This exclusive event, led by the Event Co-Chairs: Janice Barresi, Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group; Wayne Long, City of Charlottetown; and Gary Curgin, an independent event management and sport travel consultant based in London, Ontario; offers a unique opportunity for individuals working in the sport tourism sector to make a tangible difference and collectively shape the future of the industry.
Spo Ho Xperience™ marks a new phase in the evolution of sport hosting in Canada. It is designed specifically to prepare the industry for the challenges and opportunities of the future, harnessing the collective intelligence and expertise of participants to drive innovation, creativity, and sustainable growth.
“We believe that the future of sport hosting lies in collaborative thinking and creativity,” says Gary Curgin. “The Spo Ho Xperience™ think tank serves as a melting pot of ideas, where industry leaders, stakeholders, and aspiring professionals can converge to envision a brighter future for sport hosting in Canada.”
Event Details:
The Spo Ho Xperience™ will be a 1.5-day energetic event, featuring interactive workshops, inspiring keynote speeches, off-site field trips, and dynamic networking.
Participants can expect to gain invaluable insights from renowned experts, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and cultivate lasting relationships with like-minded individuals in the sport hosting domain.
Date: October 11-12, 2023
Location: Infinity Convention Centre, Ottawa
Website: www.SpoHoXperience.ca
Cost:
$345 CAD (+ tax) – 1.5-day not-for-profit rate
$175 CAD (+ tax) – 1.5-day student rate
$795 CAD (+ tax) – 1.5-day regular rate
$145 CAD (+ tax) – ticket for evening social only
Key Highlights of Spo Ho Xperience™:
B2B Appointments (D8s™): One-on-one meetings where event organizers/rights holders, destinations and hosting/supplier partners explore partnership opportunities.
Networking Event (Skillz™ Competition & Dinner): A semi-competitive activity featuring interactive challenges, delicious food and beverage, and team building.
**This element of the event is included for all registered attendees but is also available as a stand-alone activity. Tickets ($145 CAD + tax) can be purchased online while supplies last.
Topical Workshop Discussions (The Scrum™): Engaging discussions on spicey topics impacting the sport hosting industry led by an impressive speaker line-up.
Community Adventures (Spo Ho X™ Field Trips): Discover cool venues and off-site activities in Ottawa-Gatineau for a behind the scenes look at what makes a destination and venue most attractive to sport tourists.
Spaces for the Spo Ho Xperience™ are limited and the event is already 49% sold out. Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of this influential gathering. Request an exclusive invite to attend this transformational event or if your invitation has already arrived, be sure to accept it as soon as possible.
Many of the most influential people and organizations in the sport hosting industry, including the Canadian Olympic Committee, CBC Sports and Olympics, Adrenalin magazine, Hilton Hotels, FIFA World Cup 2026, Air Canada, Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group, U SPORTS, Sports & Entertainment Atlantic (S|E|A) are already registered. To see who’s coming, click here.
For media inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or general information about the Spo Ho Xperience™ event, please contact info@SpoHoXperience.ca.
