During the summer, as president of the University of Calgary I get an opportunity/obligation that is not shared by any other university president --  I get to participate in the Calgary Stampede.  Held every year for 10 days in early July, the Calgary Stampede attracts over a million people to an event that, for some, defines Calgary and its spirit. 

For a university president, the significant observation is that the Stampede is an obligatory stop for politicians, government officials and corporate glitterati.  So, during the Stampede, the prime minister and the leader of the Official Opposition hold BBQ's, the provincial government holds caucus and cabinet meetings in Calgary, there is a huge parade of corporate leaders, all in an endless succession of pancake breakfasts, lunches, dinners, rodeos, chuckwagon races, etc. 

For many Calgarians, this panoply of events means time away from work and fewer billable hours.  For a university president, though, for whom engagement and interaction with politicians, governments, corporations and community are essential activities, the Stampede offers innumerable additional work opportunities all within a hectic 10-day block and all without having to travel out of town.