b'EDMONTON:A history of making connectionsby Matthew BradfordI life sciences, agriculture andinstitutions, including MacEwan Its the mix of unique venues, industry connections and big-city amenitiesadvanced manufacturing. University, which doubles as a that draws corporate groups toOur strong economic sectors setmeeting and presentation venue, Edmonton, Alta. With new investmentsEdmonton apart, which in turn attractsand the University of Alberta, home on the horizon that aim to enhanceboth association and corporateto groundbreaking programs and a the citys meetings and eventsevents, says Peter Cottan, directorpool of talented speakers. Edmonton landscape, it is an opportune time toof business events with Explorealso boasts the Alberta Machine revisit one of Canadas most dynamicEdmonton. We have excellentIntelligence Institute (Amii), one of group destinations. academic ambassadors who supportthe worlds top hubs for artificial events in dominant global sectors. WHERE INDUSTRIES MEET What that means is that internationalintelligence research.Central to Edmontons appeal is itsconferences will have strong localWeve got some great minds in ability to connect visiting groups withchampions to host and spearheadEdmonton, Cottan says. That makes leaders and innovators across sectors.their meetings here. it easy for international conferences The city is home to major players inThe citys intellectual capital isto find ambassadors and experts who technology, education, health and bolstered by eight higher educationbring global relevance to every event.18 CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca'