b'destination profileis to attract conferences in their respective fields to the city. They have a lot of fun when they come to Calgary because we can tailor things to their particular interests and tastes, needs and accessibility. Its just a city that has a lot going on.Abbott notes that Calgary has an ever-increasing number of venues and meeting spaces, such as the Platform Innovation Centre, which opened in June 2022 and has 50,000 sq. ft. of gathering, meeting and working space, as well as classroom space for start-ups, innovators and entrepreneurs. The stage and event-based community spaces are equipped with display screens, built-in sound systems, lights and streaming cameras. Its an ideal venue for receptions, meetings and presentations. Thats going to be a really interesting innovation district and hub, Abbott says.According to Abbott, there are a number of new projects set to come online in 2023 and 2024. Of note,Design renderings he says, were in the process ofof the ongoing BMO building the BMO Centre expansionCentre expansion on Calgary Stampede at the Calgary Stampede [grounds],Grounds. When finished in 2024, this which will have over a million sq. ft.convention centre of function space that will positionwill be the biggest in [it] as the largest convention centreWestern Canada.in Western Canada. The Stampede will be able to deliver a conference experiencewhether its cowboy chic or something a little more traditionalthat will leave an imprint on delegates. Theyll definitely remember Calgary as a fun place!The Stampede is also getting ready to open up a new attraction in the spring of 2024 called the SAM Centre, which will anchor the Stampedes user campus. The SAM Centre will encompass an exhibit gallery and an immersive digital experience, and it will be a great destination for smaller receptions within its 30,000 sq. ft.of space.Along with its 1.3 million sq. ft. of available meeting space, Calgary has an inventory of over 15,000 hotel rooms. Two new properties have just opened up, Abbott notes. The Westley Calgary Downtown, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, and the Dorian, Fall/Winter 2022CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS 19'