Janelle Janis

Janelle Janis is the Director of Edmonton Events, a strategic partnership between the City of Edmonton and Explore Edmonton – together they are the primary source that attracts major sport and cultural events to the city and are committed to their hosting success. Edmonton Events works with rights holders to deliver the extraordinary by challenging themselves to think differently about event hosting to ensure they maximize economic activity, showcase Edmonton to a global audience, and leave a sport and social legacy in their community.

Janelle oversees the strategic direction of Edmonton Events from attraction to hosting and is the lead for Explore Edmonton on Edmonton’s bid to host 2026 FIFA World Cup. Throughout her time on the Edmonton Events team, Janelle has helped attract hundreds of events including the 2021 World Triathlon Championship Finals, 2021/2022 IIHF World Junior Championship, 2019 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour, 2018 Grey Cup, 2018 RedBull Crashed Ice, 2017 Men’s World Curling Championship and the 2016-2018 FISE World Series. As a result of these events and many others, Edmonton is currently ranked 3^rd in Canada and 33^rd in the world as a sport hosting destination.

Playing elite soccer growing up, Janelle has experienced firsthand how impactful sport can be in one’s life. She is passionate about attracting and hosting sport events that create inspiration and opportunity for people in her community and believes that sport can change the world, one event at a time.