Coming into Calgary, there were many aspects that struck us as unique. One of these aspects was the collaborative tech environment Calgary had. People were passionate to network and collaborate with us on our project with nothing expected in return. We were introduced to amazing community resources such as Platform Calgary and Rainforest Alberta that provide a community and resources for startups and young tech workers to seek help. There is much value in Calgary marketing this as an asset of the city, specifically for young tech workers who are new to the work field as it will build their network rapidly. As a group, we attended the Inventures startup and innovation event and the. We were overwhelmed by the sense of collaboration during the event. Marketing these resources and events to a young tech worker from the U.S. may prove to be an asset that attracts workers to Calgary.
After spending 8 weeks in Calgary, we have come to realize that this city truly has a niche for everyone. We have witnessed the diversity and abundance of opportunities that cater to a wide range of interests and passions. With abundant outdoor activities, enticing food, thriving athletics, vibrant arts, and lively music, it provides endless opportunities for exploration and enjoyment. For those who enjoy the outdoors, the city serves as a gateway to national parks, providing ample opportunities for hiking, skiing, and exploring nature's beauty. Additionally, food enthusiasts can take delight in Calgary's diverse culinary scene, which features a variety of international cuisines and local delicacies. Calgary welcomes diverse interests, creating an enriching experience for all who visit. We all have very different interests, but during our time in Calgary, we were each able to find something we were passionate about.
As you might know, Calgary endures long and harsh winters which can often be a turn-off for potential visitors and citizens. Because of this, we think that Calgary should better advertise those attributes of the city such as Plus 15s or winter sports that make this season more bearable. During our time here, we were introduced to Plus 15s, a revolutionary skywalk system that connects downtown corporate buildings. Calgary would benefit by marketing the benefits Plus 15s provide as a climate-controlled forum for one to access the city’s major amenities without taking a step outside in the cold. Another attractive feature of the city during this time is the winter ventures. Whether it be skiing, snowboarding, or ice skating, the city does a great job of embracing the winter. Even during this chilling weather, there are a variety of niches that appeal to all audiences, and that is an aspect Calgary can better market.
Calgary has won many prestigious awards. In 2020, Forbes named Calgary the 47th Best City in the World and the Best Employers in Canada. In 2022, the Economist named Calgary the 3rd Most Livable City in the World. One of the reasons Calgary was ranked so highly as being a livable city was its safety. The crime index, especially for violent crimes, is extremely low, earning the city a safety index of 62.66 out of 100. Unlike US cities of a similar size, downtown Calgary always felt like a safe space for us to walk alone, even as a woman.
Being so close to the United States, Canada shares many similarities with the U.S. The language, food, and culture are typically similar for both countries. From our experience living here, we have found Canada to be much more similar to the U.S. than we expected. Although there are differences in measurements and currency, day-to-day life felt very similar to that in the US. If Americans understood the similarities, they may be more inclined to move to Canada. Another factor for Americans to consider is the distance of some Canadian cities to the United States. Some Canadian cities are closer to home for Americans than other cities across the U.S.In addition to all of this, many U.S. airports offer direct flights to Calgary, making it easy to fly to Calgary from the U.S.
One interesting aspect of Calgary's social media presence is the prominent use of the abbreviation "YYC" instead of the full city name. While many cities heavily rely on hashtags or taglines associated with their names for marketing purposes, Calgary has embraced the unique identifier "YYC" as a distinct brand in itself. However, this approach may present a challenge in international marketing efforts, as people from other countries may not immediately recognize "YYC" as representing Calgary. To increase exposure to pre-existing media under the "YYC" hashtag, it would be beneficial to establish a direct link between "YYC" and Calgary in international marketing campaigns. By associating "YYC" with Calgary's iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and diverse offerings, the city can ensure that potential visitors from around the world have a clear understanding of what "YYC" represents and are drawn to explore all that Calgary has to offer.
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