2026 IASP World Conference
Edmonton has been shortlisted as one of three host candidates for the 2026 International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) World Conference! Explore Edmonton and API led a bid team, on behalf of the Edmonton Research Park, that was successful in submitting a compelling bid earlier this year.
Explore this page and discover why Edmonton is the perfect destination for the 2026 IASP World Conference.
Welcome/Tawâw to Edmonton/Amiskwacîwâskahikan!
Edmonton is Alberta's capital city, located in Treaty 6 territory and Métis Region 4. With a population of around one million people, Edmonton is one of Canada's youngest and fastest growing cities. Edmonton's crown jewel is the North Saskatchewan River Valley, the largest urban park in Canada, which has more than 160 km of trails to explore right in the heart of the city. Edmonton is also the gateway to Canada's North and Jasper National Park & the Canadian Rockies.
Discover Amiskwacîwâskahikan
Indigenous Peoples, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, have traditionally inhabited northern Turtle Island (known today as Canada) for generations. Through Indigenous tourism, entrepreneurs and communities share their ways of life with visitors from around the world.
In Edmonton, there are many Indigenous tourism businesses that represent a variety of Indigenous nations. From guides and knowledge keepers to artists and chefs, visitors can explore a wide range of incredible experiences, such as savoring delicious Indigenous cuisine at Bernadette's or discovering Indigenous stories through local geological wonders with Talking Rock Tours.
Edmonton is also home to the Indigenous Peoples Experience at Fort Edmonton Park. This experience has received a Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement - Heritage Center, celebrating outstanding international work on educational, historical, and entertainment projects.
Here, visitors can gather and explore life through the diversity of First Nations' and Métis peoples' histories, experiences, and perspectives, local to Indigenous life in the Beaver Hills region.
Set forth a journey of cultural discovery with 'The River Flows' from the series Explore Edmonton Presents – a collection of captivating short stories that celebrate the vibrant spirit found in Alberta's capital. Nestled in Treaty 6 territory, Edmonton thrives as a diverse tapestry of cultures, and we're thrilled to introduce you to the extraordinary Indigenous communities that weave the city's identity.
CONVENE IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN
EDMONTON CONVENTION CENTRE
Convene in style! Our award-winning Edmonton Convention Centre provides a unique experience as soon as you step into the venue, travelling through the lush, living atrium that overlooks North America’s largest urban parkland and showcases Edmonton’s commitment to sustainability.
Recognized as one of five top performing venues in North America, the Edmonton Convention Centre brings people together to learn, innovate, trade and celebrate in the heart of downtown Edmonton’s River Valley.
EXPERIENCE INNOVATION
EDMONTON RESEARCH PARK
The Edmonton Research Park is an interconnected destination for infrastructure-intensive innovation. Here, businesses can establish, create, develop, and grow locally and globally.
UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
The University of Alberta is a world-renowned research institution that is home to several Centres and Institutes that engage in scholarship to represent a diverse range of research expertise. Constantly innovating, the University of Alberta recently ranked among the top 100 universities in the world for excellence in research and teaching and also ranked first in North America and sixth in the world for sustainability impact.
Critical Medicines Production Centre
Recently, API and the University of Alberta’s Li Ka Shing Applied Virology Institute broke ground on the new Critical Medicines Production Centre (CMPC) at Edmonton Research Park. This will be Canada's largest manufacturing facility for critical medicines and is a major advancement for the Canadian Critical Drug Initiative and the life sciences ecosystem.
Explore Attractions and Experiences
There is no shortage of things to do in Edmonton. Discover world-famous attractions in Edmonton, including West Edmonton Mall, an indoor mall which spans the equivalent of 48 city blocks, and the Art Gallery of Alberta, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Don't miss the Ice District, Edmonton's hub for sports and entertainment and home of the Edmonton Oilers, or Whyte Avenue, which features a plethora of unique local boutiques, one-of-a-kind art galleries and music shops, and trendy restaurants and cafés.
Feeling Festive?
Here, every season is festival season. Shakespeare under an open sky? You got it. A winter festival with sculptures made of ice and…fire? Done and done. If you’re in Edmonton, there’s a festival going on. With over 60 festivals annually, there’s no shortage of excitement to fill your stay - whether it’s 30 degrees above or below.
WHERE TO STAY
Explore our city's vibrant districts! Whether you're craving the heart of downtown excitement, the thrill of West Edmonton Mall, or the convenience of the Edmonton Convention Centre, each neighbourhood has a unique vibe. Go beyond convention and choose a home base that matches the adventure you want to have.
