Connecting people, ideas, businesses and communities has been at the heart of the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre (CTCC) since it first opened its doors in 1974. Millions of guests, from individuals to prime ministers and pop culture icons, have passed through the building’s doors to learn, network and be inspired.
With an impressive history of hosting major events, the CTCC has a more far reaching impact beyond the events and experiences happening inside the building. Its commitment and connectivity to the larger community is one of its many strengths, which has created many valuable partnerships over the years.
“With our location in the heart of downtown Calgary, we are a place to connect, innovate, and inspire. For over 50 years, we have been a gathering place for Calgarians and guests from around the world to create meaningful connections, and as a community leader our impact reaches well beyond our walls when we collaborate and connect with diverse perspectives and people from around the world,” says Kurby Court, President and CEO.
A Legacy of support
As an active community hub for the city, the CTCC collaborates with external partners for the economic vitality of Calgary and supports a variety of organizations on social issues affecting the vulnerable sector. Fundraising events, crucial for non-profits and charities, are especially an important part of CTCC’s collective responsibility mandate.
From hosting Canada’s first-ever Million Dollar Fundraiser for the Calgary Foundation in 1979 to serving as a mass vaccination site for more than 400,000 people during the COVID pandemic, the venue has always been a centre of the community.
That legacy of making a difference continues today with the centre supporting a number of charitable organizations like STARS Air Ambulance, FearIsNotLove, Inn from the Cold, Alberta Children’s Hospital, Alberta Cancer Foundation, YW Calgary and the Calgary Police Youth Foundation.
A safe and inclusive space
The CTCC not only supports community wellbeing but also guests and the organization as a whole. Spanning 122,000 square feet, the centre prides itself on providing accessible and inclusive spaces that make all guests and employees feel welcome.
The centre collaborates with local accessibility advocates to ensure delegates and guests of all abilities have a positive and accessible experience. It has also partnered with Pedesting, an app that allows pedestrian navigation accessible routes in Calgary.
To ensure their teams are at their best and can deliver excellent experiences, the centre is a living wage employer accredited by the Alberta Living Wage Network.
50th anniversary art piece
To commemorate the centre’s 50th anniversary, the CTCC unveiled a legacy art piece called Prairie Connection in partnership with Art Market Craft Sale – the centre’s longest serving client of 38 years.
The piece by local artist Gerardo Carsolio is inspired by the prairie crocus — the same symbol that served as the inspiration for the centre’s new brand, which was unveiled in 2023. The crocus symbolizes resilience, perseverance and flexibility, reflecting what has driven the venue’s success for five decades.
The five different panels in the piece represent different groups of people and ideas coming together. To frame the piece, Carsolio used barn wood from an Alberta farm, noting that the choice was meant to further emphasize the CTCC’s deep roots within the community.
“This is an incredible work of art that reflects not only the legacy we have developed at the CTCC, but the power of building meaningful, enduring connections,” says Court. “You don’t have to look further than our partnership with Art Market to see that when we come together, we can accomplish truly incredible things.”
The future
For 50 years CTCC has been a community leader, where people can gather and create meaningful connections. The venue will continue to be committed to hold space for learning and conversations for impactful and important events while meeting future challenges with resiliency and collaboration.
“At the CTCC, we are a place of possibilities where a single conversation can ignite ideas that ripple out across our community creating an impactful effect. When we collaborate with our city, civic, and community partners, as well as local businesses, we are supporting the connections that enhance the quality of life and have a lasting reach on Calgary’s diverse and vibrant communities,” says Court.
Visit our website to find out more!
