Notice Board

The Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA) presents a session with Lethbridge & District Exhibition CEO Mike Warkentin as he updates the community on the construction of the Agri-Food Hub & Trade Centre and what it will mean for southern Alberta.

What are the likely Impacts of Lethbridge & District Exhibition’s new $75 million Agri-Food Hub & Trade Centre on our local economy?

Lethbridge & District Exhibition is a pillar in the Lethbridge community. As a not-for-profit corporation founded in 1897, it operates and maintains 72 acres of land on the east bank of Henderson Lake. It exists to ensure the people of Lethbridge and district have a community gathering place now and into the future at which they can participate in events, conduct business, learn and be entertained. The new 268,000 square foot Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre, one of the largest development projects in the history of Lethbridge, will serve as an economic driver of growth for Alberta’s agriculture, tourism and agri-food sectors. Once completed this spring, the Agri-Food Hub & Trade Centre is expected to contribute more than $90 million annually to the regional economy.

Southern Alberta is uniquely situated in Canada’s agriculture community, with an abundance of producers, processors, commercial enterprises and researchers in the region, making Lethbridge an ideal Agri-tourism destination. The Agri-Food Hub & Trade Centre provides a world class venue for the industry to come together in the heart of this region, while attracting provincial, national and international events to the city. These events will provide a boost to restaurants, hotels, tourist attractions and other businesses. Today, Lethbridge & District Exhibition produces Whoop-Up Days, Ag Expo, the Lethbridge Farmers’ Market, Lethbridge & District Pro Rodeo, and is home to a wide variety of trade shows and community events that attract nearly 400,000 visitors each year. 

The speaker will give an update on the construction progress and visualize the numerous possibilities and opportunities Lethbridge will gain through this new venue.

Speaker: Mike Warkentin, CEO of Lethbridge & District Exhibition

Mike Warkentin joined Lethbridge & District Exhibition in 2018 as Assistant General Manager, was appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2019 and named Chief Executive Officer in May 2021. Warkentin has spent more than a decade in corporate leadership roles through his work in economic development, venue management and major events. Mike now leads a team of industry professionals as the organization prepares to open the Agri-Food Hub & Trade Centre this spring.

Raised in Lethbridge, Warkentin earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Lethbridge and holds a Master of Business Administration from San Diego State University, where he was named Outstanding Alumnus in 2018. As an active community member, Mike is proud to make an impact across the region.

Date/time: Thursday, June 1, 2023. Presentation begins at 12 & concludes at 1 p.m. 

Cost: Free, but donations are gratefully accepted

Location: Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO) Dining Room, 500-11 Street S, Lethbridge, AB 

Lunch & Refreshments: The Atrium Dining Room will be available by 11:15 a.m. Please arrive early before the start of the Presentation to patronize the LSCO cafeteria and enjoy their excellent variety of good value food options.

For further information on the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs, visit the SACPA website.