Operational changes at Exhibition to increase sustainability

In their July report to Economic and Finance Standing Policy Committee, Lethbridge & District Exhibition (LDE) highlighted important changes made during the last month to improve the quality of service and economic sustainability at the Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre. 

LDE’s monthly update to the SPC provided information on both financial and operating changes to the end of May 2024, including the replacement of the venue’s food and beverage provider.  

“We’ve made the decision to move in a different direction with our food and beverage services, with the important goal of shifting this area of our business from an expense to a revenue generator,” says Kim Gallucci, Acting CEO of LDE. “With the right partner, we think this is absolutely achievable and critical to the success of the Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre. This will help us deliver a food and beverage service that meets and exceeds the expectations of our customers.”  

The food and beverage contract that was in place was not fiscally beneficial to LDE and although there is a cost in breaking that agreement, a new model will provide an excellent growth opportunity. The change is estimated to cost approximately $600,000. This includes kitchen equipment expenses (the majority of which will remain the property of LDE), severance and inventory (some of which can be recouped with the new vendor). This expense will be funded from contingencies and is expected to allow LDE to be profitable in this area in both the short and long-term.  

“The openness and transparency from LDE to make these difficult but important changes shows Council, and the community, that they are committed to both quality and sustainability,” says Mayor Blaine Hyggen. “We understand that you sometimes have to take a step back to move forward and with careful evaluation, these changes will help make that happen.”  

Lethbridge based caterer Sky & Table have temporarily taken over food and beverage services at the Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre while LDE prepares to go to market and secure a long-term partner. 

“We love to see a local company stepping up and helping out while LDE goes through a thorough procurement process to finding the best partner moving forward,” says Mayor Hyggen.  

In their financial summary, LDE reported a $1.4 million deficit seven months into their fiscal year, making good strides in reducing the original estimated deficit of $6.4 million per year. 

“It’s our goal, every day, to keep chipping away at that deficit and make this the best facility possible for our community.” says Gallucci. “We’ve been able to do that with strong financial management and prudent business decisions.” 

LDE has also made the operational decision to expand a roughed in area in the lobby of the Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre to establish a concession. This will be controlled by LDE to provide another revenue opportunity while increasing service to both rental clients and visitors, something that has been requested often. The new concession is expected to be open in time for this year’s Whoop-Up Days.  

In the last month, LDE has confirmed another 20 events for 2024 and one additional event for 2025. 

The Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre has been busy throughout May, including the return of the Lethbridge Farmers’ Market, which LDE has produced annually since 1971. More than 3,000 guests visited the first market of the season on June 8. The market runs every Saturday from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the UFA Hall of the Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre.

Other notable events during the past month include the Wild Mile Southern Prairie 4-H Sheep Show and Sale, the Lethbridge Entertainment and Collector Expo, and the Blackfoot Confederacy Elders’ Meeting. While July is traditionally a slower time for public events, the Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre remains busy with nearly 20 meetings and celebrations booked for the month. For a full list of upcoming events visit: https://www.agrifoodhub.ca/agri-food. 

Any members of the community wishing to keep updated on City news and Council decisions regarding LDE can follow https://getinvolvedlethbridge.ca/lethbridge-district-exhibition.