FCM’s 2024 Annual Conference and Trade Show
July 2, 2024 | Calgary, Events, What's Happening 
This June, over 1,000 elected officials from every corner of Canada converged at the Calgary Telus Convention Centre for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Annual Conference and Trade Show (AC 2024). Spanning four days from June 6th to 9th, this year’s event, themed “Redefining our Future,” was a gathering to empower municipalities to tackle present challenges and seize future opportunities. Bird Creatives, working alongside with The City of Calgary, the hosting organization, had the pleasure of producing the Mayor’s Welcome Reception, the Closing Gala and organizing a number of study tours for this conference! We’re thrilled to announce that we oversaw the largest attendance that FCM has seen!
The Mayor’s Welcome Reception
The night was alive with art, music, and an inspiring display of Calgary's creativity, diversity, and innovation. Held at the Big Four Roadhouse, the Mayor’s Welcome Reception highlighted the venue as a modern, contemporary space, presenting Calgary as a forward-thinking city far beyond its traditional “Cowtown” image.
The evening started with opening remarks from Mayor Jyoti Gondek and featured speakers including FCM President – Scott Pearce, and Head of Public Policy for Amazon (FCM sponsor) – Jacob Glick. Calgary’s Poet Laureate, Shone Thistle engaged with delegates to understand what inspires them. Cowboy Smithx served as our MC. A highlight of the night was the incredible performances from the MakeFashion and IndiCity dancers, who opened the evening with an Indigenous performance. The event also featured local music talent – Kyle McKearney, Yolanda Sargeant, Kaiya Campbell, and Russell Broom Memorial Orchestra.
The Closing Gala
An engaging closing event, the evening showcased what the delegates have experienced throughout the four-day conference while being treated to live art, music, and performances.
Starting with welcoming remarks from MC Cowboy Smithx, the closing gala again featured speakers including Mayor Jyoti Gondek and FCM sponsor Intact – Carla Smith, Executive Vice President & Chief People, Strategy and Climate Officer. Poet Laureate Shone Thistle, after engaging with delegates in the welcome reception, wrote and presented a piece on their inspirations.
Rejoining us from the Mayor’s welcome reception were musicians Kaiya Gamble, Yolanda Sargeant, Kyle McKearney, and Russell Broom Memorial Orchestra. Attendees were also treated to an artist showcase featuring Harvey Nichol, Bryan Faubert, and Allison Lynch.
Study Tours
Bird Creatives partnered with The City of Calgary to curate 36 distinctive study tours during the four-day FCM conference. These study tours were designed to enrich the experience of over 1,100 conference delegates across Canada, including municipally elected officials, federal policymakers, and municipal intergovernmental staff. The study tours focused on showcasing innovative best practices, municipal services, programs, and noteworthy developments in and around Calgary. Highlights included visits to significant city projects such as the BMO Centre Expansion, Housing initiatives, and the transformation of Arts Commons, providing delegates with valuable insights and opportunities for discovery.
Looking Ahead
FCM 2024 was more than an event; it was a call to action for municipal leaders to envision and create a better future for their communities. The insights gained, connections made, and innovations shared during these four days will undoubtedly inspire progress and collaboration long after the conference has ended.
We were thrilled to be a part of this incredible conference and we encourage everyone to learn more here.
