Attendee Experience

About Upper Bound

Upper Bound is an AI conference with a human touch. Designed with attendee experience in mind, we bring creativity and intellect together to create a vibe like no other.

No matter your experience level, industry, or field of interest, there’s something for you at Upper Bound.

Cross-Disciplinary Connections

We believe that groundbreaking discoveries happen when diverse perspectives come together.

Upper Bound is THE place to hear from some of the brightest minds in machine learning, generative AI, reinforcement learning, and other AI technologies.

Attendees can expect a collaborative environment with lots of opportunities to have fun and make meaningful connections along the way. The conference has a wide range of programming in various formats, including:

  • Presentations

  • Master Classes

  • Panels

  • Fireside Chats

  • Workshops

  • Networking Events

  • Community-Hosted Events

Your Conference Pass includes access to our Career Fair and the Upper Bound Party.

As in previous years, you can plan your experience through the Upper Bound web and mobile app. Registered attendees will be notified as soon as the app goes live. 

More detailed information on event logistics is available on our FAQ and will be announced through email closer to the event date.

Who’s coming?

Past Upper Bound attendees include:

  • EVPs, SVPs, VPs, Directors

  • Heads of AI, Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Cognitive Computing, Data Science, Data Analytics, Technology, and Innovation

  • Data Scientists, Data Analysts, Software Engineers, Developers.

  • Founders, CEOs, CTOs, COOs, CDOs, CFOs, CMOs, CIOs

  • VCs and angel investors

  • Professors, researchers, grad students, undergrads, and K-12 students

  • Recent grads and interns

  • And more!

Locations

Edmonton Convention Centre (ECC)

The majority of Upper Bound 2025 programming takes place at the Edmonton Convention Centre (ECC), where attendees can take advantage of:

  • Three Main Stages

  • Four Breakout Stages

  • Two Salons

  • Food Hall - Optional

  • More seating at every stage

  • A convenient downtown Edmonton location, with easy access to Amii HQ.

Click here for directions to ECC.

Additional session locations will be listed in the Upper Bound web and mobile app available in early 2025.

Accessibility

We want to ensure everyone feels welcome and included at Upper Bound, so we've arranged for prayer and meditation rooms, nursing or lactation rooms, and accessible seating.

If you require an additional accommodation to participate fully at Upper Bound, please email producer@amii.ca

Technical Proficiency Rating

To help you find the sessions that are right for you, all Upper Bound programming will get a Technical Proficiency Rating from 1 - 5:

1 - Kids: Sessions are designed for young children with no prior knowledge of AI. The content uses simple language, introduces basic AI concepts in an engaging and easy-to-understand manner, and focuses on real-life examples or applications relatable to children. Sessions will be aligned with the grade-level curriculum.

1 - Beginner: Sessions assume a basic understanding of AI concepts but do not require advanced technical expertise. The content covers fundamental topics such as machine learning and AI applications. It provides clear explanations, avoids complex jargon, and may include basic visualizations or demonstrations to aid comprehension.

2 - Novice: Sessions level target individuals with some familiarity with AI concepts and terminology. The content delves slightly deeper into specific AI techniques, algorithms, or frameworks, providing more detailed explanations and examples. It may introduce simple code snippets or visual representations to illustrate concepts.

3 - Intermediate: Sessions assume attendees are moderately familiar with AI concepts and technologies. The content explores more complex algorithms, models, or applications, requiring a solid understanding of AI principles. It may involve in-depth discussions on machine learning approaches, data preprocessing techniques, or evaluation metrics.

4 - Advanced: Sessions target individuals with an advanced understanding of AI and technical expertise. The content delves into advanced AI algorithms, deep learning architectures, or specialized domains within AI. It may involve discussions on optimization techniques, model interpretation, or advanced mathematical concepts related to AI.

5 - Expert: Sessions are intended for AI professionals and researchers with extensive knowledge and experience in the field. The content covers highly specialized topics, such as cutting-edge research, state-of-the-art techniques, or emerging trends in AI. It may involve detailed discussions on advanced mathematical concepts, complex model architectures, or the latest advancements in AI applications.

Experience Edmonton

Home to Amii (one of three national AI institutes in Canada) and the University of Alberta (ranked 3rd in the world for AI research), Edmonton is a thriving AI ecosystem.

It’s also an all-around great place to hang out. We hope the information below will help you get the most out of your visit!

SLEEP

There are over 2,000 hotel rooms within walking distance of the Edmonton Convention Centre (ECC). The closest major hotels are:

For more conveniently located accommodation options, you can find a more comprehensive list furnished by the ECC here!

*In case the Edmonton Oilers make it to the playoffs again, we suggest you book your accommodations early to avoid a potential playoff crunch!

EAT

Downtown Edmonton is full of mouth-watering dining options. Here are a few of our favs:

Craft Beer Market

Craft has a little something for everyone. Enjoy all of your pub favourites including burgers, pizza and shareable plates or tuck into one of Craft’s plant-based options.

Dalla Tavola Zenari

Dalla Tavola Zenari is a warm, authentically Italian atmosphere in the heart of downtown Edmonton. They serve delicious food AND offer a 50% discount on all wines and beers every Tuesday!

Rosewood Foods

Rosewood is a dinette and bake shop with a great breakfast menu and sandwich/salad options for lunch. Wash it all down with coffee, beer or a selection from their natural wines list!

Bianco

Bianco’s menus feature old-school Italian classics with a contemporary twist; Hand-made pasta, wood-fired oven pizzas, and carefully crafted wine lists are among its specialties.

Continental Treat Fine Bistro

Continental Treat Fine Bistro is a family-run restaurant with a menu that reflects a central and eastern European influence with the tastes of Poland, Germany, Hungary and Austria all amazingly and deliciously Gluten-Free.

Rigaletto’s

Strong Italian roots, authentic food and excellent service have made Rigaletto’s a popular and long-lasting destination for Edmonton patrons and the city’s Italian community.

*If you would like to pick up a few groceries along the way, Loblaws City Market is within walking distance from the main conference site.

PLAY

Downtown Edmonton is home to many world-class attractions, all of which are connected by an extensive indoor pedway system! While you’re here, consider visiting:

Art Gallery of Alberta

Celebrating its prominent location on Sir Winston Churchill Square in the heart of the Arts District in downtown Edmonton, the AGA connects the Gallery and the community, welcoming visitors to experience it firsthand.

Winspear Centre

Home to the Edmonton Symphony, the Winspear Centre strives to be an open and accessible hub for music in our community.

Royal Alberta Museum

The new Royal Alberta Museum takes you on a journey through millions of years of Alberta’s remarkable stories. From their expansive Natural and Human History halls to a live Bug Gallery, a-ha moments await!

West Edmonton Mall

If you’re willing to go further afield, we suggest you check out North America’s largest shopping mall - a one-stop destination for entertainment with over 800 stores and restaurants, 12 world-class attractions, and 2 hotels.

Looking for More?

Check out Explore Edmonton for more activities!