BE Guide Nov 2023 WORKING

Business Events Planners Guide

We wish to acknowledge that we are located within Treaty 6 territory and Metis Nation of Alberta Region 4. We acknowledge this land as the traditional home for many Indigenous Peoples including the Cree, Blackfoot, Metis, Nakota Sioux, Dene, Saulteaux, Anishinaabe, Inuit and many others whose histories, languages, and cultures continue to influence our vibrant community.

Proudly Connected to: TRAVEL ALBERTA | DESTINATION CANADA | PCMA | CSAE | CANSPEP | IMEX GROUP | CONFERENCE DIRECT | HELMSBRISCOE | MEETING ENCORE | STRATEGIC SITE SELECTORS | ASAE | MPI | AILA | CI EVENTS GO WEST CVENT ICCA

Where Urban Meets Nature There’s green space, and then there’s the North Saskatchewan River Valley, North America’s largest stretch of urban parkland. At 22 times the size of New York City’s Central Park, there is tons to explore. Stroll through the 150 km of winding paths scattered throughout the city and find yourself surrounded by wildlife as you take in the beautiful views of the cityscape. Catch a free ride on the 100 Street Funicular - your link from Downtown Edmonton to the river valley. You’ll be able to take in the sights, sounds and scenery as you ride along the side of the bank in the glass-walled elevator. Take your adventures up a notch, when you explore the Commonwealth Walkway with the help of an interactive app and embark on the Quest for the Golden Key!

WHY MEET IN EDMONTON? With a city-wide network of doers and makers, we’re ready to roll up our sleeves and make big things happen. Explore Edmonton is your partner for so much more than finding dates, space and rates for your business event – our team will help connect you with our local entrepreneurs, academics, experts from our key economic sectors who will take your event to the next level.

ICE District

A dream nearly a decade in the making, ICE District is a mixed-use sports and entertainment quarters being developed on 25 hectares of land in downtown Edmonton. Soon to be completed, this celebrated development will combine a mix of condo and office buildings, a public plaza, a casino, hotel, retail space, and Rogers Place – a state-of-the-art sports & entertainment arena, all in one central location.

Venues Large or small, modern or historic, mind-blowing or mind-expanding, our meeting spaces aren’t just rooms; they’re incubators for great ideas and connections that will foster better business for you. With over 650,000 square feet of functional space combined, Edmonton’s two convention centres are ready to make your event a success.

Unique Experiences and Year-Round Festivals

Edmonton is a city that loves it all. Whether you want to go on a local craft brewery tour, check out the festivals or just explore our city’s natural urban habitat. With over 50 festivals annually, and with so much to see, and even more to do, there is no shortage of excitement to fill your stay – whether it’s 30 degrees above or below.

Experience Canada’s prairies like never before in Alberta’s capital. Edmonton serves up the perfect blend of big city vibes and exhilarating outdoor adventure. Explore the vast boreal landscapes where the bison roam, then dine at some of Canada’s hottest local taprooms and innovative eateries. With countless festivals and an endless list of attractions , Edmonton is the perfect place to make memories in Western Canada. WHY EDMONTON?

Head to the ICE District downtown and conquer awe-inspiring acres that include local restaurants, nightlife, a state-of-the-art casino, luxury accommodations and of course, Rogers Place. This architectural and technological marvel hosts the biggest names in music and is home to the Edmonton Oilers and Oil Kings hockey teams. EDMONTON IS AN INCREDIBLE HUB FOR SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Take your taste buds on a journey to some of the best craft beer taprooms, hyper-local bistros and indie bakeries. Edmonton is the youngest capital city in Canada, and that means our chefs aren’t afraid to experiment a little. Our restaurants, like the Duchess Bakeshop (one of Buzzfeed’s top bakeries in the world ), are gaining international recognition—so pack your stretchy pants! EDMONTON HAS A BOOMING CULINARY SCENE.

Edmonton is the largest Northernmost metropolis in North America and the ultimate gateway to Canada’s wild, adventurous boreal landscapes. Our backyard has grizzly bears, waterfalls, canyons and glacier fed lakes. Spend a couple nights in the city, then head out to the Rocky Mountains of Jasper National Park or Canada’s Northern Territories for the ultimate Canadian experience.

Coming in at 22 times the size of Central Park, Edmonton’s river valley and park systems have over 150 km of trails waiting to be used. Cruise through North America’s largest stretch of urban parkland by foot, bike, canoe, snowshoe or even Segway. THERE’S GREEN SPACE, AND THEN THERE’S THE NORTH SASKATCHEWAN RIVER VALLEY.

Shakespeare under an open sky? You got it. A winter festival with sculptures made of ice and…fire? No problem. With over 50 festivals annually , there’s no shortage of excitement to fill your stay — whether it’s 30 degrees above, or below. THEY CALL US THE FESTIVAL CITY FOR A REASON.

WE’VE GOT THE MT. EVEREST OF INDOOR ENTERTAINMENT,

SHOPPING, AND ATTRACTIONS.

West Edmonton Mall is part adventure park, part entertainment complex, shopping, and dining destination. The Mall spans the equivalent of 48 city blocks and at one time had more submarines than the Canadian Navy!

EDMONTON KNOWS HOW TO DO WINTER RIGHT.

We make Old Man Winter proud with outdoor patios, city-wide snowball fights, deep freezer races, and our spectacular view of the Northern Lights.

Edmonton is a hotbed for the health and life sciences, with life sciences generating 7.5% of the Edmonton Metropolitan Region’s total gross domestic product (GDP). As the headquarters for Alberta Health Services (AHS), Edmonton also acts as the centre point for Canada’s largest province-wide, fully integrated health system, delivering health services to more than four million residents. THE EDMONTON METRO REGION ALONE IS HOME TO 60% OF ALBERTA’S LIFE SCIENCE COMPANIES, SOME OF WHICH INCLUDE:

Beyond the companies driving important contributions to its economy, Edmonton is also host to several world-leading researchers and institutions. A particular area of opportunity is in Health AI—the region features a university ranked 3rd globally in AI research, health datasets from 4.5 million people, world-class medical infrastructure, and a thriving research and development (R&D) ecosystem. Edmonton’s success in health innovation is the result of a number of interrelated strengths at work. With an intellectual edge, an ecosystem ripe for growth and strong partnerships in place, Edmonton is a leader in health innovation. - Health Cities

ARISMD DRUGBANK EXCITON TECHNOLOGIES INC.

MAGNETTX ONCOLOGY SOLUTIONS METABOLOMIC TECHNOLOGIES INC. NANOSTICS PRECISION HEALTH PRI-MED MEDICAL PRODUCTS TEVOSOL TRANSPLANT TECHNOLOGIES

UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA CENTRE FOR HEALTH AND CULTURE This non-profit organization was established at the University of Alberta to study multicultural health developments and issues within the Department of Family Medicine. The Centre for Health and Culture primarily operates using grant funding to develop programs and research projects in collaboration with other health and social research-related institutions.

BREAKTHROUGHS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA

A NEW HEART TRANSPLANT PROTOCOL FOR CHILDREN

THE MAZANKOWSKI HEART INSTITUTE - THE BEST CARDIOLOGY HOSPITAL IN CANADA

THE WORLD’S FIRST ORAL ANTI-VIRAL TREATMENT FOR HEPATITIS B

HEPATITIS C VACCINE WAS FOUND IN EDMONTON BY DR. LORNE TYRELL AND DR. MICHAEL HOUGHTON, NOBEL LAUREATE 2020 THE EDMONTON PROTOCOL, A REVOLUTIONARY TREATMENT FOR TYPE 1 DIABETES

ROBOTIC-ASSISTED BEATING HEART SURGERY

CLARITY DX, A BLOOD TEST TO DIAGNOSE AND PREDICT PROSTATE CANCER

NORTHERN ALBERTA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (NAIT) NAIT is home to a Nanotechnology Systems program, which is the first diploma program of its kind in Canada. This technical institute is also one of only three certified CAE Healthcare Centres of Excellence worldwide.

DISCOVERY OF THE NODAL PROTEIN, A KEY IDENTIFIER IN TREATING OVARIAN CANCER

SECTOR CROSSOVER Unsurprisingly so, we also see a lot of synergies between the tech industry and other sectors of excellence in Edmonton including life sciences, agriculture, and energy or the clean tech industry.

Embracing innovation and digital technology is essential, and Edmonton is a leader in this space with an ecosystem ripe for both investment and the opportunity for knowledge sharing at business events. Our reputable pipeline of academic and industry experts, government investment and support, and a diverse array of incubators and research facilities all work collaboratively to grow and sustain this sector. While there are many players in the innovation ecosystem in Edmonton, the University of Alberta is one of note. As one of the world’s top 100 universities, the U of A has been at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) research for more than two decades. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Together with the University of Alberta, the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii) is a key reason Edmonton is a core member of the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy. A not for profit, Amii has also been named a centre of excellence by CIFAR due to its groundbreaking research and support of AI commercialization. Altogether, the Edmonton Metropolitan Region’s efforts in AI are attracting significant corporate investment. NANOTECHNOLOGY Nanotechnology is growing as a competitive advantage for the Edmonton region due to the significance of this technology for many of our other thriving industries. We are home to advanced research in the nanotechnology field at the National Institute of Nanotechnology (NINT) and NanoFab Centre, both within the University of Alberta.

The Edmonton Metropolitan Region’s food and agriculture sector has deep roots and is home to both developed and emerging industries. The region hosts the entire sector value chain including high-quality primary production, a cluster of processing plants, globally connected logistics, and a supplementary manufacturing sector. With 7 post-secondary institutions in Edmonton, businesses have unprecedented access to skilled talent. Research agrees: 89% of employers in Alberta are highly satisfied with the skills and work quality of post-secondary graduates. Beyond our city limits, the province of Alberta is also expanding its agricultural sector through innovation, technology, and the development of new bio-based products. Having long been an agricultural powerhouse, Alberta established crop farming in the early 1900s with the development of earlier-maturing wheat varieties. Building off its rich history, the agricultural industry is developing new technologies to increase production, improve efficiency, and create high-quality, value-added products. Alberta is home to global agribusinesses leading the transformation of sustainable food and environmental stewardship. As a leading producer of canola, wheat, dry peas, barley, and cattle, Alberta is growing its food processing capabilities. The province’s arable lands, abundance of sunshine, and extensive irrigation network make it an ideal place to produce primary agricultural products. Global connectivity and business friendly policies open tremendous opportunities for agriculture processing facilities to establish Alberta as their North America hub.

AGRIBUSINESS INNOVATION SYSTEM

The Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies (AAAS) is a not for profit, non-governmental, provincial association formed in 1947 that advocates and provides resources for the 293 Agricultural Societies in Alberta. DuPont Pioneer is a facility with an automated greenhouse and 2 research labs with a primary focus on the development of new crop hybrids. Innotech Alberta conducts crop research, working with alternative crops and developing resilient strains. The Protein Supercluster is a $4.5 billion federally funded supercluster created to promote and grow the plant based protein industry. The University of Alberta Faculty of Agriculture, Life, and Environmental Sciences is a graduate department dedicated to the advancement of food and nutritional science. The department is the first of its kind in North America, reflecting the integration of many disciplines. Agri-Value Processing Business Incubator (APBI) is a multi-tenant facility located in Leduc (within the Edmonton Metropolitan Region) that provides the infrastructure and services to support agricultural -based businesses.

EDMONTON AGRIBUSINESS

• Major sub-sector growth in value-added products

• Export trade opportunities in Europe, Asia, and the Pacific Rim

• 700+ Food Processing Business Licenses in Edmonton

• Food and beverage is Alberta’s second largest industry (20.8%)

• $15.82 Billion value of shipments

• Over $4.2 million invested in FPDC to ensure agri-food companies can access critical resources needed to develop new products and capitalize on new market opportunities for plant-based foods • Pulse input for plant-based protein is the fastest growing agri-sector. The estimated global demand by 2030 is $100 Billion. • New ag-celerator food manufacturing facility has an ambitious role to serve the $36 million air cargo food expansion plan at Edmonton International Airport.

The Centre for Culinary Innovation at NAIT creates applied research solutions to directly respond to challenges in Alberta’s $50 billion food industry. By supporting the development of new or improved food products, equipment, and processes, the Centre creates tangible value to its industry partners.

HOSTING ENERGY EVENTS IN EDMONTON PROVIDES OPPORTUNITY FOR COLLABORATION WITH OUR RESEARCH FACILITIES AND POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS. The University of Alberta (U of A); ranked 8th globally for energy research has a strong focus on alternative energy, providing the skills and talent to generate advancements in this field - 7,000 students are enrolled in energy and environmental programs. The U of A’s Future Energy Systems research program is backed by $75 million from the Government of Canada’s Canada First Research Excellence Fund , aimed to help Canada make the change to a low net carbon economy. The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology’s (NAIT) Alternative Energy Technology Program trains students for careers in solar electric, solar thermal, geothermal, wind, hydro, bioenergy and cogeneration.

The Edmonton Metropolitan Region is home to one of the largest concentrations of energy, mining, and manufacturing businesses making up the economic backbone of Canada. An energy sector pioneer, the region is home to a booming petrochemical industry driving innovation in cleantech, hydrogen, alternative energy, and energy artificial intelligence (AI); all of which help attract business events seeking to tap into the region’s hands-on knowledge base. Destination Canada Business Events EDMONTON: AN ENERGY SECTOR PIONEER The Edmonton region is at the forefront of Canada’s hydrogen economy. The region has established Canada’s first hydrogen hub: a network of governments, First Nations, NGOs, universities and colleges, and industry. Unlike traditional products in the energy sector which were built independently of each other, the hydrogen economy requires a high degree of collaboration across a broad range of stakeholders to unlock its potential. By attracting, partnering with, and supporting energy events with a strong focus on hydrogen, the Edmonton region can collaborate locally to share the message that it is becoming a world leader in clean energy innovation. CANADA’S FIRST HYDROGEN HUB

Alberta has the world’s third largest proven oil reserve, contributing to over 80% of Canada’s total oil production. Today, there are three major oil refineries in Edmonton that transform extracted bitumen into oil products. The Edmonton Energy and Technology Park (EETP) is designed for eco-industrial development in petroleum-based industries. EETP is part of Alberta’s Industrial Heartland (AIH), which has grown into Canada’s largest hydrocarbon processing cluster region. PAVING THE WAY FOR A MORE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY INDUSTRY

• The Edmonton Metropolitan Region is home to Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association, Canada’s largest hydrocarbon processing cluster where over 40 national and multinational companies represent more than $40B in current capital investment. • The Leduc-Nisku Industrial Park, near Edmonton, is the largest petroleum manufacturing industrial park in Canada and the second-largest in North America. • The Edmonton Metropolitan Region serves as a hub for Alberta’s pipeline system. Major pipelines like Trans Mountain, Keystone and Enbridge connect to a 373,000-km regional network, delivering oil, natural gas and hydrocarbon products throughout North America.

THE HYDROGEN FUTURE IS HERE

As one of the world’s lowest cost producers of low carbon hydrogen, Alberta’s Industrial Heartland region offers advantages that outpace other jurisdictions, including carbon capture and storage infrastructure, the world’s largest CO2 pipeline, advanced infrastructure, ground-breaking innovation, best-in-class resource development, and an educated workforce.

We’ve changed the way business events operate in the city. Not only can we help you offset your flights and reduce the carbon footprint of your event, we can make sure you don’t have to compromise quality or your budget for an unforgettable, and environmentally sustainable event. • In 2021, Edmonton became the first city in Western Canada to be graded on its environmental efforts through the Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index , which ranks global destinations based on their sustainability performance in the tourism and events industry. • From October 31 to November 12, 2021, Canada participated in the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland. Here, the government of Canada announced a more ambitious emission reductions target and a doubling of its climate finance commitment to help developing countries fight climate change and biodiversity loss. The two week summit conluded with the signing of the Glasgow Climate Pacts. Read the full summary here: Canada at COP26 - Canada.ca EDMONTON, A MEETING PLACE FOR GENERATIONS, AND GENERATIONS TO COME.

EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Environmental excellence and responsibility are at the forefront of the Edmonton International Airport’s (EIA) operations. • In 2020, EIA announced the development of the world’s largest on-airport solar farm – 627-acre, 120 MW facility. Construction is expected to begin by the end of 2022. • EIA was the first airport in the world to sign The Climate Pledge committing to being carbon neutral by 2040. • To continue its commitment to environmental reduce the airport’s annual carbon emissions by approximately 20% of CO2 equivalent per year, from the 2014 baseline. • The EIA-Air Canada Sustainability Partnership was developed in 2021, to reduce the carbon impact of air travel. Both organizations are working together to test emerging green technologies at EIA’s Airport City Sustainability Campus, an ecosystem that EIA created to foster environmental innovation. sustainability, EIA has powered up a new natural gas cogeneration facility that will

Do you want your events to leave a positive impact? Together, we can make the events industry sustainable. Whether you’re giving back, looking for sustainable supply chains or aiming to understand your event’s footprint, we’re here every step of the way.

DOING BETTER, TOGETHER.

Giving back through corporate social responsibility.

EXPLORE EDMONTON’S CLIMATE REDUCTION PLAN In 2019, Explore Edmonton set an ambitious target: to reduce our corporate emissions by 30% by 2035. We’ve made it our mission to make every business decision with our emission targets in mind. Read through our 2021 Green House Gas (GHG) reduction report to learn more about how we’re committed to staying on track to reach our goals. Final-GHG-report-2021.pdf (exploreedmonton.com) In 2018, Edmonton hosted the first ever Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Cities and Climate Change Science Conference. Here, The Edmonton Declaration was developed at the Change for Climate Global Mayors Summit that took place during the conference. The declaration calls upon cities to take bold action on climate change. To date, 3000+ cities have endorsed the declaration.

SUSTAINABLE MEETINGS IN EDMONTON Our two award-winning venues, The Edmonton Convention Centre and Edmonton EXPO Centre are leading the way in the sustainable meeting industry. From the Responsible Events Program, and waste management initiatives, to the sustainable permaculture, greenhouse gas reduction plans, and solar panel energy, both venues are strategically designed and operated so event emissions are low and corporate social responsibility initiatives are easy to incorporate into any event.

EDMONTON TRANSIT SERVICE Edmonton is a leader in electric public transportation. The Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) purchase of 40 electric buses is the largest, single purchase of electric buses in Canadian history.

Giving back through corporate social responsibility. DOING BETTER, TOGETHER.

Explore Edmonton partners with third party carbon offsetting organizations. We provide complimentary consulting and guidance to first reduce carbon emissions at your event, and second, offset your emissions.

ENOCH CREE NATION

GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT WENT TO FORT EDMONTON PARK’S EXPANSION, INCLUDING AN $4.6M The papaschase cree nation INDIGENOUS CULTURAL AND HISTORY CENTER IS ONE OF THE ORIGINAL INDIGENOUSGROUPS IN THE EDMONTON AREA. IDENTIFY AS EITHER FIRST NATIONS, INUIT, OR METIS. MAKING UP ROUGHLY % OF THE POPULATION. +76,000 Edmontonians AMISKWACÎWÂSKAHIKAN, ALSO KNOWN AS EDMONTON, IS LOCATED ON HOME TO MANY NATIONS INCLUDING THE CREE, SAULTEAUX, BLACKFOOT, SIOUX AND MÉTIS PEOPLE. Treaty 6 Territory, WE CAN HELP INTRODUCE EVENT ORGANIZERS TO ELDERS, KOWLEDGE KEEPERS, AND DANCE AND DRUM GROUPS. ADDITIONALLY, OPENING CEREMONIES, GRAND ENTRIES,ELDER BLESSINGS, AND MORE CAN BE ARRANGED. Edmonton has the 2nd Largest indigenous population In canada.

• Edmonton is located on Treaty 6 territory, and Enoch Cree Nation borders the city to the west. • In 2018, Enoch hosted the World Indigenous Games. • In 2018, Enoch played host to CANDO’s 25th annual National Conference and AGM. • In 2019, Enoch hosted Rogers Home Town Hockey. This was the first time the event was hosted in a First Nations community. • The Canadian Native Friendship Centre is a gathering place for Indigenous People’s and provides cultural, recreational and social programming. The CNFC serves approximately 10,000 people annually through various programs and functions that include the popular Edmonton Indigenous Peoples Festival. CANADIAN NATIVE FRIENDSHIP CENTRE • Headquartered in Edmonton, the Métis Nation of Alberta strives to secure an autonomous land base for the Métis people, as well as obtain improved education, health, social and economic conditions. • In the past decade, the Métis population has nearly doubled and is one of the fastest growing populations in Canada. • Edmonton is in Region IV of the Metis Nation of Alberta. It is home to the “Alberta Metis Fest” which is an annual cultural celebration of artisans, jigging, entertainment and fiddle competition. MÉTIS NATION OF ALBERTA

CANADA’S LARGEST POWWOW

FORT EDMONTON PARK RECEIVED A THEA AWARD

MÉTIS CROSSING WON THE 2021 WEBAWARD

OCCURED AT THE NATIONAL INDIGENOUS CULTURAL EXPO

IN FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT HERITAGE CENTER FOR THE NEW INDIGENOUS PEOPLES EXPERIENCE

FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN WEB DEVELOPMENT FOR EDUCATION STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE

FORT EDMONTON PARK Indigenous Peoples’ Experience

MÉTIS CROSSING

• Métis Crossing is the first major Métis cultural interpretive centre in Alberta and is a premier centre for Alberta Métis cultural interpretation, education, gatherings, and business development. • Sitting on 512-acres of land, comprised of river lot titles from the original Métis settlers to the region in the late 1800s, the Crossing is designed to engage and excite visitors through an exploration of Métis cultural experiences. The surroundings will be the perfect place for your attendees to stretch their legs during breaks. • The new Cultural Gathering Centre is designed by Métis Architect Tiffany Shaw-Collinge from Manasc Isaac Architects. The new centre incorporates traditional craftsmanship with modern materials to create a stunning structure that hints at the building style of the fur trade era river lot homes with the functionality of a contemporary place to gather, learn, and share the Métis story.

• Fort Edmonton Park has partnered with the Confederacy of Treaty 6 First Nations and the Métis Nation of Alberta to better share the experiences of Indigenous and Métis Peoples in what is now Edmonton. • In 2015, Fort Edmonton Park signed a Memorandum of Understanding with both the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations and the Métis Nation of Alberta. This indicated the park’s commitment to the inclusion of these parties and the respective peoples they represent, in the programming and capital development process when it impacts their historical and cultural narratives. • $160 million government investment from all three levels of government has been given to the Fort Edmonton Park expansion. At a cost of $42 million, the creation of the new Indigenous People’s Experience is the biggest single addition to Fort Edmonton Park.

VENUES Our venue teams work toward the shared vision of being among North America’s top performing venues, and plan to reach that goal through a commitment to generating positive social, economic and environmental impact. National and international events who choose Edmonton will benefit from a team who works together to deliver exceptional outcomes. Operating under one management model, the Edmonton Convention Centre and Edmonton EXPO Centre leverage the resources and expertise of both venues and the visitor economy.

Edmonton Convention Centre

Recognized by the International Association of Venue Managers as one of North America’s top five performing venues, the Edmonton Convention Centre is located at the foot of our sprawling river valley in the heart of downtown. This internationally-certified sustainable venue is built into the banks of the North Saskatchewan River Valley and honours this land through a commitment to sustainability and a dedication to locally sourced cuisine. Their team of in-house meeting planners, sustainability experts and award-winning chefs are eager to provide the best experience you’ve ever had, anywhere. Learn more at edmontonconventioncentre.com

THE EDMONTON CONVENTION CENTRE Located in the heart of downtown with easy access to Light Rail Transit (LRT), shops, restaurants and 3,000+ guestrooms. Your guests’ unique experience starts as soon as they step foot into the venue, travelling through the glass atrium that not only overlooks North America’s largest urban parkland, but also showcases Edmonton’s commitment to sustainability. Functional Space indigenous medicine wheel garden, a herb and vegetable garden - pollinated by their very own

The Edmonton Convention Centre offers over 150,000 ft² of flexible and creative space that can host any type of event, conference or convention imaginable. With a variety of rooms, this venue can host anything from a small or large meeting on the Meeting Level, a concert or tradeshow on the Assembly Level, or a formal gala event in Hall D. A Culinary Experience to Remember You will discover the expertise, variety and delicious surprises catered by an award-winning in-house, team led by 2012 Canadian Chef of the Year Serge Belair. With 11 Red Seal chefs delivering an authentic farm to table experience, and sourcing heavily from local producers and community growers, you can customize any meal to feed your body and soul, whether it’s dinner for 5 or 5,000. ECC recently launched its brand-new Plant-Based menu, taking food sustainability to the next level. This option will allow you to offer your delegates well balanced meals that are both nutritious and delicious. Sustainable Meetings and Permaculture In alignment with city priorities for social, environmental, and economic sustainability, the

urban beehive- and a monarch butterfly preservation garden. The facility is ASTM certified and is the first conference centre in Canada to receive Green Key level five status. Responsible Meetings Program The new Responsible Meetings Program was created in response to growing demand for more environmentally responsible solutions in the meetings & events industry. With the goal of integrating sustainability into every planning conversation and providing additional incentives to make the sustainable choice financially viable. Urban Beekeeping Program As part of the City of Edmonton’s urban beekeeping program, the ECC hopes to grow its current hive with 8,000 bees to approximately 70,000 bees, allowing the honey harvest to be included within culinary operations. Atrium Modernization Project The ECC has recently undergone a $10.8 million atrium modernization project that was completed in May 2020. The project includes the replacement of all 696 sloped glass panels with photovoltaic (solar cell) glass units that will convert sunlight into clean electricity. It is estimated that more than 227,000 kilowatt hours of electricity will be generated each year and the panels will reduce anticipated greenhouse gases by over 150,000 kg.

Edmonton Convention Centre highlights Edmonton’s commitment to sustainability

throughout its operations. The ECC contributes to our city’s urban biodiversity, featuring an enormous atrium filled with diverse tropical plants, an

Pedway Level

Assembly Level

Meetings Level

CAPACITY CHART

Riverview Room

Hall D

Hall A

Hall B

Hall C

Salons 1-20

Floor Area

23,600 ft 2

3,860 ft 2

32,000 ft 2 25,000 ft 2 23,000 ft 2

395-3,720 ft 2

Maximum Capacity (Banquet)

1,400

130

1,800

1,500

1,500

80-400

FLOORPLAN

THE EDMONTON EXOP CENTRE The Edmonton EXPO Centre is the largest meeting venue West of Toronto, boasting 522,000 square feet of flexible meting space to choose from when planning your business event, conference or convention. The building integrates high-tech features with flexible, adaptable, door space to make room for the biggest and best in trade and consumer shows, conferences and special events. An Array of Spaces With eight exhibit halls ranging from 29,500 to 77,500 square feet, including a flat show floor surrounded by 3,200 tiered seats or concerts and plenary sessions, the Edmonton EXPO Centre enables you to program your entire event, show or exhibition in one building, all on one level. Exhibitors can also utilize the conference centre for meetings, seminars, and galas.

The conference centre is comprised of six breakout rooms with access to outdoor licensed patios as well as the 16,500 ft 2 Alberta Ballroom which is made up of six convertible spaces for meetings big or small. Create Your Dream Menu With an incredible culinary team, the Edmonton EXPO Centre aims to create the most meaningful social and networking experiences for your guests by offering unforgettable dining experiences with meal programs tailored to your event’s requirements. Sustainability Practices Edmonton EXPO is expanding its horizons and expanding its sustainability initiatives, including the use of composting and recycling programs for waste reduction, energy management systems and rooftop beehives.

Conference Centre

Exhibition Halls

CAPACITY CHART

Ballroom 101-106

Rooms 107-109

Hall A

Hall B

Hall C

Hall D

Hall E

Hall F

Hall G

Hall H

Floor Area (ft 2)

16,500

7,500

53,262

58,104

77,472

53,400

53,836

39,156

29,328

36,126

3,200 tiered seating

Maximum Capacity (Banquet)

960 (combined)

360 (combined)

3,050

3,400

4,500

3,100

1,700

1,400

1,500

Explore Edmonton works closely with all our hotel partners to help you source the perfect venue and secure guestrooms for your program. From taking in the fine arts and iconic architecture, to walking, running or biking through the captivating natural urban habitat of Downtown’s river valley, Edmonton’s downtown has an energy that your delegates will want to be a part of.

12,000 ROOMS CITYWIDE 3,000 ROOMS DOWNTOWN 25 MINUTES | 31 KM AIRPORT TO DOWNTOWN

17+ KM PEDWAY SYSTEM LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT (LRT)

GETTING HERE

Getting to Edmonton is easier than ever with over 60 non-stop flights to and from the continually growing Edmonton International Airport. Ranked as the best airport in Canada by 2019 AirHelp Score, based on services and amenities, they’re our ally in making sure your delegates have the air access needed to arrive smoothly.

Yellowknife

Hay River

Fort Smith

Whitehorse

Fort Chipewyan

High Level

Fort McMurray

Grande Prairie

Prince George

Edmonton

Saskatoon

Amsterdam

Calgary

Kelowna Penticton

Comox

Frankfurt

Regina

Winnipeg

Vancouver Nanaimo

Abbotsford

St. John’s

Victoria

Seattle

Moncton

Montreal

Charlottetown

Ottawa

Kitchener-Waterloo Minneapolis-St. Paul

Halifax

Toronto

London

Denver

AIR SERVICE MAP

San Francisco

Las Vegas

Nashville

Los Angeles Palm

Phoenix

Maui Honolulu

Atlanta

Springs

Orlando

Cabo San Lucas

Varadero

Mazatlán Puerto Vallarta

Cancún

As of November 2023. For the latest flight information visit: flyeia.com/non-stops

Montego Bay Punta Cana

Huatulco

Current Destinations

Liberia

Upcoming Destinations 2024

EVENT DEVELOPMENT

YOUR EXPLORE EDMONTON GO-TO Our Event Development team steps in as soon as your event is confirmed for Edmonton. Acting as a project management lead, your Event Development contact will pull in other Explore Edmonton departments depending on what your event needs - Visitor Services, Sustainability, Marketing, and more! RESOURCES FOR PLANNERS We’ll connect you to the right people. When you need a supplier to get things done, an entertainer that will amaze, digital promotional materials to showcase, or have that out of the ordinary request – we’re just a call or email away. After all, whatever your needs are, there’s an Edmontonian for that! ATTENDANCE BUILDING From the moment you decide on Edmonton, we’re here to help you build excitement to get your delegates eager to explore our city. We’ve got award-winning digital content and customizable itineraries that demonstrate why Edmonton is a great place to visit for a business event. STUNNING OFF-SITE VENUES You’ve secured a conference venue but are also looking to create more memorable experiences at special ancillary events. Want to leave the hotel behind? Want the Aurora Borealis as a guest? Want inspiring spaces at the forefront of design and sustainability? No problem. We’ll help you find the right spaces to turn your event vision into a reality.

Explore Edmonton’s Business Events Team is your first point of contact when considering Edmonton for your next business event. We’ll provide solutions and support for your meeting, including introductions to our extensive network of meeting and event partners.

BLATCHFORD FIELD AIR HANGAR A reconstruction of the first civic hangar on the site of the first municipal air harbor in Canada, this multi-purpose space includes is ideal for all types of events. Fort Edmonton Park’s expansive grounds are bursting with historic buildings to bring your private event to life. UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA DEVONIAN BOTANIC GARDENS A must-visit for lovers of gardens and beautiful things. With 80 acres of display gardens including the Kurimato Japanese Garden, the Indigenous Garden and the new Aga Khan Garden, you will find yourself in stunning world of secluded paths, fruit orchids, waterfalls, still pools, and more. acceleration spaces for small and medium-sized businesses, a dedicated hub for applied research activity, the Centre is a beautiful destination for conferences and events. From the moment you step inside, your eyes will be drawn to this truly inspir- ing and ultra-flexible event venue. CITADEL THEATRE You’ll be welcomed inside the Citadel Theatre by a lush atrium of thriving tropical plants and the quiet hum of a beautiful feature water wall. Whether hosting an intimate evening reception or a formal lec- ture series, the theatre’s six unique spaces can accom- modate events of any size. NAIT PRODUCTIVITY & INNOVATION CENTRE Home to advanced manufacturing labs,

RITCHIE MARKET An urban design award winning, multi-use market space that’s bursting with energy and local businesses. Proudly home to ACME Meats, a popular butcher, Transcend, a staple Edmonton coffee roaster and café, and Blind Enthusiasm Brewery and Biera, a craft brewer and restaurant that’s been dazzling taste buds since it opened. PRAIRIE GARDENS & ADVENTURE FARM The Farm provides a picture-perfect setting for year-round events of all kinds. Whether you are hosting a longtable farm-to-fork dinner, a corporate retreat, or a company picnic, it is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience. THE REC ROOM WEST EDMONTON MALL This hip venue has a number of private and open concept rooms, from the modern boardroom featuring a long central table with comfortable leather chairs, to the large loft-style lounge with reaching windows, comfortable seating, high-top tables, and two pool tables to keep things exciting. THE ENJOY CENTRE Ideal for conferences, trade shows, elegant galas, and even intimate networking functions. The expansive greenhouse’s frosted glass ceilings and walls reach overhead to create a sunny and cheery demeanor in a space that can easily accommodate any range of event setup.

Whether you are coming to Edmonton during spring, summer, autumn, or winter, there is always something to do indoors or outdoors. With our glorious river valley that stretches right through downtown and numerous local attractions and festivals, it’s never a dull moment in our city.

ROYAL ALBERTA MUSEUM Western Canada’s largest museum brings you more than 82,000 square feet of exhibition space, and houses a large and wide-ranging collection of artifacts to foster wonder, inquiry and understanding about Alberta.

CENTURY MILE RACETRACK & CASINO The premier destination for horse racing fans, offering Alberta’s only grade ‘A’ one-mile track. Be track-side to feel the magic of the Thorough-breds in the summer or welcome the sulkies and drivers when harness racing begins. TELUS WORLD OF SCIENCE EDMONTON One of Edmonton’s most dynamic and unusual event spaces that hosts five fun and exciting permanent exhibit galleries to explore. With interactive gallery spaces, colorful exhibits, Zeidler Dome, and the IMAX screen, the science centre has space for every event under the sun. MUTTART CONSERVATORY With more than 700 species of plants, three climate-regulated biomes, and one feature exhibit showcasing tropical flowers, desert roses, and lush greenery. Tying this quintessential landmark together is a central atrium perfect for networking events.

ART GALLERY OF ALBERTA

With a swirling exterior of zinc, glass and steel inspired by Edmonton’s unique northern environment – its silver colour reflects the shimmering, multi-coloured Aurora Borealis. With 85,000 square feet, this state-of-the-art facility caters to a variety of events. FORT EDMONTON PARK Embark on an iconic journey through the city’s incredibly rich history, from Fur Trade to the Roaring Twenties. With numerous special events, theatre shows and live performances, every journey to Fort Edmonton Park is sure to be hunforgettable.

ALBERTA CRAFT BEER TOURS

HIGH LEVEL BRIDGE STREETCAR Take a ride through

Add a little hoppy, frothy goodness to your stay. Alberta Craft Tours takes you on a journey through Edmonton’s thriving craft beer scene to discover how passionate tap pullers and a thirst for good beer quickly evolved into a local liquid obsession.

Edmonton on a historic streetcar: see spectacular views, and get a sense of Edmonton’s earliest days on the highest streetcar river crossing in the world.

WEST EDMONTON MALL At 5.3 million ft², spanning 48 city blocks, WEM is part entertainment complex, part shopping and part dining destination. It also offers a waterpark, ice skating rink, amusement park, pirate ship, miniature golf course, casino, and hotel all under one roof.

RUTHERFORD HOUSE Imagine going back to the early 1900’s, the time of Alberta’s first premier, Alexander Cameron Rutherford. Close your eyes, then listen carefully for creeks and squeaks as this elegant mansion tells its hundred-year-old story with costumed interpreters, guided tours and special events. UKRAINIAN CULTURAL HERITAGE VILLAGE History is brought to life in an open-air museum, depicting early settlement in east central Alberta from 1892-1930. Explore over 35 restored historic buildings, interact with costumed interpreters, and immerse yourself in this vital part of Alberta’s history. 100 STREET FUNICULAR Awarded with a National Urban Design Award of Excellence in civic design. The funicular links downtown Edmonton to the North Saskatchewan River Valley. Take in the sights and sounds of Edmonton’s River Valley as you ride along the side of the bank in the glass-walled elevator.

NEON SIGN MUSEUM

In the 20th century, neon was an industry standard for sign makers. Nowadays, the fuel and artisans are rare and expensive, making neon signs a dying industry. The Neon Sign Museum serves as a place to display and appreciate the businesses of the past.

ALBERTA AVIATION MUSEUM

Explore the vintage aircraft that spurred the romance, courage and clashes that mark the last century of flight. Located in the last remaining double-long, double-wide hangar from the World War II era, and at over 75 years old, is a protected municipal and provincial historic resource. ALBERTA LEGISLATURE A marvel of marble pillars, carved oak, and beautiful Beaux-Arts architecture set atop the banks of the North Saskatchewan River. Learn the fascinating stories behind the portraits and magnificent art on one of the free guided tours offered.

OLD STRATHCONA & WHYTE AVENUE

Historic buildings blend with youthful exuberance, unique shops, trendy restaurants and cafés, to make Old Strathcona one of Edmonton’s trendiest neighbourhoods. Explore the outdoor art, socialize on a summer patio or find the perfect outfit at a chic local boutique.

Edmonton has a restaurant for every craving, whether you’re downtown, on the southside or near West Edmonton Mall. Our city embraces new flavours and ideas, allowing big-thinking chefs to thrive. Looking for Edmonton’s best restaurants and culinary experiences? Let us take you on a journey through some of the hottest craft beer taprooms, hyper-local bistros and indie bakeries in Canada. Your taste-buds will thank you.

EL JARDIN Bringing the style, spice and flare of Mexico’s rosticcerias in food best-devoured family-style. The Nuevo-Latino cooking shows the diverse culinary riches found across the 32 states of Mexico. Slow cooked, heartening, and in an atmosphere that feels like you’re at a friend’s place instead of a restaurant. Get ready to share! DOSC A seamless mid-century modern blend composed of a café, cocktail bar and a steakhouse on 104th Street Promenade. Whether you need to impress a client over dinner, host a networking function, or meet for a casual coffee, DOSC is a highly sought-after venue.

BAR CLEMENTINE This elegant cocktail bar in the Oliver neighborhood is inspired by nature and early 20th century French Art Nouveau. Their impressive cocktails are styled according to the foundations of classical bartending, and pair perfectly with the inventive and delicious food. ALCHEMY BAR Serving up handcrafted libations and next-level bar snacks, Alchemy’s menu is composed of a curated collection of both vintage and modern cocktails, highlighting a mix of classic recipes, traditional techniques, unexpected flavours, and avant-garde accents & textures. Located at the JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District hotel. RGE RD Driven by a passion for Alberta’s abundance of quality produce, Chef Blair Lebsack’s philosophies around using local, healthy and ethical food was the foundation of his dream to build an urban gathering place where the farm dictates the menu.

WOODWORK From wood-fired cooking to barrel-aged spirits, Woodwork will delight your

senses. Located in Edmonton’s historic McLeod Building,

Woodwork is a combination of southern United States fare, barbecue and French influences. Take in the perfect mix of meat, smoke and flame in magnificent fashion. SABOR Featuring the flavours of Iberian coastal cuisine using sustainable seafood—served alongside the passion and energy of live music with a Latin flare—SABOR brings its guests into the hearts of the two friends who worked together to build a dream.

PIP Nestled in the heart of Old Strathcona, PIP is an award-winning intimate 28-seat restaurant offering elevated comfort food for dinner & brunch. With a small but focused wine list and brunch-oriented cocktails, Pip is also THE spot for weekday brunch or a wine date south of the river.

If you ask any local, they’ll tell you that the heartbeat of Edmonton is our glorious river valley. Stretching right through downtown, this expanse of urban parkland is the largest in North America; and that’s just the beginning. We’ve got outdoor activities and things to do aplenty, whether it’s winter, summer or any season in between. Your Edmonton adventure starts here.

RIVER VALLEY ADVENTURE CO.

HASKIN CANOE Paddle your way through the North Saskatchewan River Valley, spotting wildlife and taking in Edmonton’s beautiful skyline. Haskin Canoe’s sunset tours are a one-of-a-

Located in the heart of the river valley, you can find Segway tours, bike rentals, stand up paddle boarding, and sports equipment just waiting to be put to good use. With over 150 km of trails, Edmonton’s river valley is perfect for running, biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. ICE CASTLES An award-winning frozen attraction built using hundreds of thousands of icicles hand-placed by professional ice artists. The castle includes breathtaking LED-lit sculptures, frozen thrones, ice-carved tunnels, slides, fountains and much more.

kind opportunity to transport through

Edmonton’s backyard and enjoy the serenity of this water adventure.

SNOWSHOEING Once a traditional mode of transportation for Indigenous people in Canada and still a practical way to explore the land. Dash through the snow and embark on an epic winter adventure or tour!

Dates and hours are weather dependent.

MÉTIS CROSSING The first major Métis

ELK ISLAND NATIONAL PARK The perfect place to day-hike, canoe, camp or spot some bison. Elk Island National Park is a designated dark sky preserve and the cornerstone of Canada’s bison conservation. Take part in the Bison Backstage Tour to learn about the bison’s history in North America.

cultural interpretive centre in Alberta, celebrating the story of the Métis people through traditional crafts, tours, and food experiences. Enjoy a voyageur canoe experience or a tour of the museum and historical village.

Closed for renovations through to May 2021.

AURORA WATCH Edmonton is the

COMMONWEALTH WALKWAY

northernmost metropolis in Canada, and a great place for stargazing with clear winter skies, and incredible views of the aurora borealis. We know you’ll get a little starstruck! Make sure you check the forecast, and get ready to get lost in the cosmos!

Using the download-able interactive app, read and listen to one of five storylines (Indigenous, History, Family, River & Winter) and learn little-known facts about Edmonton as you make your way through the North Saskatchewan River Valley.

In Edmonton, every season is festival season. Shakespeare under an open sky? You got it. A winter festival with sculptures made of ice and…fire? Done and done. If you’re in Edmonton, there’s a festival going on. Over 50 festivals annually means there’s no shortage of excitement to fill your stay - whether it’s 30 degrees above or below.

ROGERS PLACE ARENA • Home to the Edmonton Oilers, NHL Hockey Team

CANADA’S LARGEST MIXED-USE ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT The $5 billion, 25-acre development area includes hotels, office towers, a wide range of shops, restaurants, nightclubs, a casino, theatres, and more.

• 18,500 seat capacity • State of the art arena • Group ticket options • Various off-site rental spaces

JW MARRIOTT EDMONTON ICE DISTRICT • Opened August 2019 • 356-room luxury hotel • 25,000 square feet of meeting space

• 10,000 square foot ballroom • Connected to Rogers Place

PUBLIC PLAZA • Accommodates 10,000 for standing events • 77,000 sq. ft. of space • Plug and play capabilities for events • Year-round programming • The hub and connector of all ICE District amenities FORD HALL • Breathtaking indoor venue leading to Rogers Place • 4,000 capacity • 24,000 sq. ft. for public/private events