Talking event renewal with Canada's Calgary Stampede

Talking Regional Events (with Linda Tillman)

Today I have the pleasure of talking with Vern Kimball, CEO of Calgary Stampede Canada from 2006 to 2015 following 20 years in other positions in the organization - that's a total of 29 years with the Calgary Stampede. The Calgary Stampede is a not-for-profit community organization that preserves and celebrates western heritage, cultures and community spirit. Led by over 2,300 passionate volunteers, the year-round events, programs and initiatives invest in youth, support agricultural programs, celebrate western culture and make a lasting economic impact on the city. Each year, Stampede Park hosts over 1,200 business, tourism, sporting, hospitality and community events and welcomes more than two million guests. These year-round events create thousands of jobs and contribute more than $400M to the local economy. Today Vern shares with us the process of renewal of Calgary Stampede and how they rebuilt the brand and reinvigorated the entire event. With new purpose and vision statements, Vern and his supportive and passionate board were on a mission...and what a story of success.