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