The 2023 conference theme is Reconnect:
How does it feel to finally drop off from a Zoom call and reconnect with the spaces and people around you? Reconnect is a dialogue between youth and city builders about how we renew our relationships with the land, transform existing spaces, and reimagine our transportation systems for a world that is entirely different from what we knew before. We will explore whether the changes we see in our towns and cities today are just a blip on the radar or the beginning of something more permanent. We will navigate what youth’s role as citizens is now and can be in this new future.
1UP Toronto Conference 2023 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
1UP School Chapters’ Demo 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 real life challenges affecting youth in urban communities
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
$5 Travel Reimbursement provided
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 hello@urbanminds.co if you have any accessibility needs.
Conference Schedule
9:30 AM - Registration and Breakfast
10:00 AM - Introduction
10:10 AM - Keynote Speaker
Deborah Cowen, Professor in the Department of Geography and Planning at the University of Toronto
10:20 AM - Panel Discussion
Alex Hanes, Master of Planning Student, Toronto Metropolitan University (Moderator)
Sean Nix, Associate Dean of Architectural, Chemical and Environmental Sciences at Sheridan College
Phat Le, Architectural Designer, Infrastructure Institute at University of Toronto School of Cities
Keisha St.Louis-McBurnie, Urban Planner, Urban Strategies Inc.
Tennesha Joseph, Project Lead, Are You Afraid of the Dark TO
10:50 AM - Design Jam Part 1
12:55 PM - Lunch
1:30 PM - 1UP Fair
Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute
Milliken Mills High School
Northview Heights Secondary School
Richmond Green Secondary School
White Oaks Secondary School
2:15 PM - Design Jam Part 2
4:10 PM - Closing Remarks and Group Photo
4:20 PM - Awards
4:30 PM - Networking
Bonus! Win a $20 e-gift card of your choice by bringing the most number of clean, reusable items to 1UP Toronto Conference. Help us reduce waste and reuse household items creatively for making 3D models at our conference!
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.
1UP Toronto is a youth-led program of Urban Minds.
Plan Bold is an outreach program where Toronto Metropolitan University planning students educate high school students on the field of urban planning.
Source: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1up-toronto-conference-2023-tickets-502939805497