FAQ & Contact

Upper Bound is an immersive experience featuring hundreds of speakers and sessions, all running simultaneously across multiple stages. All main-stage presentations are delivered through wireless headphones, giving you full control over what you listen to.

You can also expect loads of breakout sessions, interactive networking events, a Career Fair, and community events.

Learn more on our About and Experience pages.

Upper Bound is organized by Amii (Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute), one of Canada’s three centres of AI excellence, as part of the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy. Amii is an Alberta-based non-profit institute that is focused on inspiring world-changing machine intelligence, for good and for all, through advice and guidance, talent development, corporate training and advanced research.

Yes, free wifi is available for conference guests. Please be aware that speeds may vary depending on the number of users.

All sessions are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend arriving early to secure your seat.

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.

Leave something behind? Lost & Found will be available at the Edmonton Convention Centre (ECC) and Amii HQ.

Discover something valuable that is missing after the conference? Email producer@amii.ca and we’ll do our best to help locate your missing item.

Security will be on the event premises. Upper Bound will be filmed and photographed.

For 2027, regular price for an Upper Bound pass is $550 CAD. Discounts and incentives may be offered in the months leading up to the conference. Check the Upper Bound homepage for the latest pricing and offers.

Food Hall passes are also available for an additional $250, while quantities last.

Your Conference Pass includes access to:

• 4 Full Days of Sessions & Workshops
• Access to Networking and Social Events
• Access to our Career Fair
• Access to the Upper Bound party

Food Hall passes are not included in a Conference Pass, but can be purchased for an additional $250.

Currently, during our Pre-Sale, there are no group discount rates in market. Group registration is available, but the price is the same for all guests.

During our Early Bird and main sale phases, we will offer the following group discounts:

• For groups of 5-9, save 15%
• For groups of 10 or more, save 20%

Once these discounts are available, they will be automatically applied at checkout.

You can register a group simply by selecting the Group Registration option in our checkout portal.

If you already know who's in your group:
Great! You can register each attendee individually at checkout.

If you don’t know who's in your group yet:
No problem! Simply buy multiple passes during registration and assign them later using a custom URL.

Need help? Email producer@amii.ca.

If you are the organizer of your group's registration, you can update your group details by logging back into the Swoogo registration portal.

Want to add more attendees later?

You can add more passes at any time by updating your registration. Just click the link in your "Upper Bound 2027 Update Confirmation" email.

Need to swap an attendee?
You can transfer a pass from one person to another at any time. Just update your registration using the "Upper Bound 2027 Update Confirmation" email link.

Note on pricing:
Group rates apply to the pass price at the time of purchase. If you add passes on different dates, they will be priced at the current rate at the time of purchase.

Group Rates do not apply to Flash Sale purchases.

No, passes are not transferable. Each pass is registered to a single individual, and we do not permit sharing a pass between multiple users during the event.

We don’t sell single-day passes – but Upper Bound is designed to be hop-in, hop-out to fit with your busy schedule. So if you are interested in attending a single day or even a single in-person session, we encourage you to buy a full pass.

Upper Bound is accessibly priced, and so a four-day pass to Upper Bound is comparable to the cost of one-day passes at many other conferences.

Note also that passholders get access to live streaming video for the entire the conference, as well as access to recorded sessions afterwards. So even if you can only attend for one day, you can catch all the main-stage content remotely or afterwards.

Passes will remain on sale until sold out, or until the morning of the first day of the conference, whichever comes first.

Upper Bound has sold out in advance the last two years, so we encourage you to get your passes early to avoid disappointment!

If Upper Bound 2027 sells out in advance (as happened in 2026 and 2025), we may activate a waitlist.

However, passes released to waitlisted users (e.g. due to last-minute cancellations) will likely be extremely limited.

To avoid disappointment, be sure to buy your pass early!

Amii offers a bursary program to provide support for eligible graduate-level students and early-career professionals to attend Upper Bound.

Bursaries for Upper Bound are at the full discretion of Amii, subject to the availability of funds and the conference's capacity.

Local bursaries include a full Conference Pass ($550 value) and Food Hall ($250 value).

Travel bursaries for out-of-town guests may also include a travel stipend to cover airfare and accommodation.

For full eligibility details and other information please see our Talent Bursaries page.

Applications for 2027 Talent Bursaries are expected to open in January 2027. Keep checking back on this website for updates.

The application closing date is still to be announced but will likely be within a few weeks of the opening date.

For AICAP Participants:

Active participants in Amii’s AI Career Accelerator Program (AICAP) who are located within the Edmonton region will be contacted directly with a clear path to register for an Upper Bound Talent Bursary.

For General Applicants:

Applications that meet the eligibility criteria are entered into a lottery pool. Recipients are randomly selected from the lottery pool and notified by email.

Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email on or before May 8, 2027.

Note to all applicants:

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to provide updates on the status of your application outside of the notification process detailed above.

You’re encouraged to make the most of your time at Upper Bound. That said, you’re not required to attend a set number/percentage of Upper Bound activities as a condition of your bursary.

When you complete the application form, you agree to:

• Follow Amii's Code of Conduct for the event.
• Consent to have your contact information shared with Talent Bursary program sponsors.
• Attend Upper Bound in person in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, on May 19 - 22, 2027.

Please note that if you are awarded a travel stipend, this may take up to 12 weeks to process following the conclusion of the conference. You are responsible for providing complete and accurate information to the Amii finance team before May 8, 2027.

All Upper Bound attendees, including bursary recipients, are responsible for planning, booking, and paying for their own flights and accommodations.

If your bursary includes a travel stipend, you will not receive those funds until after you have attended the conference.

Your bursary is intended to help make your attendance at Upper Bound more affordable, not offset the cost entirely.

If your travel and accommodation costs exceed what you are willing/able to pay and you are no longer attending Upper Bound, please let us know by emailing producer@amii.ca.

Accurate banking information and verified attendance at Upper Bound are required to transfer your travel stipend funds.

Fund processing starts the week after Upper Bound, and can take up to 16 weeks, i.e. mid-September. The amount of time it takes to complete the transactions will vary by banking location and accuracy.

Email us a request at talent@amii.ca

If your application meets the eligibility criteria and is selected from the Upper Bound lottery pool, you will receive an email from us notifying you.

That email will ask you to claim your bursary and verify participation before a specified deadline.

You can expect to receive regular emails from us with helpful information and updates, including instructions on how to obtain your conference pass, as we approach the conference.

If you do not register to claim your bursary before the deadline stated in your notification email, you will forfeit your bursary and it will be re-allocated to another applicant.

If you have been awarded a bursary for Upper Bound and are no longer able to attend, please email talent@amii.ca.

There is no virtual-only ticket option.

If you buy a regular conference pass, you can watch livestream content through our app.

Recordings of the live-streamed content will also be made available to conference pass holders following the conference.

Please note that this video and audio coverage is limited to main-stage talks. Side-stage and breakout-room talks are not live-streamed or recorded.

Main Stage talks are live-streamed within the Upper Bound app for passholders. These livestream recordings are then distributed to registrants immediately after the conference.

In the weeks and months following the conference, these session recordings will be made public for anyone to watch.

Right now, you can find selected talks from 2026 on our Video page.

You can also find talks from 2026, 2025, and earlier years on our YouTube channel.

Conference pass holders can watch the livestream through the Brella app (either the mobile or web version). Registered attendees will be given access instructions closer to the conference date.

To make changes to your individual or group registration, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Search for the email with the subject line  "Upper Bound 2027 Registration Confirmation", sent from producer@amii.ca
• Step 2: In that email, click the link  "Click here to review or update your registration."
• Step 3: Click the "Modify Registration" button and proceed through the steps

If you have purchased a group registration and wish to invite others to join, follow these steps:

1. Search for the email with the subject line  "Upper Bound 2027 Registration Confirmation", sent from producer@amii.ca

2. In that email, click the link  "Click here to review or update your registration."

3. On that page, click the "Modify Registration" button

4. On the Group Registration screen, look for the "Copy Link" button, underneath the "Registration URL" column. That is the link to send to all of your group members.

As Group owner, you will need to manage whom the invite link gets distributed to.

If you need to modify your group registration once all the spots are taken, see the "How do I make changes" FAQ above.

If you need additional assistance with your group registration, please email producer@amii.ca and we will help you out!

In your Inbox, search for an email with the subject "Upper Bound 2027 Registration Confirmation" from producer@amii.ca.

In the email, click the blue hyperlink “Click here to review or update your registration.” This link includes a button to print your receipt/invoice.

Amii’s GST number is 785257288 RT0001.

Flash Sale conference passes are fully refundable up to 60 days before Upper Bound.

All other tickets are fully refundable for up to 14 days after the date of purchase.

If it is past the refund window for your ticket type, you can request to transfer your pass to another person by emailing producer@amii.ca .

Please note that we won't be able to accommodate transfers less than one week prior to Upper Bound starting (i.e. after May 10, 2027).

For any other issues with group registrations not addressed above, please email producer@amii.ca and indicate the name of your primary registrant.

The Upper Bound web and mobile app will be available closer to the conference date. Registered attendees will be notified as soon as the app goes live in spring 2027.

Speakers will be announced throughout winter and spring 2027, along with their respective sessions. Please note that session times may shift throughout the planning period, and may not be finalized until close to the conference start date.

Sign up for updates and be the first to know when these details are shared.

You can also explore last year's schedule to see what types of sessions and speakers we featured in the past.

We do not provide a PDF version of the schedule. This helps us keep the schedule as up-to-date as possible.

You can view the most up-to-date version of the upcoming schedule on our Schedule page.

Once you purchase a pass, you will also have access to the schedule within the conference app.

Once you purchase a ticket, you will have access to the schedule within the conference app. This will allow you to sync events to your calendar on your device.

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 - 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.

Food is not included in a conference pass by default. Coffee and water are available to all attendees throughout the day.

Food Hall Passes

If you would like the convenient option of eating on-site throughout* the conference, you can add a Food Hall Pass as part of your registration.

Food Hall Passes are $250 and include breakfast, lunch, two snacks, and beverages daily in the Food Hall from May 18–20, 2027.

*Please note: There is no Food Hall Pass access on Friday, May 21, 2027, due to the workshop-style structure of the conference's final day.

Nearby restaurant options

There are numerous dining options within walking distance of the Edmonton Convention Centre, from fast food to fine dining. Learn more on our Location page.

Yes, you can add a Food Hall pass to your registration later.

To do so, follow the steps outlined in the FAQ above for “How to change my registration.”

Please note: last year’s Food Hall passes sold out, so we encourage you to buy your Food Hall pass early.

Yes, all Talent Bursary recipients are granted a Food Hall Pass.

Individual food accommodations are not possible. The Food Hall is buffet-style, and every effort is made to accommodate most diet preferences and accommodations, such as vegan, vegetarian, and major allergen categories (nuts, dairy, honey, etc.). If you are managing very specific dietary needs, we recommend you pack food and snacks with you, or that you explore the many restaurants and cafes around the downtown core.  

Coffee and water are served in the main exhibition space to all guests throughout the conference.

You are free to bring in your own packed lunch.

There are also numerous restaurants and coffee shops within a 5 - 10 minute walk of the conference site.

Note that there is NO OTHER on-site food available for purchase.

We are working to secure flight discounts from carriers for 2027 and will post updates as they become available on our Location page.

Upper Bound does not offer discounted hotel rates or purchase room blocks.

With numerous hotels within walking distance of the venue, you can pick the stay that works best for you, using the booking tool of your choice.

One popular resource to consider is EdmontonsBestHotels.com, a resource provided by Explore Edmonton.

Yes, we have a conference code for the 2027 event that can be used as part of foreign visa applications. To inquire please email producer@amii.ca and we will get back to you.

The Upper Bound speaker lineup is hand-curated by the Amii team. We do not host a public call for speakers or sessions. 

That said, there are other ways you can get involved:

Become an Upper Bound Sponsor

Certain sponsorship levels can include speaking opportunities. To learn more, visit our Sponsorship page.

Host a Community Event

You can apply to host a community event that you produce as an extension of the conference. If accepted, your event will appear on the official Upper Bound schedule and app. Please fill out our application form at the link above; we will then respond to let you know if we think your proposed event is a good fit.

Community Events at Upper Bound are events that are produced by volunteer members of the community, and hosted at nearby off-site locations.

You must apply to host a Community Event; if approved, your event will be listed on the main Upper Bound schedule.

To apply to host a Community Event for 2027, fill out this form. We will review your application and respond to let you know if we think your proposed event is a good fit.

No, Upper Bound does not have a tradeshow format. To explore sponsorship options for your company, please see our Sponsorship page.

Currently, there is not an open call for volunteers. Check back in the coming months to see if any opportunities arise!

There will not be poster presentations this year at Upper Bound.

For all media related inquiries, including media passes, interview requests, etc, please contact our media team at media@amii.ca