Kicking off Calgary Talks: The Social Series
As Mayor of this incredible city, I’m always looking for ways to highlight the people, stories, and opportunities that make Calgary such a unique place. That’s why I’m excited to introduce Calgary Talks: The Social Series, a new platform for meaningful conversations with leaders, visionaries, and everyday Calgarians.
Building on the success of the Calgary Talks panel discussion series we launched in October of this year, we decided to introduce this spin-off format. The Social Series is designed to take these conversations even deeper. After the second panel in November, it became clear that in addition to the valuable group insights provided by the panels – one-on-one conversations could offer a more personal and focused exploration of the issues that matter most to Calgarians. This series creates space for me and guests to engage in authentic dialogue, diving further into the challenges and opportunities that shape our city.
In our inaugural episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jay McNeil, President of the Calgary Stampeders, to talk about that vital role of professional sports organizations in our city. But, most importantly – we chatted about Calgary’s winning bid to host Grey Cup 2026 – Canada’s largest single-day sporting event. The Grey Cup isn’t just about football; it’s about community, culture, and the incredible energy that comes from thousands of people gathering to celebrate together.
Jay shared how hosting an event of this scale will boost Calgary’s economy – estimated to bring over $50 million in impact as visitors fill our hotels, restaurants, and attractions. We also talked about how events like the Grey Cup shine a spotlight on Calgary, showcasing our city on the national stage to over three million viewers.
What really stood out, though, is the Calgary Stampeders’ commitment to our community. From hundreds of school visits to supporting local charities, Jay emphasized that professional sports aren’t just about what happens on the field – they’re about building connections and creating a sense of belonging for all Calgarians, new and old.
The Grey Cup is a huge win for our city, and I can’t wait to see Calgary come alive in 2026. Thank you, Jay, for kicking off Calgary Talks: The Social Series and for being such a strong champion for Calgary.
This is just the beginning of the series, and I’m looking forward to sharing more conversations with you all. Stay tuned for Episode 2 – coming soon!