40th Anniversary and Safety Conference

By Kassi Zaba – Public Awareness Coordinator, Utility Safety Partners

On Feb. 26-28, 2024, USP will Honour Our History and Embrace Our Future at our 40th Anniversary Celebration and Safety Conference at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Since this is a spooky Halloween edition of our newsletter, it’s only right for us to explore the spooky history of the hotel hosting our conference.  

The Fairmont Banff Springs as we know it now, with its stone walls and castle-like façade, opened in 1928. Like any (almost) 100-year-old castle, we can assuredly assume it is haunted. The most famous ghost residing in the hotel is the Ghost Bride — a bride who died on her wedding day after falling down a marble staircase. Hotel guests have reported seeing her veiled figure on that very staircase, moving up and down so as not to fall. Another apparition seen throughout the hotel is Sam the Bellman. Sam McCauley worked as head bellman in the 1960s and 70s. Even though he passed away in 1975, he still roams the hotel helping guests and staff alike. Unlike the Ghost Bride’s ethereal appearance, Sam looks alive and well. He has helped unbeknownst guests navigate the hotel and even unlock their room doors.  

Regardless of these supernatural apparitions that may or may not wander the hotel, our 40th Anniversary and Safety Conference will be an event to remember. Plenary addresses include Leaving a Safety Legacy with Wiley Davidson and a Safety: Above and Below panel discussion with Cliff Meidl and Glen “Cookie” Cooke. Educational sessions incorporate various discussions about emerging programs and developments in damage prevention including a look at USP’s updated ticket software launching in January. Networking events include an Awards Banquet where we recognize our first Locator of the Year, Excavator of the Year, and USP Member of the Year. Not to mention the 80s themed party! 

Register now and join us at the Fairmont Banff Springs in February. If you’re lucky, Sam the Bellman may even help you to your room. 

Become a presenter and share how you have impacted damage prevention and utility safety. Submit an abstract by December 1 and share your experience at one of our educational sessions.  

Exhibitor booths are 60% sold! Register as an exhibitor here.