Alberta Meeting & Event Guide - Winter 2020

Winter 2020 Edition

Sabrina Ali

Fundraiser, Event Professional & Leader

How To Increase Sponsorship Dollars

PM#40020277

Managing Stress How To Keep From Becoming Overwhelmed Galas: Are They Still Profitable?

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ALBERTA MEETING & EVENT GUIDE • Winter 2020

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Are you in the events industry?

You are not alone.

EDITOR

Meghann Tanner COPY EDITORS

Carmen D. Hrynchuk, Tamara Aschenbrenner DIGITAL CONTENT & LISTINGS EDITOR

Jeanette Petriko

Join our community of #EventProfs and connect face to face with your peers. mpiEdmonton@gmail.com mpiEdmonton.org $100 off New Memberships

CONTRIBUTORS

Nela Kovacovic, Brent Barootes, Patricia Snow MAGAZINE DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Adam Still / Maverick Design ART DIRECTOR

Zuzana Benesova GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Raymond Burch, Erin Murphy TRAFFIC COORDINATOR

Cheryl Lindquist PUBLISHER

R.H. (Rob) Tanner SALES DIRECTOR

Jeanette Petriko SALES ASSOCIATE

Kathy Kelley CUSTOMER RELATIONS MANAGER & CIRCULATION

Marie Tanner ACCOUNTING ADMINISTRATOR

Catherine Staszkiewicz

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CONTENTS

Alberta Meeting & Event Guide • Winter 2020

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32 Features

The Experts

7 Things to Know

22 Sabrina Ali Fundraiser, event professional, and leader

9 Making More Money from Sponsorships at Your Events Sponsorship Guru Brent Barootes talks about this $2.5 billion industry and how to make sure you’re benefiting from it

PHOTOS BY RIOUX VISUALS; GIVERGY INC.

19 Featured Event

A Backyard Extravaganza

32 Using Technology to Increase Fundraising How this platform is using technology to change live and silent auctions

Setting the Stage 14 How Event Professionals Manage Stress Tips on how to manage stress levels in a highstress industry

27 Galas: Are They Still Profitable?

A look at one of the most popular fundraising events

Check out the

Resource Guide (page 35) filled with info on suppliers, meeting spaces & more!

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CONTRIBUTORS

to the Winter 2020 edition of the Alberta Meeting & Event Guide!

In this issue we are digging into a type of event that is closest to my heart: fundraising events. Fundraising events are twofold— they require all the logistics and coordination of other events, but the end goal is to raise money, adding in the challenge of incorporating ways to draw money from the crowd during the event, while still making sure they have a positive, memorable experience.

In this issue we feature Sabrina Ali, who’s the manager for Events Alberta at STARS Air Ambulance and also the Edmonton & Area Chapter President for the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Our second feature is written by sponsorship guru and best-selling author, Brent Barootes, who shares some of his insight on one of the biggest challenges that all events face: sponsorship. We also dig into fundraising galas and hear a few different opinions on whether they’re still profitable and share tips for increasing the profit margin.

Towards the back of the magazine, you will find our Resource Guide, which is aimed at helping you, event professionals of all capacities, find vendors, service providers, and consultants that are located right here in Alberta.

As always, we love to hear from our readers! If there is a topic you want to hear about, a person you think we should be featuring, or if you just want to reach out and say “hi,” please contact me at editor@meetingsalberta.com.

Happy Planning!

Meghann Tanner, Editor editor@meetingsalberta.com meetingsalberta.com

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ALBERTA MEETING & EVENT GUIDE • Winter 2020

Nela Kovacovic Nela has a Master of Arts degree in Production Management, holds a CSEP (Certified Special Event Professional) and CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) designations and has a lot of experience producing live events in Europe and Canada. She is an Esprit Award recipient and current VP of Finance/President Elect for ILEA Edmonton chapter.

Patricia Snow Patricia has worked in the philanthropic sector for 15 years and has a vast knowledge in event fundraising, having planned events that exceed $1.5 million in revenue.

She is one of the youngest individuals in the world to obtain a CFRE designation (Certified Fundraising Executive). Patricia is currently a Development Officer of Major Gifts at STARS Air Ambulance, helping to fundraise for their $140 million capital campaign which will renew their fleet of aging helicopters.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CONTRIBUTORS

W elcome

Brent Barootes Brent Barootes is President and CEO of the Partnership Group – Sponsorship Specialists a sponsorship consulting firm. In the past 30 years Brent has worked with meetings, conferences, conventions and events as well as sport organizations, municipalities, Canadian brands, charities and non-profits helping them to generate more bottom-line revenue for their events, conferences and programs through sponsorship.

Brent is also the author of Amazon.ca’s #1 Best Seller in the Nonprofit Marketing and Communications category: Reality Check– Straight Talk about Sponsorship Marketing.

Brent is a regular speaker at conferences and conventions.

Brent lives with his wife and 14-year-old daughter in Nanaimo BC.

Things Know to

The Grand Imperial | New Event Space Designed with the goal of being “the perfect venue for all special occasions,” the Grand Imperial is a must-see for anyone planning an event in Edmonton. The venue is customizable with several floor plans, making it ideal for events of all sizes. From a soothing waterfall in the garden to a grand foyer featuring a water wall, there are plenty of stunning photo opportunities.

Information and more photos can be found on their website at thegrandimperial.ca.

PHOTOS COURTESY THE GRAND IMPERIAL; GO WEST; SLACK.COM

Slack | There’s An App For That

GO WEST 2020 | Upcoming Events From January 19-21, Edmonton will be the host of the third annual GO WEST—Canada’s Event for Event Professionals.

With over 800 people from the industry expected to attend, this conference is a must-go for both professional and networking opportunities. Event information and registration can be found at GoWestLive.com.

If you’re looking for an app to help with collaboration, check out Slack.

It’s a free app that is user-friendly for even the less-tech-savvy people on our teams. You can create “channels” for as many teams as you need—you can even have a channel for overall event information that everyone needs to see—and then a channel for each team within the event (such as registration or décor). People can join us few or as many channels that are applicable to them, making it easy for you as the event coordinator to keep tabs on everything happening, without everyone being inundated with information that doesn’t apply to them. Check it out at Slack.com.

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Things to Know

Flores & Pine – Grillroom and Gatherings | New Event Space Located in Bearspaw, Calgary, Flores & Pine is more than just a restaurant! Named after Flores LaDue, the First Lady of the Calgary Stampede, this newly renovated location

embraces the history of the land and people while providing locally sourced meals in a comfortable atmosphere. There are four flexible room options: the completely customizable Estate Room; the Grillroom, which features a wood-fired rotisserie and grill; the Atrium, which brings the outdoors into your event; and the Patio, to create the full outdoors experience. Rental

options range from each individual room to a combination of rooms or even the entire building, making it work for whatever size of event you have. Information can be found on their website at floresandpine.com.

How To Hold A Successful Charity Auction |Q&A

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ALBERTA MEETING & EVENT GUIDE • Winter 2020

Tanner

nny Hooper, Celebrity Ben efit

When it comes to charity auctio well known ns, you are a name. Tell us about your backg very It began back round. in 1987 when I was invited Uncle Wes Spenc by my er Unlimited auctio to help him with a Ducks n. Back at that time I was a country music entertainer, and Uncle Wes wanted me to come and provid e some entertainment for the night. And after watching do that auctio him n for Ducks Unlim and I decided ited I got the bug that I would pursue that as career. Fundr part of my aising charity auctions are auctions I have the only type done. of

PRODUCTIONS

Why did you choose charit y auctions?

I just decided to specialize – I recognized real niche there there was a within the auctio many differe n industry. There nt specialties are within the medic profession, and al or legal back then nobod time in fundra y was specializing ising auctions, full so I decided niche. to pursue that Your busine ss Danny Hoope r Productions than just a charit is more y fundraising Tell us what auctioneer busine else you do. ss.

The three links of my busine ss are 1) the fundra auction busine ss, 2) ising - primarily person corporate emceeing, and 3) speaking al development I am a certifie training and d trainer for Jack speaking.

Canfield (the of the Chicke co-author n Soup called The Succes for the Soul series). He wrote s Principles and a book to become one I was certifie d last year of the trainer s in the succes s principles.

You have a book called Easy Money Record Profit : How to Gener At Your Next ate Fundraising us what we can Auction. Tell find in the book.

I put this togeth er primarily to help non-profit zations, most of which are made up of volunt organioften don’t know eers who what they don’t ing very eviden know. It was becomt to me that a lot of opportunities being missed at these charity were events where volunteers were kind-hearted pouring their heart and soul their time, energy (and all of and financial resources) into ing these events organizand they often weren’t as well planned

The experts

Auctioneer

as they could be. There were often lots of opport ties, and lots of money, left union the table. on the table, Well not left but walking out the door at the of these events end . I found that very frustrating wrote a book so I and gathered up all the had learned over the last 30 years knowledge I into this book. in the indust So it’s been a ry great resource clients, and other for my non-profits.

In your experi ence working what makes at the charit y auctions, a successful event?

I call it the three E’s. The first E is the second is it needs to engage it needs to entertain, , and thirdly to extract. The it needs number one reason that people to buy a ticket to a fundraising choose event is not to money for the raise charity, as we may think. The Auctioneers National Association did a survey a few and found that years ago 93% of the respon number one dents said that reason they buy the a ticket to attend draising event a funis to provide the enterta have fun. So you really have to inment for your one of the reason event. I think s we have done that my background well in this space, is as an enterta with iner, I am always lot of comedy and humour bringing a to the event. The is engagement… second one you need to get hold it throug people’s attenti h the night. We’ve on and where the crowd all been to those events is out of contro the emcee or l, nobody is listeni auctioneer... ng to the table chatte everything out. r just drowns When the room that, you definit gets out of contro ely l like And finally, you are not going to achieve the results. have to extrac t the money.

A lot of events have both live and silent auctio What are some “hooks” that ns. you have seen raised the bar? that have One of the first things that comes ing popularity to mind is the of electronic growbidding. There of companies are a number out there that provid they place at everybody’s tables. e these tablets that successfully They use these for the silent most auctions. People bid on the silent are able to auction right from the comfo chairs, which rt of their is great becaus e at many of these events they have gala nice meals and people don’t have to

You know what items don’t work anymore?

Whatever worked last year.

MEETIN GSALB

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PHOTOS COURTESY FLORES & PINE; IMAGES MEDIA INC.

Q&A with Da

By Meghann

DANNY HOOPER

If you have an event that you would like to submit for our “Featured Event” segment, e-mail Meghann at editor@meetingsalberta.com with photos and a description of the event for possible inclusion in a future issue!

How to hold a charity auct successful ion

PHOTO COURTESY

Featured Event | Submissions Welcome

If you missed our “Ask the Experts” with Celebrity Benefit Auctioneer Danny Hooper, you can still access the article by looking at the back issue on our website! This Q & A in our Fall 2017/Winter 2018 issue looks at how to make your auctions more profitable, what sells and what doesn’t, tips on how to hire an auctioneer, and more. Visit MeetingsAlberta.com, click on the “Magazine” tab, and scroll to the bottom to access previous issues.

Sponsorships Making More Money from Sponsorships at Your Events

By Brent Barootes

IMAGE COURTESY STOCK.ADOBE.COM (MAXIM STEPANOV)

T

he sponsorship industry continues to grow and is presently a $2.5 billion industry in Canada. Are you and your events getting your fair share of this multi-billion-dollar pie? If not, let’s figure out how we can help you get your fair share—or even your unfair share!

Sponsorship around events is not only critical to the event organizers and operators, it’s also a much sought-after marketing channel. In fact, according to the Canadian Sponsorship Landscape Study (CSLS), almost 1 in 4 marketing dollars spent in Canada are allocated to event experiential marketing and sponsorship. Again, that is an awful lot of money—almost 25% of all the marketing budgets in Canada. What can you do to yield more of that money to your event, be that a meeting, a conference/

convention, special event, gala dinner, festival, concert, etc.?

Too often, sponsorship is about getting a supplier to give you extra cash beyond their booth or allowing a business to hang a banner or to be included on your website, or get their logo associated with a dinner banquet, conference, or festival.

Most often, events have pre-designed “stock packages” at three-tier levels: Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Sound familiar?

If so, you are failing to maximize revenue AND failing to provide maximum value for your partners.

The following Nine Concepts to Event Sponsorship Success outline what you need to change/adjust and adapt to, based on my 30 years of personal experience in the sponsorship industry, as well as from our team at the Partnership Group – Sponsorship Specialists® and

their decades of experience with buyers and sellers of sponsorship, as well as from our clients and other industry leaders.

1. Accept that there needs to be a paradigm shift in your thinking. Nothing like starting out with a tip that will shatter your current way of thinking. You need to move away from thinking about what you need to make your event successful (products/services or cash) and to start thinking about the sponsor and what they need to be successful. This will be a big change. You are used to being inundated with your own thoughts (or those of your superior) about needing to account for a title sponsor, a luncheon sponsor, a presenting sponsor, a wine sponsor, bottled water, audiovisual services, airplane flights, etc. Budget for these, but MEETINGSALBERTA.COM

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Sponsorships then forget about them. This is thinking about your needs. Instead, think about what the sponsor needs (or determine this through a discovery session, as per below). It could be that they need to drive traffic to their website. It might be that they want to run a program to engage their employees. Perhaps their need is to drive traffic to their showroom, or increase sales, or build brand awareness, or increase their government relations presence or PR strategy. Until you know what they need, you cannot help them.

But once you do know and can help them achieve business goals… they will give you money. To do that, you need to stop thinking about what you and your event need and instead determine what your sponsor needs so that they can make more money. It’s big shift in thinking, but one that will get you way more money and reoccurring revenue!

You need to stop thinking about what you and your event need and instead determine what your sponsor needs so that they can make more money.” solution to their ailments! Pretty scary if we just went to the doctor’s office only to discover they had already set up standard general prescriptions, and the receptionist said to you, “Oh, here are three options, take whichever one you want… we are not sure of your ailment and, thus, not sure which prescription

will work for you, but grab one, and test it out.” So how are you different? You need to provide solutions based on research and relationship development, not just pitch packages!

3. Understand the Trinity of Sponsorship. Sponsorship is not just about your event getting money. It is a three-way partnership: your event, your sponsor, and your audience. The sponsor has to have “problems solved” for the money they pay you. You need the money to operate your event at a profit. And your audience—those attending your event, whether that be a member association function, a ticketed public event or free event—need to go away satisfied. If they hate the sponsor and/or content, or there is no real value added, they are not happy. That means that only 2/3 of your partnership is successful, and it needs to be all three cohorts that get a win! A truly successful program ensures that all three partners seek rewards/ROI or benefits.

4. Know what you have available to sell!

You own a great deal more than banners and logos to sell. Understand your event from an asset inventory perspective.

Assets include speaking rights, sampling rights, opportunities to meet speakers/ celebrities, activations on-site or online,

IMAGE COURTESY SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

2. Shift your approach from selling product to providing solutions. Based on the concept above, you need to move away from a menu of products and stock packages (see below) and towards building a relationship, determining their needs, and providing solutions to those needs. You would not go to the doctor and say, “I am not well, give me a prescription.” The doctor would need to

determine what is wrong with you; they would need then to determine alternate treatment and then provide the best treatment to rid you of your ailment, based on the ailment. They would look at things such as your lifestyle and your specific needs. You are the doctor in this scenario with your event, and they need results, so you need to prescribe a

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ALBERTA MEETING & EVENT GUIDE • Winter 2020

DOING BETTER, TOGETHER. Do you want your next event to leave a positive impact?

Together, we can make the events industry a sustainable industry. Whether you’re giving back, offsetting your carbon emissions or aiming to understand your event’s footprint, hosting a responsible event at the Edmonton Convention Centre is easier than ever.

Contact us today about greening your next meeting. eccsales@edmonton.com Edmontonconventioncentre.com/sustainablemeetings

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Sponsorships

5. Do discovery sessions. This is where you get to know the prospect. Who is their target audience and secondary audience? What is their acquisition cost or budget per lead? How much is their overall budget, and how much is allocated for this event? What do they spend at similar events? How do they measure success? What works (or doesn’t work) for them at other events? Are they B2B or B2C? Once you know all of this (and more), you can custom-build a proposal— but not before then.

6. Custom-build proposals. The number one concern from sponsors is that events are still pitching those pre-designed, stock packages. Get rid of those NOW! You must design your proposals based on your prospects’ goals, objectives, and budget, not based on what you want to sell them.

7. Activate! This is critical. Activation is what sponsors do after they have acquired the rights to be associated with an event. Activation allows them to engage and interact with the audience.

Events should work with the sponsors to build activation programs that will 12

enhance the experience of the audience at the event, provide value for the event overall, and help the sponsor gain an even greater ROI on their rights and activation investment. Typically, sponsors who fail to activate well see poor event ROI and do not renew. When you sell a sponsor the right to sample or the right to host a booth at the event or the right to sell product, work with them to not only make it happen… but happen effectively for you, for them and for the audience.

8. Create fulfilment reports. Like proposals, these must also be customized to identify all the assets the sponsor bought and if they were delivered. Focus on the specific goals and outcomes the sponsor had identified, and then determine if they were met or not.

Showcase pictures/video of signage and experiential activities that occurred for that specific sponsor. Be accountable and remember—it’s about THEM! 9. Budget correctly and use value-inkind/contra only for budgeted line items. If you need bottled water, budget for it. If it is a “nice to have”, but not required then don’t budget for it… Don’t go out wasting your time trying to get someone to “donate” water for your event and call that their sponsorship.

You just wasted valuable time that could have brought in cash so you could get a product that you don’t really need. So,

ALBERTA MEETING & EVENT GUIDE • Winter 2020

plan your budgets correctly. Include everything that is essential to your event.

Then, only take product (in lieu of cash) for items that are on your operational budget list. If you did not budget for a free wine bottle at every table and someone offers to provide that, don’t take it. Let them pay you cash to be a sponsor, and their activation can be they supply a bottle of wine at every table and use the marketing asset they bought to promote that they are the wine sponsor. But if you did plan to provide every table with wine, and someone wants to provide it, then you can take it in kind. It offsets a budget line item. But if that line item is worth $2000, then you just give them sponsorship marketing assets worth $2000. It is like a cash deal because it offsets a budgeted line item. No budgeted line item, no sponsorship—unless they pay cash and then provide the product they want to showcase!

If you can deliver on these nine concepts, you will truly reach the next level in event sponsorship success and put thousands more dollars on your bottom-line profits! n

IMAGE COURTESY SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

digital assets, and more.

Stop allowing companies to provide you with product for delegate bags. They should be paying for that right!

What assets do you own that will help sponsors grow their business? Can you introduce them to prospects or showcase their products? Figure out what you have to sell, then build an inventory of sponsorship marketing assets and determine their real market value.

Just like a car dealer, they know what vehicles they have to sell, as well as what additional services (like warranty, financing, service, etc.) and what each asset is worth in the marketplace. That way they can tell you the price based on real market valuations versus “I think I can get $X for this.”

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Setting the Stage

Managing

Stress

Tips & tricks from three event professionals

By Nela Kovacovic

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ALBERTA MEETING & EVENT GUIDE • Winter 2020

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s event planners, we have one of the most stressful jobs in the world. For six years running, CareerCast has listed Event Coordinator as the sixth most stressful job, right after military personnel, airline pilots, police officers, firefighters, and broadcasters. While event planners may not be putting out literal fires, we are certainly dealing with our fair share of potential “disasters” daily. Three seasoned event professionals share their tips on how they successfully manage stress leading up to and at events, what their secrets for work-life balance are, and how they like to recharge after a big event to avoid burnout.

Setting the Stage

Lisa Marks, BComm CSEP Company: Brand Alive (brandalive.ca) Based in: Calgary Years in the industry: 12 Achievements: Current Chair of ILEA International Strategic Task Force; Former ILEA Canada Chair; J. Robert Graves Pioneer Award

by ILEA International 2018; Special Event Magazine’s Top 25 Young Professionals to Watch List 2012 and 2013 (and the first Canadian to be recognized); Esprit Award Recipient (multiple).

Most stressful event planned: Shaw Communications launching ownership of Radio Canada

1. How do you manage stress on a daily basis?

PHOTOS COURTESY LISA MARKS; SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

I wake up at the same time, every weekday (5:15 am) and go to a spin class. Seven to eight hours of sleep a night is critical to me, and I drink a ton of water all day long. My body needs sleep, so I rarely sacrifice sleep during the work week. For me, repetition of a habit helps me stay focused and calm. I basically wear the same thing each day, eat at the same times, and enjoy a consistent circadian rhythm. When I have the chance to see friends during the week or check out a local event one evening, I let myself fully enjoy it and then get right back into routine the next day. Weekends are for letting go of routine and doing whatever I want to do... within reason! As motivational speaker Marie Forleo says, “how would you behave if you were the best in the world at what you do?” I believe this is part of it.

2. How do you manage stress on-site during a large event production?

I surround myself with a team of people that are incredibly smart, even keeled, and very good at their jobs. Because my business specializes in corporate events and experiences, I am faced with a lot of challenging expectations from Executives and CEOs. It is an honour

to be trusted with important and highly strategic initiatives, but it can make you feel like you’ve got the weight of the world on your shoulders. When feeling stressed on-site, I gather members of the team around for a five minute pause, check in on status of things, and realign on next steps and priorities if needed.

My team lets me verbalize my worries or anxieties as they are occurring, and talking them out is so helpful to getting back to a clear head.

Also, my personal and professional brand is known for ensuring we have healthy, hearty, warm crew food throughout a show. I will never NEVER cut crew food to make a budget fit. My clients believe me when I say that a crew that feels valued and respected and is also well fed with protein and healthy food will perform far better than when not. I believe healthy food throughout a show day is critical to managing stress and pressure.

3. What is your secret to achieve worklife balance?

I love this saying on airlines: “don your own mask before helping others.” It’s so applicable to life and business! I remind myself that self-care amidst the chaos is part of the formula that allows me to perform at an extremely high level, which my work requires me to. My morning spin class is sacred to me. Sometimes I wake up at 4 am with anxiety or

thoughts about client projects and start to convince myself I should get up, shower, and get going on the day, and then I talk to myself and remind myself that if I keep myself in a healthy place, my work will keep getting better. I also love taking the day off after a show to do whatever I want.

4. What are some ways to recharge after a big event?

My partner is in the industry as well, and we formed a habit of booking a mini vacation after big all-encompassing shows. After a big event ends and load out is underway, we hop in the car and go to the airport with our bags. We’ve done Tofino, New York, Whitefish, and Vancouver. Sleeping in, then waking up in a new scene with the freedom to do whatever we like is my favourite way to recharge. It’s unrealistic to think my phone can be off post-event, as often times the day after an event can be heavy with communication, but I don’t mind keeping an eye on what my team is up to from afar if I am relaxed.

5. What motivates you to keep going in tough situations?

My die-hard love of winning for and with my clients.

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Setting the Stage Rowena Cui Company: PlanIt Sound (planitsound.com) Based in: Edmonton Years in the industry: 15 Achievements: VP Membership, ILEA Edmonton Chapter 2019-2020; Chair of Apricity 2014–Present; Recipient of Best Fundraiser Gala 2017, Edmonton Event Awards; Recipient of United Way of the Alberta Capital Region Award of Distinction, Community Innovation 2015; Recipient of John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights, Human Rights Award; Nominated for Alberta Women Entrepreneurs Award, 2016; Nominated for YWCA Woman of Distinction, 2013.

Most stressful event planned: Her wedding

1. How do you manage stress on a daily basis?

Daily reflection. Before I close each day, I ask myself the following two questions: 1) Did I learn something new today?

2) D id I teach someone something new today?

If I am able to answer both of these questions with zero hesitation, I am able to close my day knowing that I did the best I could today and can again do my best tomorrow. If I answer with even the remote of hesitation to one or both of these questions, I work twice as hard the following day to foster learning and teaching.

2. How do you manage stress on-site during a large event production?

I am actually quite grateful on event day, as I am a proud mama bear reflecting on the several months, long hours, and long nights, every single PlanIt team member, partner, vendor, sponsor has invested and sacrificed to get to this one day. This emotion, for the most part, trumps the stress. When stressful moments creep in, I remain solution-focused and activate contingency plans accordingly. Events also take a village to produce. I call on my village for support and to work through the stress together.

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I have my best friend, husband, and business partner as my co-pilot. He has my back and will step in to help me with the event or family logistics as needed.

In between large events, my husband is really great at ensuring we squeeze in some quality family time. This may be a small vacation, weekend getaway, or simply hanging out at home playing with our kids and dogs! Then when we are in times of peak event season and I’m clocking on average 16 hours a day leading up to show day, he steps in immensely along with our parents to ensure our children have minimal disruption when I am away from home for extended blocks of time.

Lastly, I also had to manage my own expectations—for me, achieving work-life balance means being honest with myself and my family that some days my work will be the primary focus when we are in

I train for an upcoming event with a solid daily routine and discipline. I take my vitamins, get good quality sleep, and pace my energy levels so I can be my best...”

ALBERTA MEETING & EVENT GUIDE • Winter 2020

the midst of a big production, and some days the primary focus will be family.

And then most days, I am choosing between either work or family, as both are a significant priority to me.

4. What are some ways to recharge after a big event?

I am typically planning events simultaneously and usually have back-to-back events, so I don’t always have a solid rest period to recharge after a big event, so I must recharge regularly. I train for an upcoming event with a solid daily routine and discipline. I take my vitamins, get good quality sleep, and pace my energy levels so I can be my best at work, home, and on a social level. This discipline is essential to my overall health and wellness. My biggest recharge after a big event is the reward of quality time with my children and husband.

5. What motivates you to keep going in tough situations?

I am relentless in not taking no for an answer. I highly value a solution-focused approach to how I live and work, so I do not lose motivation easily. I will exhaust every opportunity to try and get through and find resolution through a tough situation. At PlanIt Sound, our relationships are the backbone of our company.

Our relationships with our clients, staff, vendors, suppliers, and colleagues motivate me to persevere through tough situations.

PHOTO COURTESY ROWENA CUI

3. What is your secret to achieve worklife balance?

Setting the Stage

Karen Kitchen

1. How do you manage stress on a daily basis?

3. What is your secret to achieve work-life balance?

I am fortunate enough to have a home office that rests on my farm.

Having the ability to take a glance or even step outside for a quick moment to see Mother Nature and my horses in all their splendor has an incredible calming effect.

Scheduling—physically placing appointments within my business calendar for myself or my family.

To keep things light, I make up funny names for those time frames.

Laughter is truly the key to sanity in this industry.

2. How do you manage stress on-site during a large event production?

4. What are some ways to recharge after a big event?

I carry essential oils with me, peppermint and lemon scents seem to bring everything back down into manageable levels.

Company: Two Spoons Ltd. (two-spoons.ca) Based in: Red Deer Years in the industry: 23 Achievements: 2019 CWG Pin Activation (Hotels Red Deer); building and developing my company; still holding the ability to wear heels at events.

Most stressful event planned: Harvest Moon Long Table Dinner

To keep things light, I make up funny names for those time frames.

Laughter is truly the key to sanity in this industry.”

Massages—I love them. But my biggest thing is going for a run. Once I close off a big event, the next day I take a different route than what I have been travelling; helps me move my mind onto the next project.

5. What motivates you to keep going in tough situations?

Just knowing that everything will pass whether I want it to or not; time stops for no one. So even though you are living a difficult moment, 15 minutes from now the situation will change—I just keep flowing through things like a river does. n

Top Take-Aways Create a daily routine

PHOTO COURTESY KAREN KITCHEN; STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Take a break to get fresh air and a change of scenery Surround yourself with a team of professionals you can lean on during critical situations Feed yourself and your on-site team healthy food Schedule a time in your calendar for yourself—self-care is important Take time after an event to reflect on your success and grow by learning from mistakes

MEETINGSALBERTA.COM

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ALBERTA MEETING & EVENT GUIDE • Winter 2020

Featured Event

A Backyard Extravaganza An evening of celebration, feasts, and entertainment with an alfresco twist.

A celebration like no other!

By Meghann Tanner

Planner: Tycoon Event Planning & Promotions

PHOTOS COURTESY IMAGES MEDIA INC.

Venue: Edmonton Convention Centre Décor: Tycoon Event Planning & Promotions Greenery: Vienna Intention Floral & Event Design

Rentals: One West, GES, Special Event Rentals, and Carnivals for Kids at Heart Catering: Edmonton Convention Centre Graphic Design: Backstreet Creative Entertainment: The Strumbellas, The Esquires, Uptown, Firefly, and Terrell Edwards

Mosaic Photo Wall: Flashworks Photobooth Lights/AV: Production World Café Lights: Tycoon Event Planning & Promotions Event Photographer: Images Media Inc.

MEETINGSALBERTA.COM

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PHOTOS COURTESY IMAGES MEDIA INC.

Featured Event

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ALBERTA MEETING & EVENT GUIDE • Winter 2020

Featured Event Event Purpose: Tycoon’s challenge was to create an event worthy of celebrating and connecting the people who helped bring Capital Power to its 10th successful year and Genesee to its 30th successful year. With a diverse audience, it was important to create an experience that would resonate with everyone, as it truly was an event to recognize the people in the room. The event had to be the perfect balance of backyard extravaganza and classic evening under the stars, executed in an untraditional way.

The Foyer was curated to be a lakeside property’s garden area that transitioned into the backyard with lakeside views once guests entered into Hall D. All video footage on the screens immersed guests in their environments and was curated to create a dusk-to-dawn effect. This mimicked sundown and the lighting that guests could see when looking out on Edmonton’s river valley from Hall D. Service was done family-style to support the feeling of having a family cookout, with the menu for the evening being printed on each guest’s bread bag. From custom boardwalks, pergolas, and Adirondack chairs around the fire to mini-golf, roving performers, a living photo-op wall, and so much more, this event was truly ‘a celebration like no other.’ n

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21

The Experts

Sabrina Ali Fundraiser, Event Professional, and Leader

By Meghann Tanner

22

ALBERTA MEETING & EVENT GUIDE • Winter 2020

(organized by individuals, companies, or committees to raise money on behalf of STARS). The events range from cheque presentations and small-town Dine and Dances to major galas.

Sabrina views her role as more than planning and executing events—she sees it as building and maintaining relationships with people and organizations that keep STARS in the air.

It’s not just about one night. The event focuses on creating a guest experience that’s positive and memorable, but also on building community with the people in attendance so that they stay engaged with STARS and become ambassadors in their communities.

Sabrina’s method of planning events is a little different than most—she doesn’t follow a critical path plan, opting instead to follow her intuition and experience. She is always researching and learning from other events, using social media as one of her biggest research tools. This gives her the ability to have a global view of fundraising events. Sabrina strives to make sure that her and her team’s events are

PHOTOS COURTESY SABRINA ALI & STEVE FINKELMAN

O

ne of the lifelines of all charitable organizations are fundraising events, and this niche market is exactly where Sabrina Ali has established herself.

In her current role as Manager of Events Alberta for STARS Air Rescue and President of the Edmonton Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Sabrina has a wealth of experience in both fundraising and event management. Her passion for fundraising started with the Good Samaritan Society where she worked as a Fund Development Officer, and soon her event portfolio included site events including cheque presentations, two golf tournaments, and executing a fundraising walk—a first for the Good Samaritan Society. To date, she has raised over $3 million through her successful events.

Sabrina then took on the challenge of the high-profile STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service) as a Fund Development Officer in charge of events. Here she shone as she created the Building Magic in the Air Gala—an event that will celebrate its 10th year in 2020. The glittering soiree has so far raised over $1.3 million for STARS. Sabrina proved herself a natural-born event planner, and for seven years the gala grew.

Now she has turned her considerable talents to managing the Edmonton Events Team, sitting on committees for external events, planning internal events, and doing outreach in different communities.

STARS, a helicopter EMS company, has six bases over three provinces, with Edmonton having the most third-party events

The Experts

Sabrina’s motivation is simple: STARS strives to be innovative in both the medical and the aviation field, and her fundraising is equally as innovative.

MEETINGSALBERTA.COM

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unique—bringing in the coolest, latest technology for both the guest and the donor experience. Her motivation is simple: STARS strives to be innovative in both the medical and the aviation field, and her fundraising is equally as innovative.

One example of this innovation is when she sent her team on the mission of finding new events and event tools, and they came across Givergy. Givergy, based out of the UK, develops fundraising technologies that increase revenues and make the process easier for both the charity and the donor. Their team flew in from the UK to meet with Sabrina and the events team about the Building Magic Gala, which ended up being the first fundraiser in Canada to use the Givergy system at an event.

Sabrina’s passion for fundraising events and her role at STARS shows in the way she speaks about them, and this is even more pronounced in the way she speaks about her role with the AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals). She joined the organization

24

in 2009 as a member and started volunteering with them through the National Philanthropy Day and Communications Committee in 2010. From there, she took on the role of Director of Communications, then President Elect for 2017 and 2018, and then President of the Edmonton Chapter in early 2019.

Sabrina is breaking barriers in her role as President, both as the first president who is an event fundraiser and is also the first person of colour in the role.

The AFP has been more than a resume builder for Sabrina, it’s where she has built her relationship, sponsorship, and leadership skills. It’s provided her with educational and networking opportunities, and an increased confidence in her career. As President, one of Sabrina’s goals is to change the competitive mentality of fundraising and create a supportive community where people from different organizations can come together, learn from each other, and build each other up into leaders.

Sabrina is driven by her desire to make an impact in the world. While her

ALBERTA MEETING & EVENT GUIDE • Winter 2020

management position at STARS enables her to make a difference there, she views AFP as an opportunity to extend that reach and share her knowledge and expertise with others, who will in turn go out and make a difference in their sector.

It’s a way for her to have a much larger impact.

Sabrina’s goals and dreams don’t stop where she is, either. When asked what was up next for her, she said, “There is nothing stopping me from being able to achieve more in the fundraising world.” She knows that with passion and will, there are endless opportunities for growth, both in her career and with the AFP. Sabrina was naturally drawn into event planning through her zest for fundraising, and she continues to leave her indelible stamp on the industry. Her drive for innovation, leadership, and making a difference promises that this is just the beginning for this fundraising event specialist. n

PHOTOS COURTESY SABRINA ALI

The Experts

Experience the Valley!

Choose Drayton Valley for your next conference or team-building event Drayton Valley, often overlooked on the drive to Jasper and the Rockies, is an inspiring getaway only 90 minutes from downtown Edmonton. With much of the same natural beauty of its bigger brothers to the west, Drayton Valley/Brazeau County is a beautiful area to host your meetings away from the hustle and pressure of larger centres and tourism destinations—and the accommodations and services are more affordable, too.

simply walk through Mother Nature’s palette of exploding fall colours and make the day all about relaxation and you.

Slow down, and take the short drive to Drayton Valley, where the natural attractions and setting allow your meetings to be focused and relaxed.

• Fine eateries for all your dining needs (breakfast, lunch and dinner)

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• Excellent accommodations close to all areas and adjacent to outstanding valley scenery • Meeting facilities that will accommodate groups of dozens or hundreds

After the conference/meeting, hike, run or mountain bike the many kilometres of well-maintained trails of Eagle Point/Blue Rapids Provincial Park, or

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ALBERTA MEETING & EVENT GUIDE • Winter 2020

Setting the Stage

–Are They Still Profitable?

A look at one of the most popular fundraising events

By Patricia Snow

PHOTOS BY RIOUX VISUALS; CM EVENTS & CASA FOUNDATION; STOCK.ADOBE.COM

F

undraisers in the philanthropic sector are often known as ‘connectors.’ They help generate much-needed funds for their organizations by connecting the kindness of the community to those who need it most.

Charities all over the world consistently choose fundraising galas as one way to raise significant funds and strengthen their connections with donors. It’s a chance to invite donors in to learn more about your organization and provide them with an enjoyable way to give. But when months of planning and resources amount to very little return, fundraisers can start to question, is the gala worth it?

Lisa Gareau is the owner of the event management and promotions company, Candy Event Consulting. With over 30 years of experience, Lisa has created connection strategies and provided event support for a variety of businesses and community organizations—across Canada and around the world.

“I’ve met brilliant people with good intentions, strong teams, and amazing causes—but they just couldn’t make it work. That’s why I initially started my business. I’m passionate about creating and connecting, and I wanted to help,” Lisa explained.

“Galas are more than just printing tickets and selling them. Successful galas are planned many months in advance, they focus on strategy, and the entire fundraising team needs to be involved.

By discussing together how the event fits within your overall donor strategy, you streamline your communications with donors. Flow starts happening in your fundraising program and events become less stressful.”

Starting from within and getting to know your donors is an important part of fundraising. We now live in a world where everything is tailored to us, and an individual’s charitable support shouldn’t be any different. If a donor is willing to take an evening from their busy schedule to attend your gala, they want more than

a social opportunity—they want to feel a connection to your organization.

In building a long-term relationship with your donors, communication of your event goal should start in the months prior, sharing what you are wanting to achieve with the event and why the fundraising component is a vital.

Lisa added, “A ticket transaction makes a donor feel satisfaction, like they already did their part, but you need to explain that the event itself is a part of a bigger picture. Often, larger decisions need to be discussed with their board, stakeholders, or family. They need time to include you in their lives and their decisions around giving. By not providing material or the goal prior to the event, you put your guests on the spot. There could be people in the room that want to help you but can’t connect with those they need to. It also gives you the opportunity to personally connect with donors about this goal and encourage them to invite their friends to help support something special.” Lisa shared, “When you ask MEETINGSALBERTA.COM

27

for someone to invite their friends, you show that you value them as a donor, and you give them the opportunity to share a story with their network of what your organization means to them.”

Utilizing your board and supporters can be helpful in identifying and inviting people who are capable of and likely to give. Your event plan should also identify these activities and the relationships that are necessary to secure sponsors, attract individual donors, and lead to profit.

The relationships you build with your donors may get them to attend, but your guests also want to have a great time.

Morgan Scott is the Events Manager for Ronald McDonald House Charities® Alberta and has been involved in planning numerous fundraising galas.

With a background in business, a major in marketing, and over 6 years in the philanthropic sector, she has a thorough understanding of how to create a successful event.

“Given our current economy, galas still raise the most money out of any annual fundraiser. Though the fundraising aspect is important, it’s just as imperative to think about what sets your gala apart.

Focus on ensuring that your guests have an amazing time, so they want to return next year. Think about what your guests will experience—what do you want them to feel and take away from the evening?”

Morgan explained.

Shareable and interactive experiences are a must, and they make your guests want to attend your event again next year.

“Take your mission and weave it through the event in a unique way.

Think of your ‘typical flow’ for a gala and map out the ways that you are engaging guests in your culture and mission, from the moment they walk in the door and throughout the entire event,” added Lisa.

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ALBERTA MEETING & EVENT GUIDE • Winter 2020

Fundraisers and volunteers need to get creative when thinking about how to surprise and engage attendees.

“Important people like having fun, too,” Lisa shared. “There are many ways to excite your guests and include fundraising aspects. Perhaps it’s a game in the foyer where guests could play against each other and others can watch on a big screen. Something that’s entertaining for everyone. Or come up with a challenge throughout the night involving questions on the table or an app on your phone.

Get started by thinking about who’s in the room, what are some of their hobbies, or things they would naturally be doing.

Be inventive in the ways that you can get guests thinking and talking about your mission and the incredible work that you do.”

To execute some of these engagement strategies, it’s a good idea to look for sponsors. “Though they tend to have the highest expense budgets, if you are strategic about your fundraising, any gala can be profitable,” said Morgan.

“When it comes to securing sponsors, it’s important to listen to their needs and wants. Instead of building a common sponsorship package and sticking to it, try molding the package to fit your sponsor’s needs. It’s all about the benefits that are important to them and the impact that they are making by supporting.”

Often, less is more. “I would limit to 3–4 fundraising activities,” advised Morgan. “Some effective fundraising strategies include silent and live auctions, and a raffle. We’ve played around with a variety of raffles in the past and have noticed that one large expensive raffle, with a higher ticket price and limited number of tickets, does exceptionally well. People get excited about their chances of winning, and it’s also fewer tickets for your team to sell.”

People also need to connect to your cause on a personal level. You need to create a story about your work that

PHOTOS BY RIOUX VISUALS

Setting the Stage

set the stage for a remarkable event.

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Setting the Stage

shows them how it relates to their life.

“I’ve found that a ‘mission ask’ or pledge drive is the most profitable and effective fundraising strategy, especially when paired with a story from a beneficiary of your organization. The mission ask allows guests to donate directly to the cause, and it’s a great way to show them how they will be making a difference,” said Morgan.

Storytelling and visually showing can also be great a strategy when commu-

able to give at all. It’s finding ways to be inclusive, and maybe it’s asking them to give their time as a volunteer or commit to attending the next event.”

“With any event, it really helps to have a well-connected committee. This way, your committee members can help promote the event and encourage high-profile individuals to attend,” shared Morgan. During the event it’s also important to utilize those committee members to help garner feedback from guests.

Lisa suggested, “Plant committee members and individuals from your organization to evaluate on-site. Are your guests engaged in what’s happening throughout the evening? What type of discussions are being had? Are they having meaningful and interesting conversations about your organization?

Or are they talking about how long the food line is?”

It’s important for fundraisers to get to know their donors a bit more.

30

ALBERTA MEETING & EVENT GUIDE • Winter 2020

PHOTOS BY RIOUX VISUALS

nicating why reaching the fundraising goal is so important. There are likely implications if the organization doesn’t receive the funding needed to carry out its mission. Lisa explained, “Without scaring your guests, you have to share what will happen if they don’t give. It’s impactful and a reality.”

She added, “100% participation is the goal, and that means getting creative with your giving opportunities. Some of your guests may be able to give a major gift that evening, and some may not be

“In the fundraising term ‘donor development,’ there’s the key word, ‘development,’ where you are actually putting in the work to develop a relationship with a donor,” said Lisa. “We have to look at events in the same way, where we are developing relationships with our attendees and with the people who are willing to spend an evening with our organization.”

“We need to reimagine the gala,” Lisa added, “and it starts by asking important questions to your fundraising team and donors. What are you trying to accomplish with the event? And how can you better engage your supporters? When we show our donors that we are putting heart and thought into our gala, the event inevitably becomes more enticing for people to attend.” It helps to build a foundation of growth so the event can be profitable and sustainable for years to come. n

Danny Hooper • • • •

Keynote Speaker Comedic Master of Ceremonies Award-winning Media Personality Canada’s #1 Fundraising Auctioneer

www.dannyhooper.com 780.487.5291 Photo by Robert Bray Portrait Design

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MEETINGSALBERTA.COM

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The Experts

Increasing Funds Raised Using Technology Q&A with Jeevs Hari of Givergy

By Meghann Tanner

J

eevs is the Business Development Manager– Alberta with Givergy, an award-winning fundraising technology company that offers a range of cutting-edge products and expert consultative advice to help non-profits raise more at fundraising events and online.

Givergy originated in the UK but now has offices in London, New York, San Francisco, Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, Hong Kong, and Sydney. Since 2009, they have helped raise $250 million for causes around the globe.

the most heightened of environments—fail-safe is the only option. From this platform, we are actively building out our suite of services to help charities improve their efficiencies, save money, and better communicate with their audiences.

There are a lot of worthy organizations holding events to raise money. What have you seen in your experience that are some of the more creative ways to get the attention of potential donors?

What are some of the biggest trends you’re seeing in fundraising events?

We’re seeing a shift in focus to artificial intelligence—charities are slowly beginning to incorporate chatbots and voice search to their fundraising strategies. They’re also looking to further gamify the fundraising element of their events. They want it to be fun and interactive but most importantly increase participation.

In what areas are you seeing fundraising events having challenges?

The Giving Sector is a half-trillion-dollar market that is currently riddled with inefficiencies allowing millions of dollars to be wasted each and every year. An example of these inefficiencies are: expensive payment gateways, cheque transfers, fragmented small charities, as well as underqualified committees.

What can non-profits do to overcome these challenges?

Better technology is the solution to many of these challenges. We recognise that the gala dinner is a small part of a much wider sector, but in many respects, it is the pinnacle of most charities efforts and fundraising initiatives.

Givergy has demonstrated that it can operate at

32

ALBERTA MEETING & EVENT GUIDE • Winter 2020

The Giving Sector is a halftrillion-dollar market that is currently riddled with inefficiencies

We’ve seen an increase use of immersive theatre at fundraising events, and there’s no better way to involve and captivate guests. It can give guests a first-hand experience of what the charity is trying to resolve or aid, which can increase donations.

Auctions (both silent and live) are a significant revenue source at most fundraising events, but they seem to be bringing in less money for most organizations lately. What are some suggestions for ways to bring excitement (and higher bids) back to both auction types?

For silent auctions, we have seen a various amount of games being played during events, and Givergy offers something we call “Sealed Bidding,” which allows your guests’ bids to be sealed and anonymous. This adds that excitement of not knowing what the actual bid is and starting a mini bidding war.

For live auctions, it definitely depends on the live auctioneer that works the room and does his/ her homework before getting up on that stage on who is in that room, and having fun with it. Also, having good live auction items will help a lot!

Packaging multiple items to make a super live item would be a great option as well.

The Experts

Ticket sales, auctions, and raffles are the big three as far as ways to raise money during an event. What are other ideas to incorporate into an event to draw more money out of the crowd that you have seen successfully done?

The MC is in a position of immense power for the duration of the fundraising event. They can whip up hype, excitement, and competitiveness, all of which are crucial to tactfully highlighting the importance of meeting the fundraising objectives set out for the event.

Final comments?

Givergy hopes to help more and more charities every year to raise more for their amazing causes and to bring awareness at the same time for the clients we work for, as well as the clients we hope to work with in the future! n

What makes a good MC? An intimate understanding of the audience:

PHOTOS COURTESY GIVERGY INC.; STOCK.ADOBE.COM

1. Who’s who and where they are in the room 2. How high up the agenda the fundraising portion to the event is 3. The demographic (family/friends, corporate partners, high net worth donors) Knowledge on what was raised last year and (ideally) what they are aiming for this year A bubbly yet sharp persona to get guests engaged A willingness to stick to the plan

MEETINGSALBERTA.COM

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A roaring good time.

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Banff Centre is everything a meeting planner needs (and some things you didn’t know you needed).

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Our spectacular setting and innovative programming are never short of inspiration for your attendees.

Photo by Chris Amat.

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ALBERTA MEETING & EVENT GUIDE • Winter 2020

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Calgary & Area AUDIO VISUAL & TECHNOLOGY SERVICES Calgary Show Services Ltd. #107, 3009-23 Ave. SW Calgary T3E 0J3 T: 403-453-0911 E: info@calgaryshowservices.com W: calgaryshowservices.com Contact: Kristoffer Benoit Calgary Show Services is a boutique event production company specializing in on site audio visual management, live music reinforcement and lighting solutions for the non profit and business sectors.

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ENTERTAINMENT & SPEAKERS Duelling Piano Kings Suite 220, 4722-1 St. SW Calgary T2G 0A2 T: 403-276-4447 Indigo Circus 69 Dover Mews SE Calgary T2B 0P6 T: 403-973-3211 E: info@indigocircus.com W: indigocircus.com Contact: Sandra Sommerville Entertainment Coordinator

Special Event Rentals #101, 2312-52 Ave. SE Calgary T2C 0A3 T: 403-235-2211 Superior Show Service Inc. #109, 18 Highland Park Way NE Airdrie T4A 0R1 T: 587-775-6677 E: info@superiorshow.com W: superiorshow.com

Wedding Finesse Inc. # 70, 2150-29 St. NE Calgary T1Y 7G4 T: 403-700-3773 EVENT PLANNERS & DESIGNERS Boom Goes the Drum 2501 Alyth Rd. Calgary T2G 1P7 T: 587-316-5292 DMG Events 302, 1333-8 St. SW Calgary T2R 1M6 T: 403-209-3555 e=mc2 events 510, 110-12 Ave. SW Calgary T2R 0G7 T: 403-770-1383 Epic Events Suite 9, 11651-40 St. SE Calgary T2Z 4M8 T: 403-589-3900 One West Events 3920 B Edmonton Tr. NE Calgary T: 877-598-9378 Pop Kollaborative 250, 237-8 Ave. SE Calgary T2G 5C3 T: 403-264-9801 Spark Event Management Unit #A205, 1600-90 Ave. SW Calgary T2V 5A8 T: 587-880-2672 True Event Management #101, 2734-17 Ave. SW Calgary T3E 0A7 T: 403-589-4022 Vida Events Calgary T: 403-710-5739

Twisted Gobos 8 Tuscany Hills Point NW Calgary T3L 2C6 T: 403-389-1700 MEETINGSALBERTA.COM

35

EVENT VENUES Arts Common 205-8 Ave. SE Calgary T2G 0K9 T: 403-294-7455 Bow Cliff Centre 3375 Spruce Drive SW Calgary T3C 3A3 T: 403-246-0390 W: bowcliffseniors.wildapricot. org/Rentals Total Meeting Space: 2,100 sq. ft.

The Bow Cliff Centre is a new, bright, modern facility, minutes from downtown Calgary, close to the LRT station, with free parking.

It provides several affordable and interchangeable options for your meeting needs depending on the size of your event. Use of a kitchen is available which includes all appliances as well as a lobby, sitting area. An outdoor greenspace, basketball court and lawn bowling greens are adjacent to the facility.

Calgary Central Library 800-3 St. SE Calgary T2G 2E7 T: 403-260-2779

Calgary Stampede 1410 Olympic Way SE Calgary T2G 2W1 T: 403-261-0105 Calgary TELUS Convention Centre 120-9 Ave. SE Calgary T2G 0P3 T: 403-261-8500 Total Meeting Space: 122,000 sq. ft.

Genesis Centre #10, 7555 Falconridge Blvd. NE Calgary T3J 0C9 T: 403-590-2833 Total Meeting Space: 30,000 sq. ft.

McKenzie Meadows Golf Club 17215 McKenzie Meadows Dr. SE Calgary T2Z 2T9 T: 403-257-3734 W: mckenziemeadows.com Contact: Paul McGowan Food And Beverage Manager Total Meeting Space: 3,200 sq. ft.

We are available year round for all your event and catering needs, on or off-site. Christmas Parties, Birthdays, Anniversary’s Meetings and Weddings or any event you require. Visit our website for more info, our team of professionals are standing by.

Glenbow Museum 130-9 Ave. SE, Calgary T2G 0P3 T: 403-268-4110 Total Meeting Space: 13,800 sq. ft.

Calgary Zoo 1300 Zoo Rd. NE Calgary T2E 7V6 T: 403-232-9300

Granary Road 226066-112 St. W MD of Foothills T1S 5S5 T: 403-453-7623

Canada's Sports Hall of Fame 169 Canada Olympic Rd. SW Calgary T3B 6B7 T: 403-776-1040 Total Meeting Space: 17,000 sq. ft.

Heritage Park 1900 Heritage Dr. SW Calgary T2V 2X3 T: 403-268-8500 Total Meeting Space: 23,100 sq. ft.

Commons, The 1206-20 Ave. SE Calgary T2G 1M8 T: 403-452-7938 Total Meeting Space: 5,680 sq. ft.

Hudson 200-8 Ave. SW, Calgary T2P 1B5 T: 403-351-3771 Total Meeting Space: 18,000 sq. ft.

Flores & Pine 254028 Bearspaw Rd. NW Calgary T3L 2P7 T: 403-241-7611 Total Meeting Space: 3,608 sq. ft.

MacEwan Conference & Event Centre 2500 University Dr. NW Calgary T2N 1N4 T: 403-210-9375 Total Meeting Space: 40,000 sq. ft.

Mount Royal University 4825 Mt. Royal Gate SW Calgary T3E 6K6 T: 403-440-8890 Total Meeting Space: 38,720 sq. ft.

Performing Arts Youth Centre 1371 Hastings Cres. SE Calgary T2G 4C8 T: 403-234-9590 Total Meeting Space: 8,800 sq. ft.

Race Room, The Unit #13, 2355-52 Ave. SE Calgary T2C 4X7 T: 587-880-1580 W: raceroom.ca

CALGARY

The Carriage House Inn The Carriage House Inn has been known for superior hospitality for over 50 years. With over 20,000 square feet of function space, 3 magnificent ballrooms and fantastic Food & Beverage, they can accommodate groups from 5 to 600. The hotel has several newly renovated spaces (including the ballroom), and its well-planned meeting & event facilities are designed to provide flexibility with a wide variety of room setups—while professional staff provides exceptional personal service and assistance throughout your event. The Carriage House Inn is the perfect venue for your next function, easily accessible in south Calgary right off Macleod Trail, with ample complimentary parking & complimentary Wi-Fi! 9030 Macleod Trail S Calgary, AB T2H 0M4 T 403.253.1101 F 403.259.2414 E sales@carriagehouse.net W carriagehouse.net

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ALBERTA MEETING & EVENT GUIDE • Winter 2020

ME E T IN G FACILIT IE S AREA Room

Sq. Ft.

CAPACITY Theatre

Classroom

Banquet Reception

Wedgewood

200

Desert Palms

1,500

60

16

90

120

Victoria

1,250

100

48

80

100

Surrey

1,250

100

48

80

100

Phaeton

1,250

100

48

80

100

Clarence

1,250

100

48

80

100

Ballroom

5,000

500

216

420

600

Windsor A

1,915

150

50

100

150

Windsor B

2,360

150

60

120

200

Windsor Ballroom

4,275

300

180

220

325

Contact: Steve Hammond Manager Calgary's premier racing simulator centre! The Race Room offers professional-grade racing simulators for team building events, client appreciation, birthdays, bachelor parties and more. A fun and adrenalinepacked activity perfect for groups of up to 20 drivers!

Studio Bell 850-4 St. SE Calgary T2G 1R1 T: 403-543-5115 TELUS Spark 220 St. George's Dr. NE Calgary T2E 5T2 T: 403-817-6800 Total Meeting Space: 17,295 sq. ft.

WinSport 88 Canada Olympic Rd. SW Calgary T3B 5R5 T: 403-247-5607 FLORAL DESIGN Bloom Screens Calgary T: 403-605-1016 Designing on the Edge Calgary T: 403-202-2201

Kensington Florist Ltd. #3, 1145 Kensington Cres. NW Calgary T2N 1X7 T: 403-270-4026 HOTELS Alt Hotel Calgary East Village 635 Confluence Way SE Calgary T2G 0G1 T: 833-258-6635 Total Meeting Space: 3,500 sq. ft.

Best Western Plus Village Park Inn Calgary 1804 Crowchild Tr. NW Calgary T2M 3Y7 T: 403-289-0241 Total Meeting Space: 9,100 sq. ft.

Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel 110-9 Ave. SE Calgary T2G 5A6 T: 403-266-7331 Total Meeting Space: 11,000 sq. ft.

Carriage House Inn 9030 Macleod Tr. S Calgary T2H 0M4 T: 800-661-9566 Total Meeting Space: 16,000 sq. ft.

Clarion Hotel & Conference Centre Calgary 2120-16 Ave. NE Calgary T2E 1L4 T: 403-291-4666 Total Meeting Space: 16,000 sq. ft.

Fairmont Palliser 133-9th Ave. SW Calgary T2P 2M3 T: 403-262-1234 Glenmore Inn & Convention Centre 2720 Glenmore Tr. SE Calgary T2C 2E6 T: 403-279-8611 Total Meeting Space: 15,000 sq. ft.

Coast Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre 1316-33 St. NE Calgary T2A 6B6 T: 403-248-8888 Total Meeting Space: 20,000 sq. ft.

Grey Eagle Resort & Casino 3779 Grey Eagle Dr. Calgary T3E 3X8 T: 403-719-8777 Total Meeting Space: 37,881 sq. ft.

Courtyard by Marriott Calgary Airport 2500-48 Ave. NE Calgary T3J 4V8 T: 403-238-1000 Total Meeting Space: 6,473 sq. ft.

Holiday Inn Calgary Macleod Trail South 4206 Macleod Tr. Calgary T2G 2R7 T: 403-287-2700 Total Meeting Space: 5,000 sq. ft.

Delta Hotels Calgary Downtown 209-4 Ave. SE Calgary T2G 0C6 T: 403-266-1980 Total Meeting Space: 10,955 sq. ft.

Hotel Arts 119-12 Ave. SW, Calgary T2R 0G8 T: 403-206-9564 W: hotelarts.ca Total Meeting Space: 11,000 sq. ft.

Delta Hotels Calgary South 135 Southland Dr. SE Calgary T2J 5X5 T: 403-278-5050 Total Meeting Space: 23,246 sq. ft.

CALGARY

The Glenmore Inn and Convention Centre The Glenmore Inn and Convention Centre is an independent South Calgary hotel that has over 30 years of experience in providing outstanding hospitality. Our sales and catering team provides professional and friendly service and can assist you with catering, event planning, accommodations and guide you through our many flexible menu options. With 15,000 sq. ft. of adaptable banquet space, we can accommodate groups up to 1,200 people.

Complimentary parking and Wi-Fi included. Three restaurants, an indoor pool and waterslide.

1000 Glenmore Court SE Calgary, AB T2C 2E6 T 403.279.8611 F 403.236.8035 E sales@glenmoreinn.com W glenmoreinn.com

ME E T IN G FACILIT IE S AREA

CAPACITY

Room

Sq. Ft.

Theatre

Classroom

Glenmore Ballroom

9,742

1,200

440

Banquet Reception 750

700

Glenmore Centre or West

1,931

220

92

140

100

Glenmore East

4,314

540

200

360

260

Heritage #1 or #2

720

70

32

50

N/A

Heritage

1,395

150

68

100

80

Macleod #1 or #2

700

60

24

40

N/A

Macleod

1,288

130

60

90

75

Ogden

1,008

80

36

50

N/A

Deerfoot

585

60

28

40

N/A

Foothills

961

90

40

70

N/A

MEETINGSALBERTA.COM

37

Hotel Arts Kensington 1126 Memorial Dr. NW Calgary T2N 3E3 T: 403-228-4442 W: hotelartskensington.com Total Meeting Space: 1,252 sq. ft.

Hotel Blackfoot 5940 Blackfoot Tr. SE Calgary T2H 2B5 T: 403-252-2253 Total Meeting Space: 10,000 sq. ft.

Hotel Clique & Applause Hotel Calgary Airport 24 Aero Cres. NE Calgary T2E 7Y5 T: 403-460-9588 Total Meeting Space: 8,940 sq. ft.

Hyatt Regency Calgary 700 Centre St. SE Calgary T2G 5P6 T: 403-717-1234 Total Meeting Space: 34,000 sq. ft.

International Hotel Calgary 220-4 Ave. SW Calgary T2P 0H5 T: 403-265-9600 Total Meeting Space: 6,500 sq. ft.

Le Germain Hotel Calgary 899 Centre St. SW Calgary T2G 1B8 T: 877-362-8990 Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre Calgary Airport 6620-36 St. NE Calgary T3J 4C8 T: 403-475-1111 Total Meeting Space: 10,000 sq. ft.

Ramada Plaza Calgary Downtown 708-8 Ave. SW Calgary T2P 1H2 T: 403-263-7600 Royal Hotel Calgary, Trademark Collection by Wyndham 2828-23 St. NE Calgary T2E 8T4 T: 403-291-2003 Total Meeting Space: 7,000 sq. ft.

Sheraton Cavalier Calgary Hotel 2620-32 Ave. NE Calgary T1Y 6B8 T: 403-291-0107 Total Meeting Space: 12,060 sq. ft.

Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire 255 Barclay Parade SW Calgary T2P 5C2 T: 403-266-7200 Total Meeting Space: 11,000 sq. ft.

PHOTOGRAPHERS & VIDEOGRAPHERS

Westin Calgary Airport, The 671 Aero Dr. NE Calgary T2E 7Y5 T: 403-452-5406

Photos With Finesse 55 Hawkmount Green NW Calgary T3G 3T9 T: 403-703-2275

Westin Calgary, The 320-4 Ave. SW Calgary T2P 2S6 T: 403-266-1611 Total Meeting Space: 26,042 sq. ft.

Sequence Event Video 64 Scenic Rise NW Calgary T3L 1A8 T: 403-667-7879

PHOTO BOOTHS Silly Booth Calgary T: 403-978-1110

GES Exposition Services (Canada) Ltd. #25, 5805-76 Ave. SE Calgary T2C 5L8 T: 403-243-2212

Twisted Photobooths 8 Tuscany Hills Point NW Calgary T3L 2C6 T: 403-667-1514

Nexus Exhibits 2424-2 Ave. SE Calgary T2E 6J9 T: 403-262-8030

VIP Booth Calgary T: 403-667-8054

Samko Party Services & Events 1456-42 St. NE Calgary T2A 3L4 T: 403-250-2212

J&J Lawrence Photography 1811-34 Ave. SW Calgary T2T 2B9 T: 403-613-6951

TRADE SHOW SERVICES

CALGARY

Calgary Zoo CORPORATE BARBECUES AT THE CALARY ZOO A top meeting spot with a fantastic natural backdrop, the Calgary Zoo boasts breathtaking indoor and outdoor settings for company barbecues and picnics.

Available May through September.

ME E T IN G FACILIT IE S AREA

CAPACITY

Room

Sq. Ft.

Theatre

Classroom

Banquet

Safari Lodge (exc. Foyer)

4,000

250

192

275

The Enmax Conservatory The Terrace (full room)

BOOK NOW: calgaryzoo.com/events/corporate-events 1300 Zoo Road NE, AB T2E 7V6 T 403.232.9300 W calgaryzoo.com

38

ALBERTA MEETING & EVENT GUIDE • Winter 2020

Reception 425 400-500

2,376

160

54

140

The Terrace - North

936

96

30

48

225 75

The Terrace - South

1,440

150

108

90

125

The Esso Auditorium Theatre (Shape is irregular)

1,883

165

n/a

n/a

n/a

West Lawn Elephant Crossing BBQ Tent (Seasonal) 3,570

n/a

n/a

300

300

Superior Show Service Inc. #109, 18 Highland Park Way NE Airdrie T4A 0R1 T: 587-775-6677 E: info@superiorshow.com W: superiorshow.com TRANSPORTATION SERVICES A1 Limousine & Sedan Services 205-1211-14 St. SW Calgary T3J 3Y1 T: 403-399-2916 Ambassador Limousine Service 316 Meridian Rd. SE Calgary T2A 1X2 T: 403-299-4910 MC Limo Chauffeured Transportation Calgary T: 403-269-5466 WEDDING PLANNERS Everlasting Impressions 2005 Luxstone Link SW Airdrie T4B OA5 T: 587-897-4342 Infinity Weddings & Events Calgary T: 403-918-7916 Julianne Young Weddings Inc. #9, 606 Meredith Rd. NE Calgary T2E 5A8 T: 403-456-2439

Lynn Fletcher Weddings 423 Forge Rd. SE Calgary T2H 0S9 T: 403-457-1324 Megan Sawchuk Weddings #101, 314-21 Ave. SW Calgary T2S 0G8 T: 403-650-7219

Canadian Rockies Banff AUDIO VISUAL & TECHNOLOGY SERVICES Freeman Audio Visual 105 Falcon St. Banff T1L 1J2 T: 403-760-4440 CATERING Bison Restaurant & Terrace, The 211 Bear St. Banff T1L 1E4 T: 403-762-5550 Patti's Pantry Catering 100 Owl St. Banff T1L 1C9 T: 403-609-7051

EVENT DÉCOR & RENTALS

Banff Rocky Mountain Resort & Conference Centre 1029 Banff Ave. Banff T1L 1H8 T: 403-762-5531 Total Meeting Space: 5,000 sq. ft.

Special Event Rentals 150 Eagle Cres.

Banff T1L 1B1 T: 403-762-2227 EVENT PLANNERS & DESIGNERS

Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre 100 Norquay Rd. Banff T1L 1A1 T: 403-762-1238 Total Meeting Space: 39,323 sq. ft.

Discover Destination Management #10, 147 Eagle Cres.

Banff T1L 1B5 T: 800-496-9958 Mountainscape Productions & Events 150 Eagle Cres.

Banff T1L 1A9 T: 403-760-5436

Mount View Barbecue 107 Eagle Cres., Banff T1L 1C3 T: 403-762-0115 Mt. Norquay Mount Norquay Rd. Banff T1L 1B4 T: 403-762-4421 Total Meeting Space: 24,000 sq. ft.

EVENT VENUES Banff Centre 107 Tunnel Mountain Dr. Banff T1L 1H5 T: 403-762-6100 Total Meeting Space: 21,000 sq. ft.

Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies 111 Bear St. Banff T1L 1A3 T: 403-762-2291 Total Meeting Space: 7,530 sq. ft.

Banff Gondola 1 Mountain Ave. Banff T1L 1B2 T: 1-800-661-1750 Total Meeting Space: 4,600 sq. ft.

CALGARY

Hyatt Regency Calgary Unleash the full potential of your meetings and events at Hyatt Regency Calgary. Featuring over 34,000 square feet of state-ofthe-art function space, the hotel offers ballrooms and boardrooms that can be designed to motivate and impress your guests. Choose from 24 flexible venues, styled according to your preference. The Imperial Ballroom is the largest in downtown Calgary boasting 20-foot-high ceilings pillar-free, while select spaces welcome natural light. Every need will be taken care of by Hyatt’s dedicated meeting professionals, an award-wining culinary team and a banquet team renowned for providing unparalleled service.

700 Centre Street SE, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6 T 403.717.1234 E salescalrc@hyatt.com SM @hyattcalgary W calgary.regency.hyatt.com

MEETING FACILITIES Room

AREA Sq. Ft.

Thomsons Social Hub Imperial Ballroom

CAPACITY Theatre Classroom

3,149

Banquet

Reception

150

225

13,500

1,450

800

1,280

1.800

Walker/Bannerman

1,315

130

72

100

100

Herald/Doll

1,315

130

70

100

100

Stephen Room AB

1,641

180

108

120

200

The Gallery

1,175

45

36

40

100

Balcony

75

MEETINGSALBERTA.COM

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FLORAL DESIGN Banff Mountaintop Flowers 229 Bear St. Banff T1L 1A0 T: 403-762-8600 Forget-Me-Not Flowers 220 Bear Street Mall Banff T1L 1C4 T: 403-762-4111 HOTELS Banff Park Lodge Resort Hotel & Conference Centre 222 Lynx St., Banff T1L 1K5 T: 403-762-4433 Total Meeting Space: 18,897 sq. ft.

Buffalo Mountain Lodge 700 Tunnel Mountain Road Banff T1L 1B3 T: 800-661-1367 Total Meeting Space: 5,000 sq. ft.

Fairmont Banff Springs 405 Spray Ave., Banff T1L 1J4 T: 403-762-2211 Total Meeting Space: 76,000 sq. ft.

Rimrock Resort Hotel, The 300 Mountain Ave. Banff T1L 1J2 T: 403-762-3356 Total Meeting Space: 18,099 sq. ft.

Canmore

PHOTOGRAPHERS & VIDEOGRAPHERS

TSD Catering Canmore T: 403-609-3663

Banff Photography 101 Banff Ave. Banff T1L 1A6 T: 403-762-4562 Burnett Photography 122E Eagle Cres.

Banff T1L 1H1 T: 403-678-4127 TRADE SHOW SERVICES GES Exposition Services (Canada) Ltd. 405 Spray Ave. Banff T1L 1J4 T: 403-762-2828 WEDDING PLANNERS Rocky Mountain Weddings PO Box 3512 Banff T1L 1E1 T: 403-760-2933

Inns of Banff 600 Banff Ave., Banff T1L 1H8 T: 403-762-4581 Total Meeting Space: 4,600 sq. ft.

HOTELS Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre 511 Bow Valley Tr. Canmore T1W 1N7 T: 403-678-3625

CATERING Bow Valley Gourmet Canmore T: 403-679-8470

ENTERTAINMENT & SPEAKERS Livin' & Dancin' DJ Services Box 8209, Canmore T1W 2T9 T: 403-609-3546 EVENT VENUES Bill Warren Training Centre 100, 1995 Olympic Way Canmore T1W 2T6 T: 403-678-5759 Cornerstone Theatre 125 Kananaskis Way Canmore T1W 2X2 T: 403-609-0004 Total Meeting Space: 3,588 sq. ft.

Grande Rockies Resort 901 Mountain St. Canmore T1W 0C9 T: 403-678-8880 Total Meeting Space: 2,736 sq. ft.

Malcolm Hotel, The 321 Spring Creek Dr. Canmore T1W 0K3 T: 888-570-0603 Total Meeting Space: 7,600 sq. ft.

Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge 1 Centennial Dr. Kananaskis Village T0L 2H0 T: 403-591-7711 Total Meeting Space: 18,351 sq. ft.

Solara Resort & Spa 187 Kananaskis Way Canmore T1W 0A3 T: 403-609-3600 Total Meeting Space: 5,600 sq. ft.

FLORAL DESIGN Elements Floral Design #1, 626 Main St. Canmore T1W 2B5 T: 403-678-4554

RED DEER

Westerner Park With 128 years of heritage in Red Deer, Westerner Park is Central Alberta’s Destination for Celebration. Nestled halfway between Calgary and Edmonton, Westerner Park is the ideal facility for business meetings and large conferences. Our team is dedicated to delivering big city events with small town hospitality.

Westerner Park is committed to sustainability, proudly offering a locally sourced dining experience with our Westerner Park Catering Department.

4847A 19 Street, Red Deer, AB T4R 2N7 T 403.343.7800 E askus@westernerpark.ca W WesternerPark.ca

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ALBERTA MEETING & EVENT GUIDE • Winter 2020

ME E T IN G FACILIT IE S AREA

CAPACITY

Room

Sq. Ft.

Theatre

Banquet

Parkland Pavilion

37,400

1,500

2,200

Prairie Pavilion

31,000

1,000

1,200

Stockmen’s Pavilion

42,378

1,000

1,200

Exhibition Hall

51,500

1,600

2,000

Heartland Room

4,000

300

168

Marquis Room

10,000

700

400

Holiday Inn Chalet

2,260

150

120

Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino 888 Nakoda Way Kananaskis T0L 1N0 T: 403-881-2830 Total Meeting Space: 8,500 sq. ft.

Jasper EVENT PLANNERS & DESIGNERS Jasper Event Management PO Box 2857 Jasper T0E 1E0 T: 780-931-2245 EVENT VENUES Jasper Riding Stables & Outfitters 1 Pyramid Lake Rd. Jasper T0E 1E0 T: 780-852-7433 Total Meeting Space: 1,934 sq. ft.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Old Lodge Rd., Jasper T0E 1E0 T: 780-852-3301 Total Meeting Space: 26,500 sq. ft.

Willson AV #7, 4676-61 St. Red Deer T4N 2R2 T: 403-340-0240

Sawridge Inn & Conference Centre 76 Connaught Dr. Jasper T0E 1E0 T: 780-852-5111 Total Meeting Space: 6,000 sq. ft.

Big Sky Camp Catering Ltd #201, 5208-53 Ave. Red Deer T4N 5K2 T: 403-347-3838

Central Alberta AUDIO VISUAL & TECHNOLOGY SERVICES Parkland Audio 5550-45 St. Red Deer T4N 1L1 T: 403-309-9499

Maligne Lake Chalet Maligne Lake Rd., Jasper T0E 1E0 T: 780-852-3370

Red Deer Audio Visual Red Deer T: 403-341-6460

HOTELS

Vold Audio Group Inc #106, 4819C-48 Ave. Red Deer T4N 3T2 T: 403-348-5800

Crimson, The 200 Connaught Dr. Jasper T0E 1E0 T: 780-852-3394 Total Meeting Space: 2,209 sq. ft.

CATERING

Freson Bros.

101-6 Ave. SW Drumheller T0J 0Y6 T: 403-823-3995 W: freson.com Contact: Jay Cox, Chef Focus on gathering and avoid the kitchen for your event. The only thing better than enjoying a delicious meal is when you don't have to prepare everything. Even if you are hosting we can help make your dreams a reality. Freson Bros. catering services will let you completely customize your menu, so you choose how much time you spend in the kitchen. (Trust us, we've got your back) Red Deer Catering 38253 Rge Rd. 283 Red Deer T4E 1Z5 T: 403-343-6186

ENTERTAINMENT & SPEAKERS Five Star DJ Services Red Deer T: 403-740-5719 Klay Tate Productions Red Deer T: 403-740-2608 Show Time Sound Solutions Red Deer T: 403-447-9172 EVENT DÉCOR & RENTALS Special Event Rentals #101, 18 McKenzie Dr. Red Deer T4S 2H4 T: 403-347-7733 EVENT PLANNERS & DESIGNERS Apple of Your Eye Wedding & Event Coordination Red Deer T: 403-505-7122 Shared Seasons Events Consulting Red Deer T: 403-309-0429 Your Wedding with Irene 87 Duncan Cres.

Red Deer T4R 1W3 T: 403-343-7653

ST. ALBERT

The Arden Theatre Discover a unique venue for your next event!

The Arden Theatre offers: • accommodation for both large and small groups • state-of-the-art technology • close proximity to Edmonton • box office and licensed concession services • free parking and wheelchair accessible To watch our video visit ardentheatre.com 5 St. Anne Street, St. Albert, AB, T8N 3Z9 T 780.459.1524 F 780-458-5417 E ttralnberg@stalbert.ca W ardentheatre.com

MEETINGSALBERTA.COM

41

CALGARY

Grey Eagle Resort & Casino We offer professional facilities and expert corporate event services. Our highly skilled staff specialize in AGMs, conferences, trade shows, exhibitions and seminars that accommodate up to 2,500 attendees.

3779 Grey Eagle Drive Calgary, AB T3E 3X8 T 403.719.8777 E jmitchell@greyeagle.ca W greyeagleresortandcasino.ca

CALGARY

EVENT VENUES

HOTELS

52 North Venue 1224 Township Road 40-0 Lacombe County T0C 0J0 T: 403-877-5288 E: 52northvenue@gmail.com W: 52northvenue.ca Total Meeting Space: 4,000 sq. ft.

52 North Venue provides a unique event space with an industrial design. On seven acres of natural scenery including a winding creek and towering spruce trees, this versatile venue features a brick wall, high ceilings and natural lighting.

Baymont Inn & Suites Red Deer 4311-49 Ave. Red Deer T4N 5Y7 T: 403-754-5503 Total Meeting Space: 9,495 sq. ft.

Alberta Sports Hall of Fame & Museum #102, 4200 Hwy 2 Red Deer T4N 1E3 T: 403-341-8619 Total Meeting Space: 15,000 sq. ft.

Canyon Ski Resort 38433 Range Rd. 264A Red Deer T4N 5E2 T: 403-346-5588 Total Meeting Space: 7,000 sq. ft.

Heritage Ranch 6300 Cronquist Dr. Red Deer T4N 7E8 T: 403-347-4977 Total Meeting Space: 4,000 sq. ft.

Olds College 4500-50 St. Olds T4H 1R6 T: 403-556-4731 Total Meeting Space: 18,629 sq. ft.

Pidherney Centre E – 4725-43 St. Red Deer T4N 6Z3 T: 403-346-3777 Total Meeting Space: 32,000 sq. ft.

#SuperiorTents Specializing in Tent Rentals, Festivals, Trade Shows, Corporate & Community Events.

Serving communities through Superior Events.

120-9th Avenue SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0P3 T 780.992.0404 E info@superiorshow.com W superiorshow.com

42

Red Deer College 100 College Blvd.

Red Deer T4N 5H5 T: 403-342-3567 Total Meeting Space: 350,000 sq. ft.

Best Western Plus Red Deer Inn & Suites 6839-66 St. Red Deer T4P 3T5 T: 403-346-3555 Total Meeting Space: 704 sq. ft.

Black Knight Inn 2929-50 Ave. Red Deer T4R 1H1 T: 1-800-661-8793 Total Meeting Space: 10,200 sq. ft.

Cambridge Red Deer Hotel & Conference Centre 3310-50 Ave. Red Deer T4N 3X9 T: 403-346-2091 Total Meeting Space: 55,000 sq. ft.

Holiday Inn & Suites Red Deer South 33 Petrolia Dr., Red Deer T4R 1H1 T: 403-348-8485 Total Meeting Space: 7,000 sq. ft.

Holiday Inn Express North Red Deer 6433 Orr Dr. Red Deer T4P 1A6 T: 587-457-7829 Total Meeting Space: 1,712 sq. ft.

Quality Inn & Conference Centre 7150-50 Ave. Red Deer T4N 6A5 T: 403-343-8800 Total Meeting Space: 8,967 sq. ft.

Radisson Red Deer 6500-67 St. Red Deer T4P 1A2 T: 403-342-6567 Total Meeting Space: 20,000 sq. ft.

PHOTO BOOTHS

Red Deer Memorial Centre 4214-58 St. Red Deer T4N 2L6 T: 403-347-8111 Total Meeting Space: 12,000 sq. ft.

Memory Lane Booth Red Deer T: 403-348-1224

Westerner Park 4847A-19 St. Red Deer T4R 2N7 T: 403-343-7800 Total Meeting Space: 50,000 sq. ft.

TwitchyBooth Red Deer T: 403-304-3604

ALBERTA MEETING & EVENT GUIDE • Winter 2020

Twilite Photo Booth Red Deer T: 1-888-343-3318

PHOTOGRAPHERS & VIDEOGRAPHERS Truelight Photography 14 Randolph St. Red Deer T4P 3K3 T: 403-343-2907 TRANSPORTATION SERVICES Arrow Limousine & Sedan Services Ltd Bay 3, 6841-52 Ave. Red Deer T4N 4L2 T: 403-346-0034 Premier Limousine Services 6812-52 Ave. Red Deer T4N 4L1 T: 403-342-9565 WEDDING PLANNERS Engaged by Darcie Red Deer T: 780-832-8706 Your Wedding with Irene 87 Duncan Cres.

Red Deer T4R1W3 T: 403-343-7653

Edmonton & Area AUDIO VISUAL & TECHNOLOGY SERVICES Cine Audio Visual 10251-106 St. Edmonton T5J 1H5 T: 780-423-5081 Event Technology Solutions #101, 18112-105 Ave. Edmonton T5S 2T4 T: 780-444-6776 Evolution Audio Visual 11410-119 St. Edmonton T5G 2X6 T: 1-800-561-9820 FM Systems 14556-121A Ave. Edmonton T5L 4L2 T: 780-451-1353 FMAV 14737-123 Ave. Edmonton T5L 2Y6 T: 780-401-1000 Inland Audio Visual Ltd. 100, 17893-106A Ave. Edmonton T5S 1V8 T: 780-423-4833 Invert720 Productions 100, 18224-105 Ave. Edmonton T5S 2R5 T: 780-489-7203 KDL Audio Productions Box 3301 Sherwood Park T8H 2T2 T: 780-498-6336 W: kdlaudio.com Contact: Kyle Lupul

kyle@kdlaudio.com Your locally owned and operated choice for sound, lighting, video and staging support for any type of event. Press conferences to festivals from 10 to 10,000, we have you covered with high quality equipment and personalized service. Making your event our best since 1987.

Production World 12410B-142 St. Edmonton T5L 4K2 T: 780-452-4843 CATERING A Cappella Catering 12105-120 Ave. Edmonton T5L 4K4 T: 780-454-2642 Bridges Catering 9203-111 Ave. Edmonton T5G 0A2 T: 780-425-0173 Freson Bros.

150 Westpark Blvd.

Fort Saskatchewan T8L 0B2 T: 587-285-2600 4416-48 St. Stony Plain T7Z 1L4 T: 780-963-2613 W: freson.com Contact: Jay Cox, Chef Focus on gathering and avoid the kitchen for your event. The only thing better than enjoying a delicious meal is when you don't have to prepare everything. Even if you are hosting we can help make your dreams a reality. Freson Bros. catering services will let you completely customize your menu, so you choose how much time you spend in the kitchen. (Trust us, we've got your back) Mercer's Catering 12514-124 St. Edmonton T5L 0N2 T: 780-431-0972 Stir Catering 1116-74 St. Edmonton T6X 0N7 T: 780-993-9262 ENTERTAINMENT & SPEAKERS Danny Hooper Productions 8882-170 St. Edmonton T5T 4J2 T: 780-487-5291 Dave Babcock Music Edmonton T: 780-910-8314 David Papp Edmonton T: 780-951-4869 Divinity DJs Edmonton T: 780-994-4331

Lauren Sergy Edmonton T: 780-966-2401

EDMONTON

Mitchell Entertainment Services Ltd. PO Box 62030 Edmonton T5M 4B5 T: 780-488-4715 Oil City Sound Machine Edmonton T: 780-488-4715 Rapid Fire Theatre Improv 9828-101A Ave. Edmonton T5J 3C6 T: 780-443-6044 Terrell Edwards Edmonton T: 780-975-8483 The RETROFITZ Edmonton E: hoodoosmusik@shaw.ca EVENT DÉCOR & RENTALS A Chair to Remember Edmonton T: 780-908-2526 Details Vintage Decor Rentals Edmonton T: 780-903-4171 Etc. Event Styling & Decor Inc. 11355-105 Ave. Edmonton T5H 3Y3 T: 780-425-1240 I-D Bohemia Edmonton T: 780-221-1812

ZINC Restaurant & Catering @ Art Gallery of Alberta ZINC is a full-service catering and event management operation that oversees all events within the Art Gallery of Alberta.

Our exceptional venue offers diversity, contemporary edge with the right amount of elegance.

Our goal is to ensure that our clients and their guests, leave our establishment knowing they received the best in customer service and an incomparable culinary experience.

Creation of our menu is inspired by local food products, culinary trends, and of course, the desires and expectations from our clientele. We pride ourselves on providing forward-thinking food and beverage service.

Art Gallery of Alberta, 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton, AB T5J 2C1 T 780.392.2505 E zinc.events@compass-canada.com W zincrestaurant.ca

EDMONTON

River City Events 1215-95 St. SW Edmonton T6X 0P8 T: 780-424-6001 Superior Show Service Inc. 8599-111 St. Fort Saskatchewan T8L 4S1 T: 780-992-0404 E: info@superiorshow.com W: superiorshow.com EVENT PLANNERS & DESIGNERS Buksa Strategic Conference Services #307, 10328-81 Ave. Edmonton T6E 1X2 T: 780-436-0983 CM Events 103, 9741-110 St. Edmonton T5K 2V8 T: 780-761-6682 Foundry Conferences & Events 10507 Saskatchewan Dr. Edmonton T6E 4S1 T: 780-784-5518 KMG Events 10801-68 Ave. Edmonton T6H 2B8 T: 780-757-3077

Century Casino Edmonton • 26 Room Boutique Hotel • Boardrooms & Meeting Spaces Available • Restaurant & Lounge • Free Heated Underground Parking • 800 Slot Machines, 35 Table Games and 30 VLT’s • High Limit Gaming Room and 24 Hour Poker Room • Century Showroom - Live Entertainment Venue • Yuk Yuk's Comedy Club • Off-Track Betting

13103 Fort Rd, Edmonton, AB T5A 1C3 T 780.643.4000 F 780.406.1037 W cnty.com/edmonton

MEETINGSALBERTA.COM

43

EDMONTON

MS Productions 12618-124 St. Edmonton T5L 0N7 T: 780-488-5257 Planit Events Inc. Edmonton T: 780-993-6933 Ringmaster Events Management Edmonton T: 780-690-9236 Site 6 Event Design & Production 10563-111 St. Edmonton T5H 3E8 T: 780-952-5133

Custom Exhibits Specializing in Tent Rentals, Festivals, Trade Shows, Corporate & Community Events.

Serving communities through Superior Events.

8599 111 Street, Fort Saskatchewan, AB T8L 4S1 T 780.992.0404 E info@superiorshow.com W superiorshow.com

SK Events Edmonton T: 780-222-0732 Three Tall Women Design Inc. 9718-70 Ave. Edmonton T6E 0V4 T: 780-433-4877 Timewise Event Management #101, 18112-105 Ave. Edmonton T5S 2T4 T: 780-444-3773 Tycoon Event Planning & Promotions Edmonton T: 780-667-5183 VIP Event Consultants Edmonton T: 780-905-3571 EVENT VENUES

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44

Alberta Aviation Museum 11410 Kingsway Edmonton T5G 0X4 T: 780-451-1175 Total Meeting Space: 18,000 sq. ft.

Arden Theatre, The 5 St. Anne St. St. Albert T8N 3Z9 T: 780-459-1524 Total Meeting Space: 1,200 sq. ft.

Art Gallery of Alberta 2 Sir Winston Churchill Sq. Edmonton T5J 2C1 T: 780-392-2505 ATB Financial Arts Barns 10330-84 Ave. Edmonton T6E 2G9 T: 780-448-9000 Total Meeting Space: 11,755 sq. ft.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. #2393, 8882-170 St. Edmonton T5T 4M2 T: 780-244-4867 E: bgwe@ldry.com W: bubbagump.com Contact: Bradley Handford General Manager Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. captures the charm and American spirit

ALBERTA MEETING & EVENT GUIDE • Winter 2020

that made the movie Forrest Gump a smash hit. Shrimp is the specialty here, but in its fun and casual setting, there is definitely something for everyone.

Enjoy grilled and fried seafood platters, pastas, burgers, salads, award-winning Dixie-style baby back ribs, and signature hand shaken cocktails. Located in West Edmonton Mall — North America’s largest indoor shopping destination!

Century Casino St. Albert 24 Boudreau Rd. St. Albert T8N 6K3 T: 780-460-8092 Total Meeting Space: 2,375 sq. ft.

Edmonton Convention Centre 9797 Jasper Ave. Edmonton T5J 1N9 T: 780-421-9797 Total Meeting Space: 150,000 sq. ft.

Edmonton EXPO Centre 7300-116 Ave. Edmonton T5B 4X5 T: 780-471-7210 Total Meeting Space: 522,000 sq. ft.

Edmonton Gun Club 50301, Range Rd. 254 Leduc County T0C 0V0 T: 780-945-1413 Total Meeting Space: 3,600 sq. ft.

Enjoy Centre 101 Riel Dr., St. Albert T8N 3X4 T: 780-419-6800 Total Meeting Space: 20,000 sq. ft.

Festival Place 100 Festival Way Sherwood Park T8A 5T2 T: 780-464-2852 Total Meeting Space: 11,000 sq. ft.

Fort Edmonton Park Fox Dr. & Whitemud Dr., 7000-143 St. Edmonton T6H 4P3 T: 780-496-7381 Grand Imperial Banquet & Conference Centre 3840-76 Ave. Edmonton T6B 3B9 T: 780-695-6626 Total Meeting Space: 11,000 sq. ft.

Heritage Park 5100-41 Ave. Stony Plain T7Z 0B4 T: 780-963-8647 Total Meeting Space: 27,500 sq. ft.

Links at Spruce Grove, The 100 Links Rd. Spruce Grove T7X 3B4 T: 780-962-4653 W: linksgolfcourse.com Contact: Pierre Beauchemin Total Meeting Space: 4,000 sq. ft.

The Links at Spruce Grove provides professional event planning service with on-site personnel to make your meeting, banquet, reunion, or special occasion memorable. Our newly renovated facility is 4,000 square feet and features charming décor and a brilliant view of the course.

Our full-service team will happily organize your event and take care of all the details from the dining menu to the linen colors.

Leduc West Antique Society 49541 Range Rd. 260 Leduc T9G 0K2 T: 780-446-7652 Maclab Centre for the Performing Arts 4308-50 St. Leduc T9E 6K8 T: 780-980-1866 MacEwan University Conference & Event Service 10700-104 Ave. Edmonton T5J 4S2 T: 780-497-5032 NAIT Productivity and Innovation Centre 10210 Princess Elizabeth Ave. Edmonton T5G 0Y2 T: 780-471-8409 Nisku Recreation Centre 606-18 Ave. Nisku T9E 7V8 T: 780-955-7533 Total Meeting Space: 4,000 sq. ft.

Oasis Centre, The 10930-177 St. Edmonton T5S 2X7 T: 780-451-9227 Polar Park Brewing Co. 10416-80 Ave. Edmonton T6E 5T7 T: 780-242-2337 Total Meeting Space: 5,000 sq. ft.

Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre 10440-108 Ave. Edmonton T5H 3Z9 T: 780-496-8355 Total Meeting Space: 17,500 sq. ft.

Providence Renewal Centre 3005-119 St. Edmonton T6J 5R5 T: 780-430-9491 Total Meeting Space: 20,000 sq. ft.

Ranch Golf & Country Club, The 9574 Pinchbeck Rd. Acheson T7X 6K8 T: 780-470-4700 W: theranchgolf.com Contact: Murray McCourt General Manager Located only 5 minutes west of Edmonton, The Ranch Golf Club has beautiful views to go along with all the amenities you need for any upcoming events.

If you are looking for a laid back atmosphere, outstanding service, delicious food, & gorgeous scenery a few minutes away, we would love to work with you!

building opportunities and dramatic presentation settings.

Winspear Centre for Music 4 Sir Winston Churchill Sq. Edmonton T5J 4B2 T: 780-401-2522 Total Meeting Space: 300,000 sq. ft.

Yorath House 13110 Buena Vista Rd. Edmonton T5R 5R2 T: 780-442-5311 FLORAL DESIGN Flowers by Merle 12320-105 Ave. Edmonton T5N 0Y4 T: 780-482-1222

TELUS World of Science – Edmonton

Heather de Kok Floral Design #103, 6303 Wagner Rd. Edmonton T6E 4N4 T: 780-468-9459

From galleries to theatres to science experiments and experiences!

Rec Room, The #2065, 8882-170 St. Edmonton T5T 3J7 T: 780-900-8714

Laurel's on Whyte 8210–104 St. Edmonton T6E 4E6 T: 780–431–0738

Royal Alberta Museum 9810-103A Ave. Edmonton T5J 0G2 T: 825-468-6000

Studio Bloom 10991-124 St. Edmonton T5M 0H9 T: 780-937-6012

Royal Glenora Club 11160 River Valley Rd. Edmonton T5J 2G7 T: 780-482-2371 Total Meeting Space: 9,142 sq. ft.

Tickled Floral #165, 130 Broadway Blvd.

Sherwood Park T8H 2A3 T: 780-417-1627

Starlight Casino - Edmonton #2710, 8882-170 St. Edmonton T5T 3J7 T: 587-598-7666 Studio96 10909-96 St. Edmonton T5H 2K4 T: 780-428-8450 Total Meeting Space: 3,577 sq. ft.

TELUS World of Science Edmonton 11211-142 St. Edmonton T5M 4A1 T: 780-452-9100 E: hnash@twose.ca W: twose.ca Contact: Contact: Hilary Nash Manager, Facility Rentals Every occasion is interactive, memorable, and engaging. Book the completely re-imagined Zeidler Dome, featuring a center stage and seating for up to 200 people. The Zeidler Dome is fully A/V-equipped. Host your reception in the all new S.P.A.C.E gallery, with catering provided by the Purple Pear restaurant.

Themed galleries and an IMAX® Theatre provide unique team-

EDMONTON

The Wheelbarrow Florist #220, 6 Renault Cres.

St. Albert T8N 4B8 T: 780-458-0785

Great New Spaces…For Unique Events!

• • • • •

Free Wi-Fi Free Parking Casual Catering 15 minutes from Downtown Edmonton Customized packages to suit any style and size of event

Contact: Hilary Nash Manager, Facility Rentals hnash@twose.ca

11211-142 Street, Edmonton, AB T5M 4A1 T 780.452.9100, ext. 2267 W twose.ca/rentals

EDMONTON

HOTELS Century Casino & Hotel Edmonton 13103 Fort Rd. Edmonton T5A 1C3 T: 780-643-4000 Total Meeting Space: 10,700 sq. ft.

Chateau Lacombe Hotel 10111 Bellamy Hill Edmonton T5J 1N7 T: 780-428-6611 Total Meeting Space: 14,000 sq. ft.

Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel by APA 10155-105 St. Edmonton T5J 1E2 T: 780-423-4811 Total Meeting Space: 14,000 sq. ft.

Coast Nisku Inn & Conference Centre 1101-4 St., Nisku T9E 7N1 T: 780-955-7744 Total Meeting Space: 22,510 sq. ft.

Union Bank Inn Edmonton's Premier 4 Star Boutique Hotel located in the Heart of Edmonton's Business, Arts and Ice District.

40 Designer Guest Rooms with Fireplaces Included Free: À la Carte Breakfast, Daily Delivery Wine & Cheese, In-Room Coffee, Wi-Fi • Madison’s Grill • Meeting Facilities

Room

AREA Sq. Ft.

Madison's Grill

1,500

–

–

70

100

Devonshire Room

1,000

60

30

60

60

300

14

14

14

14

Vintage Room

CAPACITY Theatre Classroom Banquet

Reception

10053 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5J 1S5 T 780.401.2214 E sales@unionbankinn.com W unionbankinn.com

MEETINGSALBERTA.COM

45

EDMONTON

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., located inside West Edmonton Mall by the Fantasy Land Hotel, offers Great Food, Great Fun and a Great Party atmosphere inspired by Forest Gump! We are experts at bringing together great food and fun making your event box of chocolate unforgettable.

Guest Capacity - Banquet: 200 people - Reception: 280 people - Free Parking - Wheelchair accessible - Forrest Gump appearance can also be arranged

#2393, 8882-170 Street, Edmonton, AB T5T 4M2 T 780.244.4867 E bgwe@ldry.com W bubbagump.com

EDMONTON

Studio96 Specializing in unique and inspiring right in the heart of Edmonton, we provide a historic and exclusive venue for corporate retreats, meetings, social events & weddings for 25 - 200 guests.

Where Magic Happens!

10909-96 Street, Edmonton, AB T5H 2K4 T 780.428.8450 E studio96yeg@gmail.com W studio96.ca

46

Coast West Edmonton Hotel & Conference Centre 18035 Stony Plain Rd. Edmonton T5S 1B2 T: 780-483-7770 Total Meeting Space: 11,000 sq. ft.

Four Points by Sheraton Sherwood Park 1005 Provincial Ave. Sherwood Park T8H 0Y7 T: 780-705-3552 Total Meeting Space: 3,000 sq. ft.

Courtyard by Marriott Edmonton West 10011-184 St. Edmonton T5S 0C7 T: 780-628-6070 Total Meeting Space: 4,631 sq. ft.

Holiday Inn Express Edmonton Downtown 10010-104 St. Edmonton T5J 0Z1 T: 780-423-2450 Total Meeting Space: 7,100 sq. ft.

Delta Hotels Edmonton South Conference Centre 4404 Gateway Blvd.

Edmonton T6H 5C2 T: 780-434-6415 Total Meeting Space: 25,820 sq. ft.

JW Marriott Edmonton Ice District 10360-102 St. Edmonton T5J 4Y8 T: 780-784-7950 Total Meeting Space: 22,000 sq. ft.

DoubleTree by Hilton Edmonton Downtown 9576 Jasper Ave. Edmonton T5H 4H7 T: 587-525-1234 Total Meeting Space: 11,000 sq. ft.

Matrix Hotel 10640-100 Ave. Edmonton T5J 3N8 T: 780-429-2861 Total Meeting Space: 8,000 sq. ft.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel West Edmonton 16615-109 Ave. Edmonton T5P 4K8 T: 780-484-0821 Total Meeting Space: 38,000 sq. ft.

Edmonton Inn & Conference Centre 11834 Kingsway Edmonton T5G 3J5 T: 780-454-5454

WRITTEN FOR ALBERTA MEETING PLANNERS BY ALBERTA MEETING PLANNERS

Contact Jeanette at sales@meetingsalberta.com for more info

ALBERTA MEETING & EVENT GUIDE • Winter 2020

Evario Events Centre at Holiday Inn Edmonton S – Ellerslie Road 950 Parsons Rd. SW Edmonton T6X 0J4 T: 780-784-8500 Total Meeting Space: 20,000 sq. ft.

Radisson Hotel Edmonton South 4440 Gateway Blvd.

Edmonton T6H 5C2 T: 780-437-6010 Total Meeting Space: 30,000 sq. ft.

Renaissance Edmonton Airport Hotel 4236-36 St. East, Edmonton International Airport Edmonton T9E 0V4 T: 780-488-7159 Total Meeting Space: 9,844 sq. ft.

River Cree Resort & Casino 300 East Lapotac Blvd.

Enoch T7X 3Y3 T: 780-484-2121 Total Meeting Space: 58,303 sq. ft.

Fairmont Hotel Macdonald 10065-100 St. Edmonton T5J 0N6 T: 780-424-5181 Total Meeting Space: 13,000 sq. ft.

Royal Hotel Edmonton Airport, Trademark Collection by Wyndham 8450 Sparrow Dr. Leduc T9E 7G4 T: 888-202-3770

Fantasyland Hotel 17700-87 Ave. Edmonton T5T 4V4 T: 780-444-3000 Total Meeting Space: 25,000 sq. ft.

Sandman Signature Edmonton South Hotel 10111 Ellerslie Rd. SW Edmonton T6X 0J3 T: 780-430-7263

Four Points by Sheraton Edmonton South 7230 Argyll Rd. Edmonton T6C 4A6 T: 780-465-7931 Total Meeting Space: 10,274 sq. ft.

Sawridge Inn Edmonton South 4235 Gateway Blvd.

Edmonton T6J 5H2 T: 780-438-1222 W: sawridgeedmonton.com Total Meeting Space: 9,000 sq. ft.

St. Albert Inn & Suites #156 St. Albert Tr. St. Albert T8N 0P5 T: 780-459-5551 Total Meeting Space: 11,000 sq. ft.

PROMOTIONAL & PRINTING SERVICES

Sutton Place Hotel Edmonton, The 10235-101 St. Edmonton T5J 3E9 T: 780-428-7111

Echo Promotions 11606-149 St. Edmonton T5M 3R3 T: 800-769-6469

Union Bank Inn 10053 Jasper Ave. Edmonton T5J 1S5 T: 780-401-2214 Total Meeting Space: 2,650 sq. ft.

The Burke Group 17407-106 Ave. Edmonton T5S 1E7 T: 780-482-6026

Varscona Hotel on Whyte 8208-106 St. Edmonton T6E 6R9 T: 780-434-6111 Total Meeting Space: 4,000 sq. ft.

GES Exposition Services (Canada) Ltd. 6292-50 St. Edmonton T6B 2N7 T: 780-469-7667

Westin Edmonton, The 10135-100 St. Edmonton T5J 0N7 T: 780-493-8909 Total Meeting Space: 24,000 sq. ft.

PHOTO BOOTHS Flashworks Photobooth 14604-117A St. Edmonton T5X 1K2 T: 780-886-1230 Ready, Set, Booth 8714-79 Ave. Edmonton T6C 0R6 T: 780-993-9582 TapSnap Edmonton T: 780-297-8500 PHOTOGRAPHERS & VIDEOGRAPHERS Epic Photography 11528-107 Ave. Edmonton T5H 4K7 T: 780-432-3742 Grant Cree Event Media #475, 11007 Jasper Ave. Edmonton T5K OK6 T: 780-940-3228 J. Alleyne Photography #2, 11011-124 St. Edmonton T5M 0J5 T: 780-479-2831 Moments in Digital Photography #203, 10301-109 St. Edmonton T: 780-940-1288 Special Events Digital Photo 10458-174 St. Edmonton T5S 2G9 T: 780-489-3992

EDMONTON

Display Design Systems 17306-106 Ave. Edmonton T5S 1H9 T: 780-483-6355

TRADE SHOW SERVICES

Goodkey Show Services Ltd. 9519-49 St. Edmonton T6B 2L8 T: 780-426-2211 Production Lighting Ltd. 14709-123 Ave. Edmonton T5L 2Y6 T: 780-448-7298 Superior Show Service Inc. 8599-111 St. Fort Saskatchewan T8L 4S1 T: 780-992-0404 E: info@superiorshow.com W: superiorshow.com TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

Courtyard by Marriott West Whether your needs are for business or social, we assist you in planning your perfect event. Your guests will get the attention of our passionate staff, allowing them to succeed at their game, or relax within our newly renovated facilities. Both meeting planners and attendees can take full advantage of the Marriott Bonvoy program.

Room Sq. Ft. Theatre Reception Banquet Platinum Grand Ballroom 4,631 360 350 300 Platinum AB 3,071 250 250 200 Platinum BC 3,071 250 250 200 Platinum A 1,560 100 100 100 Platinum B 1,511 100 100 100 Platinum C 1,560 100 100 100

10011-184 Street, Edmonton, AB, T5S 0C7 T 780.246.1330 E trevord@genesishospitality.ca W marriott.com/YEGEW

ST. ALBERT

Edmonton Taxi Service Group 10135-31 Ave. Edmonton T6N 1C2 T: 780-462-3456 Park Lane Executive Transportation Edmonton T: 780-448-1666 Prestige Limousine & Sedan Edmonton T: 780-463-5000 WEDDING PLANNERS Aisle Plan Your Day Edmonton T: 780-868-4279 E: monica@aisleplanyourday.com Cocktails & Details Edmonton T: 780-232-6723 Jennifer Bergman Weddings Edmonton T: 780-298-8244 Sandstone Weddings & Specials Events Inc. Edmonton T: 780-721-7445 Story Weddings & Events Edmonton T: 780-221-9436

Century Casino St. Albert • Banquet Room, Private Dining & Meeting Spaces Available • Over 400 Slot Machines, 25 VLT’s • 11 Table Games • Restaurant & Lounge • Free Live Music Friday & Saturday Nights • Plenty of Free Parking • Located at the Campbell Rd. Exit off the Anthony Henday • Off-Track Betting

24 Boudreau Rd, St. Albert, AB T8N 6K3 T 780.460.8092 W cnty.com/stalbert

MEETINGSALBERTA.COM

47

PARKING (FREE/PAID)

ACCESSIBILITY

AIR CONDITIONING

WIFI (FREE/PAID/NONE)

IN-HOUSE CATERING AVAIL.

IN-HOUSE A/V AVAIL.

RECEPTION

BANQUET

CAPACITY OF LARGEST ROOM

THEATRE

LARGEST ROOM (SQ. FT.)

TOTAL MEETING SPACE (SQ. FT.)

NO. OF MEETING ROOMS

TYPE (INDOOR/OUTDOOR)

Meeting & Event Venues

Banff & Area Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity 107 Tunnel Mountain Dr., Banff AB T1L 1H5 Tel 877-760-4595 Web banffcentre.ca/conferences

I/O 60+ 72,000 5,960 959 490 617 • • F • 1 F

Calgary & Area Calgary Zoo 1300 Zoo Rd. NE, Calgary AB T2E 7V6 Tel 403-232-7770 Web calgaryzoo.com

I/O 6 14,204 4,000 250 275 425 • F • 1 P

Flores & Pine 254028 Bearspaw Rd. NW, Calgary AB T3L 2P7 Tel 403-241-7611 Web floresandpine.com

I/O 4 3,608.5 1,669.5 136 136 160 • • F • 1 F

Glenmore Inn & Convention Centre 1000 Glenmore Crt. SE, Calgary AB T2C 2E6 Tel 403-279-8611 Web glenmoreinn.com

I 14 15,000 9,742 1,200 750 1,000 • • F • 1 F

Edmonton & Area The Arden Theatre 5 St. Anne St., St. Albert AB T8N 3Z9 Tel 780-459-1542 Web ardentheatre.com

I 1 1,200 1,200 509 80-120 250 • F • 1 F

Century Casino Edmonton 13103 Fort Rd., Edmonton AB T5A 1C3 Tel 780-643-4000 Web cnty.com/edmonton

I 2 12,300 10,700 500 500 500 • • F • 1 F

Century Casino St. Albert 24 Boudreau Rd., St. Albert AB T8N 6K3 Tel 780-460-8092 Web cnty.com/stalbert

I 2 2,610 2,315 175 175 175 • • F • 1 F

Fantasyland Hotel 17700-87 Ave., Edmonton AB T5T 4V4 Tel 780-737-3783 Web flh.ca

I 15 25,000+ 9,100 1,100 600 1,200 • • F • 1 F

Providence Renewal Centre 3005-119 St., Edmonton AB T6J 5R5 Tel 780-430-9491 Web providencerenewal.ca

I 9 20,000 3,864 200 150 150 • • F • 1 F

Royal Mayfair Golf Club 9450 Groat Rd., Edmonton AB T6G 2T5 Tel 780-391-8414 Web mayfair.ca

I 4 3,860 2,720 180 130 200 • • F • 1 F

Studio96 10901-96 St., Edmonton AB T5H 2K4 Tel 780-428-8450 Web studio96.ca

I 2 3,577 2,225 175 150 200 • F • F

TELUS World of Science—Edmonton 11211–142 St., Edmonton AB T5M 4A1 Tel 780-451-3344 Web twose.ca

I 5 N/A N/A 175-200 0 50-500 • • F • 1 F

ZINC Restaurant and Catering @ Art Gallery of Alberta 2 Sir Winston Churchill Sq., Edmonton AB T5J 2C1 Tel 780-392-2505 Web zincrestaurant.ca

I/O 7 12,500 5,400 167 200 300-500 • • P • 1 P

Red Deer & Area Olds College Campus Conference Services I/O 15+ 18,629 7,137 500 360 400 • • F • 1 P 4500-50 St., Olds AB T4H 1R6 Tel 403-556-8330 Web oldscollege.ca/shopoc/conference-services-events Westerner Park 4847A-19 St., Red Deer AB T4R 2N7 Tel 403-343-7800 Web westernerpark.ca

48

ALBERTA MEETING & EVENT GUIDE • Winter 2020

I/O 16 42,000 2,200 2,500 4,000 • F • 1 F/P

AIRPORT SHUTTLE (FREE/PAID)

PARKING (FREE/PAID)

ACCESSIBILITY

MUST USE IN-HOUSE CATERING

WIFI (FREE/PAID/NONE)

IN-HOUSE A/V AVAIL.

BANQUET

RECEPTION

CAPACITY OF LARGEST ROOM

THEATRE

LARGEST ROOM (SQ. FT.)

TOTAL MEETING SPACE (SQ. FT.)

NO. OF MEETING ROOMS

SPA/FITNESS/EXERCISE ROOM

POOL (INDOOR/OUTDOOR)

AIR CONDITIONING

RESTAURANT ON-SITE

MAX NO. GUEST ROOM BLOCK

$—up to 119, $$—120-169, $$$—170-209, $$$$—over 210

RATE RANGE

RATE RANGES:

NO. OF SUITES

NO. OF ROOMS

Hotels

Banff & Area Blackstone Mountain Lodge 170 Kananaskis Way, Canmore AB T1W 0A8 Tel 403-609-8098 Web blackstonelodge.ca

27 104 $$$- 40 • O F/E 1 $$$$

905 905 60 48 60 • F • F

Falcon Crest Lodge 190 Kananaskis Way, Canmore AB T1W 3K5 Tel 403-678-6150 Web falconcrestlodge.ca

17 50 $$- • • F/E 1 $$$$

540 540

The Malcolm Hotel 321 Spring Creek Dr., Canmore AB T1W 0K3 Tel 1-888-570-0603 Web malcolmhotel.ca

124 20 $$$- • • O F/E 6 7,600 4,600 380 300 370 • F • 1 F $$$$

45 30

30 • F • 1 F

Calgary & Area Acclaim Hotel 123 Freeport Blvd., Calgary AB T3N 0A3 Tel 403-291-8000 Web acclaimhotel.ca

225 51 $ • • O E

11 8,000 3,090 225 210 234 • F • 1 F F

Hotel Arts 119, 12 Ave. SW, Calgary AB T2R 0G8 Tel 403-266-4611 Web hotelarts.ca

185 25 $$- • • O F $$$$

8 11,000 9,598 760 650 1000 • P • 1 P

Edmonton & Area Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel by APA 10155-105 St., Edmonton AB T5J 1E2 Tel 780-423-4811 Web coasthotels.com

300 20 $-$$$ 150 • • I S/F/E 10 11,239 4,800 500 350 450 • F • 1 P P

Fantasyland Hotel 17700-87 Ave., Edmonton AB T5T 4V4 Tel 780-737-3783 Web flh.ca

355 1 $$$- 250 • • $$$$

F

15 25,000+ 9,100 1,100 600 1,200 • F • 1 F P

Union Bank Inn 10053 Jasper Ave., Edmonton AB T5J 1S5 Tel 780-423-3600 Web unionbankinn.com

40 11 $$$- 36 • • $$$$

F

3 2,800 1,500 60 70 100 • F • 1 P P

Associations You Should Know canspep.ca

Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (CAPS)

capscalgary.ca

International Live Events Association (ILEA)

ileacalgary.com • ileaedmonton.com

Meeting Professionals International (MPI)

mpiedmonton.org • mpi-gcc.org

Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA)

canadawest.pcma.org

Wedding Planners Institute of Canada (WPIC)

wpic.ca

PHOTO BY KASTO/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Canadian Society of Professional Event Planners (CanSPEP)

MEETINGSALBERTA.COM

49

Looking Forward

Who Runs the

World?

Well, it’s a pretty joint effort to be honest (sorry, Beyoncé). But we’re going to focus on some of the women in our industry in the next issue of the Alberta Meeting & Event Guide!

If there is a woman who stands out to you that you would like to see featured, please e-mail your recommendation to editor@meetingsalberta.ca for consideration!

50

ALBERTA MEETING & EVENT GUIDE • Winter 2020

MAKE THE RIGHT MOVE

FOR YOUR GUESTS

EDMONTON’S PREFERRED EVENT TRANSPORTATION SOLUTIONS

Welcome to Prestige. We are Edmonton’s first choice for Event Transportation.

Whether it’s moving your VIP guests and Crew to and from the airport or in and around the city, we’ve got you covered. Prestige has one of the largest fleets of coaches, sedans, vans and limousines. Pre-book for peace-of-mind and ride in comfort with our well-trained, trusted, safe and courteous chauffeurs.

Get in touch with our experts to put together the best transportation solution for you. Call 780.463.5000 (24 hours) or visit goprestige.ca.

MEETINGSALBERTA.COM

51

COME AS YOU ARE.

2,000+ Accommodations | 350,000+ Event Space Options Host 10 - 10,000 people | Expanding Red Deer Regional Airport

Call: (1) 403-304-4050 52

ALBERTA MEETING & EVENT GUIDE • Fall/Winter 2019/2020