Soul of the City

What makes people love where they live and why it matters

Due to greater worker mobility, global cities are competing to retain their most creative residents and to attract talented newcomers. Only by understanding the needs of their citizens and by providing them with a high quality of life, can cities appeal to the 'creative classes' and prosper by fostering greater social cohesion.

Calgary Economic Development launched the Soul of the City speaker series in September 2012 to bring Calgarians together to have this discussion and showcase Calgary’s soul. With a diverse group of presenters and venues, the speaker series covers topics such as sustainability, community-minded commerce, urban design, art, food, creativity, education and diversity.

Here what Mayor Nenshi has to say about Soul of the City.


Upcoming event:

Festivals and street culture igniting life in our city presented by The Calgary TELUS Convention Centre and fueled by M2i Development Corporation

Learn more about this event


If you are interested in sponsoring Soul of the City, please contact Michael Fotheringham.


Past events

Topic Watch the video
Celebrating and Cultivating Local Food in Calgary
May 7, 2013
Fashion TV interview
Creativity in Calgary
March 25, 2013
Synopsis video
Watch Jeff Melanson's talk
Watch Patrick Finn's talk
Weaving Public Art and Inspiring Architecture into the Fabric of Our City
January 23, 2013
Synopsis video
Watch Yves Trepanier's talk
Watch Karen Ball's talk
Watch Craig Reardon's talk
Watch Rachel Seupersad's talk
New Frontiers in Urban Planning and Design
November 28, 2012
Synopsis video
Watch Ken Greenberg's talk
Watch Marcy McInelly's talk
Watch Doug Olson's talk
How sustainable initiatives make Calgary more competitive
October 24, 2012
Watch Chris Turner's talk
Synopsis video
What makes people love where they live, and why it matters
September 26, 2012
Watch Dr. Katherine Loflin's talk
Synopsis video