Elevate 2024

Vancouver, Canada
JW Marriott Parq Vancouver & The DOUGLAS
April 29-May 2, 2024


Have questions? Send them to Elevate@maritz.com

Elevate At-A-Glance


Event Overview

Elevate 2024 is all about envisioning and enabling change. We'll inspect the dynamics that have already caused us to adapt our events and the processes that drive them. More importantly, we'll examine how to embrace change proactively - as an indispensable asset for ensuring the vibrancy and value of future events.

  • Focusing on community, collaboration and change agency as enablers of innovation.
  • Anticipating market forces and crafting strategies that capitalize on the opportunities being created.
  • Making meaningful moves to ensure sustainability - of the industry and the planet.
  • Reexamining existing hospitality, wellbeing and inclusion experiences through a future lens.

We'll do all of this while leveraging the best greater Vancouver has to offer through Learning Excursions (more below!) that provoke, inspire and reveal new possibilities that can advance the industry and our own events. Finally, we'll create dedicated opportunities for deep, event-focused, peer-to-peer dialogue in a grand-scale experience design workshop that helps "bring it all together" with actionable strategies and tactics applicable to your event portfolio.

Come and be with us for this very special event. Your career will thank you.

Learning from Your Location

Elevate 2024 is busting out of the ballroom and taking our guests on Learning Excursions to three top Vancouver neighborhoods - Chinatown, Gastown and Stanley Park. Guests will enjoy experiences at each unique landmark, learn from the locals and engage with our faculty members during sessions designed to shake up the status quo and inspire change. Session highlights are below, with more details - including facilitator names and specifics - to follow!

  • Designing for Outcomes @ Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
    Hidden away in the heart of Vancouver's historic Chinatown, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden oozes intentional design, in that everything has a deliberate purpose and nothing is left to chance. This interactive experience will have your head spinning with the possibilities for improving the effectiveness of your events through intentional design.
  • Excellence in the Face of Rapid Evolution @ L'Abattoir
    L'Abattoir is one of many great Vancouver restaurants. Established in 2010, this Michelin-recommended restaurant has undergone significant changes over the past few years, all while providing innovative cuisine and preeminent service levels that helped them rise to greatness. During this learning excursion, you'll get a peek behind the curtain of an organization that does things consistently well, while embracing new thinking.
  • The Future of Events is Community @ Stanley Park
    When boiled down to their essence, great event experiences build and celebrate community. In recent years, it's become more apparent than ever that this is the single most important characteristic we need to embrace to remain relevant and healthy. Learning and commerce will certainly remain an important part of the mix, but deepening community is the secret sauce for tomorrow. At this fabulous community-focused venue, you'll learn how diverse communities can help drive deep engagement and novel solutions.

At-A-Glance

Destination & Hotel


Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver

Natural Beauty, Entrepreneurial Spirit

Known for its welcoming nature, diverse population and pioneering ways, Vancouver is the ideal city to host our second-annual Elevate! This dynamic city center is surrounded by a bustling - and pristine - harbor, majestic mountains, 14 unique neighborhoods and countless Instagrammable spots. Business is big in this coastal hub, with Lululemon, Slack, Hootsuite, Aritzia and more calling Vancouver home. The award-winning Double Leed Platinum-Certified convention center will make you rethink what a convention center is (and should be!), and the countless cultural, historic and outdoor offerings will keep you entertained and eager to see more.

JW Marriott Parq Vancouver

JW Marriott Parq Vancouver

Luxury without Limits

Maritz clients and team members will enjoy accommodations at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver. Bright, open spaces offer loads of natural light, as well as amazing views of the surrounding harbor, mountains and more. On-site amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, Spa by JW, Aqua Lounge terrace, impressive meeting space and several unique dining options, rounded out by the stellar services for which JW Marriott is known. At the end of each day, retire to the comfort of your spacious guest room, which boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and plush appointments.

The DOUGLAS

The DOUGLAS

An Inspired Stay

Just across the plaza from the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver is The DOUGLAS, Autograph Collection, a unique property our supplier partners are certain to love. Named for the Douglas firs that line the banks of the nearby False Creek, The DOUGLAS is all about sustainable design and attention to detail. In addition to easy access to the Spa by JW and the Aqua Lounge terrace, The DOUGLAS features an on-site fitness center, a swank lounge and rooftop park. Each guest room is the perfect combination of modern and cozy, featuring local art, thoughtful touches and ample space.

Destination

Agenda


This is a preliminary agenda; specific events and times are subject to change. Please plan to arrive by 3:00 PM on Monday, April 29. Departures may be any time on Thursday, May 2.

  • MON4/29/2024
  • TUE4/30/2024
  • WED5/1/2024
  • THU5/2/2024

Day 1: Monday, April 29

All Day
  • Arrivals
    Please plan to arrive by 3:00 PM.
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Elevation Lounge
    Your "home base" throughout the event, the Elevation Lounge will have quiet spots for work, comfortable spaces for connection and, of course, lots of snacks. An optional lunch will be available on arrival day.
  • Elevate Concierge Desk
    This is the spot for picking up badges and getting your questions answered.
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Granville Island Welcome Experience
    Vancouver is known for its unique neighborhoods, and we want you to experience as many of them as possible during your stay! Ferries will run continuously from 3:00 - 6:00 PM, and staff will be stationed on Granville Island to assist you while you explore at your leisure.
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Welcome Evening at Tap & Barrel Bridges (located on Granville Island)
    With multiple indoor and outdoor spaces, and panoramic city, water and bridge views, Tap & Barrel Bridges is perfectly situated and well-suited for our welcome evening. Eclectic art, fun activations and great food will get you in the Elevate spirit.

Day 2: Tuesday, April 30

7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Elevation Lounge
  • Elevate Concierge Desk
7:00 AM - 8:30 AM
  • Wellbeing Your Way
    Whether you choose to participate in a group experience, meditate in your room or catch up on emails, Wellbeing Your Way is your time to practice wellbeing in a way that works for you.
  • Breakfast
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
  • Opening Session: Intentionality, Empathy and Community
    Attracting and engaging audiences in the near and distant future will require organizers to have a much better understanding of the needs and wants of stakeholders (empathy), how to design for outcomes (intentionality), and how to embrace principles of inclusion (community) to create greater diversity - and better outcomes. Our opening session will explore this approach and set the stage for the next two days of learning.
9:45 AM - 4:15 PM
  • Learning Excursions & Lunch
    Using the concept of cross-industry learning, we created three distinct learning excursions that will take you to a variety of Vancouver landmarks that are, on their own, excellent experiences. However, each landmark has its own lessons that will be introduced and processed during sessions while at the destination. Locals, a curated pool of faculty and hands-on experiences will all play a key role in these learnings. Even better, all landmarks are close to home base, making transfer times short.
    • Designing for Outcomes @ Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
    • Excellence in the Face of Rapid Evolution @ L'Abattoir
    • The Future of Events is Community @ Stanley Park

    Learn more about our Learning Excursions.

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
  • Wellbeing Your Way
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Evening Event at Vancouver Convention Centre
    Boasting a waterfront perch and prime mountain views, the Double Leed® Platinum-Certified Vancouver Convention Centre is known for its sustainability, seasonal-inspired cuisine and light-filled spaces. Experience the best the city and the VCC have to offer during this upscale evening experience.

Day 3: Wednesday, May 1

7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Elevation Lounge
  • Elevate Concierge Desk
7:00 AM - 8:30 AM
  • Wellbeing Your Way
  • Breakfast
8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Applied Learning
    Working in small groups with peers, you'll explore possibilities for transforming your events in the ways that make most sense for you, incorporating some of the lessons you learned yesterday during the learning excursions. Working with like-minded peers, you'll brainstorm, assimilate, challenge and, ultimately, solution. While not everything will “stick,” we're confident this process will open up new possibilities and, likely, great solutions that will advance your events.
  • Learn more about our Learning Excursions.

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Lunch
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Wrap Session
    You've learned and seen a lot over the past two days. During this 90-minute session, small groups will work with our facilitators and faculty to bring it all together, helping you identify actionable ways to embrace and enact change to the benefit of your event portfolio - and your organization!
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Your Choice
    Wrap up your Wednesday with the session best suited to your interests - wellbeing activities, a giving back experience and moderated peer-to-peer discussions are available for your learning and enjoyment.
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Farewell Evening at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver
    Prepare to be sent off in style! Our hosts at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver have created an immersive experience that will stimulate the senses and showcase how truly stylish (and delicious!) sustainability can be.

Day 4: Thursday, May 2

All Day
  • Departures
6:00 AM - 9:00 AM
  • Breakfast
6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Elevate Concierge Desk

Agenda

Design Sponsors


Our design sponsors play an integral role in providing our clients and supplier partners with a unique experience where we educate, experiment - and push the envelope. We are grateful for their forward-thinking insights, partnership and the financial support they provide to make Elevate possible.

Cantrav
Destination Vancouver
Encore
Heritage
Marriot Bonvoy Events

Sponsors

Frequently Asked Questions


If I can't attend, can I send someone else from my organization?
Unfortunately, invitations are non-transferable.

Can I bring an additional participant from my organization?
In order to ensure that we have a broad representation of all markets, we ask that client invitations be limited to one contact per organization.

What if I cannot attend the entire event?
If you are unable to attend the entire event, we kindly ask that you decline. In addition, please note that invitations may not be transferred to other members of your organization.

Do I need a passport to attend?
Since Elevate 2024 is hosted in Vancouver, Canada, we anticipate that most guests will need to utilize their passports when traveling to the event. Please plan to bring your valid passport. Full passport information and recommendations are outlined below in the "Required Travel Documents" section below.

What's included?
All Elevate guests will enjoy access to programming, EIC credit opportunities, group meals and break services and evening events and activities. Client air and hotel accommodations are compliments of Maritz; the Maritz guest services team will assist in making all client travel arrangements.

When does Elevate begin/end?
Elevate guests should plan to arrive by 3 PM on Monday, April 29. Return flights may be any time on Thursday, May 2.

Can I book my own air?
Client air arrangements are provided by Maritz, and we ask that you allow our guest services team to book your travel.

  • The guest services team can assist with upgrades if requested. Fees associated with upgrades will be a personal expense.
  • Clients will not be reimbursed for any upgrades or travel they book on their own.

The only exception to clients booking their own travel is if your organization does not allow you to receive complimentary flights. If this is the case, please contact Elevate@maritz.com. Note, supplier partners are responsible for making their own air arrangements.

There are two hotels listed - why?
The JW Marriott Parq Vancouver and The DOUGLAS, Autograph Collection, sit just across the plaza from each other. The two properties share the award-winning, Double Leed platinum-Certified convention center - the largest in Vancouver.

The JW Marriott Parq Vancouver will host Maritz team members and clients, and supplier partners will enjoy accommodations at The DOUGLAS. Elevate events will take place in the event space connecting the two properties.

Can I pre- or post-extend?
You are welcome to pre-/post-extend at your own expense. Rooms will be available before and after the Elevate event dates of April 29-May 2, 2024, at the group rate, based on availability. The Elevate guest services team will be able to provide hotel extension options once you have registered.

How will I get to the hotel from the airport?
Group transfers will be provided for all guests arriving during the standard arrival times on April 29 and May 2. Specific details regarding transfers will be shared closer to the time of the event. Unless other arrangements have been made, transfers outside the group arrival/departure dates will be a personal expense.

Can I bring a guest?
Guests are welcome, but are not included in scheduled Elevate events. Airfare and any additional expenses associated with bringing a guest will be a personal expense.

Will this event qualify for CMP or other accreditation?
We are in the midst of creating the event content. Once complete, we may submit to the Events Industry Council (EIC) for accreditation approval.

What will be the health/Covid protocols?
We will continue to follow all required facility, local, state and federal regulations with regard to health and safety during our event.

What should I bring and what should I wear?
Specific attire details for each part of the event will be shared when the full agenda is released.

What if I am traveling from the U.S.?
U.S. Citizens: You must have a valid passport. The name on your passport must match exactly with the name on your airline ticket/reservation. If they do not match, you may be denied boarding.

  • The government of Canada requires your passport to be valid at the time of entry and contain one blank page for stamping. However, the U.S. Department of State recommends that all international travelers carry a passport valid at least six months beyond their planned return home and that it contains two blank pages for stamping.
  • If you do not have a valid passport, please apply for one immediately and refer to the U.S. Department of State for necessary documentation. In addition, you may contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) toll-free at 877-487-2778 (TDD: 888-874-7793).
  • Passport processing time is often significantly delayed due to high passport demand. To view the U.S. Department of State's current processing time (plus added mail time), click here.
  • To EXPEDITE processing of first-time or renewal passport applications, visit CIBTvisas or call 800-929-2428. Note: CIBTvisas charges a fee to assist you in expediting your passport application/issuance of the passport, and these fees will be a personal expense. Please reference the Maritz account number 50049 when contacting CIBTvisas for preferred pricing.
  • For more information regarding entry to Canada, please visit the U.S. Department of State website here.

What if I am traveling from outside of the U.S.?
All Other Citizens: You are responsible for securing the required travel documents for your trip. You must check with the Consulate of each country listed on your itinerary to make sure you have all the necessary travel documents. Country-specific travel documents may be required when connecting through countries other than your final destination.

Do I need a tourist or visitor visa to enter Canada?
Depending on where you are traveling from, you may or may not need a tourist visa. Most people will only need their passport, however you are responsible for making sure you have the proper travel documents to enter Canada. Please reference Canada's site here to determine if extra documentation is required from your arrival country.

How will I get to and from the airport?
Unless arranged separately, group airport transfers will be provided during the following times:

  • Arrivals - Monday, April 29, 10 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Departures - Thursday, May 2, 3:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Arrival Information
Arrival transfers will be provided by Cantrav.

International Arrivals
After going through customs and collecting your luggage, you will proceed to the public space where you will be met by Cantrav staff in navy blue polo shirts and grey/navy jackets holding signs with the Elevate logo. Staff will escort you to the assigned transfer which will take you to the JW Marriott Parq Hotel.

Domestic Arrivals (from within Canada)
After deplaning and collecting your luggage from baggage claim, proceed to the main domestic arrivals area where you will be met by Cantrav staff in navy blue polo shirts and grey/navy jackets holding signs with the Elevate logo. Staff will escort you to the assigned transfer which will take you to the JW Marriott Parq Hotel.

Departure Information
Departure transfers will be provided by Cantrav.

Airport shuttles will depart from the main lobby of the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver every 30 minutes from 3:30 AM - 11:30 AM on Thursday, May 2. Cantrav Staff wearing navy polo shirts and grey/navy jackets will be stationed at the main lobby of the JW Marriott Parq Hotel during this time. Guests staying at The DOUGLAS will also meet outside the main lobby of the JW Parq Vancouver (it is just a short walk next door). Shuttles will load and go every 30 minutes at the top and bottom of the hour, with the last departure at 11:30 AM.
Transfer time from the hotel to the airport is 30 minutes.
  • For those traveling to the US, we recommend taking a shuttle 2.5-3 hours prior to departure time.
  • For those traveling domestically (within Canada), we recommend taking a shuttle 2.5 hours prior to your flight.

What should I wear?
Below is the suggested attire for each day, as well as helpful definitions for each.

Mon, April 29 Tues, April 30 Weds, May 1 Thurs, May 2
Daytime Travel Attire Casual Attire Casual Business Attire Travel Attire
Evening Casual Attire Casual Evening Attire Casual Evening Attire

Travel Attire Monday & Thursday
Your favorite travel outfit is more than fine for the daytime on our arrival and departure days, Monday and Thursday.

Casual Attire - Monday Afternoon & Evening / Tuesday Daytime
After arrivals on Monday, guests will have the opportunity in the afternoon to head to Granville Island via mini harbour ferry boats to explore the island's shops and market before our welcome evening at Tap & Barrel Bridges, located on the island. Wear what will keep you comfortable - denim and athletic attire is completely okay. Pants, long-sleeved shirts or tops with sweaters and tennis or flat-soled shoes are recommended - as well as a jacket.

The same goes for the daytime on Tuesday, when we will all head out on our Learning Excursions located in three Vancouver neighborhoods. Light walking and light physical activity will be involved so plan on comfortable walking shoes and another casual (layered) outfit for exploring. Denim and athletic wear is acceptable.

Casual Evening Attire - Tuesday & Wednesday Evenings
Tuesday evening we'll continue the casual vibe, complete with prime mountain views and a waterfront perch from the Double Leed® Platinum-Certified Vancouver Convention Centre. By no means is this a formal event - think casual skirts or dresses, dressed up denim and slacks with comfortable shoes. We also suggest bringing a sweater for mingling outdoors and taking in the spectacular views.

To make packing easy, plan for similar attire for our farewell evening event on Wednesday at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver.

Casual Business Attire - Wednesday Daytime
On Wednesday we'll dive into Applied Learning at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver. Casual business attire is best - dresses or tops with pants or a skirt for women, and dress pants with a collared shirt for men (golf/polo shirts are appropriate, and sport coats are not required). Meeting rooms can be cool, so bring a sweater or jacket if needed. No shorts or denim during the day on Wednesday, please.

Additional Attire Notes
When packing for Elevate, keep one word in mind - layers!

  • Late April temperatures in Vancouver range from highs of 60 degrees to lows of 40 - so dressing in layers is highly suggested as we go from outdoors to indoors.
  • Don't forget a sweater, as meeting rooms can be chilly.
  • Please bring a light to warm jacket (perhaps a raincoat, too!) as we'll be outside on Monday and Tuesday.
  • Pack workout attire if you plan to hit the fitness center, run/walk the Vancouver seawall or participate in any wellbeing activities.

What kind of meals will be provided?
Our goal is to provide all Elevate guests with an inclusive, collaborative experience. The agenda has all meal and break periods covered from lunch on Monday through breakfast on Thursday, with a wide variety of offerings to accommodate all dietary preferences and restrictions.

Is there a Giving Back activity this year?
This year we are proud to support Covenant House Vancouver, a local trauma-informed agency committed to helping youth experiencing homelessness as well as protecting and safeguarding all youth in need. Representatives from Covenant House will be joining us on Wednesday, May 1, and we encourage you to stop by our first-aid kit assembly activity located in the Elevation Lounge.

What's the Elevate hashtag?
There will be A LOT of cool things in Vancouver and we're excited to experience it with you. If there's something you want to share on the socials, use the hashtag #MaritzElevate - and don't forget to tag @Maritz, too!

What is the weather like in Vancouver?
In late April spring is in full swing, and the weather is typically mild and comfortable, with the occasional spring showers. Average temperatures during our stay will range from daytime highs in the 60s to evening lows in the 40s. Visit accuweather.com or weather.com for detailed information prior to your arrival.

Are there any wellbeing activities planned?
We recognize that wellbeing is not one-size-fits-all. We designed our agenda to include time for you to practice wellbeing in a way that's meaningful to you, whether that's time in the fitness center, a run along the city's scenic seawall or simply quiet time in your room to catch up on work (and life!) while away from home.

Additionally, during the Wednesday Your Choice session, there will be an organized wellbeing class, "Workplace Wellness," that you can elect to join.

How do I download the Mobile App?
If you have never used the MobileEvent HQ app, follow the instructions below to download the mobile app and enable notifications:

  • Download the MobileEventHQ app from the Google PlayStore or Apple App Store, or click here from your phone
  • Open the app and click Get started
  • Enter the email address you used for registration and click Continue
  • Check your email and enter the activation code in your app or click activate MobileEvent App from the email on your phone
  • Click the Elevate event to access the contents of the app
  • When prompted, click Allow for "MobileEventHQ" to send you notifications so you don't miss any on-site updates

If you already have the MobileEventHQ app downloaded, follow the instructions below:

  • Open up the MobileEventHQ and determine what event content is displaying (it may be an old event if you have previously used the app)
  • To find the Elevate content, click on the "More" tab of the app that you land on
  • Near the top of the page by your profile, click "My other events"
  • Find the Elevate 2024 event banner and click on it to open up the Elevate app content
  • To ensure you receive notifications during the event, navigate to your phone's internal settings and turn on notifications for the MobileEventHQ app

What if my question wasn't answered here?
Please email Elevate@maritz.com with any other questions you may have, and we'll get back to you right away.

FAQ

Recap


Elevate by the Numbers

Elevate 2024 by the numbers

EIC Continuing Education Credits

Maritz has been approved by the Events Industry Council (EIC) as a Preferred Provider.

  • All Elevate 2024 sessions qualify for CMP Continuing Education
  • Guest names were submitted the week of May 20 to the Events Industry Council.
  • If you have a CMP Online Account, you will receive an email indicating you have Continuing Education to claim.
  • Enter your account and add the total number of clock hours for sessions you attended. Qualifying sessions and clock hours are listed below.
  • You may claim a maximum of 5.5 hours for Elevate 2024; please claim only the ones you attended.
Sessions Clock Hours
Surfing for Solutions: Real-World AI for Event Professionals 0.75
Nerding Out on Contracts: A Gathering of Contract Connoisseurs 0.75
Space Case: Gathering Differently 0.75
Mission Possible: Meeting Multiple Generations' Needs 0.75
It Costs How Much? Investing Wisely for the Guest Experience 0.75
Sustainability on a Budget: Doing Well While Doing Good 0.75
New Solutions: Swipe Left on Traditional Matchmaking! 0.75
Applied Learning 2.5
Wrap Session 1.5

Giving Back

Maritz is committed to supporting the fight against human trafficking and giving back to the communities where our events are held. We were thrilled to work with Covenant House Vancouver as our giving back partner at Elevate 2024. Thanks to the generosity of Bombas, Destination Vancouver and our guests, we were able to provide Covenant House Vancouver with $38,768 in monetary and in-kind donations so they can continue providing support and resources to youth experiencing homelessness.

We'd especially like to recognize Destination Vancouver for electing to make a donation of $50 per guest in lieu of a premium amenity - a generous and sustainable decision that will make a big impact for a great organization!

Highlight Video

Elevate 2024 was made possible by the creativity and generosity of our valued Design Sponsors. We think so much of them, in fact, Encore helped us create a video highlighting their contributions, as well as their thoughts on what it means to be a change agent.

Elevate 2024 Design Sponsor Highlight Video

Photo Gallery

Contributing Sponsor redbutton.ai delivered yet another round of spectacular event images - and quickly! Click below for the gallery, and experience the magic of next-gen event photography (complete with a cool “face search” feature).

Elevate 2024 Photo Gallery

Presentations

So much content, so little time! Below are some presentations from Elevate you may find of interest.

And if you love all things AI, don't miss the recording of the AI session, as well as our AI-focused Industry Trends video featuring Jill Blood, VP, Deputy General Counsel and Rob King, Emerging Technology and Innovation Lead.

Recap

Experiences


We love learning - especially when it's served with a twist.

On Wednesday, September 13, Elevate guests will have the opportunity to participate in two unique educational experiences:

  • Learn & Experience Orlando activities are designed to expand your knowledge of Orlando (among other things!). Check them out.
  • Masterclasses are longer-form sessions that go in-depth on a topic of interest to you either personally or professionally. Learn more about masterclasses.

Registration for our Elevate experiences will open the week of August 14; you will receive an email when it's time to make your selections. In the meantime, please read through the offerings linked above so you're ready to go when registration opens. Selections are due by Tuesday, August 22. All experiences and masterclasses are first come, first served.

Experiences