Born & raised in Calgary, graduated from Hotel & Restaurant Management at SAIT in 1998. In 1999, Patricia developed her hospitality consulting company PMK Consulting and has since assisted several hotels and restaurants with service excellence, marketing and cost effectiveness. In August of 2000 Il Sogno opened as what was considered at the time a forward thinking/ cosmopolitan Italian dining room. Introducing Calgarians to the ‘new’ Italy: the young generation of Italian food & beverage professionals, combining that with the passion she has for being raised in Calgary: what she calls “one of the best cities in the world” has given local Calgarians the chance to enjoy a world class restaurant right here in Calgary. Her ambition and desire for excellence in the food and beverage industry has brought many young chef’s, servers, and sommeliers through the doors of Il Sogno and has inspired them to make their own mark on the Calgary dining scene. Patricia’s goal has always been to have Il Sogno serve as a place of trust that allows for memorable moments to be shared amongst diners.

So we were talking about stampede last month and I am wondering if any if not all of you have taken my advice, put on your cowboy boots and are kicking up your heels? Well, I definitely have! Here’s what I have discovered. This city is even greater than I thought. 

It is what you make it….not to get all philosophical on you, but it’s true!  I can not even tell you how many people I have come across that are the “classic Calgarian”…”been there done that” “try to leave town” at stampede time and yes I WAS her, but honestly, it is exactly what you make it.

Now those who only think it’s about beer tents, two steppin and craziness, have not truly experienced The Calgary Stampede and the infinite opportunities for business that result from it.  Let’s talk a little about some of those corporate events that are held around town…did you know that they raise money for countless local charities from our attendance? Live entertainment is everywhere around the city! Famous Dj’s play at Flames central like Kaskade, Benny Benassi and Deadmaus, rockbands play private events like Trooper, April Wine and as I mentioned last month Lynard Skynard.  The Pengrowth Saddledome books talent like Bon Jovi, Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert and Kid Rock.  Then of course there is the Coca Cola stage where One republic, Loverboy and Theory of a Deadman are playing for the price of entry to the grounds. Not to mention the up and coming country bands that get an opportunity to play at countless venues, and the local Calgarian band that won the chance to open for Bon Jovi on Youtube! The round up center exhibits national arts, crafts, and photography and sculpture competitions. The rodeo itself is really something to see; barrel racing, steer wrestling, bull riding, and its crazy! The chuckwagon races are also fun and followed by the Grandstand show and nightly fireworks.  There are so many things going on around town that there is even an application for your Iphone that tells you where the nearest pancake breakfast and/or barbeque is at…..yes that is right for your Iphone!

Let’s talk about the benefit here; networking, money for charity, tourism and employment. Really?  Still not convinced that there is something to see here?

If the Calgary stampede attracts over 60,000 people to this city every year why wouldn’t we want to support more events that bring this influx of people here? Filling our hotels and restaurants while passing through the gates at the Calgary zoo and Heritage Park? Booking out venues like Flames central and Fort Calgary for outdoor events? Why is it so difficult for our local business men and woman get permits or approvals for such events?  If Calgary has such a great sense of community and spirit then why do we not gather to support these festivals and events to enhance the vibe and fill this city with fun for everyone ALL year long? Let me repeat myself here; networking, money for charity, tourism and employment year round? Think about the potential!

I recently attended Lilith Fair at McMahon stadium and it was a gorgeous day, filled with great music and good friends. Sugarland, Erykah Badu, Colbie Caillat, Sheryl Crow and of course Sara McLachlan played all evening and I found myself looking around and thinking what a shame it is that we do not support  booking this venue for more outdoor concerts and or festivals.

Lilac festival on 4^th street, Sun and Salsa in Kensington is on July 25^th, Calgary Folk festival on Princess Island park plays on July 22^nd through the 25^th, also on Princess island one of my personal favorites Shakespeare in the park plays July through August, where a great way to spend your evening is pre-booking a “picnic basket” at River café and enjoying it while you watch the play. Who doesn’t love Shakespeare?

An opportunity for people to have fun; that really is what these events require to be “successful”….well and maybe a little sunshine! Word gets out there and people want to visit and take part! We often get so caught up in everyday life we forget to give ourselves permission to have fun!

Whether it was the Great job we did during the 1988 Olympics , the Busy vibe of 17^th avenue during the “Great red mile” , the excitement of the Grey cup win in 2008 or most recently the line ups at the Ship and Anchor at 8am because your favorite team is playing in the World cup people are attracted to “the vibe”.  The vibe of a community, of a celebration and any opportunity to gather together and nurture our “spirit”, it is what we all have in common. Sure there might be alcohol available, yes people will be celebrating because life should be celebrated and sometimes we need to find a reason. 

So why not use your voice at the next community meeting, BRZ planning meeting and/or city council meeting? Ask the question what is your plan to make this great city more vibrant and attractive to visitors on vacation, planning conventions and or festivals.  Ask why it takes a building permit and 6 months of planning to get approval for a tent in an outdoor event. Ask why the retailers in Inglewood have to practically build a temporary extention of there store fronts because tables just won’t do for a street fair anymore and if it is for safety reasons then how do they do it for Comedy or Jazz festival on Rue St. Denis in Montreal where thousands of people gather over 10 city blocks to attend these festivals? Are we thinking inside or outside of the box? Does it matter if it works?

Because the way I see it…this city is pure potential, the people in it are truly hospitable by nature and well let’s be honest we love the braggin rights….we really know how to have a good time!

This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 14th, 2010 at 1:40 pm and is filed under Industry Stuff. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.