Meeting Places Alberta 2019

2019 | ALBERTA BOUND

MEETINGPLACESAB FREE-RANGE MEETINGS

LEARNING TO TAKE THE REINS GREY CUP 2019

CALGARY KICKS OFF EDMONTON’S BRASH NEW LUXURY HOTELS SIX BIG REASONS, SIX BIG REGIONS TO DISCOVER ALBERTA

REDISCOVER Y O U R E V E N T S PA C E

Elevate your next event in the newly renovated Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge. Located in the secluded yet accessible Kananaskis Valley, rediscover mountain comfort at its finest.

With 21 different meeting and event rooms and over 18,000 sq. ft of total event space, the Lodge is the perfect location for all of your event needs.

Host a focused meeting in our executive boardroom, or choose our 5,700 sq. ft Olympic Ballroom and 12 separate breakout rooms for your next convention. Each beautifully designed room is supported by a suite of Lodge services made to enhance your meeting, gala, or conference.

For more information, please contact us directly 1- 403- 591- 6203 sales@lodgeatkananaskis.com lodgeatkananaskis.com

CONTENTS GATHERING FOR THE HIGHLAND GAMES

FEATURES Learning from horse sense Rocky Mountain meetings Calgary seizes the Cup JW Marriott ascends

8 11 12 13

MEETING PLACES AT A GLANCE

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PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS FOR MEETING AND EVENT PLANNERS

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MeetingPlacesaB FREE RANGE MEETINGS

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ASSOCIATION MESSAGES

2019 | alberta bound

LEARNING TO TAKE THE REIGNS GREY CUP 2019

CALGARY KICKS OFF EdMONTON’S BRASH NEw LUxURY HOTELS SIx BIG REASONS, SIx BIG REGIONS TO dISCOVER ALBERTA

COLUMN

12

Mercader—14

CALGARY HAS THE CUP

PRESIDENT: Alvin Brouwer EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER, AND VP EDITORIAL, GLACIER MEDIA: Kirk LaPointe EDITOR: Frank O’Brien DESIGN: Randy Pearsall PRODUCTION: Rob Benac WRITERS: Rob Alexander, Susan M. Boyce,

8 SADDLES, SPURS AND LEADERSHIP

ALBERTA BY THE REGION OVERVIEW AND LISTINGS

Meeting Places Alberta 2019 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, biv.com.

EDMONTON & AREA 19 CALGARY & AREA 23 ALBERTA ROCKIES 27 CENTRAL ALBERTA 30 SOUTHERN ALBERTA 33 NORTHERN ALBERTA 37

30 NORTHERN ALBERTA

CENTRAL ALBERTA

37

Copyright 2018 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 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: Ginny and Randy Donahue, owners of the 1,000-acre Sierra West Cabins & Ranch Vacations on Alberta’s Cowboy Trail

ALBERTA ROCKIES

27

Andrea Cox, Pat Johnson, Geoff Kirbyson, Frank O’Brien PROOFREADER: Meg Yamamoto INTEGRATED SALES MANAGERS: Pia Huynh, Laura Torrance ADVERTISING SALES: Benita Bajwa, Dean Hargrave, Blair Johnston, Corinne Tkachuk, Chris Wilson OPERATIONS MANAGER: Michelle Myers ADMINISTRATORS: Katherine Butler, Marie Pearsall RESEARCH: Anna Liczmanska, Carrie Schmidt

Photo credit: Sierra West

19 EDMONTON & AREA

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Association messages

ILEA CANADA | COMMUNITY THE FOCUS FOR THOSE WHO LEAN IN What does ILEA mean to me? It is quite simple, really: it is community. The main focuses of ILEA (International Live Events Association) and the Canadian ILEA chapters is to create an atmosphere that fosters collaboration, opportunities for education and professional development, connections and inspiration for our members.

I would love to say that if you join us, you will see an instant return on your investment and that you will increase your business. Unfortunately, I can’t.

What I can promise you is that you will be joining a community of committed, professional and ethical event professionals.

After you join, how do you make the most of this community? It can easily be summed up in two words: lean in.

Lean in and attend the amazing networking, inspiring and educational events that are held each month. Lean in and be a part of the board or a committee and, most importantly, lean into the community that you are now a part of.

If you would like to talk more about our ILEA community, what ILEA means to members and ultimately what ILEA can mean to you and your business,

please feel free to reach out to me. I would love to have that conversation. Email me at info@ ileaedmonton.com or call me any time at 780-670-9508.

Chris Baker, president, International Live Events Association, Edmonton chapter

MPI EDMONTON | HAVE WE MET YET? WE NEED TO! Greetings from Meeting Professionals International (MPI), Greater Edmonton chapter.

Have we met yet? We need to!

For years I worked in a silo, not knowing there was a community of like-minded event professionals that I could

connect and bond with. Since discovering Meeting Professionals International my entire world has opened up, and yours could too. There are more than 18,000 people who work, in some capacity, in the events industry in Edmonton.

From education to networking, learning and laughing, join our tribe at #eventprofs and get

connected. And if you’re ready to take the next step in your career, Meeting Professionals International has scholarships available to help you attain your certified meeting professional (CMP) designation, digital event strategist (DES) or certificate in meeting management (CMM) designation.

Don’t be a stranger – reach

out and get connected with MPI. Visit mpiedmonton.org, follow us on social media @ mpiedmonton or call me direct at 780-444-3773.

Arlene Schilke, president, Meeting Professionals International, Greater Edmonton chapter

PCMA | EFFORT IS REWARDED Our industry is very diverse: corporate events, international congresses, incentive retreats, weddings and galas all fall under the “meetings and events” umbrella. However, we share the same ultimate goal – to create memorable and engaging experiences for the attendees.

How do you stay on top of the leading-edge trends and shifts

in the industry? How do you connect with respected suppliers or access new clients?

Joining an industry association is the ideal way to develop a rich network while keeping abreast of industry education.

But joining an association is just the beginning. Like everything else in life, the benefit you realize is proportionate to the efforts contributed. You don’t get “beach fit” by joining a gym. You have to actually attend and work out. The same

can be said of joining an industry association. Find the one that fits with you, and make a concentrated effort to participate. You will reap rich rewards for your effort.

The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) prides itself on delivering inspiring professional development. PCMA Canada West attempts to innovate and experiment, offering educational events with cutting-edge event design and technology.

Join us at an upcoming PCMA event and get involved.

For more details, please visit us at canadawest.pcma.org or follow us on social media @ pcmacw.

Jo-Anne Rockwood, CMP, CMM, president, Professional Convention Management Association, Canada West chapter

Shop, Eat, Stay, & Play From small group activities and parties to large corporate events, we have it all under one roof!

Over 800 Stores and Services 10 World Class Attractions Group Pricing Available

355 Rooms - Themed Luxury Hotel 25,000 Square Feet of Conference Space Customized Gourmet Menus for Corporate Events

wem.ca/groups | 780-444-5308 | groups@wem.ca

flh.ca | 780-444-5500 | groups@flh.ca

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8 | MEETING PLACES ALBERTA 2019 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER

LEARNING FROM

HORSE SENSE Horses are ‘amazing facilitators for our own personal growth’

Ginny and Randy Donahue welcome visitors to their Sierra West Cabins & Ranch Vacations, a working cattle ranch on the Cowboy Trail, a two-hour drive from Calgary’s airport.

Guests often experience a form of transformation by bonding with the horses and reconnecting to the earth | SIERRA WEST CABINS & RANCH VACATIONS

ANDREA COX

T

here is a transformative quality to the human-horse relationship, one that stretches beyond words and moves into the magical. And when horses combine with the beautiful rugged beauty of Alberta’s ranch country, inspiration happens, offering an opportunity for corporate city slickers to unwind, live rough and gain a new perspective.

“Horses are highly evolved beings and very smart,” says Diane Baker, co-owner and co-director along with her husband, Bear Baker of Wildhorse Ranch in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta. “They are amazing facilitators for our own personal growth.”

The Bakers offer custom-tailored horse and Wild West experiences for corporate retreats that build leadership and team-building skills, while at the same time gently nudging individuals to achieve their personal best.

“Our events are Old West, old style and very rustic.

There is no power, no running water. It’s an opportunity to get in touch with who you really are,” says Diane Baker.

Guests are asked to ditch technology at the door and to be open to new experiences. “The first thing that people say when they drive up or get off the bus is, ‘Oh, it is so peaceful and so quiet here.’

Baker says that horses are the best teachers of leadership and team building. “If you are not leading them, then they are leading you. You don’t have to be a dictator, just one number bigger than them. And sometimes you

| 9

Sierra West Cabins & Ranch Vacations can accommodate up to 30 people in historical wood-beamed cottages.

At the centre of it all is the saloon, the perfect place to savour gourmet country meals and to hold meetings | SIERRA WEST CABINS & RANCH VACATIONS

have to ask several times or in a different way, so it really teaches a lot of life skills on how to reach everybody.”

Wildhorse Ranch is a 380-acre working horse ranch with 55 horses and an Old West-style village with nine rustic cabins. Meals are all fresh, with locally sourced ingredients and fresh produce and vegetables from the ranch’s organic garden.

Bear Baker, who is one-half Chippewa First Nations, encourages people to step up and have an experience like they have only imagined. “We are real here. We are not really in the dude ranch category. We are a real working horse ranch. We will help you to challenge yourself to rise above the norm and find stuff inside of you that you didn’t know you had,” he says.

The experience is meant to ground people into nature and into their own power. “People have lost touch with their culture, community, families, themselves, with Mother Earth and nature and they are just wandering.

We really can’t forget where we came from. If we do, how will we know where we are supposed go?” he says.

But not everyone is cut out for getting down and dirty.

For those not so keen on leaving running water and electricity behind, the Outpost at Warden Rock, located on the Red Deer River just bordering Banff National Park, offers a selection of softer horse experiences from horsethemed women’s retreats to health and fitness escapes and Wild West adventures through the backcountry bordering the park.

Guests should be prepared to leave the city far behind as they park the car at Bighorn Campground at Ya Ha Tinda Ranch just west of Sundre only to be transported nine miles across prairie grassland to the Outpost via

authentic horse-drawn stagecoach or covered wagon.

There is also the option to hike, horseback ride or mountain bike in.

But don’t fret; the Outpost is touted as the civilized way to leave civilization. So once there, expect comfy duvets, rustic cabins with wood-burning stoves, home-cooked gourmet meals and plenty of time to enjoy the beauty of nature and relax. Curl up with a bestseller during a prairie thunderstorm or toss a few horseshoes with the crew. And after an exciting day on horseback, a hot stone massage can even be arranged.

Located 2.5 hours from Banff and Calgary and four hours from Edmonton, the Outpost at Warden Rock can accommodate 25 guests in 12 cosy cabins with handtailored programming and meal selection.

Another stunningly beautiful place to commune with nature and horses is Sierra West Cabins & Ranch Vacations, a working cattle ranch on the Cowboy Trail, a two-hour drive from Calgary’s airport. Ginny and Randy Donahue have owned the ranch since 1979, adding the guest ranch in 2000 with a full village, saloon and cabins.

Here guests can take part in two-day cattle drives (the ranch has over 250 head of cattle that roam across more than 1,000 acres) and enjoy trail rides through Southern Alberta ranch country with the Livingstone mountain range almost close enough to touch. Team-building events include cattle sorting, trail riding, learn-to-ride events and roping programs.

“There is a saying that an old rancher friend of ours says: There is something about the inside of a horse that is good for the outside of man,” says Randy Donahue.

The couple says almost all of the guests experience

10 | MEETING PLACES ALBERTA 2019 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER

Learning from horse sense

Urban escapees can join a cattle roundup at a selection of Alberta ranches that offer corporate retreats and team building | GINNY DONAHUE

some sort of life transformation by bonding with the horses and reconnecting to their roots and to the earth.

“If they have never ridden before and they come and we teach them how to ride, within half an hour they go from being scared to smiling to relaxing and becoming in tune with the animal.”

A horse also in some way stirs our spiritual nature, nudging us to reconnect to our roots and the earth. “You forget about the rest of the world when you are on a horse.

It’s just you and the horse and mountains, hills and fresh air, trees and creeks,” says Randy Donahue.

Sierra West can accommodate up to 30 people in historical wood-beamed cottages. At the centre of it all is the saloon, the perfect place to savour Ginny Donahue’s gourmet country meals and to hold meetings. All programming and meals are custom designed. On warmer days one of the walls retracts garage-style to connect the inside spaces with the natural beauty outside. ç

Brief Malcolm Hotel raises the bar in Canmore

C

lique Hotels and Resorts president Jim Muir sees Clique’s new Malcolm Hotel in Canmore as a recent pinnacle of his 44 years in the hospitality industry.

“The Malcolm is something very special,” Muir says. The four-star, 125-room luxury hotel held its grand opening in the mountain resort on November 3, 2018.

Due to visitor demand for hotel space in the Alberta Rockies, the Malcolm held a soft opening last summer, giving general manager John Flagg and the staff time to hone the level of sophisticated service that Muir says will be a defining characteristic of the first luxury hotel built in Canmore in 20 years.

The Malcolm Hotel is named in honour of Malcolm III, king of the Scots (1058-93), who was also known as Ceann Mòr (Big Head) and the inspiration behind Canmore’s name.

The hotel’s design theme, Muir says, is “mountain modern” as translated in timber and granite by award-winning designer Marshall Tittemore.

The Malcolm Hotel is the natural host and a major sponsor of Canmore’s Highland Games, a celebration of traditional Scottish athletic competition that is held each Labour Day long weekend.

The new hotel has already booked two dozen weddings and a dozen large conferences through 2019, Muir says, reflecting its emerging role as a Rocky Mountain conference destination.

The Malcolm’s 8,800 square feet of event space includes a banquet hall with seating for 350 and six breakout meeting rooms.

Advanced audiovisual equipment, including LED projection screens, is built into the walls.

There are two dining opportunities at the Malcolm Hotel, the casual Stirling Lounge and the upscale Malcolm Grill, already becoming

Jim Muir, åpresident of Clique Hotels, at the Malcolm

famous for its Alberta steaks under the meticulous eye of executive chef Graham Smith, formerly of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The Malcolm Grill features 25-foot-high windows framing the Three Sisters

peaks that tower above Canmore.

A Canmore resident, Muir is confident the Malcolm Hotel will also become a Rocky Mountains landmark and a premier Alberta conference destination.

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CELEBRATE THE

HIGHLAND GAMES A Canmore tradition since 1991, the Highland Games celebrate all things Scottish on the Labour Day weekend

FRANK O’BRIEN

S

cottish heritage will be on glorious display this Labour Day long weekend as the Highland Games return to Canmore in the Alberta Rockies. Since 1991 the celebration of the town’s Scottish heritage has become a mainstay for Canmore, creating pride and a sense of community for the town named after King Malcolm III “Canmore” of Scotland (1058-93 AD).

The first Highland Games in history were held under King Malcolm’s rule at the Brae o’ Mar. The original purpose of the games was to find Scotland’s most durable subjects in order to serve as the king’s messengers.

The Highland Games begins with the “Taste of the Highlands, ” where attendees can sample over 120 local and international wines, scotches, of course, and the region’s most celebrated microbreweries.

Sunday starts off with a pancake breakfast before the Scottish and Canadian-Scottish team athletes compete in a tug of war, shot put, weight throwing, hammer throwing and caber toss.

The games also include Highland dance competitions, featuring some of the most skilled Scottish dancers in the area, a sheepdog herding demonstration and an array of pipe bands, bringing the heart of Scotland to the centre of Canmore.

Wrapping up the Highland Games is the Ceilidh, a swirling celebration of music and dance. Headlined by world-famous Celtic bands and Scottish Highland and Irish dancers, as well as a guest bagpipe band, it is a way to celebrate your Scottish roots – and on this day everyone is a Scot.

“Without the help of volunteers and local business, the Highland Games wouldn’t be what they are today,” says Sandy Bunch, organizer of the Canmore Highland Games and member of the Malcolm Scottish Society. “The Highland Games runs on 100 per cent volunteer power.”

The new and aptly named Malcolm Hotel will be ground zero for the Highland Games festivities. ç

A mountain-framed tug of war is among the Highland Games competitions held over the Labour Day weekend each year in Canmore | HANS GROPENGIESSER The swirl of bagpipes fills the mountain air during Ceilidh, a spirited celebration of music and dance at the Highland Games | SUBMITTED

12 | MEETING PLACES ALBERTA 2019 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER

CALGARY HAS

THE CUP Calgary will host the 107th Grey Cup and hopes to outshine its northern neighbour

FRANK O’BRIEN

F

The 107th battle for the Grey Cup and Canadian professional football supremacy will be held in Calgary on November 24 | CANADIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Calgary Stampeders’ “touchdown rider” Chelsea Drake leads Quick Six into a pre-Grey Cup celebration event as Calgary prepares to host the annual Canadian gridiron championship | CALGARY STAMPEDERS

ollowing host Edmonton last year, Calgary will welcome the 107th Grey Cup, Canada’s national gridiron classic, in 2019. “The home of a leading football operation in the Stampeders, Calgary is also known around the world for its tremendous hospitality, love of sport and ability to put on world-class events,” says Canadian Football League commissioner Randy Ambrosie in announcing the Calgary selection. “We have every confidence this city will put on a Grey Cup worthy of Canada’s greatest sporting tradition.”

As of the Meeting Places Alberta deadline, the Calgary Stampeders were leading the CFL’s 2018 season and posting a perfect record at home.

The Grey Cup game on November 24 will mark the first time Calgary has hosted the Grey Cup in a decade and the fifth time overall, with 1975, 1993, 2000 and 2009 representing the previous instances.

“On behalf of our ownership group and the entire Calgary Stampeders organization, I thank the Canadian Football League for entrusting us with the responsibility – and the privilege – of hosting the 2019 Grey Cup,” says Stampeders president and general manager John Hufnagel. “This would not have been possible without the support of our partners at the City of Calgary, the Province of Alberta and Tourism Calgary, and we look forward

to working together to put on a very successful event.

“Calgary has a tradition of hosting world-class events and I know the 2019 Grey Cup will only enhance that well-deserved reputation. We are very grateful for this opportunity and we look forward to welcoming fans from across Canada in 2019.”

This year will mark back-to-back Canadian professional football championships in Alberta.

The Grey Cup game is preceded by a weeklong festival, which features activities for fans of all ages, parties and top entertainment. Studies have pegged the potential economic impact each year at more than $100 million.

One caution to Calgary hotel managers and guests: Alberta Grey Cup fans have a history of riding horses into hotel lobbies. ç

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JW MARRIOTT

ASCENDS New four-star hotel boasts 22,000 square feet of meeting space in the heart of Edmonton’s entertainment district

GEOFF KIRBYSON

I

t’s been 28 years since the Edmonton Oilers won the Stanley Cup but the owners of the city’s newest luxury hotel think a close proximity with the NHL team will lead to championship-like success.

With young phenom Connor McDavid now carrying the Oilers torch, there seems to be little question there’s more hockey history to be made in the city’s ICE District.

Just ask the brain trust behind the under-construction JW Marriott hotel, which is scheduled to welcome its first guests on March 29, a few weeks after local hockey fans hope the Oilers will have clinched a playoff spot.

“The amount of attention the district will get and the arena already gets is nothing but a benefit to us,” says Steve Walton, director of sales and marketing for the JW Marriott ICE District.

The ICE District is a massive and transformative development in downtown Edmonton.

The hotel will have 346 guest rooms and be connected to Rogers Place, the two-year-old home of the Oilers, but it will also be within a slapshot of Edmonton’s arts and festivals district and the financial area.

The hotel boasts 22,000 square feet of meeting space.

The crown jewel is its main ballroom on the third floor, featuring 21-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows and named after hockey and Oilers legend Wayne Gretzky.

At 10,500 square feet, it will be the largest ballroom downtown. The JW will have a total of five restaurants and lounges, including a high-end steak house.

It’s the first full-service four-star hotel in downtown Edmonton in 30 years. In addition to mobile check-ins, guests will also be able to watch their own Netflix account and listen to their own music on their room’s television.

An arresting element of the hotel and the arena is the covered pedestrian walkway connecting the two.

The JW has been booking conferences for more than a year and has confirmed major events well into 2019.

“The demand is there, for sure,” Walton says. “Adding

The JW Marriott is the first full-service four-star hotel built in downtown Edmonton in 30 years | MARRIOTT

Quick facts • 346 rooms • 22,000 square feet of meeting space • 10,500-squarefoot ballroom • Five restaurants and lounges • Pedway link to Rogers Place

another 350 hotel rooms to Edmonton’s inventory gives the city another leg to compete directly with our major city competitors.”

On top of the hotel’s 22 floors will be another 33 floors of condominiums, making it one of the tallest buildings west of Toronto.

There’s no question the $500 million Rogers Place is the driving force behind the biggest downtown overhaul the city has ever seen, says Anna Look, director of meeting and conventions with Edmonton Tourism.

“It soon became a large development with residential and retail,” she says.

While the JW is the newest hotel in the central business district, it’s certainly not the only one drawing attention.

The Hyatt Place opened last year with 210 rooms and nearly 10,000 square feet of meeting space.

“We’re starting to see development in all areas. A brewery district is being completed now just to the west. The Hyatt is just east of the downtown core but it’s very walkable,” Look says.

Karen Chalmers, executive director of Edmonton Destination Marketing Hotels, says hotel space is up about 16 per cent over the past few years.

Marriott, in fact, has two more luxury hotels underway in Calgary.

Considering the energy-induced downturn in the Alberta economy, the ability to attract meetings and conferences is critical, Chalmers says.

By the time it’s fully built out in a couple of years, the ICE District will be among Canada’s premier entertainment zones. Rogers Place is already the third-busiest venue behind Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena – formerly the Air Canada Centre – and Montreal’s Bell Centre.

Look says more meetings and conventions will be attracted to Alberta’s capital city as more hotels arrive.

“I think there is still potential, for sure. As soon as we get more hotels, it makes it easier for a planner to confirm Edmonton. They’ll be able to condense their delegates into a smaller number of select properties,” she says. ç

14 | MEETING PLACES ALBERTA 2019 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER

HOW TO BALANCE EVENT MARKETING ON A SHOESTRING KIMBERLY MERCADER | Tried-and-true marketing tactics that will

stretch a tight conference budget a very long way

Consider sending a personal email rather than using an email marketing tool.

This offers a personal approach and opens a window to conversation

M

arketing is often a misunderstood function of event planning and can be the first budget to get cut. Clients often see marketing as an expense and not a way to hit targets. Don’t worry, when that budget gets cut, you can try out these tried-andtrue marketing tactics that will help your shoestring budget go a long way.

CLICK-THROUGH ANALYTICS ■ ​ Email marketing is probably the most cost-effective way to reach potentia l delegates. If you a re building email campaigns through an email management tool, most of these programs provide useful analytics that can help you flush out f u r t her seg mented ta rget campaigns.

Specifically, you can review the analytics to determine who clicked on actionable links like “Register Now” or “View Program” and send a targeted email to them. Your email outreach should offer assistance to help them register or answer questions about the program, and can include a special discount code to track your campaign reach.

Consider sending a personal email rather than using an email marketing tool. This offers a personal approach and opens a window to conversation. You’d be surprised by how many people will respond with specific questions, and this will give you an opportunity to provide them with the knowledge they need to make the decision to register.

INVITE LOYAL ATTENDEES ■ If

you are planning a repeat event, then your past event attendees a re you r lowest-ha ng i ng fru it.

They know what the event offers, are familiar with the delegates, recognize the sponsors and may know the organizing committee.

Create an email that invites them to attend again, highlighting this year’s new program and offering a “loyalty” incentive. For example, they can be entered in a draw to win a prize or you can offer them a discount code. You can build this as an email campaign, so you don’t have to worry about sending hundreds of individual custom emails, but you should consider using a merge tag function, to include their name. Design it to look like a personal email with a custom greeting and salutation (maybe from the president or event chair) rather than a generic newsletter or e-blast. Reinforce that the offer you are providing them is a result of their loyalty.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS ■ ​ Reach out to prominent industry associations, council and memberba sed g roups to levera ge f ree opportunities to promote your event. Most associations are happy to promote your event to their members to encourage community engagement.

Gauge your audience – if they want something in return, offer them a feature in your newsletter or recognition on your website. In return, they may send an email about your event to their mailing list.

Provide each partner with a custom code for his or her network so you can see which group is most interested in your event. Gathering this data will help you market a better event for years to come.

E N G AG E YO U R S TA K E ­ HOLDERS ■ Your stakeholders

should be just as excited about the event as you are. If there is an advisory board or committee backing the event, it is important to leverage their networks and potential influence in the industry.

Make it easy for them. Create a

simple event overview that highlights selling points of the conference and include a unique code for each board member so you can track their reach. Encourage them to invite their colleagues, peers and network to attend the event at an exclusive discounted rate. If they are competitive, you can offer an incentive and hold a contest to see which code generates the most registrations.

You can run a similar campaign for speakers. As subject-matter experts, they are connected with others who are like-minded and may have an interest in seeing them speak. It is in everyone’s best interest to see the success of the event, but sometimes you just need to give them a little push in the right direction.

PENCIL IT IN TO THEIR CALENDARS ■ Research other

communication channels, popular blog s, on l i ne p u bl ic at ion s or associations – most have calendar listings that feature upcoming events. Submit your event as an entry and include a graphic and promo code. This is basically free advertising.

If you start to notice that a code is being used more frequently from this campaign, consider paying for a digital ad on their website or social media account. This requires a portion of your marketing budget but provides peace of mind that you’re addressing a receptive audience. ç Kimberly Mercader is the marketing manager with Spark Event Management Inc., based in Calgary.

Visit eventsbyspark. com.

| 15

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 18 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 18 to confirm which region your event is in, then browse the listings under that region.

EDMONTON & AREA 15 CALGARY & AREA 15 ALBERTA ROCKIES 16 CENTRAL ALBERTA 16 SOUTHERN ALBERTA 16 NORTHERN ALBERTA 17

REGIONAL DIRECTORIES ■ Refer to the Alberta map on page 18 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.

EDMONTON & AREA Edmonton Best Western Cedar Park Inn/780‑434‑7411 Best Western Plus City Centre Inn/780‑479‑2042 Chateau Lacombe Hotel/780‑428‑6611 Chateau Louis Hotel & Conference Centre/ 780‑452‑7770 Citadel Theatre/780‑428‑2137 Commonwealth Stadium/780‑442‑7563 Courtyard by Marriott Edmonton West/780‑638‑6070 Days Inn by Wyndham Edmonton Downtown/ 780‑423‑1925 Fantasyland Hotel/780‑444‑5500 Four Points by Sheraton Edmonton South/ 780‑465‑7931 German Canadian Cultural Centre/780‑466‑4000 Holiday Inn Express Edmonton Downtown/ 780‑701‑3314 Hyatt Place Edmonton Downtown/587‑525‑1234 Oasis Centre - Conferences, Weddings & Events, The/780‑451‑9227 Polish Hall/780‑426‑1856 Quality Inn West Edmonton/780‑484‑8000 Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre/780‑468‑5400 Renaissance Edmonton Airport Hotel/780‑488‑7159 Rooster Cafe & Kitchen/780‑413‑8045 Royal Executive Hotel Edmonton/780‑484‑6000 Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre Edmonton South/780‑438‑1222 Shaw Conference Centre/780‑969‑0409 Sutton Place Hotel Edmonton/780‑428‑7111 Union Bank Inn/780‑401‑2214 West Edmonton Mall/780‑444‑5308 Westin Edmonton, The/780‑426‑3636 World Trade Centre Edmonton Conference Facilities/ 780‑426‑4620 Leduc Best Western Premier Denham Inn & Suites/ 780‑986‑2241 Days Inn & Suites Edmonton Airport/780‑986‑1760 Executive Royal Hotel Leduc-Nisku Edmonton Airport/780‑980‑6736 Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Edmonton International Airport/780‑980‑9775 Nisku Comfort Inn Edmonton International Airport/ 780‑955‑8007

3 2 18

150 50 1,000

195 109 307

• • • • •

• • •

11 325 140 • • • • 4 680 • • 4 150 • • • 3 300 136 • • • 1 950 76 • • • • 15 1,200 355 • • • • 11 800 139 • • • 6 400 • 7 180 130 • • • 7 340 255 • • • 4 720 • 3 600 • 5 100 159 • • 6 500 168 • • 10 550 213 • • • 1 70 • 6 250 235 • • • • 8 150 136 • • 25 6,000 • 9 600 313 • • • 2 60 40 • • • 12 24,000 • • • • 18 1,100 412 • • • 5 120

• •

4 150 95 • • • • 1 80 107 • • • 9 300 255 • • • • 2

100

110

•

1 50 101 • •

b er o f me etin g ro o L arg ms est m ro o m e eti 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 rem Walk is e s to sh ops / re s t Po ol a uran /s p a ts /g y m Air p or t s hut t le

Num

Num

b er o f me etin g ro o L arg ms est m ro o m e eti 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 taur Po ol ant s /s p a /g y m Air p or t s hut t le

Meeting places at a glance

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

2 160 112 • • • •

Holiday Inn Express International Airport/ 780‑955‑1000

1 50 120 • • •

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

8 400 156 • • •

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

1 50 90 • •

Clarion Hotel & Conference Centre/780‑464‑4900

19

400

258

•

•

•

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

3

120

121

•

•

•

Legends Golf & Country Club/780‑449‑4911

2

160

Millennium Place/780‑464‑8244

5 90

• • •

Park Centre & Hotel/780‑467‑1234

1

50

38

•

Strathcona Wilderness Centre/780‑922‑3939

3

50

6

St Albert Century Casino St Albert/780‑460‑8092

2

150

•

Enjoy Centre, The/780‑419‑6800

3

1,000

•

St Albert Inn & Suites/780‑459‑5551

7

400

148

•

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

6

85

57

•

Balzac Days Inn Calgary North Balzac/403‑516‑3297

1

40

110

•

Bragg Creek Italian Farmhouse, The/403‑949‑2750

1

86

Calgary Acclaim Hotel Calgary Airport/403‑291‑8000

12

175

225

•

Aloft Calgary University/403‑289‑1973

6

108

143

•

Bank and Baron Pub, The/587‑293‑9688

3

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

12

Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre/403‑248‑8888

13

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

3 70 97 • • • •

Best Western Village Park Inn/403‑289‑1804

7

300

•

•

Blink Restaurant & Bar/403‑263‑5330

1

10

•

•

Calgary Stampede/403‑261‑0282

30

9,000

•

Calgary Telus Convention Centre/403‑261‑8500

36

4,000

•

Carriage House Inn/403‑640‑7533

13

350

157

•

Comfort Inn & Suites Airport North/587‑349‑7289

2

90

100

•

•

Comfort Inn & Suites Calgary Airport/403‑735‑1966

1

10

74

•

•

•

Comfort Inn & Suites South/403‑287‑7070

2

70

93

•

Comfort Inn & Suites University/403‑289‑2581

1

100

82

•

Deerfoot Inn & Casino/403‑723‑4025

14

700

188

•

•

Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary South/403‑225‑8631

16

350

252

•

•

• •

•

CALGARY & AREA •

• •

•

•

500

•

•

200

184

•

•

•

1,200

248

•

•

•

160

• •

•

• •

•

•

16 | MEETING PLACES ALBERTA 2019 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER

Delta Hotels Calgary Airport-in-Terminal/ 403‑291‑2600

15 200 297 • • •

Fairmont Palliser Calgary, The/403‑262‑1234

12

450

Fort Calgary/403‑290‑1875

9

250

Gerry Thomas Gallery/780‑232‑7497

2 240

• • • •

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

14

•

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

3 125 96 • •

Hotel Arts/403‑266‑4611

11 720 185 • • •

Hotel Arts Kensington/403‑228‑4442

2

Hotel Blackfoot/403‑252‑2253

9 300 193 • • •

Hyatt Regency Calgary/403‑717‑1234

24

1,450

Hy’s Steakhouse/403‑663‑3363

2

Kahanoff Conference Centre/403‑262‑1224

6

Mount Royal University Event and Theatre Services/ 403‑440‑8890

50 800

Ramada Plaza Calgary Downtown/403‑218‑3030

11

300

Scotiabank Saddledome/403‑777‑3687

8

Sheraton Cavalier Calgary Hotel/403‑250‑6300

16

Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire/403‑266‑7200

1,200

34

407

169

19 355

• •

•

•

• •

•

•

24

•

•

100

•

201

•

•

•

•

300

•

•

400

305

•

•

•

13

700

323

•

•

•

Staybridge Suites Calgary Airport/403‑204‑7829

3

50

96

•

•

Teatro Ristorante/403‑290‑1012

5

130

•

•

Varsity Community Centre/403‑288‑9001

4

250

•

Westin Calgary/403‑508‑5206

25 2,000 525 • • •

WinSport/403‑202‑6578

11 1,500

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

4 250 72 • • •

Okotoks D’Arcy Ranch Golf Club/403‑938‑5522

1

180

Lynnwood Ranch Event Venue/403‑938‑2203

1

400

• • •

• • •

•

ALBERTA ROCKIES Banff Banff Aspen Lodge/403‑760‑7284

1

Banff Centre/403‑763‑6712

60 959 419 • • • •

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

11 550 211 • • •

Buffalo Mountain Lodge/403‑781‑8131

4

100

108

•

•

•

Fairmont Banff Springs/403‑762‑2211

19

1,500

764

•

•

•

Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre, The/403‑985‑9014

7

400

Irwin’s Mountain Inn /403‑762‑4566

1

100

65

•

•

•

Rimrock Resort Hotel/403‑762‑3356

14

500

343

•

•

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

3 350 •

Canmore Best Western Plus Pocaterra Inn/403‑678‑4334

3

Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre/ 403‑609‑5432

10 690 164 • • • •

Falcon Crest Lodge/403‑678‑6150

2

60

70

Holiday Inn Canmore/403‑609‑4422

4

120

Hinton Holiday Inn Hinton/780‑865‑3321

1

Lakeview Inn & Suites Hinton/780‑865‑2575 Overlander Mountain Lodge/877‑866‑2330

22

90

89

•

83

•

•

•

•

99

•

•

100

104

•

•

2

64

55

2

30

41

•

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

2

80

144

•

Chateau Jasper/780‑991‑9941

2 90 119 • • •

Crimson Jasper, The /780‑991‑9941

2

90

99

•

•

•

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge/780‑852‑3301

19

600

441

•

•

•

Lobstick Lodge/780‑991‑9941

1 100 139 • • • •

Marmot Lodge/780‑991‑9941

1 50 107 • • • •

Pyramid Lake Resort (Mountain Park Lodges)/ 780‑991‑9941

1 75 62 • •

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

7 300 152 • • •

•

b er o f me etin g ro o L arg ms est m ro o m e eti 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 Po ol a uran /s p a ts /g y m Air p or t s hut t le

Kananaskis Boundary Ranch/403‑591‑7171 Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge/403‑591‑7711 Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino/403‑881‑2830 Lake Louise Baker Creek Mountain Resort/403‑522‑3761 Deer Lodge/403‑781‑8131 Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise/403‑522‑3511

3 19 5

100 450 247 450 110

• • • • •

1 40 33 • • 4 120 71 • • • 21 750 554 • • •

CENTRAL ALBERTA

•

•

Num

Num

b er o

f me etin g ro o L arg ms est m ro o m e eti 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 Po ol aura /s p a nts /g y m Air p or t s hut t le

Meeting places at a glance

•

• •

Bonnyville Bonnyville & District Centennial Centre/ 780‑812‑3400 Holiday Inn Express & Suites/780‑687‑8888 Camrose Camrose Regional Exhibition/780‑672‑3640 Hotel Camrose Resort Casino - a Best Western Premier Collection Property/780‑679‑2376 Norsemen Inn/780‑672‑9171 Drayton Valley MacKenzie Conference Centre/780‑514‑2233 Ramada by Wyndham Drayton Valley/780‑514‑7861 Lacombe Best Western Plus Lacombe Inn & Suites/ 403‑782‑3535 Lloydminster Best Western Plus Meridian Lloydminster/ 780‑875‑8884 Holiday Inn & Suites Lloydminster/780‑870‑5050 Lloydminster Exhibition Association/306‑825‑5571 Royal Hotel Lloydminster/780‑875‑6113 Olds Olds Regional Exhibition/403‑556‑3770 Pomeroy Inn & Suites at Olds College/403‑556‑8815 Red Deer Baymont by Wyndham Red Deer/800‑661‑1657 Best Western Plus Inn & Suites/403‑346‑3555 Black Knight Inn/403‑343‑6666 Collicutt Centre/403‑358‑7524 Comfort Inn & Suites Red Deer/403‑348‑0025 Festival Hall/403‑346‑0055 Quality Inn & Conference Centre Red Deer/ 403‑343‑8800 Radisson Hotel Red Deer/403‑357‑1108 Red Deer College Conference Services/403‑356‑4900 Sheraton Red Deer Hotel/403‑755‑1150 Rocky Mountain House Walking Eagle Inn & Lodge/403‑845‑2804 Sundre Rustlers Lodge/403‑638‑4389 Sylvan Lake Best Western Plus Chateau Inn/403‑887‑7788 Sylvan Lake Golf & Country Club/403‑887‑6695 Three Hills Super 8 Three Hills/403‑443‑8888 Vegreville Pomeroy Inn & Suites Vegreville/780‑632‑2094 Vermilion Pomeroy Inn & Suites Vermilion/780‑853‑3066 Vermilion Regional Centre/780‑581‑2413 Wetaskiwin Reynolds-Alberta Museum/780‑312‑2065

6 500 • • • 2 40 140 • • 9

2,280

4 5

350 300

8 1

2,000 40 82 • •

113 75

• •

• • •

3 100 83 1 2 13 3

40 128 • • • 80 116 • • • 3,000 150 96 •

3 1

60 350 82 • • •

11 150 233 • • • 1 12 228 • • 8 400 98 • • • 5 80 • 4 175 88 • • 2 531 5 11 25 14

350 114 • • • 325 142 • 800 • • • 2,000 241 • • •

3

90

•

•

1

60

•

2 3

110 72 • • 200 •

2

141

82

1

200

80

1 4

50 95 • 600

4

135

1

50

138

•

•

•

•

•

•

SOUTHERN ALBERTA Brooks Heritage Inn & Suites/403‑362‑8688 Heritage Inn Hotel & Convention Centre/ 403‑362‑6666 Ramada by Wyndham Brooks/403‑362‑6440 Drumheller Badlands Community Facility/403‑823‑1338

53

•

•

6 650 104 • • • 2 60 101 • • 2

600

•

•

Canalta Jurassic Inn & Cretaceous Conference Centre/403‑823‑7700 Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Drumheller/403‑823‑3322 Lethbridge Best Western Plus Service Inn & Suites/ 403‑329‑6844 Coast Lethbridge Hotel & Conference Centre/ 403‑327‑5701 Enmax Centre /403‑320‑4086 Galt Museum & Archives/403‑320‑4247 Henderson Lake Golf Club/403‑327‑3652 Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Lethbridge/ 403‑394‑9292 Holiday Inn Lethbridge/403‑359‑5612 Lethbridge Exhibition Park/403‑317‑3213 Paradise Canyon Golf Resort/403‑381‑6400 Prime Catering/403‑331‑6921 Southern Alberta Art Gallery/403‑327‑8770 University of Lethbridge Conference & Event Services/403‑329‑2244 Medicine Hat Baymont Inn & Suites Medicine Hat/403‑526‑7487 Clarion Hotel & Conference Centre/403‑527‑8844 Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre/403‑502‑8787 Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Medicine Hat/ 403‑548‑7818 Medalta - Medicine Hat Clay Industries National Historic District/403‑529‑1070 Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede/403‑527‑1234 Travelodge Hotel by Wyndham Medicine Hat / 403‑908‑0680 Pincher Creek Castle Mountain Resort/403‑627‑5101 Heritage Inn Hotel & Convention Centre/ 403‑627‑5000 Lebel Mansion/403‑627‑5272 Pincher Creek Golf Club, The/403‑627‑2126 Ramada by Wyndham Pincher Creek/403‑627‑3777

1 1

250 25

48 53

• • •

1 60 113 • • 6 850 103 • 4 1,000 • • 4 200 • 1 150 • • 1 50 102 • • • 5 180 119 • • • • 6 34,000 • • 2 150 • • 11 350 • • • 3 200 • 75 500 99 • • • 2 5 6

125 42 • 477 64 • • • 240 •

2 138 125 • • 2 200 9 1,500 • 2 190 90 • • • 2

300

100

•

•

2 190 77 • • • 1 32 • 2 100 • 1 80 78 •

b er o f me etin g ro o L arg ms est m ro o m e eti 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 Po ol a uran /s p a ts /g y m Air p or t s hut t le

Num

Num

b er o

f me etin g ro o L arg ms est m ro o m e eti 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 Po ol aura /s p a nts /g y m Air p or t s hut t le

| 17

Rosebud Rosebud Centre of the Arts/403‑677‑3000 Taber Heritage Inn Hotel & Convention Centre/ 403‑223‑4424

3

200

•

•

4 245 73 • •

NORTHERN ALBERTA Fort McMurray Clearwater Suite Hotel & Spa/780‑799‑7676 Franklin Suite Hotel/780‑788‑2199 MacDonald Island Park/780‑791‑0070 Merit Hotel & Suites/780‑714‑9444 Quality Hotel & Conference Centre Fort McMurray/ 780‑713‑3340 Radisson Hotel & Suites Fort McMurray/ 780‑743‑2400 Grande Prairie Bear Creek Golf Club/780‑538‑3393 Best Western Grande Prairie Hotel & Suites/ 780‑402‑2378 Centre 2000 Tourism & Trade/780‑513‑0240 Evergreen Park/780‑357‑2849 Holiday Inn Express Suites Grande Prairie/ 780‑814‑9446 Paradise Inn & Conference Centre Grande Prairie Airport/780‑539‑6000 Podollan Inn & Spa Grande Prairie/780‑830‑4244 Pomeroy Hotel & Conference Centre/780‑832‑2440 Stonebridge Hotel Grande Prairie/780‑539‑5561 High Level Best Western Plus Mirage Hotel & Resort/ 780‑821‑1000 Peace River Belle Petroleum Centre/780‑624‑8318 Best Western Plus Peace River Hotel & Suites/ 780‑617‑7600 Chateau Nova Peace River/780‑624‑3344 Sawridge Inn & Conference Centre Peace River/ 780‑624‑3621

5 1 13 3

40 150 • • 12 75 • 500 • 150 68 • •

• • • •

7 500 150 • • • 6 180 134 • • 2

248

•

4 160 133 • • • 1 40 11 2,000 • • 1 50 102 • • • 6 3 8 2

400 160 500 350

102 • • • • 168 • • 202 • • • 124 • • •

4 500 92 • • • 5

560

•

1 20 98 • 2 425 119 • • • 5 250 131 • • •

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 adme.org Canadian Association of Exposition Management caem.ca Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (CAPS) canadianspeakers.org Canadian Society of Professional Event Planners canspep.ca Canadian University and College Conference Organizers Association cuccoa.org Center for Exhibition Industry Research ceir.org Connected International Meeting Professionals Association cimpa.org Convention Centres of Canada conventioncentrescanada.com Corporate Event Marketing Association cemaonline.com Destination Marketing Association of the West dmawest.org Destinations International destinationsinternational.org Event Service Professionals Association espaonline.org Events Industry Council eventscouncil.org

Exhibition Services & Contractors Association esca.org Experiential Designers and Producers Association edpa.com Financial & Insurance Conference Professionals ficpnet.com Global Business Travel Association - Canada gbta.org/canada Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association hcea.org Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International hsmai.org Incentive Marketing Association incentivemarketing.org International Association of Conference Centres (IACC) iacconline.org International Association of Convention Centres aipc.org International Association of Exhibitions and Events iaee.com International Association of Fairs and Expositions fairsandexpos.com International Association of Professional Congress Organisers iapco.org International Association of Speakers Bureaus iasbweb.org

International Association of Venue Managers iavm.org International Congress and Convention Association iccaworld.org International Festivals & Events Association ifea.com International Hotel & Restaurant Association ih-ra.org International Live Events Association ileahub.com Meeting Professionals International mpiweb.org Meetings Mean Business (MMB) Canada meetingsmeanbusiness.ca National Association of Consumer Shows (NACS) nacslive.com Professional Convention Management Association pcma.org Senior Planners Industry Network (SPIN) spinplanners.com Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) - Canada sitecanada.org Society of Independent Show Organizers siso.org The Exhibitor Appointed Contractor Association (EACA) eaca.com

18 | MEETING PLACES ALBERTA 2019 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER

Regional map of Alberta N.W.T .

EDMONTON & AREA—19 Beaumont—21 Edmonton—21 Leduc—21 Nisku—22 Parkland—22 Sherwood Park—22 St Albert—22

CALGARY & AREA—23

High Level

Balzac—25 Bragg Creek—25 Calgary—25 High River—26 Okotoks—26

Northern Alberta—P37

ALBERTA ROCKIES—27 Banff—29 Canmore—29 Hinton—29 Jasper—29 Kananaskis—29 Lake Louise—29

Fort McMurray

CENTRAL ALBERTA—30 Bonnyville—32 Camrose—32 Drayton Valley—32 Lac La Biche—32 Lacombe—32 Lloydminster—32 Olds—32 Red Deer—32 Rocky Mountain House—32 Sundre—32 Sylvan Lake—32 Three Hills—32 Vegreville—32 Vermilion—32 Wetaskiwin—32

Peace River

S AS KAT CH E W A N

High Prairie

Clairmont

Slave Lake

Grande Prairie

Fox Creek

Bonnyville

SOUTHERN ALBERTA—33 Brooks—36 Drumheller—36 Lethbridge—36 Medicine Hat—36 Pincher Creek—36 Rosebud—36 Taber—36

NORTHERN ALBERTA—37 Fort McMurray—39 Grande Prairie—39 High Level—39 Peace River—39

Lac La Biche Edmonton Cold Lake & area—P19

Athabasca

Westlock

Whitecourt

St. Paul Bruderheim Heinsburg Lamont Gibbons Darwell Fort Saskatchewan St. Albert Evansburg Acheson Edmonton Fallis Sherwood Park Spruce Grove Vermilion Kitscoty Stony Plain Enoch Beaumont Devon Nisku Lloydminster Drayton Valley Leduc Camrose Westerose Wetaskiwin New Norway Wainwright

Grande Cache Edson Hinton

Jasper

Central Alberta—P30

Rocky Mountain House

Rimbey Sylvan Lake

Sundre Lake Louise

Provost

Stettler

Innisfail

Nordegg

Alberta Rockies—P27

Lacombe Blackfalds Red Deer

Olds

Three Hills

Carstairs

Drumheller

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

Southern Alberta—P33

Calgary & area—P23

Parkland Claresholm

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Medicine Hat Picture Butte

Fort Macleod Coleman

Taber Lethbridge

Pincher Creek Waterton Park

WASHINGTON

IDAH O

MONT ANA

Bow Island

| 19

Edmonton & area

THINK BIG Edmonton can handle events of any size, but it specializes in the great ones

W ROB ALEXANDER

hether your meeting, conference or convention is large or small, Edmonton can accommodate it, but with venues like the Shaw Conference Centre and the Edmonton E x po Cent re, E d monton really excels at the big, big events.

The Shaw Conference Centre is home to 150,000 square feet of event space while the Edmonton Expo Centre has a whopping 522,000 square feet of space – that is equal to nearly 12 acres under one roof. But those are not the only sizable options that Edmonton – No. 8 on Cvent Inc.’s 2018 top 10 meeting destinations in Canada – has to offer: The list also includes the likes of the Fantasyland Hotel, the University of Alberta, MacEwan University, the Winspear Centre, the Oasis Centre and the Royal Palace.

Even though it first opened in 1981, the Fantasyland Hotel at West Edmonton Mall remains one of Edmonton’s signature attractions. Fantasyland Hotel features 25,000 square feet of conference facilities spread out over 11 rooms, including the luxurious Beverly Hills Ballroom with its 1,200-guest capacity. Along with the shops, the mall includes attractions such as a waterpark, an amusement park and an indoor skating rink.

While they may not offer waterslides or roller-coasters,

Edmonton’s universities are quite capable of hosting large events.

MacEwan University provides event space in its classrooms and its theatres, in the Feigel Conference Centre and in its unique special-function space, the Heart, a dynamic space with floor-to-ceiling windows that can accommodate up to 600 guests. The University of Alberta, meanwhile, is home to the Lister Conference

Edmonton’s biggest venue space is the Expo Centre with nearly 12 acres under one roof (550,000 square feet) – big enough to hold a multi-court volleyball tournament or the largest trade show events | EDMONTON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

20 | MEETING PLACES ALBERTA 2019 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER

Edmonton & area

ABOVE: The funicular, a

glass-walled elevator, links downtown Edmonton and the Saskatchewan River Valley, a free and exciting way to capture the best of the city views. The funicular is adjacent to the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald on 100 Street NW | TRAVEL ALBERTA/COOPER O’HARA LEFT: Rogers Place, in the heart of Edmonton’s entertainment district, boasts the 24,000-square-foot Ford Hall, a multi-use space. For even bigger events and trade shows, the complex welcomes crowds with the hockey-rinksized arena floor | EDMONTON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP.

BOTTOM LEFT: Edmonton is a contemporary capital with deep roots. A stroll through Old Strathcona provides an opportunity to explore the city’s history | TRAVEL ALBERTA/COOPER O’HARA TOP RIGHT: The Shaw Conference

Centre is home to 150,000 square feet of event space, including luxury dining areas.

The Shaw welcomes more than 600 events, conventions and meetings and 500,000 guests annually | SHAW CONFERENCE CENTRE

Centre, which features seven rooms, the largest of which is 4,000 square feet. The university also offers on-campus accommodation in guest rooms, suites and, during summer, dorm-style rooms.

Located in the Arts District in downtown Edmonton, The Winspear Centre features reception and event space in its Concert Hall, which has a seating capacity of 1,932 in the smaller spaces available throughout the centre, including its three lobbies.

The Oasis Centre, the 2018 Edmonton Event Awards winner for Best Event Space, is known for its elegance and its Grand Hall. The hall, which can accommodate 1,000 guests, also features two projection screens, high-definition cameras for video conferencing and the accompanying audiovisual equipment.

The Royal Palace, a conference and special event facility located in east-central Edmonton, provides 17,000 square feet of event space in two adaptable rooms that can fit a maximum of 950 guests. The Royal Palace also offers free parking and event planning and stage setup services.

If none of those venues are quite large enough, there’s always Rogers Place, the heart of the ICE District and home of the Edmonton Oilers. The 24,000-square-foot Ford Hall, a multi-use programmable space that doubles as the grand entrance to Rogers Place, is available as a venue, as is the hockey-rink-sized arena floor. ç

| 21

Edmonton & area

Beaumont

Destination Management/Marketing

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

Edmonton Associations/Chambers of Commerce/Tourist Info Centres MPI - Greater Edmonton Chapter 11007 Jasper Ave NW Unit 93, Edmonton T5K 0L5 Arlene Schilke ������������������������������� p: 780‑444‑3773 e: mpiedmonton@gmail.com mpiedmonton.org Audiovisual Services Event Technology Solutions 18112 105 Ave Suite 101, Edmonton T5S 2T4 Brent Taylor ����������������������������������� p: 780‑444‑6776 e: av@eventtech.ca eventtech.ca FMAV 14737 123 Ave NW, Edmonton T5L 2Y6 Chris Baker ����������p: 780‑670‑9508 f: 780‑401‑1001 e: cbaker@fmav.ca fmav.ca Banquet Facilities German Canadian Cultural Centre 8310 Roper Rd NW, Edmonton T6E 6E3 ��������������� p: 780‑466‑4000 f: 780‑440‑6963 e: gcca@shaw.ca gcca.ca Polish Hall 10960 104 St NW, Edmonton T5H 2W6 Stan Wilk ������������p: 780‑426‑1856 f: 780‑425‑1887 e: info@polishhall.ca polishhall.ca Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre 4520 76 Ave NW, Edmonton T6B 0A5 Catering Manager ������������������������� p: 780‑468‑5400 f: 780‑466‑0451 e: catering@hiccedmonton.com radisson.com Union Bank Inn 10053 Jasper Ave, Edmonton T5J 1S5 ������������� p: 780‑401‑2214 f: 780‑401‑2213 e: sales@unionbankinn.com unionbankinn.com Conference Organizers/Planners/Trade Show Consultants Buksa Strategic Conference Services 10328 81 Ave NW Suite 307, Edmonton T6E 1X2 Navjot Kaur �������� p: 780‑436‑0983 f: 780‑437‑5984 e: info@buksa.com buksa.com Timewise Event Management Inc 18112 105 Ave NW Suite 101, Edmonton T5S 2T4 Arlene Schilke ������������������������������� p: 780‑444‑3773 e: info@timewise.biz timewise.biz Decor and Design Services Three Tall Women Design Inc 9718 70 Ave, Edmonton T6E 0V5 Alexandra Armstrong ���������������������p: 780‑433‑4877 e: alex@3tallwomen.com 3tallwomen.com

Edmonton Tourism 9990 Jasper Ave NW, Edmonton T5J 1P7 Terri Nielsen �����������������������������������p: 780‑901‑8957 e: tnielsen@exploreedmonton.com exploreedmonton.com/meetings Entertainment Services Advanced DJ Services 4204 40 Ave, Edmonton T6L 5T4 Tarcy Schindelka ��������������������������� p: 780‑235‑3866 e: booking@advanceddj.ca advanceddj.ca Event Planners ComLinks Events & Marketing 10924 107 Ave Suite 300, Edmonton T5H 0X5 Lisa Pasin ����������� p: 780‑448‑5945 f: 780‑428‑1030 e: info@comlinks.ca comlinks.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 bestwestern.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 bestwesternedmonton.com Chateau Lacombe Hotel 10111 Bellamy Hill NW, Edmonton T5J 1N7 �������������� p: 780‑428‑6611 f: 780‑425‑6564 e: cledmcatering@chateaulacombe.com chateaulacombe.com Courtyard by Marriott Edmonton West 10011 184 St NW, Edmonton T5S 0C7 Kyle Chrumka ����� p: 780‑638‑6070 f: 780‑638‑6299 e: kylec@genesishospitality.ca marriott.com/yegew Crash Hotel 10266 103 St, Edmonton T5J 0Y8 �����������������������������������������p: 780‑719‑3807 e: info@crashhotel.com crashhotel.com Days Inn by Wyndham Edmonton Downtown 10041 106 St, Edmonton T5J 1G3 Freida Valji ����������p: 780‑423‑1925 f: 780‑424‑5302 e: gm@daysinn-downtownedmonton.com daysinn-downtownedmonton.com Four Points by Sheraton Edmonton South 7230 Argyll Rd, Edmonton T6C 4A6 ���������������p: 780‑465‑7931 f: 780‑485‑0611 e: info@fourpointseds.com fourpointsedmontonsouth.com Holiday Inn Express Edmonton Downtown 10010 104 St NW, Edmonton T5J 0Z1 Melissa Del Rosario ������������������ p: 780‑701‑3314 f: 780‑425‑1783 e: sales@hiexedmonton.com hiexdowntown.com Hyatt Place Edmonton Downtown 9576 Jasper Ave, Edmonton T5H 4H7 �������������� p: 587‑525‑1234 f: 587‑525‑6464 e: yegze-rfp@hyatt.com edmontondowntown.place.hyatt.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 qualityinnwestedmonton.com

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 marriott.com/hotels/travel/yegbr-renaissanceedmonton-airport-hotel Royal Executive Hotel Edmonton 10010 178 St, Edmonton T5S 1T3 Dave Lindop ������� p: 780‑484‑6000 f: 780‑489‑2900 e: regionalsales.ab@royalhotelgroup.ca executivehotels.net Sandman Signature Hotel & Suites Edmonton South 10111 Ellerslie Rd SW, Edmonton T6X 0J3 Heidi-Ann Butler p: 780‑430‑7263 f: 780‑463‑7236 e: sales_edmsouth@sandman.ca sandmanhotels.ca Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre Edmonton South 4235 Gateway Blvd NW, Edmonton T6J 5H2 Daniel Montenegro ������������������� p: 780‑438‑1222 f: 780‑438‑0906 e: dmontenegro@sawridge.com sawridge.com Sutton Place Hotel Edmonton 10235 101 St, Edmonton T5J 3E9 ��������������� p: 780‑428‑7111 f: 780‑441‑3099 e: sales_edmonton@suttonplace.com suttonplace.com The Westin Edmonton 10135 100 St, Edmonton T5J 0N7 ��������������p: 780‑426‑3636 f: 780‑424‑1525 e: sales@thewestinedmonton.com thewestinedmonton.com

Union Bank Inn 10053 Jasper Ave, Edmonton T5J 1S5 ������������� p: 780‑401‑2214 f: 780‑401‑2213 e: sales@unionbankinn.com unionbankinn.com Meeting Planners MS Productions Inc 13103 124 St NW, Edmonton T5L 0P9 Milena Santoro ����������������������������� p: 780‑999‑5799 e: milena@milenasantoro.com milenasantoro.com Regional Convention Spaces Shaw Conference Centre 9797 Jasper Ave NW, Edmonton T5J 1N9 ����������������������������������������� p: 780‑969‑0409 e: sccsales@edmonton.com shawconferencecentre.com Tourist Attractions - Major

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 chateaulouis.com Citadel Theatre 9828 101A Ave, Edmonton T5J 3C6 Laurel Carter ������ p: 780‑428‑2137 f: 780‑428‑7194 e: citadel@citadeltheatre.com citadeltheatre.com City of Edmonton 10111 104 Ave Suite 1900 Edmonton Tower, Edmonton T5J 0J4 Marlene Walsh ����������������������������� p: 780‑442‑0688 e: marlene.walsh@edmonton.ca edmonton.ca/facilityrentals Commonwealth Stadium 1100 Stadium Rd, Edmonton T5H 4E2 Brent McFarlane �p: 780‑442‑7563 f: 780‑944‑7545 e: commonwealthrentals@edmonton.ca

Fantasyland Hotel 17700 87 Ave NW, Edmonton T5T 4V4 ����������������������������������������� p: 780‑444‑5500 e: groups@flh.ca flh.ca Rooster Cafe & Kitchen 10732 82 Ave, Edmonton T6E 6P4 Artur Merkulov ������������������������������ p: 780‑413‑8045 e: eat@roosterkitchen.ca roosterkitchen.ca The Oasis Centre - Conferences, Weddings & Events 10930 177 St NW, Edmonton T5S 2X7 Christine Dimler � p: 780‑451‑9227 f: 780‑486‑7870 e: events@oasiscentre.com oasiscentre.com World Trade Centre Edmonton Conference Facilities 9990 Jasper Ave Suite 600, Edmonton T5J 1P7 Lisa Blue ������������ p: 780‑426‑4620 f: 780‑424‑7946 e: reception@edmontonchamber.com wtca.org/world-trade-center-edmonton

Leduc

West Edmonton Mall 8882 170 St, Edmonton T5T 4M2 ���������������������������������������� p: 780‑444‑5308 e: groups@wem.ca wem.ca/groups

Hotels and Motels Best Western Premier Denham Inn & Suites 5207 50 Ave, Leduc T9E 6V3 Carol Borowic �����p: 780‑986‑2241 f: 780‑986‑1511 e: info@bestwesterndenham.com bestwesterndenham.com Days Inn & Conference Centre Edmonton Airport 5705 50 St, Leduc T9E 6Z8 ����������������p: 780‑986‑6550 f: 780‑986‑7885 e: gm.erl@royalhotelgroup.ca daysinnedmontonairport.com

22 | MEETING PLACES ALBERTA 2019 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER

Edmonton & area

Days Inn & Suites Edmonton Airport 8116 Sparrow Cres, Leduc T9E 8B7 ��������������p: 780‑986‑1760 f: 780‑986‑1782 e: gm.erl@royalhotelgroup.ca royalhotelgroup.ca/days-inn-suites-edmontonairport Executive Royal Hotel Leduc-Nisku Edmonton Airport 8450 Sparrow Dr, Leduc T9E 7G4 Paul Gabrielson � p: 780‑980‑6736 f: 780‑986‑1864 e: catering.erl@royalhotelgroup.ca royalhoteledmontonairport.ca Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Edmonton International Airport 3916 84 Ave, Leduc T9E 8M6 ������������� p: 780‑980‑9775 f: 780‑980‑3054 hamptoninn3.hilton.com Recognition Awards/Trophies In Any Event... Inc 49547 Range Rd 243 Suite 90, Leduc T4X 1Z8 Lauryann Tessier ����������������������������p: 780‑986‑7197 e: ltessier@inanyevent.ca inanyevent.ca

Nisku Hotels and Motels Comfort Inn Edmonton International Airport 203 19 Ave, Nisku T9E 0W8 ������������� p: 780‑955‑8007 f: 780‑955‑8893 e: gm.cna41@telus.net choicehotels.com Four Points by Sheraton Edmonton International Airport 403 11 Ave, Nisku T9E 7N2 �������������� p: 780‑770‑9099 f: 780‑770‑9098 fourpointsedmontonairport.com

Holiday Inn Express International Airport 1102 4 St, Nisku T9E 8E2 Sameh Khedr ����� p: 780‑955‑1000 f: 780‑955‑3009 e: sameh@shiringroup.ca hiexpress.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 niskuinn.com

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

Sherwood Park Golf Courses & Country Clubs Legends Golf & Country Club 53541 Range Rd 232, Sherwood Park T8A 4V2 ���������������p: 780‑449‑4911 f: 780‑449‑3957 e: boh@shaw.ca thelegends.ca 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 bestwesternsherwoodpark.com

INTIMATE. INSPIRING. NURTURING. NATURAL. COOL.

Let the Edmonton Valley Zoo team help you plan a wild and unique event in one of our exciting rooms! edmonton.ca/facilityrentals

Clarion Hotel & Conference Centre 2100 Premier Way, Sherwood Park T8H 2G4 �������������� p: 780‑464‑4900 f: 780‑464‑4796 e: gmsherwood@aumhotels.com clarionhotelsherwoodpark.com Hampton Inn by Hilton Sherwood Park 950 Emerald Dr, Sherwood Park T8H 0W6 ������������� p: 780‑449‑1609 f: 780‑400‑0260 hamptoninn.com Venues - Event or Meeting Facilities Millennium Place 2000 Premier Way, Sherwood Park T8H 2G4 Jordan Naturkach ������������������������� p: 780‑464‑8244 f: 780‑416‑7200 e: millenniumplace@strathcona.ca strathcona.ca Venues - Historical or Themed or Outdoor Strathcona Wilderness Centre 2001 Sherwood Dr, Sherwood Park T8A 0W7 Bjorn Taylor ���������p: 780‑922‑3939 f: 780‑922‑6415 e: swcinfo@strathcona.ca strathcona.ca/wildernesscentre

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 stalbertchamber.com

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 bestwestern.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 stalbertinn.com Venues - Event or Meeting Facilities Century Casino St Albert 24 Boudreau Rd, St Albert T8N 6K3 Rose Flint ������������p: 780‑460‑8092 f: 780‑460‑1962 e: info.stalbert@cnty.com cnty.com/stalbert Star of the North Retreat Centre 3A St Vital Ave, St Albert T8N 1K1 Annie Engler �������p: 780‑459‑5511 f: 780‑458‑8877 e: admin@starofthenorth.ca starofthenorth.ca The Enjoy Centre 101 Riel Dr, St Albert T8N 3X4 ���������������p: 780‑419‑6800 f: 780‑459‑6042 e: info@enjoycentre.ca enjoycentre.ca

| 23

Calgary & area

COUNTRY MEETS CHI-CHI IN CALGARY Country music awards, new library and non-stop sports among reasons Calgary is named among Canada’s top meeting destinations

W ANDREA COX

it h a you ng, h ig h ly educated and globally connected popu lation, Ca lga r y embodies energy and vibrancy, making it an exceptional choice for investing, doing business and hosting a cor-

porate event.

“Calgary has a vibrant culture and a wonderfully compact downtown to explore. In the downtown alone there are 200 restaurants and dozens of theatre venues, art galleries and museums,” says Dave Sclanders, executive director, Meetings + Conventions Calgary.

One of Canada’s most picturesque cities, Calgary is highly walkable, with a burgeoning culinary scene and peppered with boutique-style shops, along with chi-chi designer ateliers. Street art combined with festivals and pop-up offerings imbue the sophisticated vibe with an artsy edge. It’s also an outdoor enthusiast’s haven with over 8,000 hectares of pristine parkland and the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway system in North America.

On the doorstep of the Rocky Mountains, Calgary is ideally located as an east-west connector, just a quick flight from both Vancouver and Toronto. The city’s sparkling new international terminal at the Calgary airport also offers direct flights to Beijing and other business hot spots around the globe.

It’s no wonder this highly honed business centre recently picked up a string of best living accolades. In 2018 The Economist ranked this multicultural (120 languages are spoken here) city and economic powerhouse as the fourth most livable in the world. In addition, the can-do metropolis meeting destination in Canada was ranked fourth-best by Cvent and third in North America for

Calgary has been named No. 4 in Canada as a conference destination and is ranked among the top four livable cities on the planet | TOURISM CALGARY Calgary hosts the FINA Diving Grand Prix in 2019, the first international event of its kind to be held in Western Canada | PAOLO BONA/SHUTTERSTOCK

24 | MEETING PLACES ALBERTA 2019 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER

Calgary & area

ABOVE: The inspired new

Calgary Central Library –

by Canada’s Dialog and Norwegian architects Snøhetta – has 30 meeting rooms in its awe-inspiring environment | CALGARY MUNICIPAL LAND CORP. RIGHT: Grey Cup: Calgary welcomes the annual Canadian gridiron classic November 24 at McMahon Stadium | CALGARY STAMPEDERS

its business friendliness by fDi American Cities of the Future.

Adding to the city’s artistic prowess, its world-class architectural offerings are growing in leaps and bounds, starting with Santiago Calatrava’s Peace Bridge, the iconic bridge crafted from steel and concrete, linking the north and south shores of the Bow River.

The architecturally significant National Music Centre, designed by the Portland, Oregon, firm Allied Works Architecture, launched last year. The facility – part museum, part performance centre and part interactive incubator – also offers ample space for meetings and conferences of every size.

The latest building to hit the city’s stage is a joint design between Canada’s Dialog and Norwegian architects Snøhetta. Unveiled in November 2018, the muchanticipated Calgary Central Library in the East Village features over 30 meeting spaces.

But Calgary isn’t just a business and arts town. It is also known for its robust music scene. Canada’s country music capital, Calgary will welcome Country Music Week and the Canadian Country Music Association Awards for the ninth time in 2019, hosting the event September 5-8.

Building on Calgary’s sports legacy, 2019 is a big year for sporting events. The city will host three major world championships, the 2019 ISU World Allround Speed Skating Championships, the FINA Diving Grand Prix – the first event of its kind to be held in Western Canada – and the Badminton World Federation, Yonex Canada Open, the most prestigious badminton tournament in the country.

Generating the most excitement, however, is the Grey Cup. Calgary will host the 107th Canadian Football League’s national classic on Sunday, November 24, at McMahon Stadium, marking the first time Calgary has hosted the Grey Cup in a decade and the fifth time overall.

The Grey Cup is preceded by a week long festival, chock full of activities for fans of all ages, with the overall potential economic impact pinned at more than $100 million. ç

| 25

Calgary & area

Balzac Hotels and Motels Days Inn Calgary North Balzac 292243 Wagon Wheel Blvd, Balzac T4A 0E2 Elise Shorting ���� p: 403‑516‑3297 f: 587‑535‑2348 e: daysinncalgarynorthbalzac@d3h.ca daysinncalgarynorthbalzac.ca

Bragg Creek Banquet Facilities The Italian Farmhouse 20 Balsam Ave Box 1094, Bragg Creek T0K 0K0 ����������������������������������������� p: 403‑949‑2750 e: info@theitalianfarmhouse.ca theitalianfarmhouse.ca

Destination Management/Marketing Meetings + Conventions Calgary 120 9 Ave SE, Calgary T2G 0P3 Violeta Ugarte ��������������������������������p: 403‑261‑8592 e: info@meetingscalgary.com meetingscalgary.com Display Designers & Builders Nexus Exhibits Ltd 2424 2 Ave SE, Calgary T2E 6J9 Kristal Ball ��������� p: 403‑262‑8030 f: 403‑266‑3414 e: marketing@nexusexhibits.com nexusexhibits.com Employment Agencies/Event Staffing

Calgary Associations/Chambers of Commerce/ Tourist Info Centres MPI - Greater Calgary Chapter Box 61203 Kensington RPO, Calgary T2N 3P9 �������������������������������������������������������������������� e: info@mpi-gcc.org mpi-gcc.org Audiovisual Services Evolution Audio Visual 2312 52 Ave SE Unit 129, Calgary T2C 0A3 Chad Pratap ������� p: 800‑561‑9820 f: 800‑561‑9820 e: cpratap@evolutionav.ca evolutionav.ca Banquet Facilities

Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre 1316 33 St NE, Calgary T2A 6B6 Jeannie Godfrey ���������������������������� p: 403‑248‑8888 e: info@calgaryplaza.com calgaryplaza.com Hy’s Steakhouse 751 3 St SW, Calgary T2P 4K8 �������������� p: 403‑663‑3363 f: 403‑663‑5963 e: calgary@hyssteakhouse.com hyssteakhouse.com/calgary Teatro Ristorante 200 8 Ave SE, Calgary T2G 0K7 Brittany Rondeau p: 403‑290‑1012 f: 403‑290‑1082 e: info@teatro.ca teatro.ca Caterers Distinctive Catering 2828 18 St NE Suite 1, Calgary T2E 7B1 ����������������������������������������� p: 403‑256‑4380 e: info@distinctivecatering.ca distinctivecatering.ca Community Halls Varsity Community Centre 4303 Varsity Dr NW, Calgary T3A 0Z7 ������������� p: 403‑288‑9001 f: 403‑247‑3100 e: vca@telus.net vcacalgary.com Decor and Design Services Chair Flair Linen Rentals & Event Decor 11651 40 St SE Suite 9, Calgary T2Z 4M8 Shannon Collins �����������������������������p: 403‑923‑8751 e: chairflair@shaw.ca chairflair.ca OneWest Events Inc 3620 50 Ave SE, Calgary T2B 3N9 Renee Pittet ���������������������������������� p: 877‑598‑9378 e: info@onewestevents.com onewestevents.com

BBW International Inc Calgary ������������������������������������������p: 866‑984‑0352 e: sales@bbwinternational.com bbwinternational.com Local Calgary and Edmonton event staff for conference registration, cashiers, booth hostesses and experiential marketing brand ambassadors.

Entertainment Services Tee Breeze Entertainment Ltd 3551 78 Ave SE Bay C, Calgary T2C 1J7 Ryan Eubank ��������������������������������� p: 403‑216‑3070 e: info@teebreeze.com party-dj.ca Event Insurance PAL Insurance Brokers Canada Ltd 1412 1 St SW, Calgary T2R 0V8 �������������� p: 403‑261‑3900 f: 403‑261‑3903 palcanada.com Event Planners e=mc2 events 1207 11 Ave SW Suite 620, Calgary T2C 0M5 Jocelyn Flanagan �������������������������� p: 403‑770‑1383 e: jocelyn@emc2events.com emc2events.com The Event Group 2424 4 St SW Suite 900, Calgary T2S 2T4 David Howard ���� p: 403‑543‑1509 f: 403‑543‑1516 e: dave@eventgroup.ca eventgroup.ca Hotels and Motels Acclaim Hotel Calgary Airport 123 Freeport Blvd NE, Calgary T3N 0A3 ������������� p: 403‑291‑8000 f: 403‑532‑9400 e: catering@acclaimhotel.ca acclaimhotel.ca Aloft Calgary University 2359 Banff Trail NW, Calgary T2M 4L2 ��������������p: 403‑289‑1973 f: 403‑282‑1241 e: events@aloftcalgaryuniversity.com aloftcalgaryuniversity.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 bwportocallhotel.com

Inspirational meetings exceptional gatherings start here.

• Business class comfort offering 248 spacious guestrooms and suites.

• Versatile Meeting Facilities with over 20,000 square feet of function space.

• Exceptional catering offered by our skilled chefs.

• Distinctive facilities including Horizons Bistro, Barrington’s Lounge, Indoor Pool &, Fitness Centre.

• Complimentary parking and internet.

Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre 1316 33rd St. NE, Calgary, AB, T2A 6B6 P: 403-248-8888 1-800-661-1464 calgaryplaza.com

Welcome To The Premier Life.® Each Best Western® branded hotel is independently owned and operated.

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Calgary & area

Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre 1316 33 St NE, Calgary T2A 6B6 Jeannie Godfrey ���������������������������� p: 403‑248‑8888 e: info@calgaryplaza.com calgaryplaza.com Best Western Premier Freeport Inn & Suites 86 Freeport Blvd NE, Calgary T3J 5J9 Bonnie Chang �����p: 403‑264‑9650 f: 403‑264‑9651 e: info@bestwesterncalgary.com bestwesterncalgary.com Best Western Village Park Inn 1804 Crowchild Trail NW, Calgary T2M 3Y7 Tracey Currie �������p: 403‑289‑1804 f: 403‑289‑4645 e: catering@villageparkinn.com villageparkinn.com Comfort Inn & Suites Airport North 147 Freeport Cres NE, Calgary T3J 0t3 ��������������� p: 587‑349‑7289 f: 587‑349‑7280 choicehotels.com Comfort Inn & Suites Calgary Airport 3111 26 St NE, Calgary T1Y 7E4 ��������������p: 403‑735‑1966 f: 403‑735‑1955 e: airport@comfortinncalgary.com comfortinncalgary.com/airport Comfort Inn & Suites South 4611 MacLeod Trail SW, Calgary T2G 0A6 ���������������p: 403‑287‑7070 f: 403‑287‑8855 e: gm.cn385@choicehotels.com comfortinncalgary.com/south Comfort Inn & Suites University 2369 Banff Trail NW, Calgary T2M 4L2 ��������������p: 403‑289‑2581 f: 403‑284‑3897 e: gm.cn387@choicehotels.com comfortinncalgary.com/university 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 deerfootinn.com Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary South 135 Southland Dr SE, Calgary T2J 5X5 �������������� p: 403‑225‑8631 f: 403‑225‑5813 marriott.com/hotels/travel/yycdc-delta-hotelscalgary-south Delta Hotels Calgary Airport-in-Terminal 2001 Airport Rd NE, Calgary T2E 6Z8 ����������������p: 403‑291‑2600 f: 403‑250‑6121 e: dca.sales.sm@deltahotels.com marriott.com/hotels/travel/yycca-delta-calgaryairport 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: sales@hamptoncalgarynw.com hamptoninn3.hilton.com Hotel Arts 119 12 Ave SW, Calgary T2R 0G8 Fraser Abbott ����� p: 403‑266‑4611 f: 403‑237‑0978 e: events@hotelarts.ca hotelarts.ca Hotel Arts Kensington 1126 Memorial Dr NW, Calgary T2N 3E3 Fraser Abbott ����� p: 403‑228‑4442 f: 403‑228‑9608 e: kensington@hotelarts.ca hotelartskensington.com Hotel Blackfoot 5940 Blackfoot Trail SE, Calgary T2H 2B5 �������������� p: 403‑252‑2253 f: 403‑252‑3574 e: sales@hotelblackfoot.com hotelblackfoot.com

Hyatt Regency Calgary 700 Centre St SE, Calgary T2G 5P6 ��������������p: 403‑717‑1234 f: 403‑537‑4487 e: salescalrc@hyatt.com calgary.regency.hyatt.com Ramada Plaza Calgary Downtown 708 8 Ave SW, Calgary T2P 1H2 Kayla Anderson ���p: 403‑218‑3030 f: 403‑237‑6127 e: cateringmgr@ramadacalgary.com ramadacalgary.com Residence Inn by Marriott Calgary Airport 2530 48 Ave NE, Calgary T3J 4V8 �������������� p: 403‑278‑1000 f: 403‑278‑1006 marriott.com Sheraton Cavalier Calgary Hotel 2620 32 Ave NE, Calgary T1Y 6B8 Tracy Johansen �� p: 403‑250‑6300 f: 403‑250‑6349 e: sales@sheratoncalgary.ca sheratoncavaliercalgary.com Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire 255 Barclay Parade SW, Calgary T2P 5C2 �������������� p: 403‑266‑7200 f: 403‑266‑1300 e: eau.salesleads@sheratonsuites.com sheratonsuites.com Staybridge Suites Calgary Airport 2825 Sunridge Way NE, Calgary T1Y 7K7 ������������� p: 403‑204‑7829 f: 403‑204‑7828 e: dos@staycalgary.com staybridge.com/calgaryairport Super 8 by Wyndham Calgary Airport 3030 Barlow Trail NE , Calgary T1Y 1A2 ������������� p: 403‑291‑9888 f: 403‑291‑3000 wyndhamhotels.com The Fairmont Palliser Calgary 133 9 Ave SW , Calgary T2P 2M3 ������������� p: 403‑262‑1234 f: 403‑260‑1260 e: palcatering@fairmont.com fairmont.com/palliser The Glenmore Inn & Convention Centre 2720 Glenmore Trail SE, Calgary T2C 2E6 Rick Dickison ������p: 403‑279‑8611 f: 403‑236‑8035 e: reservations@glenmoreinn.com glenmoreinn.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 westincalgary.com Meeting Planners Capitol Conferences Inc PO Box 75008 Cambrian, Calgary T2K 6J8 Amanda Barber ����������������������������� p: 403‑210‑0596 e: capitol@shaw.ca capitolconferences.com Photography - Event/Videography Leblond Studio Inc 2300 Evanston Sq NW Suite 109, Calgary T3P 0G8 Stephanie Leblond ������������������������ p: 403‑999‑7458 e: info@leblondstudio.com leblondstudio.com Promotional Items/Novelties/Corporate Gifts/Gift Baskets Corporate Promotions Unlimited 2419 Erlton Rd Suite 506, Calgary T2S 3B8 �������������� p: 403‑452‑4900 f: 403‑452‑4978 e: cheryl@corppromo.com Regional Convention Spaces

Calgary Stampede 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary T2G 2W1 Greg Newton ������p: 403‑261‑0282 f: 403‑261‑0421 e: gnewton@calgarystampede.com 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 calgary-convention.com Restaurants Blink Restaurant & Bar 111 8 Ave SW, Calgary T2P 1B4 ���������������������������������������� p: 403‑263‑5330 e: info@blinkcalgary.com blinkcalgary.com Bottlescrew Bill’s Pub 140 10 Ave SW, Calgary T2R 0A3 Jennifer Cowan �� p: 403‑263‑7900 f: 403‑266‑6630 e: info@bottlescrewbill.com bottlescrewbill.com 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 greenbeancatering.com Murrieta’s Bar & Grill Calgary 808 1 St SW Suite 200, Calgary T2P 1M9 ������������� p: 403‑269‑7707 f: 403‑269‑7709 e: gmcalgary@murrietas.ca murrietas.ca 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 andreadaviscostaconcordia.com Workplace Speaker Network 27 Coach Manor Rise SW, Calgary T3H 1C5 Denise Baril ���������������������������������� p: 403‑620‑5010 e: denise@workplacespeakernetwork.com workplacespeakernetwork.com Tourist Attractions - Major Calgary Zoo 1300 Zoo Rd NE, Calgary T2E 7V6 ���������������p: 403‑232‑7770 f: 403‑232‑7582 e: salesinfo@calgaryzoo.com calgaryzoo.com Universities and Colleges Mount Royal University Event and Theatre Services 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW, Calgary T3E 6K6 Virginia Sekhon �� p: 403‑440‑8890 f: 403‑440‑5650 e: mrevents@mtroyal.ca mtroyal.ca/mrevents Venues - Event or Meeting Facilities Calgary Chamber of Commerce 237 8 Ave SE Suite 600, Calgary T2G 5C3 �������������� p: 403‑750‑0400 f: 403‑266‑3413 calgarychamber.com

Calgary Stampede 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary T2G 2W1 Greg Newton ������p: 403‑261‑0282 f: 403‑261‑0421 e: gnewton@calgarystampede.com calgarystampede.com/venues Carriage House Inn 9030 Macleod Trail S, Calgary T2H 0M4 Pamela Currie ���� p: 403‑640‑7533 f: 403‑640‑7526 e: pcurrie@carriagehouse.net carriagehouse.net Gerry Thomas Gallery 602 11 Ave SW Suite 100, Calgary T2R 1J8 Gerry Thomas ���������������������������������p: 780‑232‑7497 e: gerry.thomas@gerrythomas.com gerrythomasgallery.com

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 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 scotiabanksaddledome.com WinSport 88 Canada Olympic Rd SW, Calgary T3B 5R5 ����������������������������������������� p: 403‑202‑6578 winsport.ca Venues - Historical or Themed or Outdoor

Calgary Stampede 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary T2G 2W1 Greg Newton ������p: 403‑261‑0282 f: 403‑261‑0421 e: gnewton@calgarystampede.com calgarystampede.com/venues Fort Calgary 750 9 Ave SE, Calgary T2P 2M5 ������������� p: 403‑290‑1875 f: 403‑265‑6534 e: info@fortcalgary.com fortcalgary.com The Bank and Baron Pub 125 8 Ave SW, Calgary T2P 1B4 Kelly Peniston ������������������������������� p: 587‑293‑9688 e: info@bankandbaronpub.com bankandbaronpub.com

High River Hotels and Motels Heritage Inn Hotel & Convention Centre 1104 11 Ave SE, High River T1V 1M4 Dean Lambourn ��p: 403‑652‑3834 f: 403‑652‑4432 e: gm.highriver@heritageinn.net heritageinn.net/locations/high-river-ab

Okotoks 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 darcyranchgolf.com Venues - Event or Meeting Facilities Lynnwood Ranch Event Venue Box 328 Stn Main, Okotoks T1S 1A6 Wendy Keller LeDuc ��������������������� p: 403‑938‑2203 e: info@lynnwoodranch.com lynnwoodranch.com

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Alberta Rockies

MEET IN THE MOUNTAINS Banff, Canmore and Jasper welcome visitors to the best of the Alberta Rockies

C ANDREA COX

radled within some of the world’s most majestic mountain peaks, Alberta’s picturesque Rocky Mountain towns of Banff, Canmore and Jasper offer something for everyone – stunning scenery, year-round adventure, world-class dining, skiing and golf and unlimited, untouched nature. And when it comes to corporate retreats, the sky is the limit.

With ecotourism and astrotourism (stargazing) on the rise, seeking out pristine environments has catapulted to the top of the must-do list. The mountain town of Jasper rewards with an authentic experience as the night sky unveils the constellations and planets.

Jasper National Park is the second-largest dark-sky preserve in the world and the most accessible. It’s also been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. October is Dark Sky Month, and this year the sixth annual Jasper Dark Sky Festival will take place in this mountain gem that also boasts its own planetarium.

The natural beauty here is unprecedented; sound and light pollution are at a minimum and nature is on the doorstep – literally. Expect to see meandering deer and elk outside the cabins at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, a top-notch hotel and conference facility. This luxury mountain resort features more than 26,500 square feet of meeting space and five updated function rooms. There is a multitude of activities available, from paddle boating on the lake to golfing on the hotel’s 18-hole course, which has been restored to the original blueprints of its Stanley Thompson 1924 design.

Nestled away in the sophisticated mountain town of Banff, at the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel, the tag line says it all: If you can dream it, we can make it happen.

The hotel’s Victorian architecture is sumptuous and captivating, made even more so by the jaw-dropping mountain backdrop.

The Banff Springs hotel works with the Town of Banff and Parks Canada in promoting and protecting the pristine wilderness and offers several opportunities for conference organizers to jump on the eco bandwagon through team bonding, community outreach excursions like cleaning up a trail in Banff National Park in conjunction with Parks Canada or minimizing meeting footprints with Eco-Meet, a green conference-planning option that lessens the environmental impact of the meeting through reduced resource consumption.

The hotel offers a string of themed conference and

team-building ideas from an amazing race to educational presentations, yoga by the river and even an adult summer camp that includes crafts, lawn games, archery and dodge ball.

With a world-class spa, a golf course and a selection of delicious restaurant offerings including the Vermillion Room, a classic French-inspired restaurant unveiled in 2018, guests can experience a taste of luxury and history at every turn.

New to Banff, the Mount Royal Hotel reopened in the summer of 2018 after a fire decimated the structure in 2016. The stunning renovation includes an exclusive

You may think you are paddling through a painting when exploring the parks and waterways of the Alberta Rockies and Athabasca Falls | PARKS CANADA/JEFF BARTLETT

28 | MEETING PLACES ALBERTA 2019 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER

Alberta Rockies

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP:

Jasper National Park and environs are the secondlargest dark-sky preserve in the world and the most accessible. Northern lights and star-studded skies are the reward during Dark Sky Month each October | SUBMITTED Adjacent to the Columbia Icefield, the Athabasca ice caves are among the hidden delights in the Rockies | DON HENSON The Three Sisters tower over Stoneridge Mountain Resort, one of the fine apartment hotels in Canmore | SUBMITTED

rooftop patio and hot tubs, boasting some of the best views in Banff.

Like the Jasper Park Lodge and the Banff Springs, when it comes to sparkling gems two others also stand out – the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and the Post Hotel.

Set on the banks of the emerald waters of Lake Louise, the Chateau features an entire wing dedicated to more than 36,000 square feet of meeting space with themed meeting and signature events spanning everything from fondue parties to a winter carnival experience and a series of food and beverage workshops: think cooking team-building events.

Canmore, the closest mountain town to Calgary, is also a culinary beacon with beauty at its fingertips. Its meeting spaces and hotel offerings range from quiet and tranquil to thrumming with cosmopolitan vibrancy.

Smaller groups of up to 20 people can connect at the boutique hideaway at Spray Valley, Mount Engadine Lodge. Expect gourmet cuisine, hiking, biking and cross-country skiing.

An annual and popular event in Canmore is the Highland Games, held over the Labour Day weekend.

Canmore’s most exciting new four-star luxury offering is the Malcolm Hotel, which opened in November 2018.

The 124-suite Scottish-themed hotel (it pays homage to the town’s unique Scottish history) features 8,800 square feet of event space, a Scottish-influenced restaurant and lounge, a year-round heated pool and two outdoor hot tubs. Clique Hotels and Resorts manages the hotel, building on success with other Canmore hotels, including Blackstone Mountain Lodge, Stoneridge Mountain Resort, Falcon Crest Lodge and Copperstone Resort. ç

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Alberta Rockies Banff Bus Services Banff Airporter 141 Eagle Cres Box 2524, Banff T1L 1C3 Mark Yawney ������p: 403‑762‑3330 f: 403‑763‑1677 e: aaron@banffairporter.com banffairporter.com Decor and Design Services Mountainscape Events 150 Eagle Cres, Banff T1L 1B9 ����������������p: 403‑760‑5436 f: 403‑760‑2412 e: info@mountainevents.ca mountainevents.ca Destination Management/Marketing Banff DMC Inc Box 2217, Banff T1L 1B9 Danielle Powell ������������������������������p: 403‑760‑1904 e: imagination@banffdmc.com banffdmc.com Discover Group 147 Eagle Cres PO Box 1566, Banff T1L 1B5 Lindsey Sinclair ���p: 800‑496‑9958 f: 403‑760‑7651 e: groups@discoverdm.com banfftours.com Event Planners Mountainscape Events 150 Eagle Cres, Banff T1L 1B9 ����������������p: 403‑760‑5436 f: 403‑760‑2412 e: info@mountainevents.ca mountainevents.ca Hotels and Motels Banff Aspen Lodge 401 Banff Ave PO Box 1017, Banff T1L 1A9 Monique Hendrickx ������������������������p: 403‑760‑7284 f: 403‑762‑5905 e: sales@banffaspenlodge.com banffaspenlodge.com Irwin’s Mountain Inn 429 Banff Ave PO Box 1198, Banff T1L 1B2 Matthew Steinberg ������������������������p: 403‑762‑4566 f: 403‑762‑8220 e: rdm@irwinsmountaininn.com irwinsmountaininn.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 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 crmr.com/buffalo Fairmont Banff Springs 405 Spray Ave Box 960, Banff T1L 1J4 ����������������p: 403‑762‑2211 f: 403‑762‑5755 e: banffsprings@fairmont.com fairmont.com/banffsprings Rimrock Resort Hotel 300 Mountain Ave PO Box 1110, Banff T1L 1J2 Jim Leaves ����������p: 403‑762‑3356 f: 403‑762‑1842 e: sales@rimrockresort.com rimrockresort.com Taxi/Limo Alpine Limousine & Tours PO Box 2235, Banff T1L 1B9 Andreas Lindner �����������������������������p: 403‑762‑5558 e: info@alpinelimo.ca alpinelimo.ca

Banff Sedan 141 Eagle Cres Box 2524, Banff T1L 1C3 Mark Yawney ���������������������������������p: 800‑587‑9958 e: info@banffsedan.com banffsedan.com Tourist Attractions - Major Banff Gondola 1 Mountain Ave PO Box 1258, Banff T1L 1B2 ����������������p: 403‑762‑2523 f: 403‑762‑7493 brewster.ca/attractions-sightseeing/banff-gondola Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies 111 Bear St Box 160, Banff T1L 1A3 Monte Greenshields ����������������������p: 403‑762‑2291 e: mgreenshields@whyte.org whyte.org Venues - Event or Meeting Facilities Banff Centre 107 Tunnel Mountain Dr Box 1020, Banff T1L 1H5 ����������������p: 403‑763‑6712 f: 403‑762‑6202 e: conferences@banffcentre.ca banffcentre.ca/conferences The Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre 100 Mt Norquay Rd PO Box 1260, Banff T1L 1A1 Marie-Eve Jackson ������������������������p: 403‑985‑9014 f: 403‑762‑1264 e: rentals@banff.ca banff.ca/thefenlands Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies 111 Bear St Box 160, Banff T1L 1A3 Monte Greenshields ����������������������p: 403‑762‑2291 e: mgreenshields@whyte.org 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 e: mgreenshields@whyte.org 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 bowvalleygourmet.ca Entertainment Services Music Mosaic 918 16 St, Canmore T1W 1X5 Laura Ann Schlessinger �����������������p: 403‑678‑5172 e: laura@musicmosaic.ca musicmosaic.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 pocaterrainn.com Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre 511 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore T1W 1N7 Aida Murias Alcaide ����������������������p: 403‑609‑5432 f: 403‑678‑5534 e: a.muriasalcaide@coasthotels.com coastcanmore.com Holiday Inn Canmore 1 Silvertip Trail, Canmore T1W 2Z7 Analyn Marzo ������p: 403‑609‑4422 f: 403‑609‑0008 e: analyn.marzo@hicanmore.com hicanmore.com Photography - Event/Videography Aydin Productions Ltd Box 8052, Canmore T1W 2T8 Aydin Odyakmaz ��p: 403‑678‑0339 f: 403‑678‑0911 e: aydin@aydin.ca aydin.ca

Richard Brown Photography 125B Dyrgas Ln Unit 303, Canmore T1W 0A9 �����������������������������������������p: 403‑678‑3237 e: jolimon@telusplanet.net richardbrownphoto.ca Resorts/Retreats Falcon Crest Lodge 190 Kananaskis Way, Canmore T1W 3K5 Terri Liu ����������������p: 403‑678‑6150 f: 403‑678‑6148 e: terri@falconcrestlodge.ca falconcrestlodge.ca Taxi/Limo Canmore Limousine & Tours 405 Canyon Close, Canmore T1W 1H4 �����������������������������������������p: 403‑762‑5558 e: info@canmorelimo.com canmorelimo.com

Hinton Hotels and Motels Holiday Inn Hinton 393 Gregg Ave, Hinton T7V 1N1 Mohamed Mackeen ����������������������p: 780‑865‑3321 f: 780‑865‑7856 e: dmackeen@zsholdings.com ihg.com Lakeview Inn & Suites Hinton 500 Smith St, Hinton T7V 2A1 ��������������p: 780‑865‑2575 f: 780‑865‑2976 e: hinton@lakeviewhotels.com lakeviewhotels.com Quality Inn & Suites Hinton 782 Carmichael Lane, Hinton T7V 0A6 ���������������p: 780‑865‑5255 f: 780‑865‑5818 e: qualityinnhinton@gmail.com choicehotels.ca Resorts/Retreats Overlander Mountain Lodge 27010 Hwy 16 Box 6118, Hinton T7V 1X5 ���������������p: 877‑866‑2330 f: 780‑866‑2332 e: events@overlandermountainlodge.com overlandermountainlodge.com

Jasper 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 bestwestern.com Chateau Jasper 96 Geikie St PO Box 1200, Jasper T0E 1E0 Christine Merrick p: 780‑991‑9941 f: 888‑864‑2737 e: christine.merrick@mpljasper.com mpljasper.com Lobstick Lodge 94 Geikie St Box 1200, Jasper T0E 1E0 Christine Merrick p: 780‑991‑9941 f: 888‑864‑2737 e: christine.merrick@mpljasper.com mpljasper.com Marmot Lodge 86 Connaught Dr Box 1200, Jasper T0E 1E0 Christine Merrick p: 780‑991‑9941 f: 888‑864‑2737 e: christine.merrick@mpljasper.com mpljasper.com Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre Jasper 76 Connaught Dr PO Box 2080, Jasper T0E 1E0 ���������������p: 780‑852‑6593 f: 780‑852‑6594 e: pmcleod@sawridge.com sawridge.com Resorts/Retreats Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge 1 Lodge Rd Box 40, Jasper T0E 1E0 ����������������p: 780‑852‑3301 f: 780‑852‑5107 e: jasperparklodge@fairmont.com fairmont.com/jasper

Pyramid Lake Resort (Mountain Park Lodges) PO Box 1200, Jasper T0E 1E0 Christine Merrick p: 780‑991‑9941 f: 888‑864‑2737 e: christine.merrick@mpljasper.com mpljasper.com Venues - Event or Meeting Facilities The Crimson Jasper 200 Connaught Dr Box 1200, Jasper T0E 1E0 Christine Merrick p: 780‑991‑9941 f: 888‑864‑2737 e: christine.merrick@mpljasper.com mpljasper.com

Kananaskis Hotels and Motels Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge 1 Centennial Dr, Kananaskis T0L 2H0 John Johnson ���������������������������������p: 403‑591‑7711 e: johnj@lodgeatkananaskis.com lodgeatkananaskis.com Resorts/Retreats

Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino 888 Nakoda Way, Kananaskis T0L 1N0 Chris Grimes ��������p: 403‑881‑2830 f: 403‑881‑2831 e: events@stoneynakodaresort.com 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 stoneynakodaresort.com Venues - Historical or Themed or Outdoor Boundary Ranch 2 Guinn’s Rd Hwy 40 Box 44, Kananaskis T0L 2H0 Haylie Gunn ���������p: 403‑591‑7171 f: 403‑591‑7326 e: haylie@boundaryranch.com boundaryranch.com

Lake Louise 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 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 crmr.com/deer Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise 111 Lake Louise Dr, Lake Louise T0L1E0 ����������������p: 403‑522‑3511 f: 403‑522‑3834 e: chateaulakelouise@fairmont.com fairmont.com/lakelouise Tourist Attractions - Major Lake Louise Gondola & Interpretive Centre PO Box 5, Lake Louise T0L 1E0 �������������������������������������������p: 403‑522‑1341 e: groups@skilouise.com lakelouisegondola.com

30 | MEETING PLACES ALBERTA 2019 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER

Central Alberta

CENTRAL HUB Central Alberta welcomes visitors and conference goers with a multitude of new venues and events that border the best of the province

The Gold Horse Casino is now open in Lloydminster on the Alberta-Saskatchewan border and is expected to attract a new crowd of visitors to the Central Alberta city | ALPA PROD/SHUTTERSTOCK

GEOFF KIRBYSON

O

perators of Central Alberta’s meetings and conference sector concede that the precipitous price decline in the province’s most critical resource a few years ago briefly made some meeting places quiet.

But as the price of oil continues a recovery, the mood across the sector has brightened.

“We’re cautiously optimistic,” says Katlin Ducherer, economic development officer with the City of Lloydminster. “We have a really great business community that has diversified and retooled [during the economic downturn], including in agriculture.”

The city of 32,000 was flying high a few years ago when more than 300 hotel rooms were added with the opening of a Hampton Inn, a Super 8 and a Microtel Inn

& Suites. Almost immediately after the ribbon cuttings, however, the price of oil fell and some organizations cut back their conference business.

Ducherer is betting the pending grand opening of a new casino will help attract new meetings and conferences. She believes the 33,750-square-foot Gold Horse Casino, which opened in December 2018, will prove a “substantial draw.”

“It will add a bit of a new market. They plan to do dinner theatres, which we don’t have the facilities to do regularly,” she explains.

A similar situation happened in Red Deer, the virtual midpoint between Calgary and Edmonton. A number of new hotels opened up just prior to the downturn.

“Red Deer has been a depressed hotel market for some time,” says Dave Kaiser, president and CEO of the

| 31

Central Alberta

TOP, BOTTOM: More than 20,000

visitors are expected in Red Deer this February and March for the Canada Winter Games. Up to 3,600 athletes, managers and coaches will gather for the competition | ALBERTA WINTER GAMES

Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association.

The result is that Red Deer provides exceptional value for conference organizers who want to take advantage of the key location of Alberta’s third-largest city.

Red Deer hotels have been operating with an average room rate of $109. The national average, by comparison, is $155.

One highlight in Red Deer was last year’s convention for the United Conservative Party, which had its convention at the local Sheraton hotel. This year that crowd could be eclipsed when Red Deer hosts the 2019 Canada Winter Games. The games, held February 15 to March 3, are projected to welcome up to 3,600 athletes, managers and coaches and more than 20,000 visitors.

Victor Goodman, director of community development and innovation for the City of Camrose, says the community of 19,000 people hasn’t traditionally been a big player in meetings and conventions, but he’s hoping to change that.

“We’re trying to rebuild our tourism sector,” he says.

There are several facilities that could host such events – the Norsemen Inn, the Best Western Plus Camrose Resort & Casino and the Camrose Regional Exhibition.

Goodman would like to see the hotel traffic spread out as it’s relatively sporadic, with much of the activity happening on the weekends. He knows what kind of impact meetings and conferences could have as a dozen dance competitions in the city last year provided a $4.5 million boost to the local economy.

“Conferences are a way to bring people to the community who otherwise wouldn’t choose to travel here.

We know that people who visit here first will sometimes

make investments or move here because they’re looking for a community to settle down in or they are an entrepreneur,” he says.

Ducherer forecasts that good times are just around the corner as she knows Lloydminster has had success hosting national-level events in the past, including the RBC Cup, Canada’s Junior A hockey championship, an Olympic curling qualifying event, Rogers HomeTown Hockey and Scotiabank’s Hockey Day in Canada. She says she and her team are focusing on attracting conferences that can bring delegations from both Alberta and Saskatchewan together. (The city is right on the provincial border.)

“We’re going to focus on sporting events; that’s what our community is passionate about. We’d like to expand our cultural event as well,” she says. ç

32 | MEETING PLACES ALBERTA 2019 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER

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 ��������������p: 780‑826‑3252 f: 780‑826‑4525 e: info@bonnyvillechamber.com bonnyvillechamber.com Hotels and Motels Centre Suite Inns 5316 50 Ave, Bonnyville T9N 1Y8 �������������� p: 888‑871‑5050 f: 780‑826‑6330 e: csinns@telus.net centresuiteinns.com Holiday Inn Express & Suites 4404 52 Ave, Bonnyville T9N 0C3 �������������� p: 780‑687‑8888 f: 780‑687‑8889 e: sales@hibonnyville.com hibonnyville.com Venues - Event or Meeting Facilities Bonnyville & District Centennial Centre 4313 50 Ave Unit 1003, Bonnyville T9N 0B4 Sue Phillips �������� p: 780‑812‑3400 f: 780‑826‑7816 e: events@centennialcentre.ca centennialcentre.ca

Camrose Associations/Chambers of Commerce/Tourist Info Centres Camrose & District Chamber of Commerce 5402 48 Ave, Camrose T4V 0J7 ������������� p: 780‑672‑4217 f: 780‑672‑1059 e: info@camrosechamber.ca camrosechamber.ca Event Planners Premiere Event Management 5407 52 St, Camrose T4V 3C7 Ashley Meadahl �����������������������������p: 780‑781‑7272 e: info@premiereeventmanagement.ca premiereeventmanagement.ca Hotels and Motels Norsemen Inn 6505 48 Ave, Camrose T4V 3K3 �������������� p: 780‑672‑9171 f: 780‑608‑1789 e: catering@norsemeninn.com norsemeninn.com Resorts/Retreats Hotel Camrose Resort Casino - a Best Western Premier Collection Property 3201 48 Ave, Camrose T4V 0K9 Dawn Anderson ��p: 780‑679‑2376 f: 780‑679‑0992 e: danderson@camroseresortcasino.com camroseresortcasino.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 cre.ab.ca

Drayton Valley Banquet Facilities MacKenzie Conference Centre 5745 45 Ave, Drayton Valley T7A 1A1 Events Administrator �������������������� p: 780‑514‑2233 f: 780‑542‑4336 e: kverheul@draytonvalley.ca draytonvalley.ca Hotels and Motels Ramada by Wyndham Drayton Valley 2051 50 St, Drayton Valley T7A 1S5 Ryan Fynn ���������� p: 780‑514‑7861 f: 780‑514‑7863 e: ramadadraytonvalley@canalta.com ramada.com

Lac La Biche Associations/Chambers of Commerce/Tourist Info Centres Lac La Biche & District Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Information 10307 100 St PO Box 804, Lac La Biche T0A 2C0 Susanne Onciul-Pich ��������������������� p: 780‑623‑2818 e: manager@llbchamber.ca llbchamber.ca

Lacombe Associations/Chambers of Commerce/Tourist Info Centres Lacombe Regional Tourism 5005 50 Ave Suite 100, Lacombe T4L 2L1 ������������������������������������������ p: 403‑782‑1046 e: info@lacombetourism.com lacombetourism.com Hotels and Motels Best Western Plus Lacombe Inn & Suites 4751 63 St, Lacombe T4L 1K7 Jacquie Corkery � p: 403‑782‑3535 f: 403‑786‑2270 e: gm@bestwesternlacombe.com bestwesternlacombe.com

Lloydminster Associations/Chambers of Commerce/Tourist Info Centres Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce 4419 52 Ave, Lloydminster T9V 0Y8 ���������������p: 780‑875‑9013 f: 780‑875‑0755 e: info@lloydminsterchamber.com lloydminsterchamber.com Equipment and Supply Rentals The Tent Guys PO Box 10087, Lloydminster T9V 3A2 Pamela Becotte ���������������������������� p: 780‑205‑7368 e: office@thetentguys.net 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 bestwesternplusmeridian.com Holiday Inn & Suites Lloydminster 5612 44 St, Lloydminster T9V 0B6 �������������� p: 780‑870‑5050 f: 780‑875‑9759 e: info-hilloyd@apxhotels.com ihg.com Meridian Inn & Suites 8150 45 St, Lloydminster T9V 3R8 ���������������p: 780‑875‑3030 f: 780‑875‑3001 e: info@meridianinn.ca meridianinn.ca Royal Hotel Lloydminster 5620 44 St, Lloydminster T9V 0B6 ��������������p: 780‑875‑6113 f: 780‑875‑2265 e: info.rhl@royalhotelgroup.ca royalhotellloyd.ca Regional Convention Spaces Lloydminster Exhibition Association 5521 49 Ave Box 690, Lloydminster S9V 0Y7 ���������������p: 306‑825‑5571 f: 306‑825‑7017 e: lloydexh@lloydexh.com lloydexh.com

Olds Hotels and Motels Best Western of Olds 4520 46 St Box 4140, Olds T4H 1P7 ����������������������������������������� p: 403‑556‑5900 e: 61039@hotel.bestwestern.com bestwestern.com/ca/ofolds Pomeroy Inn & Suites at Olds College 4601 46 Ave, Olds T4H 1R5 ����������������������������������������� p: 403‑556‑8815 e: catering@pomeroyolds.com pomeroyinnandsuites.com

Regional Convention Spaces Olds Regional Exhibition 5116 54 St PO Box 3751, Olds T4H 1P5 Tracy Gardner ����� p: 403‑556‑3770 f: 403‑556‑3333 e: office@oldsregionalexhibition.com oldsregionalexhibition.com

Red Deer Audiovisual Services Vold Audio Group Inc 4819C 48 Ave Suite 106, Red Deer T4N 3T2 John Vold �������������������������������������� p: 403‑348‑5800 e: info@voldaudio.com voldaudio.com Banquet Facilities 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 sheratonhotelreddeer.com Community Halls Festival Hall 4214 58 St, Red Deer T4N 2L6 �������������� p: 403‑346‑0055 f: 403‑347‑8759 e: rdchs@telus.net rdchs.com Hotels and Motels Baymont by Wyndham Red Deer 4311 49 Ave, Red Deer T4N 5Y7 ������������� p: 800‑661‑1657 f: 403‑341‑3220 e: mcanal@baymont.ca baymontinns.com Best Western Plus Inn & Suites 6839 66 St, Red Deer T4P 3T5 ������������������������������������������ p: 403‑346‑3555 e: sales@bestwesternreddeer.com bestwesternreddeer.com Black Knight Inn 2929 50 Ave, Red Deer T4R 1H1 Tamara Pribilic ������������������������������ p: 403‑343‑6666 e: sales@blackknightinn.ca 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 comfortinnreddeer.com Empire Inn & Suites 23 Gasoline Alley E, Red Deer T4E 1B3 ���������������p: 403‑346‑4188 f: 403‑346‑8225 e: empirerd@shaw.ca empirereddeer.ca Motel 6 Red Deer 5001 19 St Suite 900, Red Deer T4R 3R1 �������������� p: 403‑340‑1749 f: 403‑349‑8954 motel6rd.ca Quality Inn & Conference Centre Red Deer 7150 50 Ave, Red Deer T4N 6A5 Silvia Park ���������� p: 403‑343‑8800 f: 403‑346‑8690 e: silvia@qualityinnreddeer.com qualityinnreddeer.com Radisson Hotel Red Deer 6500 67 St, Red Deer T4P 1A2 ������������� p: 403‑357‑1108 f: 403‑343‑3600 e: catering@radissonreddeer.com radisson.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 sheratonhotelreddeer.com Restaurants Glenn’s Family Restaurant 125 Leva Ave, Red Deer T4E 1B2 Connie Johnston p: 403‑346‑5448 f: 403‑340‑2199 e: glenrest@telus.net glenns-restaurant.com Signs, Banners, Flags Speedpro Signs Red Deer 6660 Taylor Dr Suite 100B, Red Deer T4P 1Y3 �������������� p: 403‑352‑7475 f: 403‑352‑7476 e: sales@speedproreddeer.com speedproreddeer.com

Universities and Colleges Red Deer College 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 rdc.ab.ca Venues - Event or Meeting Facilities Collicutt Centre 3031 30 Ave, Red Deer T4N 3T4 Chris Martyn ������ p: 403‑358‑7524 f: 403‑314‑4900 e: facility.bookings@reddeer.ca reddeer.ca/collicuttcentre

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 walkingeagle.net

Sundre Resorts/Retreats Rustlers Lodge 32578 Range Rd 52, Sundre T0M 1X0 Kelly Brink ������������������������������������� p: 403‑638‑4389 e: rustlerslodge@gmail.com rustlers-lodge.com

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.ca sylvanlakegolf.ca 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 bestwestern.com

Three Hills Hotels and Motels Super 8 Three Hills 208 18 Ave N Box 1810, Three Hills T0M 2A0 Louise Frances Alberts ����������������� p: 403‑443‑8888 f: 403‑443‑8889 e: lfalbert2@gmail.com super8threehills.com

Vegreville Hotels and Motels Pomeroy Inn & Suites Vegreville 6539 Hwy 16A, Vegreville T9C 0A3 ���������������p: 780‑632‑2094 f: 780‑632‑6312 e: gm@pomeroyhotelsvv.com pomeroyinnandsutes.com

Vermilion Hotels and Motels Pomeroy Inn & Suites Vermilion 4111 51 St, Vermilion T9X 0B4 ����������������������������������������� p: 780‑853‑3066 e: gm@pomeroyvermilion.com pomeroyvermilion.com Venues - Event or Meeting Facilities Vermilion Regional Centre 5702 College Dr, Vermilion T9X 1K5 Carol Coleman ��� p: 780‑581‑2413 f: 780‑853‑4910 e: vrc@vermilion.ca vermilion.ca

Wetaskiwin Venues - Historical or Themed or Outdoor Reynolds-Alberta Museum 6426 40 Ave PO Box 6360, Wetaskiwin T9A 2G1 Melissa Daoust � p: 780‑312‑2065 f: 780‑361‑1239 e: reynoldsalbertamuseum@gov.ab.ca reynoldsmuseum.ca

| 33

Southern Alberta

SOUTHERN ALBERTA’S HERITAGE World Heritage Sites are never far from the superb meeting spaces of Southern Alberta

A PAT JOHNSON

lberta has five UNESCO World Heritage Sites – and three of them are in Southern Alberta.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has identified Dinosaur Provincial Park, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump and Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park as being worthy of celebration and protection. These internationally recognized destinations make potential backdrops for group meetings, corporate retreats or conferences, offering some visually stunning and historically significant options for team building or post-confab relaxation.

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Interpretive Centre, a few minutes outside Fort Macleod, preserves and interprets centuries of Plains buffalo culture. Throughout the year, a range of programs offers deep dives into the significance of this place to Indigenous Plains people – as well as exploring the central role buffalo hunting played in the culture. In addition to re-enactments of the hunting tradition, in which buffalo were chased off the nearby cliffs, the centre offers opportunities to experience Blackfoot dancing, drumming, storytelling and artworks.

Lethbridge, less than an hour away, has a large range of meeting venues, from smaller hotel meeting rooms to the sprawling Exhibition Park, with its largest hall a 30,000-square-foot venue among an overall available meeting space of 325,000 square feet. At a time when Canadians are seeking reconciliation with First Nations, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump offers businesses and groups the chance to connect with Indigenous life in the present while learning about the past.

Dinosaur Provincial Park (not to be mistaken with the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller) is the source of many of the province’s famed fossils. More than 500 specimens representing 58 species of dinosaurs have been uncovered from the park’s craggy badlands. The dino bones aren’t the only reason the area was identified as significant by UNESCO. The riparian zones and unique badlands landscape combine with the millionyear-old discoveries to present visitors with a range of natural vistas and paleontological attractions.

Waterton Lakes National Park, which abuts Glacier National Park, in Montana, is one of Canada’s earliest nationally designated parks. It features a chain of

lakes and, with its American cousin, is collectively known as Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park.

To combine Waterton’s natural beauty with the history of ranching in Southern Alberta, the nearby Bar U Ranch National Historic Site focuses on early white settlement in the region and preserves the traditions of the early pioneers. Waterton park has a range of hotels, motels, campgrounds and resorts within its boundaries. The most famous is probably the Prince of Wales Hotel, a high-end mountain lodge perched on a bluff with jawdropping panoramas. For corporate events, the Bayshore Inn Resort & Spa, which prides itself on being the only hotel located on the shores of Waterton Lake, is well equipped, with meeting space for 300. Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort, one of the few in the park that remain open year-round, can accommodate 150 meeting attendees.

T he U N ESCO sites a re renow ned globa l ly, but

The wild and colourful badlands are a defining characteristic of Southern Alberta, and often a site to discover in-the-moment exhilaration – and ancient dinosaur bones | JOHN HALLIDAY @J7T1H

34 | MEETING PLACES ALBERTA 2019 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER

Southern Alberta

FROM TOP: Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park is among three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Southern Alberta | PARKS CANADA/CHINARA ADHOFER

Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort is right in the WatertonGlacier International Peace Park. Open yearround, the lodge can accommodate 150 meeting attendees | SUBMITTED Lethbridge’s Exhibition Park is a gigantic 325,000-squarefoot space that can handle large trade fairs and events.

Halls of up to 30,000 square feet often welcome large weddings and other celebrations | SUBMITTED

Southern Alberta has natural beauty everywhere. Medicine Hat, located near the Saskatchewan boundary in the southeastern reaches of the province, can be a good choice for groups assembling from throughout Western Canada. Easily accessed by air from Calgary (one hour), the city has almost anything a group could need, including diverse meeting sites and a range of adjacent natural attractions.

Red Rock Coulee, a preserved natural area near Medicine Hat, contains some of the world’s largest sandstone concretions – enormous red boulders, in other words – that suggest some extraterrestrial environment. Also adjacent to Medicine Hat are the Cypress Hills, a traditional meeting ground for First Nations from throughout the Great Plains and now an interprovincial park shared with Saskatchewan, showcasing unique topography as

well as flora and fauna unusual to the rest of the Prairies.

Jace Anderson, executive director of Tourism Medicine Hat, touts these natural attractions but returns repeatedly to a factor that really sets “the Hat” apart: 330 days of sunshine a year.

“That means that, at almost any time in the year, you have that outdoor opportunity,” he says. “We have 150 kilometres of trails within our municipality, and that includes trails through the coulees, trails through the river valley and that connect our entire city from one region to another.” Tourism Medicine Hat offers free-toborrow bicycles to make the most of the outdoor options.

Whether you are combining hiking, birdwatching, cycling or exploring historic sites with your meeting agenda, Southern Alberta has a huge diversity of destinations to accommodate all sorts of groups and interests. ç

BIG

ATTRACTIONS PERSONALITY OPPORTUNITY

MeetInLethbridge.com

Lethbridge is a diverse community of 100,000 that’s growing fast!

As the largest city in Southern Alberta, we have the amenities you demand, minus the traffic and travel times.

Just a short drive or flight from Calgary, we’re the culture, nature and beauty of Alberta’s south.

MEET IN LETHBRIDGE FOR YOUR NEXT CONFERENCE OR EVENT!

36 | MEETING PLACES ALBERTA 2019 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER

Southern Alberta

Brooks Associations/Chambers of Commerce/Tourist Info Centres Brooks & District Chamber of Commerce 403 2 Ave W Suite 4, Brooks T1R 0S3 �������������� p: 403‑362‑7641 f: 403‑362‑6893 e: office@brookschamber.ab.ca brookschamber.ab.ca Hotels and Motels Heritage Inn & Suites 1239 2 St W, Brooks T1R 1P7 �������������� p: 403‑362‑8688 f: 403‑362‑8579 e: catering.brooks@heritageinn.net heritageinn.net/locations/brooks-ab-suites Heritage Inn Hotel & Convention Centre 1217 2 St W, Brooks T1R 1P7 Eric Deringer ������ p: 403‑362‑6666 f: 403‑362‑7319 e: gm.brooks@heritageinn.net heritageinn.net/locations/brooks-ab Ramada by Wyndham Brooks 1319 2 St W, Brooks T1R 1P7 �������������� p: 403‑362‑6440 f: 403‑362‑6480 e: gm@ramadabrooks.com wyndhamhotels.com

Drumheller Destination Management/Marketing Travel Drumheller PO Box 1357, Drumheller T0J 0Y0 ������������������������������������������p: 403‑823‑1331 e: admin@traveldrumheller.com traveldrumheller.com Hotels and Motels Canalta Jurassic Inn & Cretaceous Conference Centre 1103 Highway 9 S Box 3009, Drumheller T0J 0Y0 ��������������p: 403‑823‑7700 f: 403‑823‑5002 e: conferences@canalta.com canaltahotels.com Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Drumheller 392 Centre St, Drumheller T0J 0Y0 Alex Choi �������������p: 403‑823‑3322 f: 403‑856‑1501 e: drumheller.econolodge@gmail.com econolodgedrumheller.com Venues - Event or Meeting Facilities Badlands Community Facility 224 Centre St, Drumheller T0J 0Y4 Erica Crocker ��������������������������������� p: 403‑823‑1338 e: ecrocker@dinosaurvalley.com dinosaurvalley.com

Lethbridge Associations/Chambers of Commerce/ Tourist Info Centres Economic Development Lethbridge 308 Stafford Dr S, Lethbridge T1J 2L1 �������������������������������������������p: 403‑331‑0022 e: info@chooselethbridge.com chooselethbridge.ca

Tourism Lethbridge 327 5 St S, Lethbridge T1J 2B4 William Slenders �������������������������� p: 403‑394‑0323 e: management@tourismlethbridge.com meetinlethbridge.com Banquet Facilities Prime Catering Sandman Hotel/Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge, Lethbridge ��������������������������p: 403‑331‑6921 e: info@primecatering.ca primecatering.ca 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 canhostgroup.ca Golf Courses & Country Clubs Henderson Lake Golf Club 2727 Parkside Dr S, Lethbridge T1K 0C6 ������������� p: 403‑327‑3652 f: 403‑327‑7233 e: hlgcgolf@gmail.com hendersonlakegolf.com Paradise Canyon Golf Resort 185 Canyon Blvd W, Lethbridge T1K 6V1 �������������� p: 403‑381‑6400 f: 403‑381‑4300 e: events@playinparadise.com playinparadise.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 bestwesternlethbridge.ca Coast Lethbridge Hotel & Conference Centre 526 Mayor Magrath Dr S, Lethbridge T1J 3M2 �������������p: 403‑327‑5701 f: 403‑327‑5075 e: c.burton@coasthotels.com coasthotels.com Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Lethbridge 120 Stafford Dr S, Lethbridge T1J 4W4 ����������������������������������������p: 403‑394‑9292 e: hielsales@gmail.com hielethbridge.ca Holiday Inn Lethbridge 2375 Mayor Magrath Dr S, Lethbridge T1K 7M1 �����������������������������������������p: 403‑359‑5612 e: sharonhauff@whg.com ihg.com

Waterton National Park | BIGCHEN/SHUTTERSTOCK

Universities and Colleges University of Lethbridge Conference & Event Services 4401 University Dr W, Lethbridge T1K 3M4 Conference Services ��������������������� p: 403‑329‑2244 e: cnf@uleth.ca uleth.ca/conference Venues - Event or Meeting Facilities Enmax Centre 2510 Scenic Dr S, Lethbridge T1K 1N2 �������������� p: 403‑320‑4086 f: 403‑327‑3620 e: kim.gallucci@lethbridge.ca enmaxcentre.ca Lethbridge Exhibition Park 3401 Parkside Dr S, Lethbridge T1J 4R3 Doug Kryzanowski ��������������������� p: 403‑317‑3213 f: 403‑320‑8139 e: doug@exhibitionpark.ca exhibitionpark.ca Southern Alberta Art Gallery 601 3 Ave S, Lethbridge T1J 0H4 �������������� p: 403‑327‑8770 f: 403‑328‑3913 e: facilityrental@saag.ca saag.ca Venues - Historical or Themed or Outdoor 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 galtmuseum.com

Medicine Hat Hotels and Motels Baymont Inn & Suites Medicine Hat 3216 13 Ave SE, Medicine Hat T1B 1H8 �������������� p: 403‑526‑7487 f: 403‑529‑2638 wyndhamhotels.com/baymont/medicine-hatalberta/baymont-inn-and-suites-medicine-hat Clarion Hotel & Conference Centre 954 7 St SW, Medicine Hat T1A 7R7 ����������������������������������������� p: 403‑527‑8844 choicehotels.com/cn841 Days Inn Medicine Hat 24 Strachan Crt SE, Medicine Hat TIB 4R7 ��������������� p: 403‑580‑3297 f: 403‑580‑3299 e: daysinnmedhat@d3h.ca daysinnmedicinehat.ca 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 hamptoninn3.hilton.com Home Inn & Suites Medicine Hat 20 Strachan Crt SE, Medicine Hat T1B 4R7 �������������� p: 403‑527‑1749 f: 403‑527‑1339 e: homeinnmh@d3h.ca homeinnexpressmh.ca Travelodge Hotel by Wyndham Medicine Hat 1100 Redcliff Dr SW, Medicine Hat T1A 5E5 ���������������p: 403‑908‑0680 f: 403‑526‑7842 e: generalmanagertmh@cbrg.ca wyndhamhotels.com

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 mhstampede.com Venues - Historical or Themed or Outdoor Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre 401 1 St SE , Medicine Hat T1A 8W2 ������������� p: 403‑502‑8787 f: 403‑502‑8589 e: esplanadeevents@medicinehat.ca esplanade.ca Medalta - Medicine Hat Clay Industries National Historic District 713 Medalta Ave SE, Medicine Hat T1A 3K9 ����������������������������������������� p: 403‑529‑1070 e: events@medalta.com medalta.org

Pincher Creek Golf Courses & Country Clubs The Pincher Creek Golf Club 942 Hyde St Box 2397, Pincher Creek T0K 1W0 ��������������p: 403‑627‑2126 f: 403‑627‑2162 e: proshop@pinchercreekgolf.com pinchercreekgolf.com Hotels and Motels Heritage Inn Hotel & Convention Centre 919 Waterton Ave, Pincher Creek T0K 1W0 Richard Buckle ��� p: 403‑627‑5000 f: 403‑627‑3936 e: gm.pinchercreek@heritageinn.net heritageinn.net/locations/pincher-creek-ab Ramada by Wyndham Pincher Creek 1132 Table Mountain St, Pincher Creek T0K 1W0 ������������� p: 403‑627‑3777 f: 403‑627‑3780 e: gm@ramadapinchercreek.com wyndhamhotels.com Resorts/Retreats Castle Mountain Resort Box 610, Pincher Creek T0K 1W0 �������������p: 403‑627‑5101 f: 403‑627‑3515 e: groups@skicastle.ca skicastle.ca Venues - Historical or Themed or Outdoor Lebel Mansion 696 Kettles St, Pincher Creek T0K1W0 ������������� p: 403‑627‑5272 f: 403‑627‑1559 e: lebelpc@gmail.com thelebel.ca

Rosebud Venues - Event or Meeting Facilities Rosebud Centre of the Arts 116 Main St PO Box 654, Rosebud T0J 2T0 ��������������� p: 403‑677‑3000 f: 403‑677‑2390 rosebudtheatre.com

Taber Hotels and Motels Heritage Inn Hotel & Convention Centre 4830 46 Ave, Taber T1G 2A4 Melissa Sayoc ��� p: 403‑223‑4424 f: 403‑223‑1733 e: gm.taber@heritageinn.net heritageinn.net/locations/taber-ab

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Northern Alberta

MAGNETIC NORTH Northern Alberta’s natural majesty and contemporary venues attract conference and event attendees from around the world

A ROB ALEXANDER

s Alberta’s northernmost city, Fort McMurray – along with the rest of Northern Alberta, for that matter – offers conference and meeting organizers a world of possibility and potential not found in other parts of Alberta.

Fort McMurray provides a vibrant urban setting with unique event venues, a rich cultural scene, remarkable amenities that rival Alberta’s major urban areas and direct flights from Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto. And all of this is in the heart of the boreal forest – which is slowly regenerating following the 2016 wildfire – with its bounty of four-season recreational activities.

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and Fort McMurray also have a proven record of hosting large and complex events, including the 2018 Alberta Winter Games that saw 2,400 athletes and coaches participate in 24 sports.

If they can do that, imagine what they can do for your next meeting, conference or convention.

ABOVE: The wonders of the

northern lights amaze visitors to Cold Lake, south of Fort McMurray, which also welcomes with fine meeting space and accommodation | BRANDON BORN

Fort McMurray’s venues include the traditional hotel and conference centre, such as the Quality Hotel and Conference Centre, which offers 12,000 square feet of meeting and event space in seven function rooms, or the Radisson Hotel and Suites with its five banquet rooms and executive boardroom totalling 8,500 square feet.

The city also offers a range of other venues from the Franklin Suite Hotel, a boutique hotel in downtown Fort

LEFT: The Grande Prairie Museum and Visitor Centre is among the must-sees in this city of 63,000 in northwest Alberta. Other highlights include the famous Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum and Revolution Place, all of which feature event space | DENNIS ABERSON

38 | MEETING PLACES ALBERTA 2019 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER

Northern Alberta

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: The Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum in Grande Prairie is an award-winning international institution dedicated to Alberta’s paleontological heritage. Field tours, films and lectures are offered, as well as a 70-seat theatre and unique corporate and private event spaces | PHILIP J. CURRIE DINOSAUR MUSEUM

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is famous for hosting large and complex events, including the 2018 Alberta Winter Games that drew 2,400 athletes and coaches | ALBERTA WINTER GAMES Fort McMurray is a bustling, muscular city yet it is still easy for conference goers to find all-season solitude in the surrounding backcountry.

A campfire by the lake can create a meeting space to remember | TRENT ENZOL A giant wheel at Syncrude Canada in Fort McMurray reflects the raw power and size of Canada’s most important resource centre | TRAVEL ALBERTA

McMurray that has a 12-person boardroom, to the six ballrooms, seven suites and a club room at MacDonald Island Park, the largest recreation complex in Canada.

MacDonald Island Park can accommodate meetings for small groups up to conferences and conventions for 1,000 people.

Fort McMurray’s amenities, meanwhile, include shopping and dining, along with opportunities found only in this Northern Alberta city, such as the Oil Sands Discovery Centre; the nearly seven-acre Heritage Village and Shipyards (the only remaining shipyards in Alberta); Canada’s largest national park, Wood Buffalo National Park; the Athabasca sand dunes; and in winter, the 200-kilometre-long Fort Chipewyan winter road along with the highlight of any northern winter trip: the northern lights.

And for something truly unique to the Fort McMurray region, Suncor Energy provides guided tours of the 220-hectare Wapisiw Lookout, the first reclaimed oilsands tailings pond, while at Wood Bison Viewpoint, a herd of about 300 wood bison – North America’s largest land mammal – can be seen grazing on land reclaimed

by Syncrude.

Beyond Fort McMurray, two other Northern Alberta cities, Cold Lake and Grande Prairie, also offer outstanding venues and unique opportunities.

Cold Lake, home to Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), is located in lake country a three-hour drive northeast of Edmonton.

The Ramada Cold Lake has 1,500 square feet of event space, while the Reid Field House in the Cold Lake Energy Centre is a 15,725-square-foot venue capable of supporting 1,400 guests.

The Cold Lake Air Force Museum, a former Cold War radar station built in the 1950s, tells the story of the RCAF, while a public viewing area at the Air Force base allows visitors to watch combat aircraft roar down the runway during take off.

In Grande Prairie, a city of 63,000 people a five-anda-half-hour drive northwest of Edmonton, the Holiday Inn & Suites Grande Prairie-Conference Centre provides 12,000 square feet of space spread out over seven rooms that can accommodate anywhere from 10 to 800 guests.

This venue also offers audiovisual equipment and easy access to all of Grande Prairie’s attractions, including Revolution Place, Grande Prairie Regional College, the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum (all of which offer event space, as well) and the Grande Prairie Airport and its daily flights to Calgary and Edmonton. ç

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Northern Alberta Fort McMurray Hotels and Motels Bridgeport Inn 10021 Biggs Ave, Fort McMurray T9H 1S4 ������������� p: 780‑790‑2600 f: 780‑790‑6060 e: thebridgeportinn@shaw.ca bridgeportinns.ca Clearwater Suite Hotel & Spa 4 Haineault St, Fort McMurray T9H 1R6 ���������������p: 780‑799‑7676 f: 780‑799‑4501 e: catering@clearwaterfortmcmurray.com clearwaterfortmcmurray.com Franklin Suite Hotel 10300 Franklin Ave, Fort McMurray T9H 2H9 �������������� p: 780‑788‑2199 f: 780‑788‑2159 e: info@franklinfortmcmurray.com franklinfortmcmurray.com Merit Hotel & Suites 8200 Franklin Ave, Fort McMurray T9H 2H9 �������������� p: 780‑714‑9444 f: 780‑714‑9440 e: guestservices@meritfortmcmurray.com meritfortmcmurray.com Nomad Hotel & Suites 10006 MacDonald Ave, Fort McMurray T9H 1S8 ������������� p: 780‑791‑4770 f: 780‑790‑1684 e: info@nomadfortmcmurray.com nomadfortmcmurray.com Quality Hotel & Conference Centre Fort McMurray 424 Gregoire Dr, Fort McMurray T9H 3R2 Gina Gouthro ������ p: 780‑713‑3340 f: 780‑790‑1658 e: sales.qualityfortmcmurray@silverbirchhotels. com qualityhotelfortmcmurray.com Radisson Hotel & Suites Fort McMurray 435 Gregoire Dr, Fort McMurray T9H 4K7 �������������� p: 780‑743‑2400 f: 780‑743‑2448 e: gm@radissonfortmcmurray.com radissonfortmcmurray.com

Venues - Event or Meeting Facilities

MacDonald Island Park 1 CA Knight Way, Fort McMurray T9H 5C5 Kelsey Stefanizyn ���������������������� p: 780‑791‑0070 f: 780‑791‑2898 e: salesevents@rrcwb.ca 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 Tanya Oliver ������� p: 780‑532‑5340 f: 780‑532‑2926 e: tanya@gpchamber.com 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 bearcreekgolfclub.ca Hotels and Motels Best Western Grande Prairie Hotel & Suites 10745 117 Ave, Grande Prairie T8V 7N6 �������������� p: 780‑402‑2378 f: 780‑402‑8026 e: res@bestwesterngrandeprairie.com bestwestern.com Holiday Inn Express Suites Grande Prairie 10226 117 Ave, Grande Prairie T8V 7S5 ������������� p: 780‑814‑9446 f: 780‑814‑9684 e: fd@hiexgp.com ihg.com

Paradise Inn & Conference Centre Grande Prairie Airport 11201 100 Ave, Grande Prairie T8V 5M6 ��������������p: 780‑539‑6000 f: 780‑532‑1961 e: info@paradiseinnandsuites.ca paradiseinngrandeprairie.com Podollan Inn & Spa Grande Prairie 10612 99 Ave, Grande Prairie T8V 8E8 ���������������p: 780‑830‑4244 f: 780‑830‑2902 e: banquetsgp@podollan.com podollan.com Pomeroy Hotel & Conference Centre 11633 100 St, Grande Prairie T8V 3Y4 Kayla Enright �������p: 780‑832‑2440 f: 780‑532‑5441 e: meetingmanager@pomeroyhotelgp.com pomeroyhotel.com/grande-prairie Stonebridge Hotel Grande Prairie 12102 100 St, Grande Prairie T8V 5P1 �������������� p: 780‑539‑5561 f: 780‑538‑4636 e: banquetsales@stonebridgegp.com stonebridgegrandeprairie.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 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 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 highlevelchamber.com

Saskatoon Lake near Grande Prairie | PAM WALKER/SHUTTERSTOCK

YO UR O NE STO P EVENT DEST INAT IO N

PREMIER

EVENT DESTINATION

As Fort McMurray’s premiere meeting & event facility, we provide the perfect space for a wide range of meetings, conferences and conventions. Our professional team and flexible, functional rooms can accommodate all your needs, featuring floor to ceiling windows and natural lighting. We deliver an experience you won’t soon forget.

BOOK YOUR EVENT TODAY 780.792.5156

SALESEVENTS@RRCWB.CA

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 bestwesternhighlevel.com

Peace River Associations/Chambers of Commerce/Tourist Info Centres Peace River & District Chamber of Commerce 10006 96 Ave PO Box 6599 Stn Main, Peace River T8S 1S4 �������������� p: 780‑624‑4166 f: 888‑525‑4423 e: manager@peaceriverchamber.com peaceriverchamber.com Banquet Facilities Belle Petroleum Centre 9403 94 St, Peace River T8S 1J2 �������������� p: 780‑624‑8318 f: 780‑624‑8300 e: events@bpcentre.ca bpcentre.ca Hotels and Motels Best Western Plus Peace River Hotel & Suites 8016 99 Ave, Peace River T8S 1R2 �������������� p: 780‑617‑7600 f: 780‑624‑5066 e: reservations@bestwesternpeaceriver.ca bestwestern.com Chateau Nova Peace River 10010 74 St, Peace River T8S 0B3 �������������� p: 780‑624‑3344 f: 780‑732‑5719 e: peaceriverchateau@novahotels.ca novahotels.ca Sawridge Inn & Conference Centre Peace River 9510 100 St, Peace River T8S 1S9 ���������������p: 780‑624‑3621 f: 780‑624‑4855 e: cateringpr@sawridge.com sawridgepeaceriver.com

are built on

BIG IDEAS Imagine coming together in Edmonton - a city where possibilities are encouraged and nurtured.

Where a meeting is an opportunity to embrace challenges and champion change.

Our city is changing fast, with new, exciting opportunities popping up every day. When you meet in Edmonton you will have more than a meeting space, you’ll have the ally you need to make your next big idea, a reality.

TERRI NIELSEN Business Development Account Manager tnielsen@exploreedmonton.com 780.901.8957 @TNielsenYEG

exploreedmonton.com/meetings