Kicking Up Our Game With Sport Events Congress

Posted February 16, 2024

Travel Manitoba and Tourism Winnipeg are honoured to be co-hosting the Sport Events Congress (SEC24) March 13-15 at the RBC Winnipeg Convention Centre and Delta Hotel and Conference Centre.


Nearly 250 delegates connected to Canada's $7.4 billion tourism industry, including national sport organizations, hoteliers, destination marketing organizations, and sports-related groups, will be attending this year's event in Winnipeg. The conference includes a marketplace, or vendor alley, and a speed dating component to allow members to meet with each other in 15 minute scheduled appointments. Sports Events Congress, a Sport Tourism Canada event, was hosted in Richmond, B.C. last year.

Volleyball game at Canada Games Sport for Life Centre. Photo Credit: Dan Harper

Outside of Winnipeg, Manitoba will be represented with members from Tourism Dauphin, Brandon First, Portage Regional Recreation Authority and Thompson Community Development Corporation, as well as several provincial sport organizations. Travel Manitoba’s Cody Chomiak, Vice-President, Marketing, will be a breakout speaker presenting “How AI is Changing the Game in Sport and Tourism”.

Stride Place is a stop on the Portage la Prairie FAM tour. Photo Credit: Handcraft

FAM Tours Planned

Before the conference kicks off, Brandon First, Travel Manitoba and Tourism Winnipeg will be hosting several members for familiarization (FAM) tours in Winnipeg, Brandon and Portage la Prairie, including Hockey Canada, Volleyball Canada and Archery Canada. Tours will show representatives the local facilities capable of hosting various-sizes of tournaments and events as well as some of the great amenities nearby.

Photo Credit: True North Sports and Entertainment

Nashville Predators vs. Winnipeg Jets

Travel Manitoba, Tourism Winnipeg and Brandon First will host delegates at the March 13 Jets' home game. A section has been reserved for SEC24 attendees, promising a fun night out, showcasing sport and celebrating one of Manitoba’s favourite pastimes—watching hockey.

Welcome Reception at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights

A special evening is planned for SEC24 attendees at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR), with a sports and human rights themed experience. Guests will walk through the stunning museum up to the Garden of Contemplation with several exhibits and activities and then back down to Buhler Hall for music and socializing. Hosting the event at CMHR is a great opportunity to bring event rights holders to view the amazing facilities, hospitality and rich culture of Winnipeg and Manitoba with the potential to consider it as an ideal location to host future sporting event.

Learn more or register to attend the conference.