Business leaders optimistic about Calgary Stampede’s economic impact

With the 10-day event nearing its halfway mark, there is optimism that the 2023 Calgary Stampede will outpace earnings records from the 2019 event.

Amid the rodeo, the midway and other western parties happening across the city this week, local business leaders are touting the unique opportunity the Calgary Stampede provides to attract new investment.

With the 10-day event nearing its halfway mark, there is optimism that 2023 will outpace earning records from the 2019 event.

It comes as international and national representatives from various sectors make their way to the city, attending the hundreds of corporate parties thrown at tents, bars and restaurants throughout the week.

One of those events took place high above Stephen Avenue Tuesday, hosted by Western Canadian IT firm WBM Technologies.

“A really unique thing about the Stampede is it brings people from around the world,” WBM vice-president Brett Bailey told Global News.

“Likewise, this event is drawing the top leaders from the top technology companies globally and what they’re seeing is something a little different.”

Bailey underscored the importance of bringing together customers and business partners to celebrate, but also use the week as an opportunity to network in a growing tech sector locally.

Nelia Luis with HP Canada is at her second Stampede and plans to be back for a third.