1UP Toronto Conference 2025

The 2025 conference theme is Building Belonging, which explores the intersection of innovation and social equity in urban development. It highlights collaborative opportunities between decision-makers and youth to create inclusive spaces in public and private sector projects. Through design jams and dynamic speakers, the conference will emphasize the importance of both fair and forward-thinking solutions for communities.

1UP Toronto Conference 2025 will feature:

• Inspirational talks by movers and shakers in the fields of urban planning and architecture, art and design, engineering and technology, and community development
• Scavenger hunt
• Pitches from our 1UP School Chapters presented by secondary school students to showcase their in-progress design-build community projects
• A Design Jam where participants will work in teams to brainstorm, design, and prototype solutions for a real-life urban challenge related to the conference theme

What's happening

• Design Jam team case competition + pitch with a cash prize of $300 and 3D printed trophies for the winning team

• Youth Power school chapter student demos

• Network with city building professionals

• Lunch + Snacks provided

• Public Transit Travel Reimbursement provided
• Free Overnight Accommodations for a limited number of students who live at least 50km from Toronto Union Station

What you'll leave with:

• Creative ideas and confidence to make your own mark

• Design Thinking process + problem solving tools for any project

• Opportunities to get involved in addressing real-world challenges

• Connections to Toronto's innovative leaders

Who is this conference for?

High school students aspiring to become city builders and community changemakers. If you're curious about urban planning and architecture, art and design, engineering and technology, and community development, or just want to get more involved outside of school, you're in the right place!

What do I need to know or bring?

Just an open mind to learn and create! No experience required. We'll be providing lunch, snacks, and conference gear. Invite your friends (please have them register here too), but don't worry about getting a team together for the Design Jam - we'll be organizing everyone into teams at the conference.

Accessibility

The venue is fully accessible. Please contact us at [email protected] if you have any accessibility needs.

Conference Schedule

Day 1 - Saturday, March 29

9:30 AM - Registration and Breakfast

10:00 AM - Introduction

1 0:45 AM - Panel Discussion

12:00 PM - Lunch

1:00 PM - Scavenger Hunt

2:30 PM - Break

2:45 PM - 1UP Design-Build Pitches - Part 1

3:20 PM - Trivia Game

3:35 PM - 1UP Design-Build Pitches - Part 2

4:20 PM - Closing Remarks

4:50 PM - Networking

Day 2 - Sunday, March 30

9:30 AM - Registration and Breakfast

10:00 AM - Introduction

10:10 AM - Pitching Workshop

11:10 AM - Design Jam - Part 1

1:00 PM - Lunch

2:00 PM - Design Jam - Part 2

3:15 PM - Break

3:25 PM - Design Jam - Part 3

4 :15 PM - Closing Remarks

4 :20 PM - Awards Ceremony

4:35 PM - Group Photo

4:45 PM - Networking

For more information about the conference, please visit: https://1upyouth.org/conference2025/

Conference Organizers

Urban Minds is a non-profit organization based in Toronto with a mission to create meaningful ways for youth to shape equitable and sustainable cities.

1 UP Toronto is a youth-led program of Urban Minds.

Host or Publisher 1UP Youth City Builders