About Festival
Founded in 2017 as a Canadian non-profit organization, Elevate produced its inaugural tech and innovation festival. In 2022, the reimagined festival united icons and innovators at the intersection of arts and technology. Hosting the festival in Toronto, once again, Elevate was able to shine a light on the tech icons who dream big, the innovative minds who take great risks, and the fearless creatives who envision a future that includes us all.
Who Attends Elevate Festival
Experience Toronto
Fall in step with Toronto, ranked one of North America's most innovative tech hubs, as you tune in to events and programming that matter to you at Elevate Festival 2023. From Meridian Hall and St. Lawrence Centre by day, to the historic Design Exchange (DX) by night, the festival's small-scale footprint will keep you connected and engaged in the heart of the city
“Elevate will serve as a meeting place wherein discussion will swirl around the solutions to society's greatest challenges.”
Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQs
Q: What is Elevate Festival?
A: Elevate Festival is Canada’s largest homegrown tech and innovation festival uniting world-class innovators and industry leaders who are building a better future. Featuring world-class speakers, ecosystem socials, opportunities to grow your business, and a space to find your people.
Q: Where is Elevate located?
A: Elevate programming will be taking place at multiple venues throughout the city. Daytime programming will be at Meridian Hall and the St. Lawrence Centre for Arts. Evening programming will be at the Design Exchange.
Q: When is Festival taking place?
A: Festival will run from September 26th – 28th.
Q: Is Elevate an all ages event?
A: Yes, Elevate is an all ages event. However, all attendees under eighteen (18) years of age must be accompanied by an adult chaperone or have guardian permission to attend the Festival and all related events. You can read the full Youth & Child Attendee Policy: Age Requirements in our Terms of Use.
Q: How can I volunteer?
A: Festival wouldn’t be possible without our volunteers! We have a variety of exciting opportunities that you can choose from. Opportunities are posted in May. You can sign up here: https://timecounts.org/elevate.
Q: I have accessibility requirements, who can I reach out to?
A: Elevate is committed to making Festival accessible and welcoming for everyone. Please let us know of any accessibility accommodation(s) you need to enjoy your Festival experience by emailing us at festival@elevate.ca. While we will do our very best to accommodate all requests, requests made after August 25th, 2023 may be more difficult to accommodate due to time constraints.
Our full Accessibility Plan can be found here.
Q: How can I get in touch with someone from the Elevate team?
A: For general inquiries please contact festival@elevate.ca.
Q: What are Elevate Festival’s COVID policies?
A: Elevate cares about the health and safety of our attendees and volunteers and works to provide a COVID safe environment. While Elevatedoes not require masks at Festival, we are a mask-friendly space and encourage attendees to do what will make them feel most comfortable. We will continue to provide hand sanitizer on site, ensure proper cleaning and sanitizing practices are implemented and encourage frequent hand-washing.
Q: I’m feeling unsafe, who should I speak to?
A: If someone is harassing you or otherwise making you uncomfortable, please notify an Elevate staff member or security. You can also go to the Help Desk in Meridian Hall.
Elevate does not tolerate violence, mistreatment, or harassment — verbal, physical, sexual, or otherwise — towards staff, volunteers, sponsors, guests, presenters, or other attendees at any of our events. Should the comfort or safety of any of our stakeholders be in question, immediate action will be taken.
Ticketing Questions
Q: When do tickets go on sale?
A: Tickets go on sale May 1, 2023
Q: Where can I buy tickets and what ticket options are available?
A: Tickets can be purchased here.
Q: Where will I be able to pick up my badge?
A: Badges can be picked up at Meridian Hall on the following dates and times:
- September 25: 4:00pm-6:00pm
- September 26: 12:00pm-8:00pm
- September 27: 8:00am-5:00pm
- September 28: 8:00am-2:00pm
Please note that registration will open one hour before doors to the venue open, with the exception of September 26. Doors will open at the following times:
- September 26: 4:00pm
- September 27: 9:00am
- September 28: 9:00am
Q: Can I purchase a single day pass?
A: We do not offer single day passes at this time.
Q: What is Klik?
A: Elevate Festival uses Klik technology in our badges. These smart badges produce digital heatmaps in near real-time, allowing us to visualize patterns in engagement and traffic throughout the event.
By tapping your badge to another person’s badge, or a Sponsor, you are sharing your information with the other person or organization. Your badge is associated with your ticket profile.
Q: Can I refund my pass?
A: Elevate Festival Passes are non-refundable, but we’d be happy to help you transfer your pass to a friend/colleague.
If you wish to change the name on your Elevate Festival Pass, you will be able to do so until September 15, 2023 at 5:00 PM (EST) free of charge, after this date you will be unable to transfer your ticket.
Q: Do I need to register for any events within the festival?
A: You are not required to register for any of our events. Our different ticket options include different opportunities and seating is on a first come first served basis.
Q: I need to make a change to my personal information on my ticket, how can I do this?
A: Any changes to your personal information has to be done through the registration platform. Check your confirmation email for a link to update/edit information. Changes to personal information can not be made through the Elevate app.
Q: Can you help me get a visa to attend Festival?
A: You may request a visa invitation letter once you have purchased a ticket to Festival by completing our request form.
In the event that an attendee’s visa is not granted, please submit proof to festival@elevate.ca to request a refund of your Festival ticket.
Elevate is not liable or responsible for any costs incurred by you attending the Festival, which includes but is not limited to travel, accommodation, hospitality, and any other expenses. You are solely responsible for your own travel, accommodation, hospitality, and any other expenses required for you to attend the Festival. Elevate will not be liable for the granting of any visas that are required to attend the Festival. It is your sole responsibility to take any visa requirements into consideration.
Q: I lost my badge. What do I do?
A: Please visit the registration desks in Meridian Hall to purchase a replacement badge.
Scheduling and Content
Q: Is there an event schedule available?
A: A schedule of events, including the agenda, will be available here, as of the first week of August.
Q: Who are this year’s speakers?
A: We are proud to welcome some of the world’s most iconic, influential, and innovative movers and shakers to the stage. Our list of speakers can be found here.
Q: Will food be available for purchase on-site?
A: Concessions will be open in Meridian Hall and the Jane Lobby in the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts. The Elevate Eats Food Trucks will also be available in front of Meridian Hall and St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts on the following dates and times:
- Tuesday, September 26: 4:00PM – 9:00PM
- Wednesday, September 27: 9:00AM – 6:00PM
- Thursday, September 28: 9:00AM – 6:00PM
Elevate Goes Late Questions
Q: What is Elevate Goes Late?
A: As the stages come to a close, the real party kicks off with Elevate Goes Late. Exclusively for festival attendees, head over to the Design Exchange for themed parties featuring live music, drinks, eats, and a few surprises.
Q: When is Elevate Goes Late?
A: Wednesday, September 27th and Thursday, September 28th from 7PM-11PM.
Q: Is Elevate Goes Late an all ages event?
A: No, these events will be 19+ and IDs will be checked at the door.
Q: Do I need a ticket for Elevate Goes Late?
A: No, all you need is your badge upon entry and you are good to go!