Strathmore hosting badlands tourism conference

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Stakeholders from across the Canadian Badlands are meeting at a conference in Strathmore next week to discuss promoting tourism throughout the region.
The Canadian Badlands 2020 Tourism Conference, Mar. 4 to 6, is organized by Canadian Badlands Tourism (CBT), a regional agency formed by a non-profit partnership among regional municipalities and the provincial government. The event will feature discussions, workshops and networking events.
The conference starts with a networking cocktail reception on Mar. 4 at The Rocking R Guest Ranch east of Strathmore, with the remainder of the event, including the CBT annual general meeting on Mar. 6, at Travelodge Strathmore.
Badlands tourism, from its dinosaur digs and outdoor adventures to bustling breweries and Linden’s peanut butter pies, is dependent on collaboration among its members, said Lonna Hoggan, executive director of CBT.
“The important thing about Canadian Badlands Tourism is that it’s a partnership – we work together to be one voice for one thing,” she said.
While representatives from the organization’s 60 or so municipalities will be attending the conference, the event will have wide appeal to commercial representatives from across the region.
“It’s for anyone, really – this year, we are really promoting the business sector,” said Hoggan. “We’re really pushing it out to businesses, economic development people and tourism operators.”
In support of this objective, the conference’s keynote speaker is Jon Schallert, a speaker and business expert who runs “destination bootcamps” for organizations to improve performance by attracting and retaining new customers.
Schallert “is all about helping businesses and communities turn themselves into consumer destinations – how to position yourself for tourism,” said Hoggan.
The conference will feature a day focused on recent successes from across the region – including several Strathmore-based businesses – that have expanded profits or otherwise triumphed over the past year. Hoggan hopes that after hearing these accounts, attendees will be better motivated and equipped to further develop the badlands tourism industry.
“We want to inspire, develop, and motivate, so anybody – not just our members – can go back to their community or business and feel they have more tools in their toolbox,” she said.
On Feb. 19, Strathmore town council voted to provide $5,000 in cash and equivalents to CBT to become a platinum sponsor of the event. The sponsorship includes recognition on the CBT website, presentation of the town logo on all print and digital conference materials, a promotional presentation at the podium, an invitation to the VIP reception prior to the March 5 gala, three complimentary conference registrations and verbal recognition during lunch announcements. The funds were provided for in the previously approved 2020 Strathmore economic development budget, said Justin Rebello, Town of Strathmore manager of development services.
In addition to a March 5 tour that will include visits to Origin Malting & Brewing Co., Field Stone Fruit Wines and the Klaiber Barn, Strathmore businesses also have a chance to make an impression during the conference.
“There are opportunities for the businesses to pay to have a booth (at the conference) and speak about their business,” Rebello said.
According to Strathmore mayor Pat Fule, the conference is an opportunity for the people and businesses of Strathmore to demonstrate their assets and abilities to a wide audience.
“It’s another great thing that will bring people to our town,” he said. “Hopefully we will be able to showcase what we have to offer.”