Yorkton named host of 2014 SaskCulture conference

In 2014, Yorkton will host the SaskCulture Gathering, an annual conference for arts and culture organizations.

The event is expected to attract approximately 200 delegates from across the province to the Gallagher Centre October 17 and 18.

"We are thrilled to be able to bring what I call the movers and shakers in Saskatchewan arts and culture to Yorkton," said Randy Goulden, executive director of Tourism Yorkton.

Tourism and the Yorkton Film Festival started working on attracting the Gathering to Yorkton in 2012 bringing the growth of accommodations and amenities to the attention of the event planners. At the 2013 Gathering in Moose Jaw last week, SaskCulture announced Yorkton as the next host city.

Goulden sees it for more than just the inherent economic benefits of bringing a large number of people to Yorkton for the weekend.

"SaskCulture is an organization of organizations that also have events and meetings," she said.

She also noted that many of the delegates bring family members with them it is an opportunity to highlight the city's many attractions and build future tourism.

The 2013 conference theme was "Assess and Address for Continued Success." It featured a number of workshops on building and sustaining effective cultural organizations.