If you’re looking to promote your next Winnipeg business meeting, sporting tournament or special event, let us introduce you to Keely Shumka.
Keely is our newest client service coordinator–and a dynamo one at that. This former competitive swimmer for the Guelph Gryphons has a degree in political science from Carleton, found a love for tourism while working for the Economic Development Office in her hometown of Kenora, ON, and has since worked as the executive assistant for councillor Markus Chambers (who is now our deputy mayor) along with being a development coordinator for the Kenora Hospitality Alliance.
She’s been with Tourism Winnipeg since November, and is ready to bring your next event to the next level while ensuring your clients or delegates have the best time here at the centre of the continent.
Get to know Keely below:
What do you love about Winnipeg?
As a new resident to Winnipeg adopted from Ontario, I love the culinary scene, the short proximity to the outdoors, The Forks, the Indigenous recognition and Indigenous culture, and how the city celebrates winter tourism.
What's the best part about working for an organization that showcases the city?
You get to work amongst a team of people that are all compelled to celebrate and showcase the best parts of Winnipeg, in all sectors. You learn so much about a city’s identity working at Economic Development Winnipeg, and I’ve been lucky enough to promote the tourism portion of it by working with clients and a great team. There is so much I didn’t know about Winnipeg and being in my role as client services coordinator, I’ve had the privilege of learning, every day, how much Winnipeg has changed in the private and public realm, and the opportunity for growth here in this city. It’s empowering and I have gained a sense of pride in calling myself a Winnipegger.
What are some new things delegates can get excited about for their next business trip here?
The Leaf is a highlight for sure. Its biomes are such a great option for a conference or a destination on a random Wednesday night. The Leaf is an experience like no other and is a great transition from our cold winters.
Another great asset that Winnipeg offers is the downtown Skywalk–likely not your typical response to this question by a local, but nonetheless, impressive to me. As someone who didn’t grow up in Winnipeg, I truly think this is such a great asset for Winnipeg to bare those cold winters, explore the city from a different perspective and encourage walkability in the downtown.
With the world now back open for business, how is Winnipeg setting itself apart here at the centre of the continent?
The City of Winnipeg values the community and the merits of stimulating the economy to support our amazing small business entrepreneurs downtown. Winnipeg has been a leader in bringing business back in person as well as adopting hybrid models into the workplace because of COVID-19. The workplaces have grown accustomed and more resilient to this new normal and what best suits each individual. Notably, Economic Development Winnipeg has been a leader in supporting meetings and conventions in person and/or virtual options as well. We take pride in the marketing resources that we have been able to produce and supply to our clients to best promote Winnipeg.
Favourite local beer?
I’m not much of a beer drinker, but a beer that I tried recently and really enjoyed was the Citrus Sour Beer from Nonsuch Brewery in the Exchange. It is excellent if you enjoy intense flavour and bitterness. It emulates a cider, just with more hops.
Favourite local restaurant?
It’s tied between Kevin’s in the Exchange District and Nola in Saint-Boniface.
What are a few of the upcoming conferences that will be of note in Winnipeg?
A few conferences that are top of mind that Tourism Winnipeg is excited for include the 2023 Student and Youth Travel Association Annual Conference (SYTA) and the 2023 North American Science Fiction Convention (NASFIC).
Of course, one of the special sporting events that is taking place this year is the 2023 World Police and Fire Games, which starts on July 28. I’m excited to see everything come together and the hustle and bustle of downtown with more than 8,000 participants coming to Winnipeg.
What are you looking forward to this summer in Winnipeg?
I’m most looking forward to the Winnipeg Folk Festival which takes place at Birds Hill Park in July every year, Summer of Sound–another annual event that takes place at Assiniboia Downs in June and Folklorama which is distributed all throughout the city for two weeks.
