The Introvert’s Guide to Surviving Stampede (Without Burning Out)

It’s that time of year. The boots are dusted off, pancake breakfasts are popping up everywhere, and Calgary turns into one big cowboy-themed extravaganza.

And while you might see me on LinkedIn bouncing between events, panels, and parties, here’s something that might surprise you:

👉🏽 I’m an introvert.

Yes, I love people. Yes, I love connection. And yes, I can do the whole social thing.

But it comes at a cost.

I’ve had years where I hit everything, only to crash hard after. Full burnout. Ghosting group chats. A weekend spent in silence, Netflix, and relying on Uber Eats to recharge.

So if you're someone who values meaningful connection but gets easily overwhelmed by the energy of Stampede, this article is for you.

🗓 1. Plan your calendar like your energy depends on it (because it kind of does).

Stampede is nonstop. You could attend three or four events a day if you really wanted to — but should you?

Here’s how I plan:

• List all events I’m interested in
• Ask myself the purpose: business, fun, or both
• Consider the logistics: parking, CTrain, walkability
• Consider the location: on the grounds, in a tent, outer city?
• Check the vibe — is it chill, formal, corporate, or chaotic?

Don’t double-book unless you’re confident you’ve got the capacity.

🎯 2. Get clear on your intention before you show up.

Stampede events can feel like a blur if you don’t know what you're hoping to get out of them.

Ask yourself:

• Build relationships with potential clients or customers
• Strengthen industry connections
• Promote your business or brand
• Find future business partners or investors
• Show up for visibility (ie. being "seen" in your industry)
• Represent your company at a public-facing event
• Support someone you care about who invited you
• Take a break from work and have fun in a change of scenery
• OR...Dance, eat, ride the mechanical bull, and collect free swag (no shame in this!)

Once you know your goal, conversations feel more intentional. Bonus tip: have a few conversation starters or a short elevator pitch ready. Think of it more like “here’s what I’m excited about right now” than a rehearsed script.

💬 3. Go for real connection, not just credentials.

I once heard Leor Rotchild say, “Focus on connection, not credentials,” and it stuck with me.

The more small talk I have, the more drained I feel. But when I get into conversations that go beyond titles and job descriptions, I leave feeling energized.

• Ask people what motivates them.
• What’s been lighting them up lately.
• What their “why” is.
• What are they excited about in their business.
• What's something they're proud of this year.
• What's something interesting they are learning about.
• What do they love to do outside their 9-5 ie. sports, crafts, hobbies, etc.

This is where real connection lives.

Once you get into that stimulating conversation, here is an exit line ready to have in your back pocket, "It was great chatting with you, I'm going to grab some water and recharge for a minute. Enjoy the rest of the event!"

🥂 4. Pace yourself with alcohol.

This year, I’ve gone six months without drinking — not because I had to, but because I didn’t want to rely on liquid courage to feel social or confident.

Stampede can come with pressure to drink, especially at corporate events. You’re allowed to say no. You’re allowed to sip sparkling water or non-alcoholic bevies (fun fact: did you know in the last year Canada saw a 24% jump in non-alcoholic beverage sales?) There is a "sober curious" movement happening, you can try it on this Stampede if it suits you.

Just remember, you don't need a drink in your hand to be interesting or charming. Plus, you will thank yourself the next day.

🥗 5. Eat like you love yourself.

Stampede food is next-level. Look, I love a deep-fried everything...Oreos, pickles, cheesecake, Mars bars just as much as the next person...but if I’m not fueling my body in between with actual nutrients, my energy tanks fast.

I’ve learned that healthy food is one of the easiest ways to protect my energy. So I still try the weird fair snacks, but I also pack protein, hydrate like it’s my job, and don’t skip real meals.

FACT: I often have a protein bar and electrolyte single serve packets on me; especially because the temps can be very hot.

🤠 6. Don’t compare your Stampede to anyone else’s.

I’ve definitely felt major FOMO during Stampede. You open Instagram or LinkedIn and it’s just non-stop parties, outfits, and group photos.

If you decide to opt out of events, that is 100% okay.

You don’t have to do what everyone else is doing. You don’t have to show up just for the photo. You don’t owe anyone an explanation.

So skip the guilt, ditch the “shoulds,” and honour your energy.

🧘🏼7. Build in recovery time — and protect it.

Block off time after events to decompress. That could be a nap, a walk, scrolling your phone, some alone time, or just doing nothing. Don’t schedule back-to-back events without space to breathe.

Think of recovery as non-negotiable. Your nervous system will thank you.

🧩8. Have an exit strategy.

Going out is easier when you know how — and when — you’ll leave.

Drive yourself if you can, or go with someone who understands your need to dip early. Set a time in your head when you plan to head out. Give yourself permission to leave when your energy starts to fade, even if things are still going strong.

No explanation needed. “I’m heading out, thanks for a great night” is enough.

🧡 Final Thought

You don’t need to be an extrovert to enjoy Stampede. You just need to be intentional.

You get to choose where you go, how long you stay, and how you show up. You don’t need to say yes to everything. You don’t need to be “on” the whole time.

So here’s your reminder:

Say yes when it aligns. Say no when it doesn’t. And connect in the way that feels most like you.

And, most importantly, have F-U-N!

🔄 How do you manage social seasons like Stampede? Any rituals, recovery tips, or non-negotiables? I’d love to hear them — drop them in the comments.

Yahooooooo,

Britt