A force for good

How can you ensure your next international association event generates a memorable and positive impact? The Calgary TELUS Convention Centre’s Legacy Program has been designed to help

A Partner Spotlight on behalf of Calgary TELUS Convention Centre

Legacy has become the new watchword in international events. Increasingly influencing destination and venue selection for meetings and conventions, event organisers and associations are looking beyond attendance and economic impact to see how their event can create lasting benefits particularly for host communities.

While many legacy initiatives focus on a single area of impact, the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre has developed a Legacy Program designed to help events generate meaningful, measurable outcomes across five key legacy pillars: Social, Environmental, Professional, Cultural and Economic. By supporting opportunities across all five pillars, the venue is encouraging a broader and more holistic approach to event legacy.

The most successful outcomes are achieved with a little planning and forethought so the Centre’s team welcomes early discussions on which initiatives might fit best with your event.

The five legacy pillars

Cultural

Showcasing a community's unique culture creates a sense of place and fosters meaningful connections. Indigenous legacy initiatives, for instance, provide meaningful opportunities for education, engagement and cultural connection. Experiences may include Elder blessings, drumming, dance performances, artisan markets and cultural learning opportunities.

  • Programmes are developed in collaboration with Indigenous partners and guided by CTCC professionals to ensure traditions are honoured and respected
  • The CTCC embraces an ‘educate before celebrating’ approach, creating authentic and respectful experiences for delegates
  • Partnerships with Contemporary Calgary and the JR Shaw Centre for Arts & Culture, two radically accessible hubs for arts, culture and history, reflect a shared vision of building a more inclusive global society
  • Collaborations with the Werklund Centre, Calgary’s home for performing and visual arts, and local performing arts organisations
  • Olympic and professional athlete speaker partnerships

Professional

Investing in the next generation is a distinctive element of the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre's Legacy Program, creating opportunities for students and emerging professionals to engage with industry-leading events and experiences. It aims to support talent development, knowledge exchange and workforce growth, influencing career pathways, building connections and inspiring future leaders. The CTCC works with local post-secondary institutions and event organisers to provide students access to experiences they may not otherwise have.

  • Student Legacy Program sponsored by the CTCC and Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel
  • Student access to industry-leading events
  • Mentorship and networking opportunities
  • Strengthening Calgary's future workforce and talent pipeline  

Social

With the aim of creating stronger, more connected communities, examples of initiatives readily available include:

  • Community engagement and activation opportunities
  • Volunteering
  • Charitable giving and donation programmes
  • Community activation booths at the venue

Environmental

Trying to ensure each event reduces its environmental impact while advancing sustainability goals is key for most associations today. This pillar encourages:

  • Carbon reduction and carbon-neutral event initiatives
  • Waste diversion and disposal tracking
  • Paperless event solutions
  • Food recovery and donation programmes

Economic

To help to generate lasting economic benefits that support Calgary's prosperity and business community, initiatives include:

  • Supporting local businesses, suppliers and service providers
  • Promoting local procurement opportunities
  • Showcasing Calgary's key industries and sectors
  • Driving tourism and visitor spending
  • Creating workforce development and economic growth opportunities
  • Supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses through event partnerships
  • Hosting local business hack-a-thons and problem-solving think tanks
  • Collaborating with Calgary Economic Development and other economic partners

Thriving communities are built through intentional investment in culture, people, connection, sustainability and long-term economic resilience.

For more information about hosting an event at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre

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