This web page is the central location for information for sponsors of GridFWD 2024. Please send additional questions to Mary Jo.
Download the Preliminary Program Summary >
Market operators and participants alike are feeling it: current markets are not architected to meet the conflicting demands of progressive public policies, advancing energy technologies and unprecedented extremes in threats to the grid. The diverse community that is modernizing the grid across the western US and Canada needs to rally around new market models that can lower risk and uncertainty while improving resource adequacy, resiliency and equity.
At GridFWD 2024, we’ll paint the whole picture: from increasing market integration to community engagement, from technological drivers of resiliency and reliability to new ways to harness data for forecasting and planning.
GridFWD 2024
Banff Centre, Banff, Canada
October 1-2
Attendance
Grid Forward is planning for 400 participants this year. Like our past GridFWD events, the attendees will represent several groups:
Content and Connections
Grid Forward is committed to combining timely, relevant content with structured ways to meet and connect with attendees old and new to build relationships.
Registration
Registration is open! Register as soon as possible since space is limited. Each sponsor has been provided with a promo code. If you can’t find the code, please reach out to Mary Jo.
Transportation to and from the airport
Grid Forward has partnered with Banff Airporter for transportation to and from the Calgary International Airport. All GridFWD 2024 attendees can receive 15% off the cost by applying code GridFWD2024 when booking at Banff Airporter.
Hotel and Conference Location
GridFWD 2024 will take place in the Kinnear Centre, Banff Centre’s newest meeting facility. Limited accommodations are available on campus primarily for sponsors and partners. Click here to contact Banff Centre and get the conference code GFF2409.
There are a host of hotels of all types within a 15 minute walk. Grid Forward will be running a shuttle between the main street and the venue for everyone’s convenience. But, weather permitting, you’ll want to stroll the streets of Banff.
Banff Lodging Company manages a range of hotels, suites and condos around Banff, including the charming Moose Hotel with its authentic Canadian hospitality. They are offering a 15% discount to GridFWD 2024 attendees who provide the discount code GF2024. Click here to get started.
There are many other options not associated with the conference including the regal Fairmont Banff Springs, the ultra-modern Peaks Hotel, and the classic Banff Park Lodge Resort Hotel.
Socials, Dinners & Other Events
The Banff area is full of inspiring adventures and things to do. Side gatherings the evening of September 30 and October 1 are available to host an event. The area has breweries and distilleries, great dining and many other fun options available. See this guide for more information. Note – this option is not part of the conference so the Grid Forward team is not engaged and does not provide logistics to get people there.
GridFWD 2024 will come to the Kinnear Centre, Banff Centre’s newest meeting facility. This Gold LEED Certified building has been designed to create an environment that encourages interaction and engagement among attendees, with an abundance of natural light and fresh mountain air in the meeting spaces along with breathtaking vistas. Steps away, Grid Forward will have a block of rooms at the Banff Centre Hotel. Both are nestled in the Banff National Park, Canada’s first National Park established in 1885. The town of Banff is at 4,537 feet of elevation, ringed by mountains shooting up to 11,850 feet.
The airport at Calgary is 143 km or 90 minutes away. Hourly shuttles are available from the airport to Banff.
Sponsor Tables
Space is limited. Contact Mary Jo Nye by July 26, 2024 to confirm interest in a table. Room layout to be provided this summer.
Private Meeting Rooms
Private meeting rooms are available for the Lead sponsors. Space is limited, so other sponsors can reach out to Mary Jo if interested and to check on availability.
Shipping/Mailing
All sponsors who confirmed tables and want to ship materials should ship them directly to the venue, to arrive not more than 1 week before the event. Consider bringing these materials with you when you travel or allow for extra time for the items to clear customs. (Note: depending on how items are shipped, you may need a customs broker to get these through on a timely basis.)
VIP Pre-event Dinner
All sponsorships include an executive invitation to the pre-event dinner. Note – this is for one executive for each sponsoring company. Please contact Bryce or Mary Jo with the executive’s name and email address. Invitations will be sent a few weeks prior to the event.
Some of our unique, inspiring activities are still available to sponsor. If you would like more information, please contact Mary Jo.
FIRST NATIONS CULTURAL CIRCLE: DRUM, DANCE AND SONG
Sponsored by Electricity Canada
First nation cultural awareness and experience — Participants will learn about the different songs and dances used for different occasions (pow wow, ceremony, prayer), ask questions about the regalia worn by dancers, and have the opportunity to participate in a round dance. Max 40 people.
THE MOUNTAINS, THE PEOPLE, THE STORIES
Sponsored by Utilidata
A walking history tour of the Banff region — On this walk you will hear stories of First Nations People, the creators of Banff Park, early adventurers and more. Participants walk from Banff Centre and descend down the Hoodoo Trail to the Bow River, a 2.5 km round-trip with 100m elevation gain. Max 24 people.
FORESTS, FIRE AND RESILIENCY STORIES
Two sponsorships available
A guided talk and tour of the Banff Centre surroundings — The dynamic of how trees in Banff have co-evolved with fire provides insights into what resilience means to the forests, to society and to you. Participants will go on a short walk around the Banff Centre campus, exploring resiliency through the relationship of the trees and fire as well as their personal response to extreme events. Max 24 people.
DRAWN TO NATURE
Two sponsorships available
Artist-facilitated drawing activity featuring Banff materials — Join an established Banff Centre artist as they lead participants through a drawing activity, featuring the iconic beauty of Banff. Using prepared and pre-designed materials, all participants will be able to produce a memorable take-away, regardless of art experience. Max 24 people.
TUNNEL MOUNTAIN HIKE
Sponsored by Black & Veatch and one more available
This shapely mountain whose Indigenous name translates to Sleeping Buffalo is a perfect all-season, introductory hike to the area. Take in the viewpoints and enjoy Mount Rundle’s beauty along with the picture worthy sight of the Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course and the Bow River. The hike is rated “moderately difficult,” a 4.4 km round-trip with 261m of elevation gain. Max 30 people.
E-BIKE TOUR OF TUNNEL MOUNTAIN TRAILS
Sponsored by Sense and one more available
This 90-minute tour starts at the Banff Centre and winds through the picturesque trails system around the Tunnel Mountain reservoir. The group will split into two to accommodate rider skill and fitness levels. The less ambitious group will have a ride around the Tunnel Mountain Reservoir, and the other will embark on a guided tour of the mountain bike trails. Max 30 people.
We are excited to join you, our other sponsors and all attendees in beautiful Banff October 1-2. Please reach out to Mary Jo if you have any additional questions.
