CALGARIANS BECOME “CHAMPIONS” FOR OUR CITY THROUGH LOCAL AMBASSADOR PROGRAM In 2013 Meetings and Conventions Calgary, (MCC) working with the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre (CTCC), developed a new program to attract organizers of international events to our city. The initiative provides a professional team of experts who will help organizers research, plan, and co-ordinate all aspects of conventions to fit the needs of each client, group, or association− from arranging meeting spaces, venues and accommodations to planning activities and building attendance. “Be a Calgary Champion” is MCC’s Ambassador Strategy and relies on support from the local community to ensure Calgary remains competitive in the dynamic international meetings and convention industry. It provides the local business community an opportunity to showcase their home city to the world and to promote Calgary. The program has been very successful and the local Champions are passionate about their role in the local meetings industry, and about their role in expanding Calgary’s profile in the international marketplace. Participants have a strong presence in their community or organization and they come from different backgrounds and areas of interest; participants include professionals from the field of medicine, academics and educators, religious organizations and leaders, and representatives of local and international corporations. MCC works in co-operation with the CTCC to attract events to the city through the Champions initiative. As Calgary’s premier meetings and convention venue, the CTCC is a world-renowned facility. The managers and staff at the CTCC are valuable members of the planning teams providing ongoing support and offering expertise in researching and realizing the client’s unique needs. Recently, MCC and CTCC hosted an event in collaboration with Travel Alberta and the Calgary Stampede to show recognition to the Champions who have participated in the program to date. The event lauded the Calgary Champions for their efforts to attract organizers to our city and celebrated the work of these local ambassadors. In 2016, the International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN) will hold a convention for 1400 delegates in Calgary as a result of the work of a local Champion. In 2017, the International Play Association will gather in Calgary due to the efforts of a local Champion who contacted MCC about the opportunity and worked with them through the bidding process. With Calgarians championing the beauty, the vitality, and the hospitality that defines our city, the world will continue to choose Calgary as its meetings and convention destination. calgary-convention.com | expandthecentre.ca