2026 Spring e-News Update

Brandon First Launches 2026-2032 Strategic Plan – A Ticket to 150

Brandon First used our sponsor speaker moment at the  Brandon Chamber of Commerce State of the City Luncheon to unveil our new 2026–2032 Strategic Plan, and to issue a community-wide challenge: begin preparing now for Brandon’s 150th anniversary in 2032. The plan, titled “A Ticket to 150,” sets a clear roadmap for how Brandon First will help grow event tourism, strengthen partnerships, and position the city for one of the most significant milestones in its history.

The newly released strategic plan outlines five key areas of focus to guide Brandon First’s work through 2032:

Together, these priorities position Brandon First to act as a catalyst for new events, partnerships, and long-term economic growth through tourism.

Brandon First Staff attends annual Sport Tourism Congress

Attending the Sport Tourism Canada Sport Event Congress in Mississauga this past March offered our staff an energizing look at the future of sport hosting in Canada. The event brought together host cities, rights holders, and industry leaders, all focused on building stronger partnerships and delivering impactful sport experiences.

One of the standout moments was participating in the Sport Event Exchange, often described as a kind of “speed dating” for the industry. In a series of fast-paced, back-to-back meetings, we connected directly with more than a dozen national sport organizations to explore potential hosting opportunities. Each conversation was concise but meaningful, offering insight into upcoming events, bid requirements, and what organizers are really looking for in host communities.

The format pushed everyone to be clear, focused, and collaborative. It also highlighted just how competitive yet full of opportunity the sport tourism and hosting industry is. Beyond the meetings themselves, the Congress had excellent breakout and keynote speakers and created a space to build relationships. The connections we made in Mississauga are already opening doors, and the momentum from those conversations is something we’re excited to carry forward as we work to bring the best sport events to Brandon.