Upper Bound Sells Out Ahead of Milestone Fifth Year

Published

Apr 30, 2026

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Media Release

Held in Edmonton, May 19-22, the event solidifies its status as Canada’s premier AI gathering 

Upper Bound, Canada’s fastest-growing AI conference, announced that its 2026 event is officially sold out. Designed and produced by Amii, the conference began five years ago as a celebration of Alberta’s 20-year legacy in AI research. Today, Upper Bound stands as a world-class event dedicated to cultivating, celebrating, and amplifying AI excellence, bridging breakthroughs from the lab into the real world. 

Since its inception, Upper Bound has become a meeting ground for everyone from global researchers, CEOs, founders, educators, emerging talent and the AI-curious alike. To date, the event has welcomed more than 16,000 members of the global AI community to Edmonton. These gatherings facilitate the vital collisions that spark national projects, scale startups, map organizational AI journeys, and train thousands of Canadians — proving that Upper Bound is where Canada’s AI future is being built.

Quote from Cam Linke, Amii CEO

Upper Bound has grown in tandem with the unprecedented acceleration of AI, from advancing world-class research to driving global business adoption and literacy. We are immensely proud to have built a premier platform where a unique cross-section of attendees can connect, ensuring that diverse perspectives shape the next five years of AI innovation. This is where an optimistic AI future is both imagined and realized.

Quote from Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, Government of Canada

Canada’s leadership in artificial intelligence is grounded in world-class research and a commitment to translating innovation into real economic impact. The overwhelming demand for Upper Bound reflects the appetite to engage with Canada’s AI ecosystem and the momentum we are building to position our country at the forefront of AI

Quote from Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology and Innovation, Government of Alberta

Alberta has long served as a global hub for artificial intelligence, driven by institutions like Amii and a thriving innovation ecosystem. The fact that Upper Bound has sold out underscores the strength of our province’s leadership in AI, our ability to attract top talent and investment, and the growing role Alberta plays in shaping the future of technology and economic growth.

Bound to Inspire 

What began as a regional celebration of AI innovation is now a national epicenter for advancing AI research, talent, literacy, and business. Distinguished speakers and guests for Upper Bound 2026 include: 

  • Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, Government of Canada 

  • Eleanor Olszewski, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada

  • Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology & Innovation, Government of Alberta 

  • Elissa Strome, Executive Director, Canadian Institute of Advanced Research (CIFAR)

The 2026 program also features on-stage insights from global industry leaders, including: Google, Meta, Sony AI, Electronic Arts, Mozilla, Denvr Dataworks, and more. 

Beyond the Bounds of a Conference 

Amii is set to welcome more than 8,000 global participants for an immersive experience featuring over 200 sessions and 250 speakers. This year’s expanded program will activate the heart of Edmonton’s downtown core, bringing essential AI conversations to the forefront for a diverse audience. 

Attendees will dive deep into themes critical to the field's future, including AI for Health, Generative AI for Business Productivity, Ethical Governance, AI Literacy & Education, Energy & the Environment, Blue Sky Research, and more. The program also features an exclusive CEO Circle curated by Cam Linke, designed to spotlight pivotal AI trends and strategic opportunities for today’s executive leaders. 

Beyond the Bounds of AI Training 

For many, Upper Bound represents the culmination of ongoing AI training, offering front-row access to real-world expertise. The event proudly welcomes participants from two major national initiatives: the AI Workforce Readiness program—a $5M Google.org-supported national initiative aiming to equip 125,000 post-secondary students with AI skills—and AI Pathways, a $10.4M Government of Canada investment designed to empower nearly 6,000 energy workers for a low-carbon future.

Upper Bound takes place May 19-22 in Edmonton. While sponsorship and passes are officially sold out, the waitlist for event passes and early access for 2027 is currently at: www.upperbound.ai

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