C o n f e r e n c e__T h e m e

What if Calgary set its sights on being a world centre of ‘all things energy?’

And what if, simultaneously, Calgary developed a strategy to become a North American exemplar of sustainable urbanism—throwing all of its support into the redevelopment of amenity-rich neighbourhoods ringing the downtown, world-class transit, innovative energy-reduction plans, skilled worker attraction and retention, imaginative approaches to housing affordability, deeper cultural assets, and more?

These are the underlying themes of the Gaining Ground Conference—the sustainable urban development conference May 1st and 2nd, 2008 at the Westin Calgary.

This is a conference for leaders in all fields of urban life who are determined to play a role in shaping Calgary’s next jump forward as an urban centre. Gaining Ground will focus on city and regional opportunities in the Calgary area to shift to sustainable choices and practices.

Spotlighting the visions articulated by current City plans, the just-released Economic Development Strategy, and important thinking about the region, the conference will help participants to define a cogent, whole-city vision, and an urban action plan achievable through broad community alliance and partnership.

Join Mayor Dave Bronconnier, Premier Ed Stelmach, Sustainable Resources Minister Ted Morton, and many business, education and other city and regional leaders. These are exciting times for Calgary, and this promises to be a cornerstone event in picturing—and shaping—the city’s future.

The conference will help you to build new networks and bring a fresh sense of purpose back to your own work and endeavours. You should attend if you work in:

• Development, construction and real estate
• Corporate and business leadership
• Finance, investment and valuation
• City and regional government
• Calgary institutions and community-based organizations
• Energy and infrastructure services
• Education and skills training
• Architecture, design, engineering and land use planning…
• …or have a citizen’s interest a sustainable, dynamic future for Calgary.