
The first event in March of 2003 was quite impressive for such a unique Canadian venture. That year attracted a remarkable 15,000 visitors. The following year, attendance increased to over 20,000. The third event established the Can-Am Equine Emporium as the largest of its kind in Canada, with well over 40,000 guests. Whilst enjoying an annually increasing popularity, the 2009 event flourished with well over 50,000 attending the Emporium that featured more than 60 different breeds, 300 trade show vendors and in excess of 200 educational presentations and speakers from around the globe. The March 19th-21st, 2010 event was bigger and better than ever!
A survey conducted at the event demonstrated there were benefits for everyone connected with the show. Over 92% surveyed gave high marks to both the event and the new Agriplex facility that has become the home of the Can-Am Equine Emporium in London, Ontario, Canada. A notable 75% spent money in the London area and 86% of those surveyed reported "shopping" as high on their list of priorities at the show, giving vendors' credence for their participation. London Tourism was also given a boost as almost 50% reported traveling over 100 km to attend the Can-Am.
If you don't think there's opportunity in the Horse Industry,you are mistaken. From CEOs of major racetracks to cleaning stalls and everything in between, with over 5.9 billion in investments of fixed assets and an annual economic impact of $579 million, the HorseIndustry has a place for everyone! "Can-Am is a valuable customer of ours," said Hugh Mitchell, Chief Operating Officer of the Western Fair Association. "It's just the kind of tenant that the Agriplex was really built for-very interactive and with plenty of booths, demonstrations and performances. At the same time, it's an excellent business with a strong agricultural base. They've certainly got a good thing going. Western Fair generates revenue for us from the rental side and the Can-Am show has created traffic in terms of prospects and potential users of our facilities down the road, particularly the Agriplex. We couldn't be happier.
Meanwhile, they've found their niche and I wish them all the best as they roll this concept to other centres in Canada. The shows have brought in people young and old from all over Ontario, United States and other parts of Canada. With exhibitors from outside the province, this is far more national than regional." Since the inaugural event of 2003, the Ontario Equestrian Federation has been a Corporate Sponsor. From that time, the OEF has seen a dramatic increase in membership. Marcia Barrett, the past Executive Director said, "Over the past six years we've been averaging a 15% increase and much of that I'm sure is attributable to Can- Am. It is a very worth while association."
Can-Am has several distinguished associations with educational facilities. Equine Guelph's Equimania! has come to the forefront as an amazing interactive educational catalyst directed at children between the ages of eight and sixteen to learn all about horses. Not only do the youngsters have great fun, the parents often find they've learnt something new also! Equimania!'s interactive displays, crafts and educational tools complement the Annual Equimana Quiz, where participants are tested on equine facts and are then eligible to win bucket loads of prizes. "With Equimania!, we started off with a trial run of an Equimania! Challenge, testing kids ten to fourteen on their knowledge about horses. It was a sellout and we had to turn people away. It was standing room only in the Auditorium." said Gayle Ecker, Equine Guelph's Senior Manager. The Equine Guelph area has grown to become the largest booth on the trade floor and a "must-visit" destination at the Can-Am.
Another Corporate Sponsor, Home Hardware, has been the Presenting Sponsor of the ever popular Mini Extravaganzas. The Home Hardware Extravaganzas have featured every imaginable breed from the smallest miniature to the largest draft horses. With its family friendly atmosphere, it is a must-see for all, young and old alike.
A new and exciting addition to the 2009 Can-Am All Breeds Equine Emporiums is the "Wind Rider Challenge". This is the Hottest New Cross Disciplinary Competition in North America! With an established top track record across the United States, the Canadian competition has proven itself in just three events and promises to turn the equestrian industry on its head! In no other venue can horses and riders from all equine disciplines and breeds come together and compete equally. As different as the various facets of the horse industry are, we all have one thing in common...horsemanship. This is shown in the trust and bond we have with our chosen equines. The Wind Rider Equestrian Challenge gives participants an opportunity to put these to the test using various problems and challenges that each horse and rider team must accomplish within a specified time frame. The last part of the competition involves the finalists who complete an all-new set of obstacles and also perform a musical freestyle presentation of their own making that highlights their horses' unique talents. Throughout the competition, excellent commentary is provided by Suzanne Sheppard who engages the audience and participants in a way that is fun, entertaining and educational. Bob Jeffreys provides essential ground support in the eliminations and is an integral part of the event. The Can- Am Wind Rider Challenge hits the road in many locations throughout Ontario. The finalists from each location will not only win big money and fabulous prizes, but will earn a position in the Ontario Finals being held at the 2010 Eighth Annual Can-Am All Breeds Equine Emporium in London , Ontario. There, they will compete for even bigger awards, with the winner receiving, among other prizes, a custom made Ortho-Flex saddle valued at over US$5200! Watch out!!....this is going to be mind blowing!!
As well as providing equine entertainment, education and awareness, the Can-Am offers breed associations the opportunity to showcase their particular horse. Many visitors have had the unique experience of discovering a breed of horses they have never seen or ever had the chance to meet up close. Guests are encouraged to go to see the many horses stabled at the event and speak with the owners and trainers. Another important facet of the Can-Am is the many Speakers and Clinicians that come from all parts of the world to teach visitors about their equine specialty. A popular segment for horse enthusiasts is the "Strive for Excellence" program that offers places for them to participate with their horse in a Can-Am clinic of their choice. Can-Am also boasts the largest all breed, all discipline, equine related trade show in Canada. Vendors from all over North America have found the Can-Am event to be the premiere show to promote their products and services. This translates into the greatest equine shopping experience for visitors to the Can-Am!
The All Breeds Equine Emporium will give you an opportunity to learn about the many facets of the horse industry and it Is our hope that you will come away with a new sense of wonder and excitement about our thriving, diverse horse industry."
For more information, visit www.canamequine.ca
There's plenty of levels in Sponsorship that apply to both the Can-Am show. It's as simple as picking the level that best suits you. Both packages are available below in PDF format for you to have a look at.
For a full listing of CAN-AM RELATED SPONSORSHIP LEVELS just click the button below.
SPONSORSHIP LEVELS TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!
IT'S NON-STOP ENTERTAINMENT, EDUCATION AND SHOPPING
THIS WEBSITE MAINTAINED BY GREG O'BRIEN GRAPHIC DESIGN IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ROSS MILLAR GROUP