A blended city of cultural experiences
One of the many thoughtful touches of detail during my trip to Calgary included the land acknowledgement followed by a ceremony performed by Blackfoot Elder Sheldon First Rider, a residential school survivor from the Blood Nation of southern Alberta, that took the concept of hospitality to a whole new level. Not long after, I had the privilege of taking part in an Indigenous craft workshop at The Confluence with Janis Laboucane, a Metis artisan from Fishing Lake Metis Settlement.
In the same breath as welcoming strangers to their land, Calgary went out of their way to show our press group the deeply rooted respect they have for those who have inhabited their land long before it was Calgary, and still do today. By doing this, Calgary raised the bar on what it truly means to gather.
Where to Stay
Calgary Marriott Downtown’s location makes it a prime spot for anyone who would prefer to keep their stay walkable. Situated directly below the Calgary Tower, Calgary Marriott Downtown is a stone’s throw away from any restaurant in the downtown area.
Where to Meet
Calgary Telus Convention Center is directly connected to the Calgary Marriott Downtown, allowing attendees to move from their rooms to their next session without having to go outside. Calgary Telus Convention Center’s very design takes into consideration attendees with neurodivergent and differently abled needs, from the design of the conference rooms to the resting spaces in the hallways as well as the bathrooms.
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The BMO Centre’s recently completed expansion adds an additional 565,00 sq. ft., giving The BMO Centre over 1 million sq. ft. of event space. It is now the largest convention centre in Western Canada. The building as a whole is a stellar piece of art from the inside out and will visually stimulate all attendees as they move from session to session.
Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre is the perfect venue for planners looking to tap into the rich musical history of Canada. The wide range of exhibits offers an engaging element to any event.
If planners are looking to incorporate the long legendary history of Calgary’s Stampede into their event, SAM Centre is the perfect spot. Planners can draw interactive stories of Calgary’s yearly Stampede event into their meeting from the immersive art. Have your attendees tried to successfully spin a lasso? They can at SAM Centre!
The Confluence, a historic site and parkland, offers a historical glimpse into the narratives of the lives of the Blackfoot Confederacy, The Dene and the Îyârhe Nakoda. Planners can utilize the vast amount of meeting space along with the museum to give attendees an enriching cultural experience during their time in Calgary.
Where to Eat
If you’re looking for a restaurant with locally sourced food, River Cafe is the perfect spot. A great sharable plate is the Red Lentil Hummus. Your group will love it; I certainly did.
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If you’re in the mood for a literal elevated experience but still looking for a relaxed dining environment, Major Tom is a great place to explore. While dining on the 40th floor, I enjoyed a stellar view of the Rocky Mountains and downtown Calgary, and a nice view of the Calgary tower.
As a literary fan, I appreciated The Wilde. Each food course felt like a part of a journey, starting with the menu that is presented in the form of a hardcover novel, along with an appetizer selection listed as the prologue and the entree selection: the narrative. The dessert options are a climatic experience that will stimulate your eyes and taste buds.
This article appears in the November/December 2024 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
