Calgary Comes Alive: Capturing AmCham Canada’s Stampede Party
- Jeff Borchert
- Jul 10, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 12, 2025
If there’s one week that defines Calgary’s spirit, it’s Stampede—and this year’s American Chamber of Commerce in Canada (AmCham Canada) Stampede 'U.S.- Canada Crossborder Roundup' at Calgary's TELUS Convention Centre was a standout. I had the privilege of photographing the afternoon event, and from the moment guests arrived, the energy was undeniable.
From the decor to the people, everything clicked
AmCham Canada’s team nailed the atmosphere. Thoughtful decor set the tone—modern Western details, warm tones, and premium touches that felt both polished and welcoming. It looked fantastic in photos, with clean lines, strong textures, and plenty of visual interest to play with.
The hosts were gracious and dialed-in, making sure every guest felt seen. That hospitality carried through the afternoon and made candid coverage a joy—genuine smiles, real conversations, and lots of connection.
A room full of momentum
Attendee energy was high from the first handshake. Business leaders, community builders, and partners came ready to connect, and it showed. These are the moments I love to photograph at corporate events: the quick win at the cocktail table, the laughter between old colleagues, the introductions that spark future collaboration. It’s where brand stories are built—face to face.
Premier moments and sponsor remarks
A highlight of the ‘U.S.- Canada Crossborder Roundup’ was Premier Danielle Smith’s personal meet and greet with business leaders, followed by remarks to attendees. The tone was direct and engaged—plenty of one-on-one introductions, then a focused message to the room. From a photographer’s perspective, those brief windows matter: clean, natural light on faces, a quick pivot to the mic, and a mix of tight portraits with wide shots that show context and crowd.
Hannah Paris, Airbnb Country Manager also took the mic to share sponsor remarks, underscoring the cross-border business spirit of the afternoon. Those addresses paired perfectly with candid audience reactions—applause, nods, and note-taking moments that help tell the full story.
Other notable attendees were US Consul General Emily Fleckner, Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek, and Alberta NDP leader (also my former professor) Naheed Nenshi.
Live music that moved the room
Calgary artist Charley Kate (@charleykatemusic) brought an engaging, polished set—full of charm and connection. Her performance added a dynamic thread through the program and made for incredible imagery: expressive stage moments, audience engagement, and those in-between frames that carry sound into stills.
Photographing the energy
For this event, my approach centered on three things:
Story-first coverage: Openers, transitions, and key beats that guide the viewer through the afternoon.
Candid connection: The interactions that say more than any staged photo ever could.
Hero visuals: Clean, brand-forward images that AmCham Canada can use across web, social, PR, and future invites.
The result? A gallery that feels as alive as the afternoon itself—polished enough for corporate use, authentic enough to transport you back into the room.
Why it matters for brands
Events like this do more than celebrate a moment—they fuel future momentum. Strong event photography helps:
Extend the life of your event across social and newsletters
Strengthen brand perception with high-quality visuals
Support media coverage and partner relations
Attract next year’s sponsors and attendees
Thank you, AmCham Canada, for a fantastic Stampede celebration—and for trusting me to tell the story.
Planning a Calgary corporate event, gala, or mixer? Let’s make sure it’s documented with care. Reach out about your next event—I want to take care of you.
Calgary corporate event photography by Jeff B Photography
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