As you look to incorporate your organization’s DEI strategy into your next meeting, Calgary is an ideal host destination. Canada’s third most diverse city is made up of over 240 ethnic origins, speaking 165 different languages. This wealth of perspectives is helping people here find new and unique ways to create more inclusive experiences.

Here are four ways to weave that inclusive spirit into your next meeting.

1. Build Relationships and Understanding through Indigenous Experiences

The land known today as Calgary has been a gathering place for Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. Including an Indigenous experience, such as an artist demonstration, Elder blessing, or guided tour, into your Calgary meeting can be incredibly powerful.

While all meeting planners are encouraged to work with local Indigenous partners, there are ways to ensure that it is a positive experience both for attendees and the participating nations. Before contacting any of the Treaty 7 Nations directly, it is advised that you go through one of the following organizations:

• The City of Calgary's Indigenous Relations Office

• Indigenous Tourism Alberta (ITA)

• Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC)

Indigenous Tourism Alberta has created a fantastic toolkit for working with Indigenous partners.

2. Educate Attendees on Venue Accessibility

Calgary’s two convention centres are leading the way when it comes to designing accessible meeting spaces. Let your attendees know about the various accessibility features available to them.

The BMO Centre is Accessibility Certified Gold by the Rick Hansen Foundation, which measures and certifies the level of access to buildings. Features such as service dog relief areas, universal washrooms with barrier free adult changerooms, tactile cues on handrails, and visual aids are in place at BMO so all guests feel taken care of.

To make sure that all attendees feel comfortable navigating the meeting environment, the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre has partnered with Pedesting. Pedesting is a made-in-Calgary app that offers turn-by-turn directions for indoor and outdoor areas to help attendees with mobility issues find routes that meet their needs.

3. Design Sensory-Friendly Areas and Activities

While meetings and conventions have historically thrived on delivering an action-packed environment, some attendees may feel overwhelmed by all the energy. To accommodate members of your audience with sensory issues, take a cue from a group of Calgarians who plan NeuroNights — a series of meetups to make neurodivergent participants feel comfortable. Consider adding a sensory-friendly area to your experience that can offer an escape from all the noise.

Attendees might also appreciate ‘sensory bags’ like the ones that the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo have started offering guests. They include fidget and tactile items, and over-the-ear noise-cancelling headphones.

@tourismcalgary Did you know this Calgary coffee shop has dance parties with its employees? @Lil E Coffee Cafe provides employment to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and the staff makes sure to have plenty of fun while they work! @Rebecca Felgate paid a visit to Lil E to learn more about the business, and she ended up learning some new dance moves too! #calgary #yyc #calgary_yyc #lilecoffee #coffeeshop #cafe #traveltok #traveltiktok #didyouknowcalgary #coffee #danceparty #thingstodoincalgary ♬ Ariana Grande style Western music pop BGM(941452) - TAKA

4. Show Your Attendees Where their Dollars Will Make a Difference

In addition to making all your attendees feel included, events can play a role in fueling the surrounding community. As you prepare to welcome your group to Calgary, consider sharing a list of local businesses to support, including those that are B-Corp Certified:

• Rosso Coffee Roasters

• Righteous Gelato

• MobSquad Cafe

Just five blocks away from the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre, attendees can start their day at Lil E Coffee Cafe. This not-for-profit cafe is committed to providing employment opportunities for those with developmental or intellectual disabilities.

Send your attendees home with a reminder of Calgary while also sending a gift to someone in need. At Calgary-based candle making company Milk Jar, $1 from every sale helps support children with disabilities. For attendees focused less on scent and more on style, turn to Local Laundry where you’ll find an opportunity to be part of the company’s ‘Giving Garments’ program that helps donate hats, socks and essential clothing to shelters.

Interested in looking for more ways to incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at your next meeting? Get in touch with our team to learn how Calgary can help.