The Balance of Belonging

What does it mean to belong? I’ve often talked about the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre as a vessel for conversation. For 50 years, it’s been a place for people to come together to share ideas, form connections, and create impacts that are felt far beyond the four walls of this building.?

It’s an incredible privilege to steer this vessel and it comes with responsibility, too. In addition to facilitating connections and relationships, we as an organization are responsible for fostering a sense of belonging and safety. For our team members, our clients, and our partners.?

Creating a sense of belonging takes equal parts courage and humility. The courage to acknowledge what you don't know and the humility to embrace that uncertainty and learn from it. It requires knowing when to speak up, and when to step back. And, it requires that we ask questions as much as we listen for answers.??

This month, we leaned into listening.

Our team recently attended the International Indigenous Tourism Conference in Ottawa, learning how supporting Indigenous tourism in Alberta can meaningfully contribute to reconciliation. It was an honour to hear Indigenous organizations, elders and knowledge keepers share their stories. It’s critical that we centre, amplify and learn from Indigenous voices in everything related to Indigenous culture and experiences, and that we educate before we entertain.?

Recently, Tourism HR Canada announced an initiative to help the tourism industry create safer and more inclusive workplaces for people with disabilities. The Belong Project will help organizations across the industry—including the CTCC—improve our disability inclusion efforts and support our ability to hire, retain and promote people with disabilities. It’s important work. And it’s heartening to see that work happening both at a national level and here at home.?

Earlier this month, we hosted a volunteer event for the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games. I was awed by the strength of community on display during the Games. More than 1,200 athletes attended, supported by family, friends, coaches, and more than 1,500 volunteers across multiple venues in the city—it was a veritable village coming together to create an incredible sense of belonging, not to mention memories that are sure to last a lifetime. It reminded me that belonging looks different for everyone, as well as the importance of our role in fostering safe and welcoming places for all.?

When you set foot inside the CTCC—as a visitor, a client, a partner or a team member—I trust that you’ll find your place here, too.