Economic Outlook

Calgary is a city that is both changing with the world and helping to change the world. That's why this year's theme was "Embracing Disruption and Change". From addressing energy and climate challenges to embracing diversity and inclusion, we are all trying to get to a better place. For Calgarians, that place is right here.  And right now. 

On October 27, 2021, we hosted the 2022 Economic Outlook where we will discuss the opportunities and disruption digital transformation brings. Can innovative thinking resolve economic challenges brought by COVID-19 and the energy and climate change dynamic? 

This year’s not-to-be-missed economic forecast will be presented by Todd Hirsch, Vice President and Chief Economist, ATB Financial, and Frances Donald, Chief Economist, Manulife. 

With 2020 presenting challenges in physically gathering together, we’ve reimagined how to bring this unique event to our community. We are thrilled to be hosting a virtual Economic Outlook event this fall, the first of its kind, and it promises to deliver as the not-to-be-missed business event of the year.

Keynote Speakers:

• Todd Hirsch, Vice President & Chief Economist, ATB Financial
  Vice President & Chief Economist, ATB Todd Hirsch is the Vice President and Chief Economist for ATB Financial. He holds degrees in economics from the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta. For over 20 years he’s worked as an economist at numerous organizations including the Canada West Foundation and the Bank of Canada.
• Pierre Cléroux, Vice President, Research and Chief Economist, Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
  Vice President, Research and Chief Economist, BDC Pierre Cléroux leads a team of experts who analyze economic data to identify business and sector trends impacting Canadian entrepreneurs. A seasoned speaker, he helps business owners understand the risks and opportunities presented by the economic environment.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has put an unprecedented stress on our community and as a result, many of our local support organizations have seen an increased demand for their services. That’s why this year, Calgary Economic Development will donate all net proceeds from Economic Outlook to two charities – the Calgary Region’s Canadian Mental Health Association and the Calgary Food Bank.

In 2018, a record number of 1,500 community leaders attended Calgary’s premier business luncheon. This year's event promises to be the business networking event with senior representatives from all key industries. This annual signature event is your opportunity to meet with local leaders and to hear experts discuss current and future economic trends and forecasts for Calgary, Alberta and the nation.

Economic Outlook is an annual event hosted by Calgary Economic Development in partnership with ATB Financial. This event delivers global, national, regional and local economic forecasts from Canada’s premier economists. Moderated by CTV Calgary’s Tara Nelson, guest speakers Todd Hirsch, Chief Economist, ATB Financial and Pedro Antunes, Deputy Chief Economist, The Conference Board of Canada, discuss the economic trends that will drive business decisions in today's economy and the future.

Moderated by CTV's Tara Nelson, Todd Hirsch, Chief Economist at ATB Financial and Glen Hodgson, Senior Fellow at the Conference Board of Canada shared their perspectives about how local, provincial, national and international economic forecasts for 2018 may influence businesses in Calgary.