 1885, but also in the Galt Museum and Archives, which interprets the history of this part of southwestern Alberta. The Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden offers a natural and serene break from meetings, with cultural programs and guided tours or leisurely self-guided walks. Canoeing and kayaking are popular in summer and a corn maze could provide a different team-building motif in season. The Southern Alberta Art Gallery is also in town. For a day trip, Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park/ Áísínai’pi National Historic Site of Canada is about 100 kilometres from town. “Ethno-clectic” cuisine includes Afghan, Mongolian and multiple Chinese, Indian and Japanese destinations,

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Southern Alberta

Drumheller is synonymous with dinosaurs. Nestled in the famous badlands, it is home to Royal Tyrrell Museum and close to Dinosaur Provincial Park, both key destinations for dinosaurseekers from around the world | Travel Alberta The Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden in Lethbridge offers a natural and serene break from meetings, with teas, cultural programs and guided tours | Lethbridge Lodging Association

along with a panorama of casual dining and diner-style options. The Coast Lethbridge Hotel & Conference Centre can accommodate groups up to 850 with a grand ballroom of 9,000 square feet. On-site dining includes the Firestone Restaurant & Bar, a casual contemporary eatery. Lethbridge Lodge Hotel and Conference Centre, a Sandman property, can cater for up to 300 at plated or buffet lunches or dinners. From May to August, the University of Lethbridge Lux Hotel transforms from student digs into a fullservice apartment-format hotel in the newest building on campus. The university has meeting spaces for up to 500. With the South Saskatchewan River and a number of creeks cutting through the steppe on which the city is built, Medicine Hat’s geography is defined by water. One of its most recognizable human-made attractions is the world’s tallest teepee, designed to highlight Canada’s First Nations heritage for the 1988 Calgary Olympics. The structure was moved to Medicine Hat in 1991. The area was home to one of Western Canada’s earliest industrial sectors: pottery and clay works. Today, the 150-acre Historic Clay District has revived these industrial crafts, including a living, working museum at Medalta Potteries National Historic Site. (This includes a 6,000-square-foot meeting space.) By the standards of Canada’s small cities, Medicine Hat is home to a comparatively sprawling convention centre. The Medicine Hat Lodge has a resort casino, convention centre, health spa and indoor waterslide park. A 6,500 square foot conference centre and four

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additional meeting rooms open the door to major events. A steak house and Italian restaurant anchor a retail and entertainment component. The Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre, an elegant glass destination with panoramic views, can accommodate up to 240 in one venue. The diversity of Southern Alberta’s geography is paralleled by the variety of meeting spaces and accommodations, making Southern Alberta an option for almost any kind of gathering. 

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Southern Alberta Brooks Hotels and Motels Heritage Inn & Suites 1239 2 St W, Brooks T1R 1P7 �� p: 403‑362‑8688 f: 403‑362‑8579 e: info.brookssuites@heritageinn.net www.heritageinn.net Heritage Inn Hotel & Convention Centre 1217 2 St W, Brooks T1R 1P7 Eric Deringer �� p: 403‑362‑6666 f: 403‑362‑7319 e: catering.brooks@heritageinn.net www.heritageinn.net Lakeview Inn & Suites Brooks 1307 2 St W, Brooks T1R 1P7 ��p: 403‑362‑7440 f: 403‑362‑7477 e: brooks@lakeviewhotels.com www.lakeviewhotels.com

Drumheller Banquet Facilities

Badlands Community Facility 224 Centre St, Drumheller T0J 0Y4 Charlotte Stalgitis �� p: 403‑823‑1333 f: 403‑823‑6991 e: ckuntz@dinosaurvalley.com www.dinosaurvalley.com Hotels and Motels Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Drumheller 392 Centre St, Drumheller T0J 0Y0 Raj Mistry �� p: 403‑823‑3322 f: 403‑856‑4864 e: drumheller.econolodge@gmail.com www.econolodgedrumheller.ca Venues - Event or Meeting Facilities

Badlands Community Facility 224 Centre St, Drumheller T0J 0Y4 Charlotte Stalgitis �� p: 403‑823‑1333 f: 403‑823‑6991 e: ckuntz@dinosaurvalley.com www.dinosaurvalley.com

Lethbridge Associations/Chambers of Commerce/Tourist Info Centres

Economic Development Lethbridge/ Convention & Event Development 308 Stafford Dr S, Lethbridge T1J 2L1 Erin Crane ��p: 403‑331‑0022 e: erin@chooselethbridge.ca www.chooselethbridge.ca

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Conference Organizers/Planners/Trade Show Consultants CANHOST Group 210A 12A St N Suite 361, Lethbridge T1H 2J1 Robin Gemer �� p: 403‑942‑5363 e: robin@canhostgroup.ca www.canhostgroup.ca Destination Management/Marketing Lethbridge Concierge Service Ltd Box 1732, Lethbridge T1J 4K4 June Robinson �� p: 403‑892‑7116 e: junerobinson@shaw.ca www.lethbridgeconcierge.com Hotels and Motels Best Western Plus Service Inn & Suites 209 41 St S, Lethbridge T1J 1Z3 �� p: 403‑329‑6844 e: gm@bestwesternlethbridge.ca www.bestwesternlethbridge.ca Best Western Plus Service Inn & Suites 209 41 St S, Lethbridge T1J 1Z3 Bruce Primeau �� p: 403‑329‑6844 e: gm@bestwesternlethbridge.ca www.bestwesternlethbridge.ca Coast Lethbridge Hotel & Conference Centre 526 Mayor Magrath Dr S, Lethbridge T1J 3M2 Curtis Burton ��p: 403‑327‑5701 f: 403‑327‑5075 e: c.burton@coasthotels.com www.coasthotels.com Days Inn Lethbridge 100 3 Ave S, Lethbridge T1J 4L2 Josh Og �� p: 403‑327‑6000 e: sales@ladaysinn.com www.daysinn.ca Econo Lodge Inn & Suites 1124 Mayor Magrath Dr S, Lethbridge T1K 2P8 Shannon Brezina ��p: 403‑328‑5591 e: econolodge.gmlethbridge@shaw.ca www.choicehotels.ca/en/econo-lodge-inn-&suites-lethbridge-hotel-cn038 Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott 4081 2 Ave S, Lethbridge T1J 1Z2 �� p: 587‑425‑0388 f: 587‑425‑0390 www.marriott.com Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Lethbridge 120 Stafford Dr S, Lethbridge T1J 4W4 Chris Atherton ��p: 403‑394‑9292 e: hielsales@gmail.com www.hielethbridge.ca Holiday Inn Lethbridge 2375 Mayor Magrath Dr S, Lethbridge T1K 7M1 Brent Boynton ��p: 403‑359‑5612 e: brent.boynton@whg.com www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/ lethbridge/yqlhi/hoteldetail Howard Johnson Express 1026 Mayor Magrath Dr S, Lethbridge T1K 2P8 Paul Bachhal �� p: 403‑327‑4576 e: hj123511@yahoo.com www.hojo.com/hotels/alberta/lethbridge/howardjohnson-express-inn-lethbridge/hotel-overview Lethbridge Lodge Hotel & Conference Centre 320 Scenic Dr S, Lethbridge T1J 4B4 Nils Breuker �� p: 403‑328‑1123 e: gm_lethbridgelodge@northland.ca www.sandmansignature.com Motel 6 1142 Mayor Magrath Dr S, Lethbridge T1K 2P8 Aean Shortt �� p: 403‑328‑4436 e: m65724bo@6franchise.com www.motel6.com/en/motels.ab.lethbridge.5724 Premier Inn and Suites 2225 Mayor Magrath Dr S, Lethbridge T1K 7M1 ��p: 403‑380‑6677 f: 403‑320‑2945 e: premierinns@shaw.ca www.premierinnandsuites.com Ramada Lethbridge 1303 Mayor Magrath Dr S, Lethbridge T1K 2R1 �� p: 403‑329‑0555 e: gm@lethbridgeramada.com www.lethbridgeramada.com Sandman Hotel Lethbridge 421 Mayor Magrath Dr, Lethbridge T1J 3L8 Bryan Laughlin ��p: 403‑328‑1111 e: gm_lethbridge@sandman.ca www.sandmanhotels.ca/hotels/lethbridge

Super 8 Lethbridge 1030 Mayor Magrath Dr S, Lethbridge T1K 2P8 Sariah Seaborn �� p: 403‑328‑6636 e: super8.gmlethbridge@shaw.ca www.super8.com/hotels/alberta/lethbridge/ super-8-lethbridge/hotel-overview Travelodge Lethbridge 1009 Mayor Magrath Dr S, Lethbridge T1K 2P7 �� p: 403‑328‑2366 f: 403‑328‑5933 e: travelodgeleth@gmail.com Universities and Colleges Lethbridge College 3010 College Dr S, Lethbridge T1K 8A2 Jordan Morash �� p: 403‑329‑7218 e: jordan.morash@lethbridgecollege.ca www.lethbridgecollege.ca/student-experience/ housing/summer-housing University of Lethbridge Conference & Event Services 4401 University Dr W, Lethbridge T1K 3M4 Sacha Johnson �� p: 403‑329‑2244 e: sacha.johnson@uleth.ca www.uleth.ca/conference Venues - Event or Meeting Facilities Lethbridge Exhibition Park 3401 Parkside Dr S, Lethbridge T1J 4R3 Doug Kryzanowski �� p: 403‑317‑3213 f: 403‑320‑8139 e: doug@exhibitionpark.ca www.exhibitionpark.ca

Medicine Hat Lodge Resort 1051 Ross Glen Dr SE, Medicine Hat T1B 3T8 ��p: 403‑502‑8190 f: 403‑528‑4075 e: sales@medhatlodge.com www.medhatlodge.com Travelodge Hotel Medicine Hat 1100 Redcliff Dr SW, Medicine Hat T1A 5E5 Sales Dept ��p: 403‑527‑2275 f: 403‑526‑7842 e: salesmedicinehattravelodge@hotmail.com www.travelodge.ca Venues - Event or Meeting Facilities Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede 2055 21 Ave SE Box 1298, Medicine Hat T1A 7N1 Natalie Weir �� p: 403‑527‑1234 f: 403‑529‑6553 e: nweir@mhstampede.com www.mhstampede.com Southside Events Centre 4 Strachan Crt SE, Medicine Hat T1B 4R7 �� p: 403‑528‑9997 f: 403‑527‑9804 e: admin@southsideeventscentre.com www.southsideeventscentre.com Venues - Historical or Themed or Outdoor Medalta - Medicine Hat Clay Industries National Historic District 713 Medalta Ave SE, Medicine Hat T1A 3K9 �� p: 403‑529‑1070 e: events@medalta.com www.medalta.org

Patricia Venues - Historical or Themed or Outdoor Dinosaur Provincial Park PO Box 60 (48 km NE of Brooks), Patricia T0J 2K0 Donna Martin ��p: 403‑378‑4342 f: 403‑378‑4247 www.dinosaurpark.ca

Pincher Creek

Visit Lethbridge �� p: 403‑915‑2869 e: ed@visitlethbridge.com www.visitlethbridge.com Venues - Historical or Themed or Outdoor Fort Whoop Up National Historic Site Box 1074 Indian Battle Park, Lethbridge T1J 4A2 Doran Degenstein �� p: 403‑329‑0444 f: 403‑329‑0645 e: info@fortwhoopup.com www.fortwhoopup.com Galt Museum & Archives 502 1 St S, Lethbridge T1J 0P6 Lea-Ann Owsley p: 403‑320‑4247 f: 403‑329‑4958 e: facilityrentals@galtmuseum.com www.galtmuseum.com

Medicine Hat Golf Courses & Country Clubs Connaught Golf Course 2802 13 Ave SE, Medicine Hat T1A 3P9 ��p: 403‑526‑0737 e: admin@connaughtgolf.com www.connaughtgolf.com Hotels and Motels Best Western Plus Sun Country 722 Redcliff Dr SW, Medicine Hat T1A 5E3 �� p: 403‑527‑3700 f: 403‑526‑8689 e: 61020@hotel.bestwestern.com www.bestwestern.com/ca/innmedicinehat Clarion Hotel & Conference Centre 954 7 St SW, Medicine Hat T1A 7R7 �� p: 403‑527‑8844 www.choicehotels.com/cn841 Coast Hotel Medicine Hat 3216 13 Ave SE, Medicine Hat T1B 1H8 �� p: 403‑526‑7487 f: 403‑529‑2638 e: info@coasthotels.com www.coasthotels.com Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Medicine Hat 2510 Boxsprings Blvd, Medicine Hat T1C 0C8 �� p: 403‑548‑7818 f: 403‑548‑2979 e: gm@hamptonmedhat.com www.hamptoninn3.hilton.com

Associations/Chambers of Commerce/Tourist Info Centres Pincher Creek and District Chamber of Commerce 1300 Hewetson Ave Unit 4 PO Box 2287, Pincher Creek T0K 1W0 �� p: 403‑627‑5199 e: info@pincherchamber.ca www.pincherchamber.ca Community Halls Pincher Creek Community Hall 287 Canyon Dr Box 1178, Pincher Creek T0K 1W0 ��p: 403‑627‑3601 www.pinchercreekcommunityhall.ca Hotels and Motels Heritage Inn Hotel & Convention Centre 919 Waterton Ave, Pincher Creek T0K 1W0 Claire Layton �� p: 403‑627‑5000 f: 403‑627‑3936 e: gm.pinchercreek@heritageinn.net www.heritageinn.net Venues - Historical or Themed or Outdoor Lebel Mansion 696 Kettles St, Pincher Creek T0K1W0  Yvan LeBel �� p: 403‑627‑5272 f: 403‑627‑1559 e: lebelpc@gmail.com www.pinchercreek.ca

Rosebud Venues - Event or Meeting Facilities Rosebud Centre of the Arts 116 Main St PO Box 654, Rosebud T0J 2T0 Heather Little �� p: 403‑677‑2350 f: 403‑677‑2390 e: heatherl@rosebudtheatre.com www.rosebudmerc.com

Strathmore Hotels and Motels Travelodge Strathmore 350 Ridge Rd, Strathmore TIP 1B5 �� p: 403‑901‑0000 f: 403‑901‑0016 e: info@travelodgestrathmore.com www.travelodgestrathmore.com

Taber Hotels and Motels Heritage Inn Hotel & Convention Centre 4830 46 Ave, Taber T1G 2A4 Darrel Sims �� p: 403‑223‑4424 f: 403‑223‑1733 e: gm.taber@heritageinn.net www.heritageinn.net

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LETHBRIDGE

is a BRIGHT choice! • 320 days of sunshine each year • 1,100+ hotel rooms • 250,000 square feet of meeting space • 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites within a 90-minute drive • Meeting space for up to 500 delegates

STAY. MEET. ENJOY.

chooselethbridge.ca

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Northern Alberta

North. Strong Raging fires forged stronger bonds that characterize the spirit of Alberta’s north

Fort McMurray Quality Hotel and Conference Centre staff at the hotel’s July 2016 reopening following a historic fire | SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts

Canada’s new museum, the Philip J.Currie Dinosaur Museum, near Grande Prairie, features a 70-seat theatre, a meeting room and two classrooms, all under the watchful eye of hundreds of dinosaur skeletons. Helicopter rides to one of the world’s densest fossil sites are also available | Philip J.Currie Dinosaur Museum

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W By Rob Alexander

hile nearly 90,000 people evacuated Fort McMurray when the spring 2016 fire reached the edge of the city, staff at the Quality Hotel and Conference Centre remained behind to keep the hotel open. Where the hotel normally accommodates out-of-town guests in its 153 rooms, the Quality Hotel, drawing its power from a generator, housed over 200 firefighters who were in Fort McMurray battling the blaze that became known as “The Beast.” The fire consumed 2,400 homes and buildings in the city, including the Super 8 hotel, along with a vast region of the boreal forest, but firefighters saved Fort McMurray’s key infrastructure including the hospital, the airport and the downtown core. The hard work of the fire crews ensured Fort McMurray remains a gem of northern Alberta and an excellent option for meetings and events of all sizes and natures. The Quality Hotel reopened to guests July 19, 2016, with a new menu and new landscaping to replace the plants burned during the fire. Along with the Quality Hotel, which also offers 12,000 square feet of conference space, Fort McMurray is still home to many other good options, including the Clearwater Suite Hotel and the Franklin Suite Hotel. Both all-suite hotels provide meeting rooms and business

and fitness centres ,and are within easy walking distance of all of the amenities in the city centre, including the Oil Sands Discovery Centre, galleries, shops, restaurants, bars and the Boomtown Casino. With enviable amenities and facilities – along with grit and a determined spirit – Fort McMurray is one of Alberta’s premier meeting, event and conference centres. Like Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, the secondlargest city in northern Alberta and a 4.5-hour drive from Edmonton, also offers great potential with its many indoor and outdoor recreational activities and unique meeting venues. One of these venues happens to be Canada’s newest museum, the award-winning Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum. This 40,000-square-foot museum, named after one of the world’s foremost dinosaur experts, was built near one of the world’s densest fossil sites, the Pipestone Creek bone bed, where hundreds of Pachyrhinosaurus– a horned dinosaur discovered in 2008 – drowned in a flood. The museum is available for private functions. It offers a 70-seat theatre, a meeting room and two classrooms. Helicopter tours of the Pipestone bone bed are available. The museum has proved a huge hit: in its first year it drew more than 12,000 visitors and captured nine awards, including for innovation and architecture. Grande Prairie itself, a short 10-kilometre drive away from the museum, is home to Revolution Place, a 3,288seat arena that includes 18,000 square feet of meeting space, and the Eastlink Centre and its two pools, a lazy

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Northern Alberta Fort McMurray Hotels and Motels Clearwater Residence Hotel - Timberlea 118 Millennium Dr, Fort McMurray T9K 2S8 ��p: 780‑750‑3061 f: 780‑750‑3062 e: info@clearwatertimberlea.com www.clearwatertimberlea.com Franklin Suite Hotel 10300 Franklin Ave, Fort McMurray T9H 2H9 �� p: 780‑788‑2199 f: 780‑788‑2159 e: info@franklinfortmcmurray.com www.franklinfortmcmurray.com Merit Hotel & Suites 8200 Franklin Ave, Fort McMurray T9H 2H9 �� p: 780‑714‑9444 f: 780‑714‑9440 e: guestservices@meritfortmcmurray.com www.meritfortmcmurray.com Nomad Hotel & Suites 10006 MacDonald Ave, Fort McMurray T9H 1S8 �� p: 780‑791‑4770 f: 780‑790‑1684 e: info@nomadfortmcmurray.com www.nomadfortmcmurray.com Platinum Hotel 8530 Franklin Ave, Fort McMurray T9H2J3  �� p: 780‑747‑7878 f: 780‑750‑6000 e: stay@platinumhotels.ca www.platinumhotels.ca Sawridge Inn & Conference Centre Fort McMurray 530 MacKenzie Blvd, Fort McMurray T9H 4C8 �� p: 780‑799‑7410 f: 780‑799‑7444 e: cateringfm@sawridge.com www.sawridgefortmcmurray.com Vantage Inn & Suites 200 Parent Way, Fort McMurray T9H 5E6 ��p: 780‑713‑4111 f: 780‑713‑4042 e: victorysportsbar@shaw.ca www.vantagefortmcmurray.com

Venues - Event or Meeting Facilities

MacDonald Island Recreation Park 1 CA Knight Way, Fort McMurray T9H 5C5 �� p: 780‑791‑0070 f: 780‑791‑2898 www.macdonaldisland.ca

Grande Prairie Associations/Chambers of Commerce/Tourist Info Centres Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce 11330 106 St Unit 127 Centre 2000, Grande Prairie T8V 7X9 Dan Pearcy �� p: 780‑532‑5340 f: 780‑532‑2926 e: info@gpchamber.com www.grandeprairiechamber.com Golf Courses & Country Clubs Bear Creek Golf Club 11220 132 Ave PO Box 21098, Grande Prairie T8V 6W7 �� p: 780‑538‑3393 f: 780‑513‑5566 e: proshop@bearcreekgolfclub.ca www.bearcreekgolfclub.ca Hotels and Motels Holiday Inn & Suites Grande Prairie Conference Centre 9816 107 St, Grande Prairie T8V 8E7 Debbie Gamble ��p: 780‑357‑2624 f: 780‑402‑6835 e: catering@higrandeprairie.com www.higrandeprairie.com

Podollan Inn & Spa Grande Prairie 10612 99 Ave, Grande Prairie T8V 8E8 Amanda Schweitzer �� p: 780‑830‑4244 f: 780‑830‑2902 e: banquetsgp@podollan.com www.podollan.com Pomeroy Hotel & Conference Centre 11633 100 St, Grande Prairie T8V 3Y4 Shelly Hegge ��p: 780‑832‑2440 f: 780‑532‑5441 e: meetingmanager@pomeroyhotelgp.com www.pomeroyhotel.com/grande-prairie Sandman Hotel Grande Prairie 9805 100 St, Grande Prairie T8V 6X3 ��p: 780‑513‑5555 f: 780‑513‑5131 e: grandeprairiecatering@sandman.ca www.sandmanhotels.ca Stanford Hotel Grande Prairie 11401 100 Ave, Grande Prairie T8V 5M6 �� p: 780‑539‑5678 f: 780‑538‑3913 e: operations@stanfordhospitality.com www.grandeprairiestanfordhotel.com Regional Convention Spaces Evergreen Park PO Box 370, Grande Prairie T8V 3A5 Crystal Lawrence p: 780‑357‑2849 f: 780‑539‑0373 e: crystal@evergreenpark.ca www.evergreenpark.ca Venues - Event or Meeting Facilities Centre 2000 Tourism & Trade 11330 106 St, Grande Prairie T8V 7X9 Janice Chomik �� p: 780‑513‑0240 f: 780‑532‑2926 e: info@centre2000.ca www.centre2000.ca

High Level Associations/Chambers of Commerce/Tourist Info Centres High Level & District Chamber of Commerce 10803 96 St, High Level T0H 1Z0 ��p: 780‑926‑2470 f: 780‑926‑4017 e: info@highlevelchamber.com www.highlevelchamber.com

Regional Convention Spaces Best Western Plus Mirage Hotel & Resort 9616 Hwy 58, High Level T0H 1Z0 �� p: 780‑821‑1000 f: 780‑821‑8300 e: info@bestwesternhighlevel.com www.bestwesternhighlevel.com

High Prairie Hotels and Motels Peavine Inn & Suites 3905 51 Ave, High Prairie T0G 1E0 �� p: 780‑523‑2398 f: 780‑523‑2764 e: reservations@peavineinnandsuites.com www.peavineinnandsuites.com

Peace River Banquet Facilities Belle Petroleum Centre 9403 94 St, Peace River T8S 1J2 Tony Antonietti �� p: 780‑624‑8318 f: 780‑624‑8300 e: events@bpcentre.ca www.bpcentre.ca Hotels and Motels Chateau Nova Peace River 10010 74 St, Peace River T8S 0B3 Mindy Smythe �� p: 587‑336‑9531 f: 780‑732‑5719 e: mindy_s@novahotels.ca www.novahotels.ca Nova Inn Peace River 8010 100 Ave, Peace River T8S 1M5 Mindy Smythe �� p: 780‑618‑1999 f: 780‑618‑2388 e: mindy_s@novahotels.ca www.novahotels.ca Sawridge Inn Peace River 9510 100 St, Peace River T8S 1S9 ��p: 780‑624‑3621 f: 780‑624‑4855 e: cateringpr@sawridge.com www.sawridgepeaceriver.com

Wood Buffalo brewery tour in Fort McMurray shows life and laughter back to normal | Trent Enzol/ Lens on Nature /

river and waterslides. Grande Prairie also boasts a casino, three golf courses, plenty of trails and a ski resort, Nitehawk Adventure Park, that doubles as a bike park in summer. On the business side, Grande Prairie’s Paradise Inn & Conference Centre a nd the Pomeroy Hotel & Con ference Centre prov ide accommodation and meeting rooms. The Pomeroy has an in-house event planning and catering team and offers 11,000 square feet of event space in five rooms that can fit parties from five to 500. The Paradise Inn & Conference Centre, meanwhile, provides 8,000 square feet of meeting and conference space near the airport, which offers daily flights to Edmonton and to Calgary. Two hours north of Grande Prairie, the town of Peace River sits astride its namesake waterway. It’s a beautiful and peaceful a location for a meeting or conference as anywhere else in Alberta. Peace River also offers an airport, arena and pool; however, the real draw is the river itself and the boating, fishing and views it provides. Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre, along with its 132 guest rooms, has banquet facilities, a fitness centre, two lounges and a restaurant and 3,000 square feet of conventionx space in six customizable rooms.

MacDonald Island Park TO BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT VISIT MACDONALDISLAND.CA OR EMAIL CATERING@ONEREC.CA

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