For conventions, conferences, associations and large groups, Edmonton is a big draw and where the action is happening. Since pandemic disruptions, Edmonton’s event and catering businesses have bounced back and adjusted with some interesting new normals. The wants, needs and expectations of guests and attendees have changed and so have the focus, the strategy and resourcefulness of Edmonton’s event planners and caterers.
“Event trends have evolved significantly, both due to the pandemic as well as trends and changing societal preferences,” explains Emma Pietroleonardo, general manager of the Edmonton Convention Centre.
“Edmonton continues to be popular for conventions, conferences, trade shows and other big events from Alberta, across Canada, the U.S. and also internationally. The Edmonton Convention Centre plays a significant role in Edmonton’s visitor economy story, welcoming half a million visitors every year across 150,000 square feet of event space,” she adds with enthusiasm and pride.
“There is a uniquely Edmonton vibe when it comes to hosting conventions and conferences and staging trade shows, major events and concerts and galas. It’s good for business and it boosts the direct and indirect impact of Edmonton’s visitor economy.”
For Edmonton event planners, 2023 is back to business with changes, updates and some new ways of doing things. Events, like conferences, conventions, large meetings, AGMs and award banquets are shorter and more focused. People change, attention spans dwindle and participants want shorter and more focused sessions.
“Our event planners are seeking ways to create micro-events, workshops and program activations that pack valuable information and heightened experiences in a shorter timeframe,” Pietroleonardo says.
An increased sense of social consciousness has been woven into the art and science of event management. Pietroleonardo explains that, “Sustainability, social impact and regeneration are important factors. Event planners are expressing greater interest in understanding ways to reduce waste, the carbon footprint and energy consumption associated with the events.”
Despite the excitement, schmoozing, networking and good times at conferences and other big events, the pandemic – and the economy – have triggered some risk management cautions about the business of event planning.
“Companies and groups are planning and booking,” she adds, “but our clients are seeking more flexible booking and refund policies with no surprises stemming from the uncertain economic landscapes. Also, the groups and organizations are asking for assurances that their investment in a convention or conference event is protected, just in case circumstances change.”
Hannah Chorneyko is a dynamic and popular Edmonton planner and founder of Edmonton’s popular Connected Events. She points out that, although events have resumed regular operations, there are some changes and post-pandemic lessons learned.
“While there’s still a popular preference for in-person gatherings, certain virtual events have found a permanent place in the event landscape. Incorporating hybrid components into events has proven to be a valuable strategy for expanding audience reach. The biggest benefit is making events accessible to individuals regardless of location.”
Chorneyko echoes the new concerns and cautions of event organizers.
“Contracts are a vital adjustment for events. Ensure there are adequate clauses added to contracts that address cancellations or rescheduling due to unforeseen circumstances such as pandemics or governmental constraints. These clauses aim to ensure fairness for all parties involved. The pandemic commotion also taught us event planners a lot about robust contingency planning. Having a contingency plan is not only good business; it is critical. By preparing backup plans for unforeseen situations, event planners can mitigate the impact of unexpected changes and surprises.”
The food aspects of successful conventions, conferences and other large events continue as a key priority. The experts agree that client and attendee food preferences require health conscious and dietary restriction friendly menu options, which often include plant based and organic options. Full service, catered events are making a comeback, with a focus on both an elegant and a safe experience.
Todd Rutter is founder and CEO and Kim Mahoney is partner and COO of Edmonton’s in-demand A Cappella Catering Co. They are on the front lines and savvy about event food and catering trends in the Edmonton area.
“Over the last 10 years or so, Edmonton and surrounding communities have developed a very exciting foodie culture,” Rutter says. “Edmontonians increasingly want and demand the interesting and diverse menus reflected in our amazing restaurant scene. Also, some clients expect thoughtfully curated vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options and, of course, the use of locally sourced ingredients.”
Mahoney notes that “While the nature of catered events hasn’t changed much, features like continental and hot breakfasts, hors d’oeuvres, grazing receptions and banquets are still popular. What is now very important for clients and their guests is innovation, freshness and value. For example, our sandwich lunch menus can include everything from house-made sushi rolls to house-made Montreal smoked brisket on rye.”
Rutter acknowledges that buffet service is still popular at many events, “with the added benefit of providing variety and allowing guests to have as little or as much as they please. It is less labour intensive and lowers the event costs. Family-style service is an increasingly popular format, with seated guests passing around bowls and platters of food.”
Despite pandemic broadsides, a roller coaster economy and social trends, when it comes to effective event planning and management, lessons are learned but some things never change – like the core basics for a successful event.
“Having a clear objective cannot be overstated,” Pietroleonardo emphasizes. “Defining the event’s purpose and the expected goals are crucially important. Understand the audience and tailoring the event content to deliver the best possible experience for attendees. Also, choose a venue that is suitable for the event’s scale and theme.”
Sometimes, with enthusiastic good intentions, organizers opt for a cost-saving inside job about planning and staging an event. There’s a consensus about the logic being a risky mistake.
“Sometimes clients come to us after having attempted the planning on their own,” Chorneyko says, “without realizing the hard work, the resources and the hours that go into planning a seamless event. Often, they underestimate budgets, like audio visual, catering, etc. Budget overruns compromise an event’s quality and success.”
Rebounded from pandemic speedbumps, the flux of the economy, Zoom meetings and other new ways of networking, Edmonton events are dynamic and strong. Whether it’s the many popular Edmonton festivals or corporate and group conferences, conventions or trade shows, Edmonton is much in-demand – and busy.
Some major Edmonton events included Carbon Capture Canada and The Safety of our Cities conferences, and readying for the upcoming Forward/Slash Summit, Rocky Mountain Wine & Food and the popular Festival of Trees. It’s also busy for 2024, with Edmonton bookings like GO WEST (January), the Power Up Hydrogen Summit (February), the Canadian Hydrogen Convention (April) and many more.
