Lethbridge will play host to fire chiefs from across the province in 2028.
Tourism Lethbridge has announced that the city will be the host venue for that year’s Alberta Fire Chiefs Conference and Trade Show.
“The city’s commitment to excellence in hosting major events and its welcoming community made it the ideal choice for our conference,” says Chief Randy Schroeder, president of the Alberta Fire Chiefs Association.
Tourism Lethbridge says work to secure the conference started at the Canadian Meetings and Events Expo in Toronto in August 2023, when initial contact was made with the conference organizer.
This past June, a Familiarization (Fam) Tour was set up in Lethbridge. This brought event organizers in to get a sense of the hospitality offered in the city.
“These tours are crucial in selecting the best possible location for our event. Seeing the venue spaces, experiencing the local attractions, and meeting the community firsthand were key factors in our decision to choose Lethbridge,” says Kelly Legris, consultant and organizer of the Alberta Fire Chiefs Conference and Trade Show.
Dominika Wojcik, senior director of communications at Tourism Lethbridge, says building a reputation for hosting large events and conventions “is a long game” but is worth it.
“The economic impact in 2028 from the Alberta Fire Chiefs Conference will be substantial, contributing significantly to our local economy,” she remarks.
“Our economic multiplier estimates the three-day event will generate approximately $315,000 dollars in economic impact for our city. This achievement highlights our city’s appeal as a destination for major events and conferences.”
In addition to the 2028 event, Lethbridge has secured the hosting duties for the Government Finance Officers Association conference in 2025, which Tourism Lethbridge says is expected to bring in close to $500,000 in economic impact to the city.
