FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When and where does the event take place?
The Banff Systems Summit will take place on May 27th-29th, 2024 at the Banff Centre.
Why is the Systems Summit being hosted in Banff?
Banff is an internationally recognized destination, a global centre for learning, the arts, sustainability, and leadership development. Historically, it was a place of coming together, of peace and medicine, prior to colonization. Since colonization, it has welcomed travelers from across the globe, looking to interact with nature in all four seasons, to challenge their limitations and learn about their capacities. The first Banff Systems Summit brings these two histories together: we will invite top students from Canada and internationally, as well as systems leaders across a wide range of fields and sectors to explore how systems thinking can be applied to current challenges, and workshop skills students can employ as they transition from school to professional life. This will include time in nature with Indigenous systems thinkers, engaging with social entrepreneurs, and experiencing cultural opportunities that can help us all ‘unsettle’ and grow.
What are the main key objectives and expected outcomes of the event?
KEY OBJECTIVES
• Foster learning and networking opportunities for students passionate about systems thinking
• Provide a retreat-like setting for generative dialogue on systems thinking amid global challenges
• Facilitate transformative learning across academic and practitioner domains
• Reflect on the skills and competencies required for shaping a humane, just, and sustainable future
• Disseminate systems-led practices to a broader audience
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
Short-term: Build confidence, solidarity, and demystify complex challenges. Connect students with meaningful work opportunities
Long-term: Nurture a community of practice, build knowledge about systems-led approaches, and instill a collective sense of momentum for societal change across Canada and globally.
Who is eligible to attend?
The Banff Systems Summit is set to welcome post-secondary students enrolled in Canadian universities and colleges, who are interested in large-scale social change. We are also excited to invite select international students to attend.
Along with students, Canadian practitioner-changemakers (professionals) in all sectors - public, private, nonprofit - including equity-deserving community/public/industry leaders employing a systems-led approach in their work.
What is the cost to attend?
Individual Students - $300 (plus GST)
Practitioners - $500 (plus GST)
When will I need to have my team registered by?
We understand that you may not be able to register your team right away. No worries!
When you register as a team lead, a deposit of $500 will be required to hold your ticket as well as your teams spot. Once that is completed, student details and payment must be completed anytime prior to April 20th, 2024.
If you do not plan on attending the event with your students, the $500 deposit will be refunded once student registration is complete.
Do you have a cancellation policy?
Should you need to cancel your registration, we are able to offer the following refunds prior to the event:
Cancellation prior to March 28th, 2024: 80% refund
Cancellations March 29th- April 27th: 50% refund
Unfortunately, if you cancel less than 30 days prior to the event, we will not be able to issue a refund.
What is included in the cost?
Your registration for the 2024 Banff Systems Summit includes the following:
- Transportation provided from Mount Royal University to Banff on May 27th
- Welcome reception dinner to kick off the summit, including engaging fire-side chats
- Breakfast and lunch buffets served at the scenic Vistas Dinning room on event days
- Access to engaging event panels and hands-on learning workshops
- Enjoy a picturesque dinner at Mount View Barbecue, nestled in the scenic mountains
- Transportation arranged from Banff back to Mount Royal University or YYC International Airport on May 29th
What is the refund policy?
Cancellation Policy:
Should you need to cancel a registration, please contact us directly at: hello@gravitypull.ca
We are able to offer the following refunds prior to the event:
Cancellation prior to March 28th, 2024: 80% refund
Cancellations between March 29th- April 27th; 50% refund
Unfortunately, if you cancel less than 30 days prior to the event, we will not be able to issue a refund.
Travel & Accommodation
Getting to Calgary:
If you will be flying into Calgary for the event, we are happy to offer a discount when you fly with WestJet. Please review the details below, prior to booking your WestJet flight.
WestJet is able to offer 5% off Econo* and 10% off EconoFlex and Premium fares for travel within Canada and 2% off Econo*, 5% off EconoFlex and 10% off Premium base fares for guests travelling Trans-border. No discount will apply to Basic or Business class bookings. To take advantage of this offer, you will need the discount code listed. Please visit www.westjet.com/conventions to make a booking online.
Applicable Rules
The booking is to be made to the following city: Calgary
The travel period begins: 5/17/2024
The travel period ends: 6/5/2024
Coupon Code: Guest web/Travel Agent web: 8B0T6KH
Promo Code: Travel Agent GDS only: YBI39
Getting to Banff:
We are excited to offer shuttle buses to and from Banff at no additional cost! Please review the following pick-up and drop-off times and locations:
May 27th, 2024
3:30 PM
Pick-up location: Mount Royal University
Drop-off location: Banff Centre
May 29th, 2024
2:00 PM
Pick-up location: Banff Centre
Drop-off location: Mount Royal University OR YYC International Airport
If you plan to utilize our shuttle services, we kindly request that you complete the following form: Transportation Form. Please note that the deadline to submit the form is May 17th, 2024. Failure to do so may result in the unavailability of transportation.
We are pleased to inform you that your shuttle service to Banff includes individual persons park passes valid from May 27-29. If you plan to stay beyond these dates, please be sure to arrange to purchase additional day passes. For more information and online purchases, please click here.
Should you not be able to make the arranged shuttle, or have different travel plans. you can travel from Calgary Airport to Banff, Canmore & Lake Louise on a deluxe motor coach with Brewster Express. We are excited to offer Banff Systems Summit attendees a discounted rate when using Brewster Express. Save 15% on a round-trip booking when you use the promo code BSS2024. For more information and for booking, please visit brewsterexpress.com
Do I require a visa to travel to Banff, Canada?
If you are travelling internationally into Banff, Canada, you may require a visitors visa. To learn more about the visa requirements and processing times please visit the below links:
Do I need a park pass when driving to Banff?
If you plan on driving and parking in Banff, you will require a Parks Canada, Banff park pass. These can be purchased in advanced or can be purchased at the toll booth when entering the park. You can learn more about the park passes here. Please note, the park is regularly monitored for parking passes, and it is likely you will receive a ticket if you do not have a park pass. .
Where is the closest international airport to Banff?
The closest airport to Banff is Calgary International Airport (YYC). From the Calgary International Airport, it is 130km to the Banff Centre (approximately a 1 hour 30 minute drive). If you will not be renting a car, here are a few options for transport into Banff:
Several companies offer private shuttle bus transfers from the Calgary International Airport. These bus companies run on a schedule with multiple departures from Calgary to Banff. The two most popular are Banff Airporter and Brewster Express. They’re excellent options with various times and routes, so your travel plans may be better suited for one over the other
- Brewster Express is the largest operator of group tours and bus services in and around the Canadian Rockies. Cruise. Brewster, the transportation company, operates group tour buses that deliver guests to all the park’s major locations. Save 15% when you use the promo code BSS2024
- The Banff Airporter is a year-round service between Calgary, Canmore, and Banff. They have many scheduled times, so you rarely have to wait more than an hour after your flight has landed. They offer a pickup/dropoff hotel service in Banff.
Will lodging and transportation be provided?
Lodging will not be provided by the event organizers, so please be sure to have reservations secured. The last day to book using the event rate at the Banff Centre was April 25th, 2024.
You are still able to book your stay at the Banff Centre through contacting them directly by calling (403) 762-6148 or emailing reservations@banffcentre.ca
At this time, transportation to and from Banff will be provided via bus on the 27th and 29th of May.
Please review the following pick-up and drop-off times and locations:
May 27th, 2024
3:30 PM
Pick-up location: Mount Royal University
Drop-off location: Banff Centre
May 29th, 2024
2:00 PM
Pick-up location: Banff Centre
Drop-off location: Mount Royal University OR YYC International Airport
We are pleased to inform you that your shuttle service to Banff includes individual persons park passes valid from May 27-29. If you plan to stay beyond these dates, please be sure to arrange to purchase additional day passes. For more information and online purchases, please click here.
If you plan to utilize our shuttle services, we kindly request that you complete the following form: Transportation Form. Please note that the deadline to submit the form is May 17th, 2024. Failure to do so may result in the unavailability of transportation.
What should I pack/bring with me?
We suggest the following packing list:
● There is no dress code for the event, so please feel free to pack whatever you're. most comfortable in.
● Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as you will likely be walking and exploring Banff National Park.
● Laptop/tablet device, pen and paper. If you have international charging cords, please be sure to bring an adaptor.
● Anything necessary for overnight stays. Since we will be in the mountains, the weather in Banff can change quickly, so we recommend you park for both warm and colder weather.
This is not an extensive list, so please feel free to bring anything else you may require.
Still have questions? Contact the event organizers directly at hello@gravitypull.ca
