How do I book my flight?
Where do I go when I arrive at the airport?
Where do I go when I arrive at the Fairmont Empress?
How will I get around to the events during Innovate Canada?
Where should I go to meet our event transfers?
What is the dress code for Innovate Canada?
What is the weather like in Victoria in September?
What are the one-to-one meetings?
How is my one-to-one meeting schedule determined?
How can I ensure my travels internationally into Canada go smoothly, especially at the border?
How can I help the sustainability efforts at Innovate Canada?
Can I expect communications from Innovate Canada prior to the event?
How do I book my flight?
Destination Canada’s Business Events team is providing complimentary air travel for guests through our travel booking partner, Maritime Travel. During your registration, you will be asked questions regarding your flight preferences, your personal information and any other information required to book your flight. Maritime Travel will send you itinerary options within five (5) business days for your review and approval. Only economy class tickets will be offered.
Where do I go when I arrive at the airport?
Upon arrival at Victoria International Airport, please make your way out of the Arrivals area where you will be met by your driver for your transfer to the Fairmont Empress.
Where do I go when I arrive at the Fairmont Empress?
You will see the Innovate Canada registration desk in the lobby of the hotel on September 11 from 12:00 pm–5:00 pm. We ask that you stop by during these hours to pick up your room key, welcome package and event details. If you arrive before these hours, you may proceed directly to the Fairmont check-in desk to obtain your room key. Please remember to stop by the Innovate Canada registration desk to pick up your welcome package! If your schedule does not permit, we will have it delivered to your room.
How will I get around to the events during Innovate Canada?
Complimentary transfers to / from all Innovate Canada offsite programming is provided by Destination Canada Business Events and our sponsors.
Where should I go to meet our event transfers?
Please meet in the lobby of the Fairmont Empress by the Innovate Canada sign for all event transfers.
What is the dress code for Innovate Canada?
There will be a number of different activities taking place throughout Innovate Canada — from city excursions and business meetings, to cocktail receptions and our gala-style signature dinner. We recommend that you wear what you are comfortable in for each situation. There will not be a dress code for any of the activities. Business casual for the daytime is recommended. Please bring comfortable, flat footwear as we will be walking to some of our events. Note that several activities will be by or on the water and the temperature can be quite chilly; please bring waterproof layers.
What is the weather like in Victoria in September?
Temperatures will drop to their lowest in the mornings and evenings, with average low temperatures of 9°C (48°F). However, they may climb to an average high of 17°C (63°F) in the afternoon hours. Sea surface temperatures are also still some of the coldest they will be all year with an average reading of 13°C (55°F).
What are the one-to-one meetings?
The meetings are a set of one-on-one, 15 to 20-minute rotating informational sessions that allow you to connect with each Canadian partner and their oceans sector expert to learn what their destination offers in terms of supporting business events, trade, expansion or investment.
How is my one-to-one meeting schedule determined?
We will be building a pre-set schedule for each guest to meet with all participating destinations. The schedule will be posted in your personal schedule on the event app, which will be launched closer to the event.
How can I ensure my travels internationally into Canada go smoothly, especially at the border?
To assist with your entry requirements into Canada, we have obtained a Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) clearance letter for Innovate Canada 2023. To facilitate speedy Border procedures, it is recommended that all international attendees have a copy of this letter ready for presentation to the CBSA Border Services Officer upon their arrival to Canada. It is available HERE for download.
Electronic Travel Authorizations are required for some individuals traveling to Canada who are not Canadian or American citizens or permanent residents if they don't require a visa. Please ensure you fill out and submit the authorization form if this applies to you. The cost is $7 CDN and in most cases the form is produced immediately.
How can I help the sustainability efforts at Innovate Canada?
Destination Canada Business Events is taking several steps to make Innovate Canada 2023 – Oceans a sustainable and carbon-neutral event. Here are some of the things you can do to elevate these efforts:
- Book flights with no/minimal layovers
- Aim to pack light and reusable (remember to bring your water bottle and sneakers to get in those steps!)
- Feel free to decline housekeeping if your room can go a night without
- Turn off lights and unplug electronics when not in use
- Keep communications digital and avoid printing email or app notifications
- Choose souvenirs from local artisans and vendors
- Take some time to learn about the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals
Can I expect communications from Innovate Canada prior to the event?
Absolutely! We will be sending you emails leading up to the event to keep you informed, as well as daily newsletters while you are onsite at the event. Keep an eye out for more information from our event email: info@innovatecanadaevents.ca. Keep an eye out in your email inbox and check your spam folder frequently to ensure you don't miss important communications from us.
