Here in Calgary, it’s almost time for our international claim to fame — the Calgary Stampede. We’re getting excited to celebrate with friends and colleagues alike.  But as a business owner, you may wonder how you should handle doing business during Stampede week in Calgary?  Read on!

Whether it’s your first Stampede or you’re a seasoned veteran at the festivities, there’s always room to improve your Stampede game, especially when it comes to business. Thankfully, for ten days in July, business relations and networking in Calgary will be mostly built on fun (and free breakfasts)!

Here are our top tips for surviving the Calgary Stampede in style and having as much fun as possible while maybe even making some great business contacts.

Stylize your Public Front

Many businesses in Calgary already know this well:  they get their windows painted with Stampede imagery, add a few hay bales to their patios, and crank up the county music.

Why not show your proud Calgary spirit? It’s not expensive to do, helps attract the tourists, and creates a fun diversion from the norm for your staff.

Throw a Party

With a some food and country music, you can create a little Stampede shin-dig of your own. Here’s what you see most companies doing:

• Most hold their parties outdoors, but on-site at the business. But you can rent a spot at the Stampede grounds if that’s easier for you, or choose a local event venue.  Many rent tents to place in their parking lots.
• Many will have a live band or music.
• Most serve pancakes (if a breakfast) or barbeque for lunches, locally made beer (ensure this is an invite-only event for ALGC regulations).
• Almost all businesses give swag (hats, funny t-shirts, or Stampede-branded things).
• Many get lots of photos or have photo booths/backdrops – these are great for social media sharing.

That said, I’ve also seen companies owned by immigrant owners putting out their own unique food – which is a refreshing diversion from the typical Stampede fare.

Keep Business Cards Close During Stampede Week

You never know who you’ll meet while watching the parade, in line for a Stampede Breakfast, or while enjoying a cold beverage at Nashville North.  Some of the biggest deals in town go down over beers at the Stampede.  Don’t talk business in detail, but it’s smart to have your business cards handy.

Dress Western

Do NOT, we repeat DO NOT wear a suit during Stampede. Leave the business attire hanging in the closet and throw on a pair of jeans and some boots. This is the right choice during Stampede, even if you somehow find yourself with a business meeting. Trust us, if you show up in a suit, you’ll stick out like a sore thumb!

Even better, dress to impress in a genuine Smithbilt cowboy hats – made in Calgary and a nice Western shirt and throw in a belt buckle for good measure.

Check Out The Breakfasts

One of the most famous perks of the Calgary Stampede is the free breakfasts. And yes, there’s an app for that! The “Free Calgary Stampede Pancake Breakfasts” app lists all your options throughout the Stampede. They take place all over town, are put on by a wide range of businesses and organizations, and they are not all the same! Some offer vegetarian options or foodie-friendly fare, while many are just good, down-home pancakes and bacon. Bon appetit!

Don’t Make Plans Downtown on Parade Day

You won’t make it — downtown Calgary shuts down completely for the day.

Take the day or morning off like everyone else, and enjoy the parade.  It takes about 3 hours, and goes all around the downtown core.

Socialize

Most importantly, get out there and party with your clients! Here’s your chance to strengthen existing connections and forge new ones, putting your business on a more personal, long-lasting level than ever before.

If you’d like marketing advice with a truly Calgarian edge, drop us a line — we’d love to share a pint down at the Stampede grounds!