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.