On-site information | What to do in Edmonton
The Big Thinking Summit will be held at the Edmonton Convention Centre (ECC) from June 9 to 11, 2026. The ECC is located at 9797 Jasper Avenue and sits between 97 Street and Jasper Avenue, and Grierson Hill NW, with visitor entrances accessible at both the top and bottom of the hill.
Registration desk
Location
- Edmonton Convention Centre – Meeting Level
Hours of operation
- June 9 and 10 | 7:30 - 15:00
- June 11 | 7:30 - 12:00
Concourse hall
Visit the Big Thinking Summit’s Concourse Hall to connect with publishers and discover new ideas. Browse the latest scholarly titles from the Association of Canadian University Presses (ACUP) and the Association of Canadian Publishers (ACP), and explore handcrafted pieces rooted in Indigenous artistry and storytelling at the Bone and Quill table. Be sure to stop by Linkr as well to learn more about the Federation’s community of practice — an innovative digital space designed to foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and connection across our community. Join us in supporting Canadian scholarship, independent publishing, and Indigenous creators while celebrating the ideas and communities shaping our future.
Location
- Edmonton Convention Centre – Meeting Level
Hours of operation
- June 9 and 10 | 8:30 to 14:30
- June 11 | 8:30 to 13:00
Get the Big Thinking Summit app
To help you make the most of your time at the event, we encourage you to download the EventsGo app.
Internet
Network: BigThinking
Password: Summit2026
Accessibility
The ECC is equipped with elevators and restrooms designed to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities.
The facility also provides direct wheelchair access at all levels, and seating plans accommodate wheelchair users. There are three DATS (Disabled Adult Transportation System) drop points: the main entrance on Jasper Avenue, the truck ramp on the Assembly Level and outside Salon 12 on the Meeting Room Level off Grierson Hill Road. Wheelchair-accessible parking is available at Canada Place Parkade with access to ECC through the pedway as well as the surface parking lot on Jasper Avenue in front of the Courtyard by Marriott. A wheelchair ramp to stage with a height of 32” is available on a complimentary basis upon request.
Find information about accessibility support services at the ECC or visit the Registration desk.
On-site amenities
The following spaces will be available at the ECC.
- The Quiet Room (for meditation, prayer, and low sensory breaks) is in Salon 7
- The Indigenous Gathering Space is in Salon 20.
Getting around
Transportation to and from airport
The Route 747 bus links the Edmonton International Airport to Century Park Station where you can catch the LRT to get downtown and the ECC. Alternatively, you can also hire a taxi from Alberta Co-op Taxi or Edmonton Taxi, or take an Uber.
Explore Red Arrow for bus connections from many surrounding cities.
Transit Pass
Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) provides bus and light rail transit (LRT) services around the city. Summit attendees are eligible to pick up a complimentary transit pass at registration when collecting their badge.
The nearest LRT station is the Central stop. It is approximately a two block walk outside. If you prefer to stay indoors, you may also exit at the Churchill station and use the pedway system to access the building via the Citadel and Canada Place.
Parking
The ECC is centrally located in downtown Edmonton, with many options for street parking, parking lots, and nearby parkades.
In addition to metered parking along Jasper Avenue and connected side streets, there are three nearby parkades and/or surface parking lots. Visit the ECC’s parking page for more information.
Emergency procedures
Security is available 24/7 at 780.399.4963.
In the event of a fire alarm, please follow the Edmonton Convention Centre instructions and overhead announcements. A steady dinging sound means prepare to pause programming, gather your belongings, and locate the nearest exit. A steady whooping sound means evacuate calmly through the nearest fire exit.
Please proceed to the designated muster point as directed: Canada Place entrance area for Pedway level exits, or Louise McKinney parking lot for Assembly and Meeting Room level exits.
Childcare services
Attendees who require childcare services during their participation in the Summit can book independently using preferred provider Birdie Break.
Lost & found
The ECC lost and found is operated by the ECC security team. To inquire about a lost item, please contact 780.917.7878.
Federation support
If you have questions or need support, visit the Registration desk.
Plan your trip with some helpful information from Explore Edmonton!
Edmonton is rising as a top travel destination and has earned a place on Lonely Planet's 2025 "Best in Travel" cities list. Perfectly positioned as the gateway to the North and close to Jasper National Park and the Canadian Rockies, Edmonton is your starting point for an unforgettable adventure. It's a city that celebrates the unconventional.
Things to do
Click on these links to learn how to make your stay memorable.