Ah, the Calgary Stampede. Ten glorious days of pancakes, parties, and questionable choices in cowboy hats. It’s the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”—and also, occasionally, the reason HR professionals wake up in cold sweats.
Let’s be honest. If you live or work in Calgary, the Stampede is basically our unofficial Olympics—where corporate networking meets rodeo flair, and everyone pretends they can handle more whiskey than they actually can. But behind the belt buckles and Bud Lights, there’s a darker side to the Stampede: HR issues, social media disasters, and even relationship breakdowns.
Welcome to Real HR’s Survival Guide to Stampede Season—where we help you stay professional and out of your lawyer’s office.
There’s something about a Stampede tent that turns even the most buttoned-up professional into a karaoke cowboy. But when the drinks flow freely, so do the “oops” moments—texts you can’t unsend, videos you can’t untag, and conversations you definitely shouldn’t have had with that client.
Yep, it’s a thing. Every July, Calgary family lawyers quietly prepare for the post-Stampede spike in divorce filings. Turns out, “What happens at Ranchman’s”…often doesn’t stay there. HR is usually caught in the crossfire when workplace affairs become complicated.
Let’s not forget the post-party Monday morning tension: awkward eye contact, whispered gossip, and the inevitable Slack message asking, “Did you see what happened with Sarah and James?” We’re not saying don’t date your coworkers—we’re saying don’t start during Stampede after six tequila shots.
One poorly judged TikTok of you line dancing on a bar in your company polo could live online forever. Trust us: what seemed hilarious at midnight might not go over well with your VP or future hiring manager.
DO Know When to Leave the Party
If you’re wondering if it’s time to call it a night, it probably was an hour ago. Be the legend who Irish exits with dignity—not the one getting tagged in blurry Instagram stories until Tuesday.
DO Think Before You Post
Would you be okay with your boss, your grandma, or your future self seeing this post? If the answer is “uhhh…maybe not,” don’t post it. Or at least keep it to Close Friends.
DO Remember: You’re Still Representing Your Brand
Even if you’re off the clock, your behaviour reflects on your company. Especially when you’re wearing that branded hat and name tag while climbing a mechanical bull, keep it classy, cowboy.
DON’T Flirt With Disaster (Literally)
Stampede romances may seem fun at the moment—but HR doesn’t love dealing with the aftermath, especially when it involves two coworkers, an angry spouse, and a very awkward team meeting.
DON’T Weaponize Social Media
Refrain from airing grievances, tagging your boss in wild stories, or live-streaming Stampede shenanigans from the company account. HR has enough nightmares already.
DON’T Assume “Off the Clock” Means “Off the Hook”
You might be out of the office, but you’re not out of bounds. Harassment policies, code of conduct, and good ol’ common sense still apply—even when you’re covered in glitter and dust.
For Employers: A Few Pro Tips
Pre-Game Policy Reminders: Send out a concise yet clear memo outlining expected behaviour. Think: “fun uncle energy” with a legal undertone.
Set the Tone at Events: Maintain an inclusive, respectful, and safe environment. And maybe cap the open bar at “responsible cowboy” levels.
Post-Stampede Check-Ins: Monitor for any fallout—whether it’s interpersonal tension, performance dips, or whispers of “What happened at Nashville North?”
The Calgary Stampede is meant to be fun—and it can be—if you use your head (and maybe a buddy system). Whether you’re attending a corporate BBQ, schmoozing clients in a beer tent, or just living your best line-dancing life, remember: your choices can follow you back to the office.
At Real HR, we’re here to help you and your team enjoy Stampede season without turning it into a professional rodeo (and not the good kind).
REAL HR Inc. delivers practical, flexible HR support for small businesses. Based in Calgary, we tailor solutions to fit your team and culture.
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