FAQ
Conference Questions
What is True North?
True North is a ground-breaking international conference that will provide a forum for critical conversations about issues at the intersection of society and technology. It will focus on how to re-imagine and reaffirm tech as a force for good in the world.
In 2018, we welcomed 2,200 attendees to True North to hear from Ed Catmull, Sarah Lacy, Ted Livingston, Robyn Doolittle and more than 50 world-class speakers on the True North stage. Attendees also put in work at hands-on workshops where we collaborated on a living document to help organizations work toward Tech for Good. True North isn’t just a conference – it’s a celebration of Waterloo Region in three jam-packed nights during the True North Festival.
True North 2019 brings 2,500 of the brightest, boldest, carbon-based badasses to Canada’s hottest tech community. Join us. Roll up your sleeves. Help make Tech for Good the core of digital life, work and play.
What is Communitech and why is it hosting this event?
Communitech is a public-private innovation organization that helps technology companies start, grow and succeed. We work with our partners to create the places, programming and ecosystem that make great things happen. Communitech hosts hundreds of events every year for thousands of attendees from across Canada and around the globe. We do this to bring fresh ideas and perspectives to our ecosystem, our country, and the companies we support. Our stages have been graced by tech leaders and luminaries like Ray Kurzweil, Robin Chase, Troy Carter, Patty McCord, Susan Cain, Steve Blank, Billy Beane and Gary Vaynerchuk. Through True North, we will engage influencers, innovators and policy-makers in conversations about the intersections between humanity and technology. Our intent is to help industries, communities and individuals by helping to examine the values that guides technology innovation. And to redefine tech as a force for good.
Where will True North take place?
The True North conference and workshop events will take place at LOT42 in the City of Kitchener in Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Social and networking events will occur at venues throughout Uptown Waterloo and Downtown Kitchener.
Where is Waterloo Region?
Waterloo Region is the western end of the Toronto-Waterloo innovation corridor. It’s a rapidly growing urban centre surrounded by beautiful countryside situated in the heart of southern Ontario. We’re an hour from Toronto, two hours from Buffalo, NY and three hours from Detroit, MI. The Region is home to the three cities of Waterloo, Kitchener and Cambridge, and the four townships of Wellesley, Woolwich, Wilmot, and North Dumfries. Please visit our How to Get Here page for location and travel information.
I need a visa to travel to Canada. Can you help?
Yes. We are happy to send you an invitation letter once your ticket is purchased. Please email us at truenorthinfo@communitech.ca with your request. To determine if you need a visa, please visit the Government of Canada Visitor Page.
Can you help me convince my boss to send me to True North?
Absolutely! We’ve provided a letter template to help explain why True North is an important opportunity for organizations concerned with technology, society and tech as a force for good. Click here to download and use the template.
I’d like to volunteer at True North. Where can I apply?
Thank you for your willingness to help! With 2000+ guests expected, it’s important to have great volunteers and we’re extremely interested in having your help. More information can be found on our volunteer page.
Are media passes available for True North?
Yes. A select number of True North passes will be made available to members of the news media. If you’re interested in media accreditation, please submit this application form.
Venue Questions
I’m a new mom and need a room for pumping or breastfeeding. What do I do?
A private room is available onsite for women who are breastfeeding. Visit the info desk at the conference entrance for more details.
What time do the doors open at LOT42 on June 19 and 20?
The doors at LOT42 will open at 8:15am on June 19 and 20. See the conference schedule for event start times.
Are prayer rooms available?
A prayer room will be available onsite. A limited number of prayer mats are available. Visit the info desk at the conference entrance for more details.
Payment Questions
Is the conference pass transferable during the conference?
No. Conference passes are unique to an individual attendee, and they are non-transferrable once the conference has started. Lost or stolen conference passes can be replaced at a cost of $100 CDN. We’ll need to see your government-issued ID first, please.
Are member rates available?
Yes, members who purchase 3 tickets are eligible for a free ticket. Please contact us at truenorthtickets@communitech.ca for more details.
Are group rates available?
Yes. Groups of 10 or more non-members are eligible for the True North group rate. So round up your peeps, your team and your braintrust and get here! Please contact us at truenorthinfo@communitech.ca for more details.
Can you invoice me for my ticket(s)?
Yes. We can invoice your organization for orders of 10 or more tickets. (See the note about “gathering your peeps” above!) Please contact us at truenorthtickets@communitech.ca for more details. Invoices must be paid in full before ticket codes can be issued.
I can no longer attend True North. Can I get a refund?
Yes. Refunds will be issued until June 10, 2019 at 11:59pm. No refunds will be issued after this date. We really wish you could make it, but we get it: life and work may interfere with this amazing, ground-breaking conference about the future of tech. As an option, you can also transfer your conference pass to someone else before June 18, 2019 at 11:59pm. Sooner would be awesome – but we know plans can change. Please contact us at truenorthinfo@communitech.ca for information about conference pass refunds.
How can I transfer my conference pass before True North starts?
You can transfer your conference pass in Eventbrite before June 10, 2019 at 11:59pm. Find the email order confirmation for your True North conference pass. Scroll to the YOUR ACCOUNT section at the bottom of the email and click “Log In.” Access your ticket and update the information to include the new attendee’s information. If you can’t find your order confirmation, simply visit Eventbrite and log in. If you need help with the transfer, please reach out to truenorthtickets@communitech.ca.
Where can I find a receipt for my ticket?
Eventbrite should have emailed you a receipt when you purchased your ticket. If you didn’t receive an email or you can’t find it, you can log into Eventbrite and print another one.
Travel Questions
How do I get to Waterloo Region?
Easy answer: planes, trains and automobiles. Waterloo Region is located in Ontario, Canada about an hour west of Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. We’ve provided information on how to get here and around on our Travel & Accommodations page.
How do I get to LOT42?
Another easy answer: automobile or shuttle! Once you’ve arrived in Waterloo Region, you can drive to the conference location at LOT42, offsite parking lot, hire a car, use a ride-sharing service or catch the free shuttle from your hotel. For detailed information regarding shuttle schedules, parking and directions to the venue, visit the Travel & Accommodations page.
Do I pay for travel?
Yes. You will need to cover your own travel costs and hotel. Travel expenses to Waterloo Region are not included in the conference fees. Your True North conference pass only includes shuttle transport from designated locations in Waterloo Region to the conference venue at LOT42 in accordance with the schedule provided on the True North website.
Can I bring my luggage to LOT42?
Sorry, your luggage must remain at your hotel. Luggage is not allowed at conference venues.