Taking place in Ottawa from May 11–13, GeoIgnite 2026 is designed to unite Canada’s geospatial community—from national leaders and policymakers to students and technologists exploring the field for the first time

This year, we have introduced a broader range of participation options, making it easier to take part in a way that fits your goals, schedule, and budget. Participation options range from free access on Monday to full conference passes, with pricing increasing as the event approaches.

If you want to explore the conference in full, visit the GeoIgnite website. If you are ready to review ticket options, go directly to the registration page.

Start Here: Which GeoIgnite Experience Fits You?

Not everyone needs the same GeoIgnite experience. Some people want the full conference. Others want to attend Monday’s forum discussions, join the networking reception, explore the exhibition hall and map gallery, or participate as a student or faculty member.

If you want the full picture, including plenary sessions, breakout tracks, networking, meals, and exhibition access, the Full Conference Pass is the right choice.
If you are focused on policy, strategy, standards, and national dialogue, Monday’s forum programming is an important entry point.
If your priority is networking, the Monday evening Opening Reception is a simple and affordable way to be in the room.
If you want to explore the sector and meet organizations, the Exhibition, Gallery and Networking Passes offer focused access.
If you are a student, faculty member, or instructor, there are reduced-cost academic options available.

The Full Experience

If your goal is to understand where Canada’s geospatial sector is heading and to take part in the national conversation, the Full Conference Pass is the complete experience.

This option includes access to all plenary and breakout sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday, the exhibition hall, networking areas, the Canada Maps and Poster Gallery, and the giant floor maps. It also includes breakfast during registration, refreshment breaks, lunch on both conference days, and admission to both GeoIgnite networking receptions.

This is the right choice for professionals, decision makers, and those working actively in the sector who want full visibility into the discussions shaping the future of geospatial leadership in Canada.

The Academic Path

GeoIgnite also includes strong participation from academia.

The Faculty and Instructor Pass provides full conference access at a reduced rate for faculty members and instructors from accredited academic institutions. The Student Conference Pass gives students full access to the conference, including sessions, networking, and meals.

These options help ensure that educators and students can engage directly with industry, government, and the broader geospatial community.

The Community Connector

For many people, one of the most valuable parts of GeoIgnite is the opportunity to connect with others in the field.

The GeoIgnite Opening Reception on Monday evening offers a strong way to take part without committing to the full conference program. Held at the Rainbow Bistro in Ottawa’s ByWard Market, the evening begins with short leadership panel discussions and continues with a networking reception for members of Canada’s geospatial community.

This option is well suited to those who want to meet people, reconnect with colleagues, and take part in the conversation in a more informal setting. You can review this option on the registration page.

The Explorer Option

If you want to experience the event, meet organizations, and get a sense of the community, the Exhibition, Gallery and Networking Passes offer a focused way to attend.

The Tuesday pass provides access to the exhibition hall, networking areas, the Canada Maps and Poster Gallery, and the giant floor maps. It also includes refreshment breaks served in the exhibition hall and admission to the Tuesday evening networking reception. It does not include access to conference sessions or lunch.

The Wednesday pass provides access to the exhibition hall, networking areas, the Canada Maps and Poster Gallery, and the giant floor maps on Wednesday, along with refreshment breaks served in the exhibition hall. It does not include access to plenary sessions, breakout sessions, the Tuesday evening networking reception, or lunch.

These options are ideal for people who want to explore the sector, visit exhibitors, and be present in the main gathering spaces of the event.

The Policy and Strategy Participant

GeoIgnite begins on Monday with the National Geospatial Forum, a dedicated day focused on dialogue, coordination, and national priorities.

This free pass provides access to the Quebec Geospatial Forum, the Canadian Geospatial and Geomatics Forum, and the OGC Canada Forum. It offers a meaningful opportunity to take part in discussions around national geospatial priorities, standards, and collaboration across government, industry, and academia.

The OGC Canada Forum is also one of the key national venues for discussion on geospatial standards and collaboration. For those interested in policy, strategy, and the future direction of Canada’s geospatial ecosystem, this is one of the most important parts of the week. There is also a separate networking lunch option for those who want additional time to continue the discussion and connect with participants from across the country.

The networking lunch also includes a featured talk from Dr. Borys Vorobyov, CEO of SightPower, offering a real-world perspective on how geospatial technologies are being applied in Ukraine during a time of conflict.

Ticket Options and Pricing

GeoIgnite 2026 offers multiple ways to attend depending on what you want from the week. Pricing is structured in phases, with increases as the conference approaches.

Full Conference Pass

Current Rate: $925 (available until April 15, 2026)
Last Chance Rate: $1,025 (available until May 8, 2026)
On-Site Rate: $1,175 (at the door)

Academic Access

Faculty and Instructor Pass: $500
Student Conference Pass: $275

Exhibition and Networking Access

Tuesday Exhibition, Gallery and Networking Pass: $225
Wednesday Exhibition, Gallery and Networking Pass: $175

Monday Forum and Events

National Geospatial Forum (Monday): Free
Networking Lunch (Monday): $65
Opening Reception at the Rainbow Bistro: $75

Prices increase as the conference approaches, so registering early ensures the best available rate.

Review ticket options and register here

A More Flexible GeoIgnite

What has changed this year is intentional.

GeoIgnite is no longer built around a single path through the event. It now offers multiple ways to participate, depending on what you want to gain from the experience.

Full participation for those who want the complete conference experience
Focused access for those who want networking and industry exposure
Free entry points for those interested in national dialogue and collaboration
Accessible options for students, faculty, and instructors

Which Option Fits You Best?

If you want the full picture, the Full Conference Pass is the right fit. If your priority is networking, the Opening Reception may be the better choice. If you want to explore the exhibition and community, an Exhibition, Gallery and Networking Pass may be enough. If you are focused on strategy and national coordination, the National Geospatial Forum is an important entry point. If you are a student, faculty member, or instructor, the academic pass options make it easier to take part.

Final Thought

GeoIgnite is more than a conference. It is a place to engage with Canada’s geospatial future.

You do not need to attend every part of the week to benefit from being there. What matters most is choosing the participation path that fits your goals and being part of the conversation.

With multiple ways to participate and pricing increasing as the conference approaches, now is the right time to decide how you want to be part of GeoIgnite 2026.