What an amazing year 2025 was for Brandon First! We assisted many incredible events that generated thousands of overnight hotels stays and millions of dollars in estimated economic impact for our community. We launched a new brand, attended industry conferences, and supported local businesses. Let’s look back at some of the standout moments from the last year:
Brandon First got to help a lot of great events in 2025, many of them national level events bringing people from across Canada to Experience their Event Here. This is just a short list of some of the incredible successes of the Brandon event hosting community this year.
The 2025 USports Men’s Volleyball Champion Brandon Bobcats hoist the trophy in a sold out HLC – photo provided by Brandon University
This March 21-23 the BU Healthy Living Centre hosted an electrifying national championship, featuring teams from across the country in three days of fierce competition at the USports Men’s Volleyball Championships. The tournament featured exceptional performances and thrilling rallies, ending in a dramatic hometown victory for the host-team Bobcats, who rose from 8th seed to National Champions. Strong attendance, including sold out matches featuring the Bobcats, plus the high energy of the crowd made the event a memorable and successful event hosting experience for everyone involved. The economic impact assessment Brandon First conducted using Destinations International’s Economic Impact Calculator showed that the Championships generated over $1.05 Million Dollars in total impact to our community! Add that to the big win by the hometown heroes, and that’s an event success on every level.
Archery Canada ASA Indoor Nationals –
Keystone Centre
Also March 21-23, Brandon hosted the 2025 Archery Canada ASA Indoor Nationals at the Keystone Centre, drawing Canada’s top 3D archers for a championship defined by skill, focus, and competitive intensity. Featuring the ASA format and life-sized 3D targets, the event challenged athletes across all age divisions. The tournament highlighted the strength of Canada’s archery community and delivered a quality national championship experience for participants and spectators alike.
All Canada Sheep Classic –
Keystone Centre
The All Canada Sheep Classic, shown here, was hosted at the Keystone Centre from July 10–12 and welcomed leading breeders and producers to Brandon. The event showcased Canada’s finest sheep through competitive shows, sales, and industry networking, highlighting excellence in genetics and production. It also celebrated the important role sheep farming plays in Canadian agriculture.
From August 7–10, the Ashley Neufeld Softball Complex hosted the U19 Western Canada Softball Championships, welcoming top youth teams from across Western Canada. The four-day tournament featured strong competition and highlighted the skill, dedication, and sportsmanship of emerging softball talent. The championship provided Brandon with another opportunity to promote our top-tier facilities and extensive experience in hosting major regional sporting events.
Canadian High School Rodeo Finals – Keystone Centre, Assiniboine Credit Union Agricultural Centre of Excellence
From July 30 to August 2, Brandon hosted the Canadian National High School Rodeo Finals for the third and final year at the Keystone Centre. The event brought Canada’s top youth rodeo athletes and their families to Brandon for several days of high-level competition and celebration of the sport. The championship allowed exceptional young talent to compete at a high level and once again demonstrated the Keystone Centre’s unique ability to host large-scale rodeo, equestrian, and agricultural events. With enthusiastic local support and a strong sense of community, the finals created an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
The 2025 Brandon Emergency Services Conference was held at the Keystone Centre from September 3–5, bringing together firefighters, paramedics, emergency management professionals, and other first responders from across Manitoba and beyond. Under the theme “Breaking Down Barriers,” attendees participated in three days of training, keynote presentations, and a large trade show showcasing the latest equipment, technology, and services. The conference provided valuable professional development while strengthening community and collaboration among emergency services agencies in Brandon and the Westman region.
Canada’s National Arabian Championship – Keystone Centre
From August 7–16, Brandon hosted Canada’s National Arabian Championship at the Keystone Centre, welcoming Arabian horses back for the first time since the pandemic. This new event combined the heritage of past championships with a fresh, modern experience, drawing competitors and visitors from across North America. Brandon First is proud to support one-of-a-kind events like this that highlight our city as a hub for national competitions and bring vibrancy to our community. Welcome back, Arabians!
We can’t wait to work with even more incredible event hosts in 2026 and beyond – stay tuned to our social media and website for announcements and opportunities to help out!
Our team was busy in 2025 attending industry conferences, exploring event opportunities, launching a new brand, and supporting our community.
February 2025 marked an exciting milestone for Brandon First with the launch of our refreshed brand identity. The new look and messaging celebrate what makes Brandon special—a welcoming community, outstanding facilities, and a proven ability to host events of all kinds. This rebrand strengthens our voice as a city ready to engage visitors, businesses, and event organizers alike. Thank you to our creative partners at Create Marketing for helping us bring this bold, modern vision to life!
Brandon First’s participation in the 2025 Sport Tourism Canada Congress in Calgary strengthened our connections within the national sport tourism network. The team leveraged Brandon’s recent hosting successes, explored new event opportunities, and met with 10 National Sport Organizations during the Congress’s fast-paced Sport Events Exchange. The event provided valuable insights, trend updates, and networking, reinforcing Brandon’s reputation as a capable and enthusiastic host for Western Canadian, national, and international sporting events.
This June, Brandon First hosted its Annual General Meeting at the Backyard on Aberdeen. The meeting featured a financial presentation from BDO, a year-in-review from Executive Director Jenn, and a passing of the gavel from Past-Chair Chris Heide to incoming Board Chair Grant Hamilton. It was a great opportunity to share our achievements from the past year and outline plans for the future. We want to thank all attendees and look forward to seeing you next June! Please join us in welcoming the 2025–2027 Brandon First Board Executive: Grant Hamilton (Chair), Janis Evens (Vice-Chair), Shonah Rathwell (Secretary), Sara Grexton (Treasurer), and Chris Heide (Past-Chair).
We also want to recognize Chris Heide for his outstanding dedication and leadership. As Manager at CAA Manitoba Brandon Branch, Chris has volunteered widely and quietly guided Brandon First for nearly eight years as Chair and two years as Vice-Chair. His behind-the-scenes support, enthusiasm, and commitment have made a lasting impact on the organization and the community. While he steps into the role of Past-Chair, his contributions and inspiration will be remembered and appreciated by all who have worked alongside him. Thank you, Chris!
CSAE Momentum in Victoria BC
In October, the Brandon First staff once again had the opportunity to attend the CSAE National Conference – Momentum, this year hosted in Victoria, BC.
Sara and Jenn in Victoria after an evening event during CSAE Momentum
Association professionals from across Canada come together at this event to share insights, ideas, and best practices. The event was inspiring, offering sessions with industry leaders and strategies to strengthen our work in event attraction and destination development. We returned energized, with fresh ideas and new connections to help position Brandon as a top destination for meetings, conferences, and major events.
Jenn at Breakout West in Winnipeg
In September, we also attended Break Out West Conference and the Western Canadian Music Awards in Winnipeg. The event celebrated the best of Western Canada’s music and creative industries through conference sessions, networking, and live performances.
Western Canadian Music Awards
Participating gave us valuable insight into how arts, culture, and entertainment can drive tourism and enhance the visitor experience. Inspired by the creativity and collaboration we witnessed, we are now working with the Westman Live Arts Group to explore bringing similar events to Brandon in the future.
Brandon Chamber of Commerce State of the City Luncheon – Keystone Centre – Sponsored by Brandon First
We attended local conferences such as Women of Westman, fundraising and gala events including the Provincial Exhibition’s President’s Dinner, the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards, and the Chamber Business Awards Gala, performed in the Westman Lip Sync in support of the United Way, and were the presenting sponsor for the annual Chamber of Commerce State of the City Luncheon. We are excited to see what 2026 brings for our team!
Our 2025 Night of Delight Stakeholder Appreciation Evening, an organizational favorite of the year, took place in October and it was a perfect chance to say a big THANK YOU to our stakeholder members for another incredible year of support.
Night of Delight – Behind the Scenes at the Western Manitoba Auditorium in the cast dressing rooms
Our annual Night of Delight returned on October 9th, offering stakeholders an unforgettable evening celebrating the very best of Brandon’s event scene. Guests got a behind-the-scenes look at some of the city’s top venues, starting with an artist’s tour of the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium. There, attendees enjoyed refreshments in the Founders Room, got a taste of life on stage with karaoke under the lights, and saw the inner workings of a professional stage and sound setup.
Night of Delight – Behind the Scenes at Weddings by Abby
The night continued at Weddings by Abby, where guests toured thousands of square feet of decor for events of all kinds, gaining inspiration from creative setups for events, conferences, and celebrations of every type. Attendees also enjoyed snacks and participated in a lively bouquet-building contest.
The evening concluded with a tour of the Roadhouse and a relaxing stop at The Tavern for food and drinks, generously provided by Canad Inns Destination Centre Brandon. Special thanks to Brandon Bus Lines for ensuring everyone traveled comfortably between venues. Night of Delight is one of our favorite traditions—a chance to celebrate and thank the incredible stakeholder and community partners who make Brandon a premier destination for events and experiences. We are already looking forward to next year’s celebration!
Thank you to all of our funders and stakeholders!
We could not continue to bring the best events to Brandon in the future if not for the generosity of our events and business community today.
As a member, you are first in line for event organizers looking for local partners, and your listing in our directory ensures you stay top of mind. Our annual Night of Delight is just one opportunity for member networking that often sparks new ideas and collaboration. And at Brandon First, we believe in our members: We promote you on social media and our website, and we prefer your products and services for our own use. Together, we bring the best events to Brandon!
If your business is not yet a Brandon First stakeholder and you would like more information you can call our office at 204-729-2156 or click here for more details on membership levels and a full list of benefits.
Invoices will be sent out in January and are due by March 31, 2026. If you have any questions about your membership or the benefits you receive please reach out to Jenn directly at jenn@brandonfirst.com or 204-441-5628
Upcoming Events:
January 20 – 22, 2026
Manitoba Ag Days | Keystone Centre
February 20-22, 2026
BWK Foundation U9 Hockey Classic | J&G Homes Arena
February 24 – March 1, 2026
Manitoba Credit Union’s Master Men’s and Women’s Provincials | Brandon Curling Club
April 24-25
Toastmasters District 64 Conference | Dome Building
March 30 – April 3, 2026
Royal Manitoba Winter Fair | Keystone Centre
Do you have an event in mind you
would like to see come to
Brandon?
Let us know! info@brandonfirst.com or 204-729-2156
You can also submit an RFP or Event Proposal by clicking here.
