Lethbridge’s High Level Innovation Conference returns May 2-3 at the Agri-food Hub and Trade Centre.
Curator and founder Eyren Uggenti says the conference is meant to be an accessible and exciting opportunity for the community to see what kind of technology, innovation and opportunities are available in their own backyard.
“What we noticed is the rural communities, sometimes it’s harder for different people of all ages, to get to the main city centres like Calgary or Edmonton to go to some of the conferences and opportunities that happen in those areas. Usually because of the cost, time and distance. We created this event at an accessible and low-barrier to entry, so they can experience something to help with their professional development, their career outlook and to inspire them to create new innovations and new businesses,” notes Uggenti.
The conference, Uggenti adds, is focused on being accessible to the youth demographic. “So, 18 and under are free to come and take a day or two to enjoy what’s on offer.”
Uggenti says this year there’s an additional stage for workshops. “We’re going to have over 40 different speaking and workshop sessions.”
“We also partnered with Geek Fest this year. We have a variety of pop culture vendors that are also a part of our main exhibition floor this year. That area is free to access and if you want to enjoy the other pieces of the conference, you’ll just need your conference pass, which is super affordable.”
Other not-to-miss things include the Battle of the Bridge Esports Tournament, with the featured title Ultimate Smash Bros. and a variety of other local game development studios play testing their games with demos, including a big VR demo planned for the main stage from a local studio.
“We have a youth bracket on Friday. That’s for ages 16 and under. They’re able to register for that tournament and play head-to-head with other folks from the community and try to get some of the grand prizes,” Uggenti explains. “We also have an adult bracket. So, on Saturday, we have the 16-plus bracket. We’ve got some free play areas for people to come and just game and hang out in the gaming zone. We’ve also got a redemption bracket, so if people don’t make it through to the finals in their tournaments, there’s a redemption bracket on Saturday.”
Last year’s attendance saw just over 1,000 guests with 600 on the first day and 400 on the second day, according to Uggenti. “It was a great atmosphere. It’s free-flowing, so people can come and go as they please. It’s like map your own adventure. There’s a lot to explore and we have a lot of great exhibitors this year.”
“We have a breadth of learning. We’ve got sessions from across industry,” says Uggenti. “There’s something for everyone. It ranges from general information, all the way to specific or specialized opportunities.”
There will also be an Innovators and Investors Dinner May 2, which is new this year. “It’s happening at Lethbridge Polytechnic’s Garden Court Restaurant. We’ll have an extended program there. It’s a separate ticket. It will be more for the business professionals.”
“We wanted to continue to highlight there’s investable and phenomenal businesses in the southwest region.”
For more information or for tickets visit online at High Level Innovation 2025.
