Things are always jumping at Spruce Meadows, even when the horses are stabled and the competition rings are silent.

Everyone knows this immaculate sporting showplace near Calgary's south city limits is the top-ranked show jumping venue in the world. But while superb horse sport routinely attracts standing-room-only crowds to the Spruce Meadows grandstands, a steady stream of visitors pours through the gates whether or not top international competition is scheduled.

They come to gain insight and foster team spirit during strategy sessions and seminars, staged in a pastoral country setting.

They come to negotiate business mergers and acquisitions in an atmosphere of utmost privacy.

The Congress Hall is a popular choice with corporate clients. From a themed dining setting, pictured above, to international business forums, including the “Changing Fortunes” Round Table event, below, and State visits, the facility offers something both special and memorable.

They come to salute colleagues at retirement dinners, to keep up with trends during trade shows and to witness the unveiling of new-model automobiles. They enjoy cultural events and they forge lasting bonds, both business and social.

In short, they keep the Southern family's pride and joy humming almost every day of the year.

“Anything goes at Spruce Meadows. We give you a blank canvas to paint on,” smiles Kurby Court, who manages hosting venues and security for this modern-day Camelot.

During the past several years, Spruce Meadows has played host to 300 group functions a year, in winter, summer, spring and fall. Why? Because Spruce Meadows’ talented, creative and resourceful event planners refuse to take the easy way out.

On the contrary, this team of qualified event professionals insists on custom-tailoring each function, recreational or professional, to the customer’s taste and requirements.



“We have repeat customers, many of them business professionals, who return here every year,” Court explains.

“They find it beneficial to get everyone out of the office, away from their e-mail and other distractions. They check their cellphones at the door and concentrate on the task at hand.”

Business clients tend to gravitate toward the well-equipped and versatile Congress Hall, a large boardroom (13,000 sq. ft.) surrounded by one-way glass which allows session members to refresh themselves with an occasional glance at immaculate greenery, brilliant flower gardens and some of the most magnificent horseflesh on the planet.

Fully outfitted for wireless Internet capability, Congress Hall is best known as the site of the annual Spruce Meadows “Changing Fortunes” Round Table, during the “Masters” international tournament each September.

Every year, the most influential corporate builders, leaders and decision-makers from around the world gather here for this thought-provoking international business forum.

The ambience of Congress Hall offers a unique blend of the sophisticated and the casual.

It’s an atmosphere which lends itself to the collegial exchange of ideas, so basic to the success of strategic meetings, brainstorming sessions and sales seminars.

Of course, a full range of on-site gourmet food service is available. Food and beverage service is supplied by Great Events Catering, a longtime Spruce Meadows exclusive service provider that has presented everything from hot dogs in the park to a meal fit for a sovereign, served to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during her 1990 Royal Visit.

“During tournaments, our banquet staff serve as many as 60,000 meals a day,” Court points out. “So a meeting of 200 persons is no problem at all.”

Of course, Congress Hall also houses an exquisite collection of artwork, which adds elegance, ambience and panache to every dinner and reception held in this all-purpose venue.

Even the most fervent supporters of equestrian sport may not be fully aware of the scope and variety of the amenities Spruce Meadows is able to offer.

For example, British House is another favourite guest choice for more intimate social gatherings.

This modern and comfortable facility was unveiled in 1998 and has rapidly become a sought-after character space, ideal for group dinners and receptions.

For exhibitions and trade shows, meanwhile, the Spruce Meadows Equi-Plex is first rate. A large (36,000 sq. ft.) indoor space, the Equi-Plex plays host to everything from antique shows to industry trade shows.

Other attractive venue options for business, recreational or social functions include the Riding Hall and the stadium skyboxes at Spruce Meadows.

No matter which site is selected, customers can relax knowing that a friendly, efficient hosting co-ordinator will walk them through each step of preparation.

Then, when event day rolls around, that contact person will remain on site to make sure the big day comes off without a hitch.

So don’t hesitate a moment longer to take advantage of the unique Spruce Meadows style of Western hospitality.

Please contact Robert Wise, manager of new client relations, 403.974.4264 for further information and for booking inquiries.