High Level Innovation Conference to showcase new big ideas

By Lethbridge Herald on May 2, 2025.

Joe Manio
Lethbridge Herald
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Billed as Southern Alberta’s premier event celebrating innovation, technology, esports, and tourism, the High Level Innovation Conference is back for its second year; and will run from Friday May 1 to Saturday at the Agri-food Hub and Trade Centre. 

The two-day, family-friendly conference features dynamic keynote speakers, interactive exhibits, gaming tournaments, networking opportunities, and cultural events.

“A lot of people think that innovation has to be about technology, but innovation can be about ideas, processes, and the bridging of culture and communicating. To innovate is to make changes in something established, especially by introducing new methods, ideas or products,” says Brady Simpson, one of the organizers. “That doesn’t have to involve a computer. This means that all industries innovate. If you’re not a tech-head, nerd, or geek, you fit in because you engage with innovation every day, just like everyone! The event is family-friendly and will have all sorts of speakers, booths, etc…. there is truly something for everyone.”

Brady, 31, helped organize the event and is also one of the speakers at the event. Originally from Lethbridge, he balances being a PhD Student (Marketing) at the University of Calgary, a Sessional Instructor (Marketing) at the University of Lethbridge, and a Project and Sales Manager for Advancerite.

“The biggest challenge with organizing any large-scale event is community buy-in and engagement. Lethridge is tight-knight and, justifiably so, I think people are a little skeptical about a big-scale event like this,” says Simpson. “To overcome this challenge, the organizing committee spent a lot of time organically getting the idea out in the community and engaging stakeholders. If we are to build big, recurring events in Lethbridge, we need to engage the community, broadly.

The exhibition zones will showcase technology, tourism, and emerging industries, gaming tournaments, keynote speakers and panels, a cultural festival, and an Innovators and Investors Dinner. The conference will also include the Alberta Esports Championship and a family-friendly Geek Fest.

Esports are experiencing rapid growth, both in terms of audience and industry revenue. Lethbridge Polytechnic is actively involved in esports within Southern Alberta, offering programs and facilities to support both competitive and recreational gaming activities. The Kodiaks Esports team competes in games like League of Legends, Valorant, and Rocket League. They have a state-of-the-art esports studio and encourage student participation at all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned gamers.

“Geek Fest is a family-friendly free activity to encourage releasing your creative side,” says Courtney Samuels, owner of Domesticated Divas Events in Lethbridge, and creator of Geek Fest. “Artists and crafters will be here showcasing their unique creations. Cosplay is encouraged.” 

Cosplayers are individuals who engage in the activity of “costume play,” where they dress up as characters from various media like movies, comics, anime, and video games. This hobby involves creating costumes, props, and makeup to represent a specific character or idea, often participating in conventions and other events. As for the future of the conference, both Samuels and Simpson hope that it will continue to grow each year.

“My hope and dream for the future of the High Level Innovation Conference is to see more businesses get involved through sponsorships, exhibitor booths, etc. I think it’s easy to be a bit self-deprecating and think, ‘Oh, I don’t know if we really do anything ‘innovative,’” says Simpson. “But every business and organization has to do something innovative to exist. Celebrating innovation in our community is a great way to get people to look at Lethbridge and think, ‘that’s a community I want to be a part of.’”