Destination Chinatowns:
Mobilizing Knowledge for Economic and Neighbourhood Vitality and Resilience
Destination Chinatowns:
Mobilizing Knowledge for Economic and Neighbourhood Vitality and Resilience
Edmonton’s Chinatown Transformation Collaboration and the University of Alberta invite you to attend an international conference focused on Chinatowns and other urban cultural enclaves.
Themes include:
Economic sustainability and enhanced visitor economy offerings for locals and tourists alike; specific focus on culinary and creative tourism development.
Elevating community wellbeing, exploring leisure and greenspace access, safety and security, social justice, community building, identity and belonging.
Arts and cultural heritage of Chinatowns; examining how we celebrate, conserve, transform, negotiate, preserve, and communicate.
Place making: power, aesthetics, community-led planning; neighbouring, investment, and storytelling.
Dates:
Sept 26, 2026 - Morning optional workshop on community-engaged research (CRB) led by Research Impact Canada
Sept 26, 2026 - Evening opening reception and keynote
Sept 27-29, 2026 - 3-day conference with field trips and banquet
Sept 30, 2026 - Morning working session on International Chinatown Research Network formation and research grant development activities
Location:
Edmonton is a vibrant western Canadian city recognized as a top year-round adventure destination, famous for its world-class festivals, unique Indigenous-led experiences, and robust urban and natural landscapes. Recognized by Lonely Planet as a "Best In Travel" 2025 city, it offers a dynamic mix of culture, cuisine, and outdoor activities, supported by a commitment to sustainable tourism development.
Edmonton is located 4 hours from Banff and Jasper National Parks in Canada’s Rocky Mountains, and 1 to 2 hours away from Metis Crossing and Elk Island National Park, two world-class Indigenous and natural heritage interpretive centres.
All conference activities will be held in the heart of Edmonton’s Chinatown to maximize knowledge exchange with and economic benefits to its diverse communities.
Registration fees:
TBD
For further information, contact: infoCT26@ualberta.ca