Fraser Abbott

Director of Business Development, Calgary Champions Program @Tourism Calgary

Calgary, AB, CA

Developed a framework to better understand the strategic priorities of our stakeholder partners to align Tourism Calgary\'s conference solicitation strategy to host major national and international conventions in our destination. Understanding and showcasing our existing and emerging hubs of excellence will help our city to differentiate itself in the competitive conference environment but also enable us to foster greater collaboration and cohesion in building a better city.Having a local champion is a precondition for submitting proposals for Calgary to be considered as a host destination for many international conferences and congresses. Champions serve as the link between the international organization/association and the ecosystem of individuals and organizations that successfully comprise the local host committee (LOC) as speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, volunteer liaisons, researchers and more. Tourism Calgary will work with the local champion and LOC on the bid submission and, if the bid is approved, our event services team will liaise with the international organization and the host committee in destination logistics as well as securing a Professional Conference Organization (PCO) to organize the conference, firm up the sponsorships/funding, develop the programming and legacy outcome framework for the event.Business events and major conferences can have a significant impact on our city through economic activity but also serving as the catalyst for further long-term economic development; attraction of talent and capital; advancement of a research agenda; commercialization of technological innovation; development of public policy; and more. Meetings and conventions are critical to help our battered hospitality sector recover post-COVID and they are also great tools for broader long-term growth for our city and region.