Beyond the Game: Unlocking the Real Economic Impact of Events for Your Community

Date: Tuesday, September 15
Time: 11:30am
Room: Main Ballroom

Moderator:
EDAC Board Member

Panelists:
Sean McCormick – Payment Data Leader, Moneris
Johanna Griggs – Executive Director, Destination Canada
Hannah Parish – Country Manager, AirBNB

Description: Major events generate far more than just headlines—they drive local spending, boost tourism, and create lasting economic legacies. Fresh off the heels of hosting matches for the World Cup across Canadian cities, this session dives into preliminary economic impact data, visitor spending behaviors, and lodging trends to reveal what really happens when the world comes to town. 

Join industry experts from payments, tourism, and hospitality as they share early insights from recent mega-events and translate those lessons into actionable strategies for communities of all sizes. Whether your destination is hosting international tournaments, regional sports championships, or local cultural festivals, learn how to capture, measure, and maximize the long-term economic benefits for your local business ecosystem.