Calgary, AB – The Calgary TELUS Convention Centre holds inclusive educational Parkinson’s event.
“Accessibility is a journey for us, one we are committed to for the long haul. Hosting an event like Parkinson’s reaffirms why that work matters. These truly inclusive events are the kinds of programs the CTCC loves to host and it’s the small details that matter, down to accessible utensils, that make me most proud of what our team has built at the CTCC. It’s the team’s level of care that creates a seamless experience – the human aspect of everything we do.”
Kurby Court, President and CEO of the CTCC
Accessibility is not a checkbox; it’s not a ramp by the back door or a single designated parking spot. At the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre (CTCC), accessibility is a philosophy that shapes every decision, from how a room is set up to how a guest finds their way through the building. Following National AccessAbility Week, the CTCC is proud to reaffirm its commitment to ensuring that every person who attends an event, regardless of ability, can access the space and participate fully, independently and with dignity.
The CTCC is pleased to support Parkinson’s IQ + You, a complimentary, in-person educational event designed to empower individuals living with Parkinson’s and their care partners. For many people with Parkinson’s, something as simple as holding a fork can at times be a daily challenge, which is why the CTCC has invested in adaptable cutlery and glassware with larger grips and weighted handles, and accessible buffets to ensure every delegate can participate in events like this. Held on June 6, 2026, Parkinson’s IQ + You highlighted not only the importance of knowledge and support, but the vital role accessible, inclusive spaces play in fostering meaningful community and connection.
“Accessibility is a journey for us, one we are committed to for the long haul. Hosting an event like Parkinson’s reaffirms why that work matters. These truly inclusive events are the kinds of programs the CTCC loves to host and it’s the small details that matter, down to accessible utensils, that make me most proud of what our team has built at the CTCC,” said Kurby Court President & CEO of the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre.“It’s the team’s level of care that creates a seamless experience – the human aspect of everything we do.”
For the CTCC, hosting events like this goes beyond logistics. It is ensuring that every delegate who comes through the doors can do business together, make connections, and participate. Accessible venues are better venues. They serve wider audiences, attract more diverse organizations, and deliver a better experience for everyone in the room.
That commitment is built into the building itself and embedded in how every event is delivered. Accessibility is not treated as an add-on or a special request; it’s a foundational standard. From automatic doors and elevators to mobility-friendly layouts, accessible desks and podiums, and thoughtfully designed spaces that support guests who may need a moment away from the crowd, every detail is intentionally planned. For guests who are neurodivergent or may find event environments overstimulating, the CTCC has thoughtfully integrated quiet retreat areas throughout the building, giving guests the option to step away, regroup and return on their own terms. Sensory backpacks, available through Guest Services, are stocked with tools to support self-regulation and can be borrowed throughout any event. Supported by trained staff who understand and prioritize inclusive service, these features ensure that all guests can navigate and experience the CTCC with comfort, and ease from the moment they arrive.
The CTCC also encourages their clients to consider accessibility from the earliest stages of the planning process. The Centre’s experienced Event Managers work directly with clients during the planning stage to ensure accessibility is built into the design of each event, down to the floor plan, not an added afterthought. That means wide, clearly defined aisle configurations, seating arrangements that integrate accessible options throughout the room rather than isolating them and podiums, registration desks and buffet tables that are reachable and useable by all delegates. The CTCC’s Event Managers bring expertise to every conversation, helping clients see accessibility not as a constraint but as an opportunity for everyone in the room. To support this, the Centre has developed a comprehensive brochure that outlines the available services and resources. By equipping with the tools and knowledge they need upfront, we aim to make inclusive and accessible events the standard, not the exception.
“For many in the Parkinson’s community, attending an event can come with unique and sometimes overwhelming challenges. Accessibility should never be the reason someone feels unable to attend. The care shown by the CTCC makes it easier for people to show up knowing their needs have been considered, so they can simply be present and take part in the experience.” Says Emily Brown, Manager of Events & Experiences at Parkinson Canada.
A key part of that experience is the CTCC’s partnership with Pedesting, a wayfinding platform that helps guests navigate the venue and downtown Calgary before they even arrive. The app maps accessible routes, locates amenities, and lets visitors plan around their mobility needs, removing one of the most common barriers to attending a large event in an unfamiliar space, before they ever set foot in the building.
“We know through lived experience that being able to map out a route before you go significantly reduces anxiety and boosts confidence. Planning ahead allows people to visualize their journey, identify key landmarks, and locate essential amenities, leading to a much calmer and more independent experience in new environments. That is why we created Pedesting and have partnered with organizations like the CTCC. The Pedesting app helps reduce uncertainty and empowers people to participate fully — in the workplace, day-to-day activities, conferences, travel — and most importantly, connect with others. After all, everyone has the right to be included and have the same opportunities to explore, learn, and enjoy life out in the world.
About Calgary TELUS Convention Centre
The Calgary TELUS Convention Centre is focused on enhancing the services that we provide well beyond the venue—to create a place and experience that supports all events for people to convene, connect and converse together. What started as a central location for coming together has grown into the next generation of convention services and experiences.
About Parkinson’s Canada
At Parkinson Canada, people with Parkinson’s are at the centre of everything we do. We empower the Parkinson’s community through tailored programs, innovative research and raising the voice of individuals living in Canada impacted by Parkinson’s. A national registered charity, Parkinson Canada fulfills its mission through the generosity of donors.
Please visit parkinson.ca, call 1-800-565-3000 or email [email protected] in English or French for more information, to get involved or to support individuals affected by Parkinson’s by making a donation.