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Since opening its doors in 1974, the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre (CTCC) has stood as a pillar of Calgary’s community and a driving force in Canada’s business events sector. As the nation’s first purpose-built convention centre, the CTCC has not only mirrored Calgary’s remarkable growth but has also helped shape the city’s reputation as a premier destination for global meetings, innovation and collaboration.
More than just a venue, the CTCC is a dynamic space where ideas converge, partnerships flourish and lasting impacts are made. It serves as a blank canvas for ambitious events, hosting everything from international conferences and corporate summits to elegant galas and community celebrations.
“The Calgary TELUS Convention Centre is really a vessel for holding events, and it’s the hosts – our clients – who pull people together to do great things that eventually resonate well beyond the centre’s walls long after the event,” says Kurby Court, president & CEO of the CTCC. “We may not be making the next generation of pacemakers for people’s hearts, but our clients do, and the intellectual knowledge at these events, the legacy and impact they have, is truly amazing.”
This commitment to fostering meaningful experiences has made the CTCC a powerful catalyst for knowledge transfer, innovation and economic impact. When large-scale conferences take place here, they energise Calgary’s downtown – hotels, restaurants, shops and attractions all benefit, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the event itself.
With a world-class airport, two downtown convention centres and a billion-dollar investment in event infrastructure, Calgary has emerged as Western Canada’s largest convention destination. The city welcomes delegates with its thriving culinary and arts scene, vibrant live music culture and stunning landscapes. Known for its record-breaking sunshine and breathtaking natural beauty, Calgary is more than just a place to meet – it’s a place to be inspired.
Calgary’s cultural diversity further strengthens its appeal. As Canada’s fourth-largest city and the third most diverse, it boasts over 170 languages spoken and 240 different ethnic origins. This global connectivity enriches every event, fostering dynamic discussions and cross-cultural collaboration.
WestJet has chosen Calgary International Airport (YYC) as its exclusive global connecting hub, significantly enhancing accessibility for international business events. The airline will base its entire Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet in Calgary, creating direct connections to Europe and Asia exclusively through YYC.
This multi-billion-dollar investment includes plans to double capacity and add new international routes by 2030, positioning Calgary as a premier destination for conferences, trade shows and corporate meetings. The strategic move will create thousands of jobs and strengthen Calgary’s competitive advantage in attracting major business events, offering seamless international connectivity for delegates and exhibitors traveling from key global markets.
Calgary’s reputation as a dynamic business events hub is reinforced by the diverse industries it attracts. The city is a natural choice for events in life sciences, natural resources, agribusiness, finance and digital industries – each sector contributing to Calgary’s growing global influence.
The life sciences sector draws medical and healthcare conferences that foster groundbreaking discussions on emerging treatments and innovations. These events create lasting legacies within Calgary’s medical community, ensuring that global expertise benefits local professionals and institutions.
Calgary’s natural resources industry has been central to many high-profile events, including the 2023 World Petroleum Congress, which brought 10,000 visitors and delegates from 111 countries to discuss energy transition strategies. The CTCC played a pivotal role, hosting the opening gala and the Calgary Mayor’s VIP reception, positioning the city as a leader in sustainable energy solutions.
Agribusiness and finance conferences continue to grow in prominence, as Calgary strengthens its position as an investment and innovation hub in food security, commodities and financial technology. These events drive knowledge exchange, spark new partnerships and reinforce Calgary’s ability to foster economic transformation.
Meanwhile, Calgary’s thriving digital industries make it a sought-after destination for tech-driven business events. From AI-driven advancements to cybersecurity forums, Calgary attracts digital innovators keen to collaborate in a city known for its progressive infrastructure and forward-thinking initiatives.
A prime example of Calgary’s ability to host impactful events is the 2024 Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies Conference. Hosted at the CTCC, the conference welcomed 1,500 international delegates to advance carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) solutions. As a city deeply invested in sustainability and energy technology, Calgary provided an ideal setting for discussions shaping the future of low-carbon innovation.
By facilitating these transformative meetings, Calgary and the CTCC continue to diversify the sectors it attracts, making it an ever-evolving destination for global knowledge exchange.
Located at the heart of Calgary’s downtown, the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre is the most connected convention destination in Canada. The centre provides direct access to over 1,100 hotel rooms, including Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel, Hyatt Regency Calgary and Fairmont Palliser – all conveniently linked via the extensive Plus 15 skywalk system. This 16km network of enclosed pathways allows attendees to move seamlessly between venues, accommodations and the lively atmosphere of Stephen Avenue, Calgary’s premier district for dining, shopping and entertainment.
The CTCC’s ‘Love Your Lanyard’ programme further enhances the delegate experience, offering exclusive deals at top downtown restaurants, encouraging attendees to explore the city’s award-winning culinary scene, including renowned establishments like Major Tom, Charcut, Teatro and Sky360.
The CTCC’s influence extends beyond business, actively shaping Calgary’s social and cultural landscape. As a community leader, the centre is dedicated to creating a welcoming and accessible environment for all. It collaborates with organisations like the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion and Tourism HR, ensuring safe spaces for delegates, employees and visitors. As an accredited Living Wage Employer, the CTCC prioritises fair compensation, supporting its workforce both professionally and personally.
The centre’s commitment to accessibility is equally strong. Working alongside local advocates, it has developed enhanced mobility solutions for guests of all abilities, including a partnership with Pedesting, a pedestrian navigation app that provides accessible routes throughout Calgary.
The centre is also located in Calgary’s downtown core on Treaty 7 lands, inhabited by the Blackfoot people since time immemorial and other Indigenous nations – a historical reminder that has encouraged meaningful dialogue with elders, knowledge keepers and Indigenous and Métis peoples, so that the CTCC is able to promote Indigenous programming for events.
The CTCC just happened to recently launch its Indigenous Relations programme.
Beyond the event space, the CTCC is situated steps away from Calgary’s revitalised arts and culture district. The soon-to-open JR Shaw Centre for Arts & Culture and the transformed Werklund Centre at Arts Commons are set to elevate the city’s cultural offerings, reinforcing Calgary as a destination where business and the arts intersect.
As the CTCC celebrates over 50 years of innovation and collaboration, its vision for the future remains clear, continuing to bring people, ideas and industries together in meaningful ways. Through ongoing investments in infrastructure, partnerships and community initiatives, the CTCC will remain a leader in shaping Calgary’s business events landscape for decades to come.
From turnkey to customized gatherings, the CTCC turns blank canvases of possibility into events that contribute to Calgary’s vibrancy.
“Our commitment to community extends beyond the events and experiences happening inside the building. We recognise our impact reaches beyond our four walls to embody the diverse perspective of the people we collaborate and connect with worldwide,” said Kurby Court, President and CEO at the CTCC.
