Relationships
When the Government of Canada announces Edmonton as its
candidate city to host EXPO, the EXPO 2017 organizing team will be
ready. We plan to launch a campaign to build the kind of local,
national and international relationships essential to win the right
to host EXPO 2017, and then execute it with excellence and passion.
In fact, we have already taken significant steps along this
road.
Community
Engagement
Many elements of EXPO 2017 will affect Edmonton and the people
who live here, which is why the support of the local community will
be crucial. EXPO 2017 has engaged over 80 volunteers in the bid
committee and its four subcommittees. Several public opinion
research initiatives have already been conducted. Nationally, a
web-based survey was conducted with over 1,900 Canadians.
Provincially, nine focus groups and a telephone survey with 1,800
residents across Alberta has been completed. Locally,
questionnaires were distributed at open house sessions and
information on EXPO presented to organizations and at special
events reaching out to nearly 3,000 individuals. Our web and social
media presence has attracted just as many visitors. What we learned
can be boiled down to one key message: Canadians and Albertans are
curious to know more about EXPO, but what they know so far has them
excited and enthused about making it happen and then
participating.
Provincial and
National Governments
In order to progress from securing the national bid to winning
the right to host EXPO 2017, we will need the help of the Canadian
and Albertan governments to work with international outreach
programs during the international bid period. We are making sure
each ministry understands how Edmonton's EXPO 2017 bid will advance
provincial, national and international objectives.
Provinces and
Territories
EXPO 2017 will present the best of Canada from coast to coast to
coast. Our provinces and territories will share their stories,
express their ideas, innovations and challenges, and showcase their
rich cultures and heritage as part of Canada's celebrations.
Highlighting its geographical position as a vital link to Canada's
north, Edmonton's EXPO will create partnerships with the Yukon,
Nunavut and Northwest Territories to strengthen awareness of the
northern identity and its uniqueness.
International Exhibitions
Bureau
BIE members must know that Canada has the best and most viable
bid to host EXPO 2017. We must continually spread and illuminate
the power of our theme of Energy and Our Planet. We will
demonstrate how this theme is eternally relevant, vitally important
and able to inspire the participation of member nations. We will
clarify for the BIE, at every opportunity, how our EXPO will leave
a planet-changing legacy of knowledge and information that will
benefit humanity. We will continue to demonstrate that we have the
support of all three orders of government, corporate Canada, and
that the citizens of Edmonton, Alberta and Canada are excited about
EXPO 2017. There are many opportunities to pursue international
dialogues, including a visible presence at the Shanghai 2010 EXPO
and hosting various international symposia.
Developing
Nations
An important element of any EXPO bid involves the engagement of
developing nations - not only through participation in EXPO itself,
but also through improved international linkages and support for
local advancement. We will want these nations to know that Canada's
EXPO in Edmonton is a place where their voices will be heard. We
will budget for the construction, services and operation of the
pavilions for all developing nations, and commit to facilitating
their participation. It has also become commonplace to support the
participation of business leaders from developing nations. What has
not been commonplace - but what Edmonton EXPO 2017 plans to include
in its developing nation strategy - is funding assistance for the
participation of arts and culture groups from these nations.
Corporate
Sector
A key goal is to maximize private-sector sponsorship and
participation in Edmonton EXPO 2017 - for the national and
international phases of the bid period as well as for the
implementation period. We have already begun to identify
opportunities for corporate sector sponsorship of elements of EXPO
2017, including marketing and communications. Strategies laid out
for the bid and implementation periods include a solid,
marketing-based benefits approach. A corporate executive-driven
campaign that has a goal of $100 million in sponsorship revenue is
being developed. The Capital Region's corporate sector has already
begun responding to the prospect of hosting EXPO 2017, contributing
over $160,000 in support. We anticipate enthusiastic participation
nationwide, leading to the event itself.
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