Latest news with #convention
CTV News
18 hours ago
- Health
- CTV News
15K Rotarians from 140 countries celebrate community at Calgary convention
Mark Starratt is the co-chair of the host organizing committee of 2025 Rotary International Conventional, which has 15,000 people from 140 different countries attending. Last week, Alberta hosted the G7, which featured global leaders from around the world gathering together in Kananaskis Country to try to solve a few of the world's problems. This week, Calgary is hosting the 2025 Rotary International Convention, which features 15,000 ordinary folks from 140 countries around the world gathering together at BMO Centre in Stampede Park to try to solve a few of the world's problems. "I don't think we have enough time to talk about the variety of things that are being talked about, but it's everything from peace and conflict resolution to polio eradication to literacy, maternal health, and community engagement,' said Mark Starratt, the co-chair of the host organizing committee. 'There's just so many things going on at this convention. It's hard to put a pulse on just one thing." Starratt said there are 13 Rotary Clubs in Calgary and more than 45 in southern Alberta and Saskatchewan, who represent a sliver of the organization's 1.2 million people from 46,000 different clubs. When you put that kind of people to work trying to solve a problem, you can get a lot done, said Rotary International General Secretary and CEO John Hewko. 'Rotary, really, back in 1985, had the the audacity to say we are going to eradicate a disease from the face of the earth,' Hewko said. 'Smallpox have just been eradicated, and we -- to celebrate our 75th anniversary -- said we're going to tackle eradicating polio. John Hewko, Rotary International CEO John Hewko, Rotary International president and CEO (Tyler Barrow, CTV Calgary) 'We were joined by the WHO, UNICEF, CDC, and, more recently, the Gates Foundation and GAVI to create the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. 'We started with 125 countries that had polio back then,' Hewko said. 'We're now down to just two: Afghanistan and Pakistan, where the virus is still circling. So we're on the verge of eradicating polio and leaving a legacy for as long as mankind inhabits the earth.' Hewko said Rotarians around the world have contributed US $2.9 billion to the effort over 40 years, and recently Gates announced he would chip in two dollars for every dollar raised by Rotarians. Not bad for a gathering of not-so-ordinary folks. 'What the polio eradication effort demonstrates is the power of the individual, the power of grassroots organizations to unite together around the cross to drive change and to really make a difference in the world,' Hewko said. Locally, two Calgary Rotary Clubs joined with the Flames Foundation Friday to announce a $3 million donation to build four sports zones in different communities across the city. The convention is believed to be one of the largest Calgary has ever hosted and if there's a problem to be solved in Calgary this week, it might be finding a vacant hotel room or a dinner reservation at a restaurant. All those visitors are expected to book 30,000 hotel room nights and drop around $81 million into the local economy. 'We're delighted to be here in in Calgary,' Hewko said. 'And of course, we're going to be taking advantage of the incredible hospitality of the of the people of Calgary and the City of Calgary.' Rotary International Convention 2025 continues through May 25.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Las Vegas convention center renovation nears completion
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – Las Vegas will soon be welcoming 1.9 million visitors a year which convention officials say wouldn't be possible without their newest multimillion-dollar renovation. A tour of the $600 million investment into the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) Central Hall showcased the new lights, LED screens, and roofing budgeted ten years ago. 'We stayed within budget,' Steve Hill, LVCVA president and CEO, said. 'But we did that by cutting out some of the work that we still need to do.' The eye-catching feature of the expansion, the 'ribbon roof', spreads from the West Hall to the Central Hall which covers the new 30 percent increase in space, according to Hill. 'When we have the full renovation done, we will have moved from 1.9 million square feet to two and a half million square feet,' he said. 'It's about a 30% increase in space, and we want to at least have a 30% increase in the economic activity.' Hill said the job creation which will come from the renovation is attributed to the thousands of construction positions and ancillary hospitality positions in the community. 'We employ about 300,000 people directly in the hospitality industry,' he said. 'The meetings part of the hospitality industry is about a quarter of that employment, about 70,000 jobs.' Amid overall decreasing visitation numbers for Las Vegas, Hill balked at any doubt of continued long-term growth for convention visitors. 'The convention group-trade show industry is about a sixth of the visitation to Las Vegas,' he said. 'And it has held its own this year, it has been a foundation for the city to build from.' Work on the Central Hall is expected to be completed by September with overall convention campus work done by December of 2025. Hill said the numbers show the better return of investment for Las Vegas is in convention visitors—pointing to averages spent per visit. 'The average visitor to Las Vegas spends about $1,200 per trip,' he said. 'The average convention attendee spends about a third more than that, they're in the $1,600 range… I've said this often, if we didn't have the strength of the meeting industry here, Las Vegas couldn't look like what Las Vegas looks like.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBC
02-06-2025
- Business
- CBC
Deal struck for new hotel with approximately 320 rooms at Calgary's Stampede Park
A new hotel with approximately 320 rooms is set to be built at Calgary's Stampede Park, the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) announced Monday. The city-owned CMLC the and Calgary Stampede say they've struck a partnership with local developer Truman to build the first full-service convention hotel in downtown Calgary in a quarter-century. Kate Thompson, president and CEO of CMLC, said the hotel development has been a "key priority" for years and will help meet growing demand for accommodations near the expanded BMO Centre and the city's evolving culture and entertainment district. "This hotel agreement and land sale/purchase represents a substantial private investment in Stampede Park, and demonstrates a significant confidence in the emerging culture and entertainment district," Thompson told reporters on Monday. The hotel, which has a development value of approximately $330 million, including the value of the land, is to be built on an 85,000-square-foot parcel near the expanded BMO Centre. Joel Cowley, CEO of the Calgary Stampede, told reporters that the Weadickville property, where the hotel will be built, is about 1.8 acres in size and was obtained by the Stampede through a trade with the City of Calgary as part of the deal to build a new arena and event centre that will replace the Saddledome. After receiving the city's approval, the Stampede was able to sell the land, Cowley said. "Truman will purchase the land, develop, own, and operate the hotel," he said. The plans include 15,000-square-feet of ballroom and meeting space, a rooftop lounge with city views, restaurants, a coffee shop, and wellness amenities such as an indoor pool, jacuzzi, and fitness club. Officials said Truman is working with an international hotel brand to operate the property, with details expected to be announced in the coming months. Tony Trutina, chief operating officer of Truman, said the company believes the new hotel will be built in an "exceptional location." "[It will allow] guests to just stay steps away from the action of the culture and entertainment district — whether it's a convention, meeting or event held in the BMO Centre, a hockey game in Scotia Place, a concert in The Big Four Roadhouse, or the Calgary Stampede's annual celebration of western heritage and community spirit each July," Trutina said in a written statement. Construction is expected to begin in late 2025, and the hotel is scheduled to open in 2028.
The Standard
31-05-2025
- Business
- The Standard
HK cements role as mediation capital with IOMed launch
Representatives from over 30 countries, including China and countries from Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe, jointly signed the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation in Hong Kong on May 30.
Skift
22-05-2025
- Business
- Skift
How Louisville's Award-Winning Charm Built a Top Event Destination
With two convention centers, accommodation options that cater to every type of attendee, and an airport with nonstop service to 38 destinations, Louisville checks all the boxes of a premier convention city. To understand its magic, though, you need to look at something that cannot be built: the authentic sense of Southern charm that defines the community. Louisville may be best known for hosting the world's most iconic horse race — the Kentucky Derby — but the city has also cemented itself as a premier place for business events. In 2024, Meeting Professionals International chose Louisville to host its World Education Congress, and this summer, the Professional Convention Management Association will bring its annual edUcon program to the scenic banks of the Ohio River. With two cutting-edge convention centers, 23,000 hotel rooms, 2,500 restaurants, and a conveniently located airport just 10 minutes from downtown, it's easy to see why major meetings and conferences are gravitating toward the Bourbon City. But Louisville's appeal goes beyond just the numbers. 'Louisville offers something truly special,' said Doug Bennett, executive vice president of Louisville Tourism. 'Authentic southern hospitality, infused with a progressive, inclusive spirit, is what sets us apart.' A Collaborative Core What makes planners fall in love with Louisville? It all begins with the people they collaborate with, who help bring their events to life. 'At the heart of Louisville's hospitality success is a strategic investment in people, partnerships, and place,' said Bennett. 'Our team is committed to building strong relationships with local businesses, venues, and service providers to create seamless, collaborative experiences.' These connections open the door to unforgettable moments that leave a lasting impression — whether it's the iconic Churchill Downs bugler kicking off an opening ceremony or a lively bluegrass band setting the tone for a happy hour reception. Louisville Tourism's Destination Services Team has built a reputation for going above and beyond — and the industry has taken notice. In 2024, the team earned the ConventionSouth Readers' Choice Award and was recognized by MeetingsToday as one of the Best Destination Marketing Organizations in the South. But Louisville's reputation as a top-tier city extends well beyond the region, with respondents in Groups Today survey ranking Louisville as the 2024 U.S. Destination of the Year. 'Awards are wonderful recognition,' said Bennett. 'But they reflect something deeper: a city that genuinely cares about how it makes people feel.' That commitment to hospitality and inclusion resonates with every visitor. Louisville has received a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index for 10 consecutive years — a testament to its ongoing support for the LGBTQ+ community. And in fall 2024, the city celebrated that spirit of inclusivity by launching Bourbon & Belonging, the world's first LGBTQ+ bourbon festival. Nulu neighborhood festival. Photo Credit: Louisville Tourism Seamless Planning Steeped in Southern Charm In Louisville, southern charm goes beyond a warm welcome — it means taking the stress out of planning. For meeting professionals, that charm translates into seamless logistics and thoughtful support throughout every stage of the event. As Bennett explained, job titles alone don't capture the full scope of what the Destination Services Team brings to the table. 'Our team is made up of connectors, collaborators, and problem-solvers,' he said. 'From the initial RFP to the final thank-you note, they operate as an extension of your planning team. They coordinate closely with the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, hotels, venues, transportation providers, and even city officials to ensure every detail runs smoothly.' Beyond logistics, the team also enhances educational programming by linking planners with Louisville's vibrant network of academics, innovators, and entrepreneurs. It's a city where intellectual and business capital are just as accessible as the hospitality — and where every event is set up for success. A Celebration All Year Long When the education sessions end, Louisville keeps the energy high with celebrations rooted in its rich bourbon culture. 'Louisville knows how to celebrate,' said Bennett. 'And we do it in ways you won't find anywhere else.' Take the Kentucky Derby, for example. Known as the most exciting two minutes in sports, the race is just the grand finale of a month-long celebration. The lead-up includes a marathon, a steamboat race, a festive parade, and — of course — a bourbon festival. But the fun doesn't stop there. Louisville's neighborhoods play a big part in the city's vibrant cultural scene. The LouGrass Music Series brings free bluegrass performances to off-the-beaten-path venues in areas like St. Matthews and the Highlands. For something completely unexpected, there's Bock Fest in NuLu, a beer festival that features goat races, and the World Championship of Dainty in Germantown — a quirky competition reserved for participants 45 and older. 'These aren't just events,' Bennett said. 'They're immersive, only-in-Louisville experiences that help people connect with our city in fun, meaningful, and unforgettable ways.' LouGrass Music. Photo Credit: Louisville Tourism Industry-Leading Innovation The reigning Destination of the Year is building momentum for an even brighter future. According to Bennett, the city is 'doubling down on innovation that enhances accessibility, sustainability, and engagement.' That commitment is evident in a range of improvements, from upgrades at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport to new downtown hotel developments and infrastructure enhancements designed to improve mobility for attendees. Bourbon Tasting. Photo Credit: Louisville Tourism Louisville's bourbon scene is evolving as well, offering fresh, immersive experiences for visitors. Highlights include a new tasting room at Bardstown Bourbon Company and a speakeasy-style venue at Green River Distilling. 'These additions create dynamic, one-of-a-kind settings for events,' Bennett said. 'It's all part of our city's commitment to blending tradition with transformation to meet the needs of the next generation of meetings.' As the city's travel and hospitality landscape grows with thoughtful, best-in-class enhancements, the positive impact is felt across the community. The Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center in West Louisville is a powerful example. Once a vacant field in an area long affected by disinvestment, the space has been transformed into a 134,000-square-foot, world-class sports complex featuring a retractable hydraulic track that accommodates entertainment events for up to 6,000 guests. Located just a mile from Muhammad Ali's birthplace, the center is a living tribute to the local legend who once declared, 'I am the greatest' — and continues to inspire others to reach for greatness. Learn more and start planning at This is the second installment of Skift Meetings' three-part series with Louisville Tourism, exploring how the city's rich heritage shapes unforgettable events. Read the first installment to find out how bourbon, food, and attractions elevate Louisville events here. Stay tuned for the final installment in June. This content was created collaboratively by Louisville Tourism and Skift's branded content studio, SkiftX.
