Sport Tourism Canada provides a number of resources to our organization that have helped support our ability to successfully bid and earn the right to host events. Tools such as the STEAM model allow us to share the economic impact anticipated from hosting events and provide information to Council to approve funding. The “Up for Bid” section of the website also allows us the opportunity to see what is available to bid on now and in the future, and the ability to align our bids with the facilities in the City of Grande Prairie. The Playbook Insider Series gives us the opportunity to gain further insight into hosting specific sports and what the event rights holders are looking for in successful bids, as well as the ability to ask direct questions to the sport organizations looking for hosts.
Connections made through attending Sport Event Congress allow us to share our hosting history as well as showcase our amazing facilities through a booth at Vendor Alley. Our staff also gain valuable education through conference sessions and network with industry professionals across Canada, building relationships that allow us to quickly gather information needed to bid on and host successful events. Our Sport Tourism Canada membership has been invaluable to the organization and our ability to succeed in the world of sport tourism.
Katie Biberdorf – Director Community Connections, City of Grande Prairie, AB