1UP Conference 2026 - Blueprint to Bloom

The 1UP Conference is where young people from across Ontario come together to imagine, design, and build the future of our communities. Over two energizing days, join 200+ youth for hands-on workshops, inspiring speakers, design challenges, and real conversations about city-building, creativity, climate, and community.

This is your platform.

You bring the passion—we bring the space, the tools, and the people who want to hear your ideas.

Secure your spot at the 1UP Conference and help shape the cities of tomorrow!

Location:

Vari Hall, York University, 198 York Blvd, North York, ON M3J 1P3

Dates:

Saturday, March 28th, 2026 | 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Sunday, March 29th, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Note the earlier start!)

What to Expect:

• Lunch Provided on both days—fuel up while connecting with fellow attendees!
• The Design-Builders & PLANit Forward Pitch Competitions that spark creativity and teamwork.
• Design Jam Competition - A fast-paced challenge for your team to build bold ideas for the cities of tomorrow.

• The City Building Career Panel with industry leaders and changemakers.
• Urban Futures Fair - An interactive expo where you get to meet changemakers and explore university and college pathways in city-building. Our partner organizations this year are:
• York University - Faculty of Environment & Urban Change
• University of Waterloo - Faculty of Environment
• McMaster University - Wilson College of Leadership & Civic Engagement
• McMaster University - School of Earth, Environment & Society
• Toronto Society of Architects
• Urban Strategies Inc.
• Green Neighbours Network of Toronto
• Various Hands on Workshops that empower you to build, design and envision better cities!

• Awards Ceremony - A celebration to recognize your creativity and outstanding work.

What to Bring:

• Yourself and your amazing ideas!
• A laptop (Material for the conference will be provided online)

Travel Reimbursements:

Need support getting to the conference? Travel assistance is available on a first-come and first-served basis, with chapter members receiving priority.

• Windsor Students - Pricing details are being finalized (4 available)
• Hamilton Students: $20 (4 available)
• Kitchener-Waterloo Students: $20 (4 available)
• Other: Must Be Over 1 Hour From Toronto Union Station by car: $20 (4 available)

Overnight Accommodations:

Overnight accommodations are available in limited quantities on a first-come, first-served basis with chapter members receiving priority. Accommodations will be shared with other conference participants of the same sex.

• Windsor Students: (4 spots available Male or Female)
• Hamilton/Kitchener-Waterloo/Other - Must be 1+ hour away by car from Toronto Union Station. 16 spots available. Please note that male and female spots will be determined after assigning spots to the farthest chapter from Windsor.

If you meet the requirements above, please select the “General Admission + Overnight Accommodations” ticket to reserve your spot for $100. A $100 e-transfer reimbursement will be issued within 7 days after attending the conference. Full refunds are available upon request until February 15, 2026. Unfortunately, refunds cannot be issued after this date.

Refer a Friend Giveaway:

Bring a friend and double the fun! Attend together and you’ll both be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a MUJI stationery package worth over $20.

Diamond Sponsors:

Gold Sponsors:

Silver Sponsors:

Keynote Sponsors:

Prize sponsors:

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Host or Publisher 1UP Youth City Builders