Beyond the excitement on the field, sport is a major economic driver, creating opportunities for investment, tourism, workforce development and community growth. Through this dynamic panel discussion, attendees will gain insights into how the principles of leadership, teamwork, resilience and innovation translate from sport to business, while examining the lasting economic and social impact of major sporting events. This conversation will inspire Calgary’s business community to think differently about the role sport plays in shaping a vibrant, competitive, and prosperous economy.
Event partners: Calgary Economic Development, Tourism Calgary
When and where
Date and time
Location
Fairmont Palliser
133 9 Ave SW, Calgary, AB, T2P 2M3, Canada
133 9 Ave SW, Calgary, AB, T2P 2M3, Canada
About
Tickets
- Member: $59.00
- Member table: $472.00
- Non-member: $119.00
- Non-member table: $952.00
Refund Policy
Registered event attendees may cancel their tickets:
- 72 hours in advance of an event for paid tickets. Please note: Refunds will be processed to the original form of payment and may take 5-10 business days to appear on your statement.
- 24 hours in advance of an event for member event credits. Please note: Membership credits will be refunded directly back into your membership account within 24 hours.
Moderator
Deborah Yedlin
President, CEO | Calgary Chamber of Commerce
Deborah Yedlin joined the Calgary Chamber of Commerce in July, 2021 with a background that includes experience on Wall Street and Bay Street, and more than two decades as a business columnist for various media outlets, commenting on the nexus of business and politics since 1996.
Since moving to Calgary in 1992, Yedlin has been very active in the Calgary community – as a board member on a number of not-for-profit organizations including serving as the co-chair of the 2016 United Way Campaign. Yedlin served as the 14th Chancellor of the University of Calgary and is currently one of three co-chairs of the $250 million Calgary Cancer Centre fundraising campaign.
A first-generation Canadian, born and raised in Edmonton, Deborah is a graduate of the University of Alberta and Queen’s University. She also completed her ICD.D designation through the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary.
Panelist
Jay McNeil
President | Calgary Stampeders
McNeil was appointed team president on Jan. 23, 2024. The former Stampeders offensive lineman had returned to the organization on Sept. 22, 2022, in the role of vice-president of business operations.
McNeil played for the Stampeders from 1994 to 2007, earning Canadian Football League all-star recognition on three occasions and West Division all-star honours six times. McNeil was a member of Grey Cup-championship teams in 1998 and 2001 and was twice voted by teammates as the winner of the Presidents’ Ring for excellence on and off the field.
After his playing career, McNeil remained in Calgary and built a strong business career, leading sales and business operations for a number of companies including Trinidad Drilling, Tervita, Secure Energy and most recently in the role of COO for Cleantek Industries.
McNeil also maintained strong ties to football, serving as a trustee for the CFL Players Pension Plan and as vice-president of the Canadian Football League Players Association.
McNeil has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Kent State University and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Fredericton.
Panelist
Heather McDermid
Former Olympic Rower
Born and raised in Calgary, Heather McDermid is an accomplished business leader and two-time Olympic medallist with a distinguished career spanning elite athletics and the energy sector.
Heather earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Rice University, where she attended on a full athletic scholarship as a member of the university’s rowing program. Her athletic career reached the international stage as a member of Canada’s Women’s Eight rowing team, earning a silver medal at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta and a bronze medal at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney.
Following her Olympic career, Heather transitioned into the energy industry, bringing the same discipline, determination and commitment to excellence to her professional pursuits. From 2001 to 2014, she held the position of Manager, Gas and Power Marketing at Nexen. She continued her career at MEG Energy, where she served as Manager, Gas and Power Marketing from 2014 to 2025.
Heather’s career reflects a unique combination of international athletic achievement, business leadership and deep experience in Calgary’s energy sector.
Event check-in powered by Eventpack
