2025 Convention & Trade Show: That’s a wrap! 

Energy, excitement and enthusiasm were off the charts at the largest ever 2025 Alberta Municipalities Convention and Trade Show held in Calgary from Nov. 12 to 14.   

About 1,300 delegates came together at the TELUS Convention Centre to share ideas and tackle the common challenges facing Alberta’s communities. Many were first-time local elected officials who participated fully in discussions that will help shape the future of Alberta’s communities.  

Information sessions & trade show  

Fourteen information sessions delivered on Nov. 12 and 13 offered something for nearly everyone. Our guest speakers, including Dr. Shawna Pandya and Jonny Harris, and ABmunis’ talented Policy & Advocacy team did an excellent job of informing and entertaining delegates.   

This year's Trade Show, which featured about 150 different exhibitors, was a big hit. Delegates spent their time walking the trade show floor, discussing various products and services, building connections, and picking up local, Alberta-made giveaway items from the ABmunis booth.  

Resolutions & speeches  

Delegates debated and passed 14 resolutions on a wide range of issues that affect everyday life in Alberta’s communities – issues like affordability, property taxes, and funding for infrastructure (including sports and recreation facilities). Two resolutions passed with amendments. One amendment had been withdrawn prior to debate & voting. Resolution results are available here.

Both Premier Danielle Smith and Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi delivered memorable speeches. They were followed by Municipal Affairs Minister Dan Williams and two Ministers’ Dialogue sessions, in which more than a dozen ministers spoke about the work their respective ministries do and fielded questions from delegates.  

Board elections  

No Convention would be complete without elections. Here are this year’s new members of ABmunis’ Board of Directors:  

• President – Dylan Bressey, City of Grande Prairie 
• Directors, Cities over 500,000 –  
  • Andre Chabot, City of Calgary 
  • John Pantazopoulos, City of Calgary 
  • Thu Parmar, City of Edmonton 
• Directors, Cities up to 500,000 –  
  • Janelle Sandboe, City of Chestermere 
  • Jenn Schmidt-Rempel, City of Lethbridge 
• Director, Towns East – David Sharun, Town of Bonnyville 
• Director, Towns South – Jenny Jones, Town of High River 
• Director, Summer Villages – Brian Waterhouse, Summer Village of Sundance Beach.  

We look forward to seeing everyone again at one of our informative upcoming events in 2026. Don't forget, ABmunis' 2026 Convention & Trade Show will be hosted in Edmonton, September 23 - 26!