22
Colleen Logan
Sales Manager US & International Markets at BMO Centre
My name is Colleen Logan, and I grew up in Edmonton, Alberta. I moved to Calgary, Alberta, after getting married and have called it home for almost thirty years. I am a fun-loving person, so the hospitality/tourism industry has been a good fit for me. I have been in the industry for close to 25 years in various roles.
I recently took on a new role as the Sales Manager, US & International Markets, for the BMO Centre at the Calgary Stampede. I am responsible for securing the large conventions coming to our beautiful new convention centre, and I work closely with Tourism Calgary and various meeting planners to negotiate all the details for these conventions.
Connecting and networking with clients is my favorite part of any role.
What led you to focus on the sales side of hospitality? And what is your favorite part about it?
My first role in hospitality was at the Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire, which at that time was under Starwood but managed by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. I had just had my first child, who was born with several challenging medical conditions. I had been out of the workforce for two years and was looking for a new challenge and direction for my career. While our son recovered from surgeries, I challenged myself to complete the What Color is Your Parachute book. It was a daunting task, but after finishing it, the hotel industry stood out as a potential direction. I knew of the excellent reputation of the Sheraton Suites and mentioned it to my husband. He informed me that he had performed there for the General Manager’s birthday (my husband is a local musician). He gave me the name of the Director of Human Resources, and I reached out to her directly. I started working in the Business Centre, then moved on to the Front Desk/Switchboard, and later to Reservations. My final role was as the Executive Assistant to the Executive Office, supporting the General Manager and Director of Operations. I worked in this role for five years.
After some time, I knew I was ready for a new challenge and was hired as an Executive Recruiter with Davies Park Executive Search (now called Leadership International). I learned many aspects of the industry and completed my Association of Executive Search Consultants (AESC) certificate. I worked in this field until 2015 when a downturn in the economy led to my layoff. I did some soul-searching during that time to determine my next career move and realized it would be ideal to blend sales with the hotel industry. I then landed my first Sales Manager role with the Best Western Premier Calgary Hotel.
I really enjoy selling hotel rooms or meeting spaces, as well as prospecting and identifying key decision-makers within organizations. Connecting and networking with clients is my favorite part of any role.
I’m a firm believer in only promising clients what I can truly deliver.
Sales is about building relationships – what’s your approach to creating meaningful connections with your clients?
I enjoy connecting with people and learning about their lives. I’m genuinely interested in them, which helps build stronger relationships. I’m also a firm believer in only promising clients what I can truly deliver. Being honest and authentic is crucial. As I’ve matured, I’ve realized that being your true self—including sharing your interests and enthusiasm—strengthens the bond with clients.
The décor, stunning art pieces, and ample natural light throughout complement this beautifully.
Your role at the BMO Centre is also tied to Calgary’s biggest events. What makes this venue special?
The BMO Centre expansion officially opened in June 2024. The building has grown significantly in size and is now the largest convention centre in Western Canada. The architecture and design are thoughtfully integrated into the delegate experience, creating a building that changes how we define event hosting. The décor, stunning art pieces, and ample natural light throughout complement this beautifully.
I have the unique opportunity to sell this magnificent convention centre on Stampede Park, which also houses several other buildings that can create even more memorable experiences. For example, we have the Nutrien Western Event Centre, GMC Stadium, and The Big Four Roadhouse. This is an incredible opportunity to sell large convention spaces that can also host exciting experiences, like rodeos, concerts, and, of course, the Calgary Stampede.
How does the BMO Centre collaborate with the Calgary Stampede to create a world-class experience for visitors?
The BMO Centre is located on Stampede Park, making it a central part of the Stampede experience. We host a variety of events during the Calgary Stampede, including:
- A western marketplace and art show: Showcases vendors selling western-themed goods, art, and crafts.
- Agricultural showcases: Displays of livestock, horses, and agricultural innovations.
- Concerts and performances: Provides a venue for various entertainment acts.
We collaborate on marketing and promotional efforts as well as share resources and expertise. The partnership between the BMO Centre and the Calgary Stampede generates significant economic benefits for the city of Calgary and the surrounding region.
I think arts and culture is the fabric of a city.
You played a key role in the AIRI Project (Artist in Residence) during your time at the Residence Inn by Marriott in Calgary. Can you share what the project was about, how it came to life, and how it operated?
The Artist in Residence Inn (AIRI) program was the brainchild of our General Manager, Tim Ostrem. I returned to the hotel after being temporarily laid off due to Covid-19 for a year and two weeks, on the same day that Tim started as the new General Manager at the Residence Inn Calgary Downtown. To boost occupancy and generate enthusiasm, Tim created this program to celebrate arts & culture in our community. He also knew that I was passionate about Calgary’s arts and culture scene.
Tim established an application process, and we gathered a jury of arts professionals to assist us in selecting the first few artists. We hosted a performing artist, Jared Daniel, and a visual artist, Tara Vahab, who stayed at the hotel for almost six months. Eventually, we adjusted the program so the artists would stay for a shorter duration. Every artist was required to outline what they hoped to create during their stay at the hotel, which was provided free of charge and included a deluxe buffet breakfast and access to a 24-hour fitness facility. At the end of each AIRI artist’s tenure, the hotel hosted a showcase event—either a live performance or a visual art display. Complimentary food and beverages were served. We worked with amazing artists, and Tim would often purchase a piece of artwork from each artist to display in our AIRI lounge.
Calgary has a strong arts, culture, and tourism scene. Why do you think art and hospitality go hand in hand?
I think arts and culture are the fabric of a city. If you are able to support and showcase this in your hotel or venue, it creates a community that assists in increasing business. Showcasing artists in hospitality brings value to the guests.
I deepened my knowledge of Indigenous communities across Canada, and my appreciation for their culture continued to grow.
How have you seen your work make a meaningful impact on local and Indigenous communities, and are there any specific projects or moments that stand out to you?
I first started working with Indigenous communities when I was a new Sales Manager at the then-Coast Hotel in Northeast Calgary (now rebranded as the Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre). This hotel offers 10,000 square feet of event space and has a large free parking lot, making it an attractive venue for many Indigenous groups, who already had an established relationship with the hotel. It was a fascinating market, and I had the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with clients while participating in impactful events.
The rise of the digital age has reduced the opportunity for direct communication with clients.
The hospitality industry has evolved significantly over the years. What are the biggest changes you’ve observed?
Sales in general has transformed significantly over the years. The rise of the digital age has reduced opportunities for direct communication with clients, which has had a negative impact on client relationships.
Be honest and authentic.
If you could give one piece of career advice to someone considering a career in sales, what would it be?
Be honest and authentic with your clients and always show your true personality.
I am incredibly proud of our city and our province.
Feel free to add anything you feel would be of value to your story and to our audience!
I’ve been in my current role for just over three months, and as I settle into the conference and convention side of hospitality, I want to maintain close connections with the amazing clients and colleagues I’ve built relationships within Calgary and across the country. Keeping these connections is incredibly valuable as I continue to learn and gain insights from meeting planners and clients, both in the U.S. and Internationally.
I am incredibly proud of our city and our province. We have so many unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes, and being able to share and promote these makes my role even more rewarding.
