A new hospitality event made its debut during this year’s Calgary Stampede, bringing together hoteliers and industry partners from across the country for an evening of networking and celebration.
The inaugural Hotelier Hoedown, held July 6, was hosted by the Hotel Association of Canada, with support from Marc Staniloff, founder and owner of Superior Lodging Corp., the Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), and the Calgary Hotel Association (CHA). The event is expected to become an annual gathering.
Superior Lodging's Mark Staniloff, Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek, and the CHA's Sol Zia.
The informal outdoor event took place at Staniloff’s Calgary residence and drew hoteliers, association leaders and industry stakeholders from across Canada. One of the evening’s highlights was Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek conducting a White Hat Ceremony for 30 hospitality professionals and partners — a tradition symbolizing Calgary’s spirit of hospitality. According to the Calgary Hotel Association, it was the largest White Hatting the Mayor has performed in a private yard setting.
“This event reflects the strength of community and collaboration within our industry,” says Sol Zia, executive director of the Calgary Hotel Association, in a public statement following the event.
The Hotelier Hoedown coincided with the opening weekend of the Calgary Stampede, one of the city’s largest annual tourism draws. Organizers say the event was intended to foster stronger connections across the hospitality sector and showcase Calgary’s welcoming culture.
No formal agenda or commercial announcements were made during the gathering, which focused on informal networking and celebration of the sector.
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