September 19 to 22, 2023
Hamilton & Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Get ready to join NABSA and your fellow shared micromobility colleagues this September in Hamilton & Toronto, Ontario, Canada for the Growing Shared Micromobility: Connecting People & Places Conference!
If you are a NABSA member and are in need of a membership acknowledgment letter to support your approval process for travel and conference attendance, please complete this form.
Two Cities, One Conference
Get ready to join NABSA and your fellow shared micromobility colleagues this September in Hamilton and Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The NABSA Annual Conference is the leading global venue for shared micromobility and transportation leaders, practitioners, operators, and equipment providers to tackle important issues facing the industry.
During this 4-day conference, come experience Hamilton and Toronto’s shared micromobility systems and street infrastructure firsthand during a mobile workshop, learn from and share ideas with shared micromobility peers at panel sessions, connect with exhibitors, hear inspiring plenary speakers, and network with colleagues from all over the world.
In addition to learning, the conference is a great place to network and socialize with others in the industry! Join us for food and drinks at the Art Gallery of Hamilton, Lake Ontario views and local eats at Boxcar Social Harbourfront, and don’t miss the conclusion of the conference with networking and local treats at the Bike Share Toronto headquarters. Learn more about our conference venues on the Venues tab.
Now in its tenth year, we are excited to bring the NABSA conference and attendees to explore and learn from two cities in Ontario, Canada – Hamilton and Toronto! The annual conference will commence in Hamilton, Tuesday September 19th with the Lighting Round Slideshow, mobile workshops, and opening reception. Conference activities including conference sessions, plenaries, and expo booths will take place in Hamilton Wednesday September 20th through midday on Thursday September 21st. Thursday afternoon attendees will then make their way to downtown Toronto to kick off the Toronto portion of the conference with an evening reception and presentation from Toronto sharing their marketing insights. Attendees will close out their conference experience Friday, September 22nd by participating in a mobile workshop and saying goodbye to friends new and old with a local treat at Bike Share Toronto Headquarters.
Meet our Keynote
Karla Avis-Birch is the Chief Planning Officer at Metrolinx. She leads the Planning & Development team on helping to deliver an integrated, sustainable transit and effective network for all by way of development of the Regional Transportation Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe Area (GGHA), implementation of key policies and standards that connect communities and maintains a high customer experience, and manages the delivery of benefits from capital projects.
A champion of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives, she is deeply passionate about raising awareness of inclusion and diversity issues, and encouraging the fostering of inclusive workplace environments.
Transportation in Hamilton & Toronto
Here's everything you need to know about your transportation options at the conference.
Getting from the Airport to the Hotel
We’re glad that you’re joining us in Ontario for the 2023 conference!
Most people will be arriving through the Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). Once you land, getting to the Sheraton Hamilton Hotel (116 King St W, Hamilton) is easy.
- GO Transit
- GO Transit Buses depart from Terminal 1, Ground Level – Column Q2 to Q4. Arriving in Terminal 3? To catch your GO bus, take the free Terminal Link train to Terminal 1.
- Purchase your ticket online or at a kiosk. Online was easier for us.
- Take the GO Bus to the Main Street at Summers Lane stop in front of City Hall. Then take the short 10 minute walk to the hotel.
- Ride Hail: Lyft is available in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA)
- Taxis: Blue Line & Hamilton Cab
From John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM) – The Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) A LINE EXPRESS Route 20 operates service between Hamilton International Airport and downtown Hamilton.
Hamilton to Toronto Transportation, Thursday September 21st
Your conference registration includes a one-way ticket on the GO Train from Hamilton to Toronto! There will be guided groups assisting attendees with the travel experience.
- 1:30pm – First group leaves the Sheraton Hamilton Hotel to take 25 minute walk to West Harbour GO Station (353 James St N, Hamilton) to catch 2:13pm GO Train to Union Station in Toronto (65 Front St W, Toronto).
- 2:30pm – Second group leaves the Sheraton Hamilton Hotel to take 25 minute walk to West Harbour GO Station (353 James St N, Hamilton) to catch 3:13pm GO Train to Union Station in Toronto (65 Front St W, Toronto).
If you choose to travel from Hamilton to Toronto without assistance, you can still use your complimentary GO Train pass. The recommended trip is to walk or take a quick Lyft ride to the West Harbour GO Station, then catch the GO Train to Union Station in Toronto. Check the schedule and plan accordingly.
Reception Transportation
- Tuesday, September 19th @ Art Gallery of Hamilton (123 King St W, Hamilton):
- The first reception venue is located just across the street from the Sheraton Hamilton Hotel. After exiting the hotel lobby doors, cross King Street using the crosswalk and enter the art gallery through the main entrance.
- Thursday, September 21st @ Boxcar Social Harbourfront (235 Queens Quay W, Toronto):
- The second reception is located in the Harbourfront Centre just a few blocks from Union Station. After station, take a left onto Front Street. At the intersection of Front Street and lower Simcoe, take a left towards the lakefront. Continue on Lower Simcoe until you arrive at the Harbourfront Center. Boxcar Social Harbourfront will be on your left on the lake side of the building.
- Friday September 22nd @ Bike Share Toronto Headquarters (25 Booth Ave Toronto):
- All mobile workshops on Friday, September 22nd will end at Bike Share Toronto Headquarters.
Getting Around the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area
Enjoy a multi-modal experience by using all the transportation options that the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) have to offer.
Hamilton Bike Share
Conference attendees will receive free ride credits to access Hamilton Bike Share.
Hamilton Bike Share, Hamilton’s resident bikeshare system, is composed of 800 smart bikes across the city. You can easily find a nearby bike or hub on the website map or on the app. Learn more about how to use Hamilton Bike Share here.
Bird
Conference attendees will have complimentary access to Bird.
Bird scooters are available in Hamilton. You can easily find a nearby scooter on the Bird Canada app. Read about the scooter pilot here.
Bike Share Toronto
Bike Share Toronto, Toronto’s resident bikeshare systems, is composed of 7,100 bikes and 680 stations across the city. You can easily find a nearby bike or station on the website map. Learn more about how to use Bike Share Toronto here.
Ride-hail
Lyft is available in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
Taxi
Blue Line and Hamilton Cab are available options.
Metrolinx
Metrolinx, an agency of the Government of Ontario, was created to improve the coordination and integration of all modes of transportation in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
GO Transit
Operated by Metrolinx, is a regional public transit system that services the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. Learn more and plan a trip here.
UP Express
Operated by Metrolinx, UP Express, gets you from downtown Toronto to Pearson International Airport in 25 minutes.
Hamilton Conference Hotel and Venue: Sheraton Hamilton Hotel
116 King St W, Hamilton, ON L8P 4V3, Canada
First Come, First Served
Conference Attendee Rate: $189 CAD ($138.98 USD) per night | Rate available September 19 through September 21 | Discount Code: NABSA2023
The Sheraton Hamilton Hotel is the conference hotel and home to all conference sessions, the keynote and plenaries, expo booths, and more. It is conveniently located in downtown Hamilton.
Toronto Lodging
There is no specific lodging venue in Toronto for the evening of Thursday September 21st, however there are a variety of places to stay in the area.
- Hotels close to conference happenings:
- Delta Hotels Toronto – 75 Lower Simcoe St, Toronto, ON M5J 3A6, Canada
- Westin Harbour Castle – 1 Harbour Square, Toronto, ON M5J 1A6, Canada
- InterContinental: Toronto Centre – 225 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2X3, Canada
- Cost effective hotels a short ride or walk from the conference happenings:
- Cambridge Suites Toronto – 15 Richmond St E, Toronto, ON M5C 1N2, Canada
- Chelsea Hotel Toronto – 33 Gerrard St W, Toronto, ON M5G 1Z4, Canada
- There are various AirBnb options available in the area.
- Attendees may also consider staying in Hamilton the night of Thursday September 21st and commuting to Toronto for the Evening Reception on Thursday and Toronto Mobile Workshops on Friday. Book your entire conference stay at the Sheraton Hamilton Hotel.
Hamilton Reception Location: Art Gallery of Hamilton
123 King St W, Hamilton, ON L8P 4S8, Canada
Just across the street from the Sheraton Hamilton Hotel, the Art Gallery of Hamilton was founded in 1914 and is the oldest and largest art museum. Attendees will enjoy the chance to eat, drink and mingle in the sculpture garden and beautiful glass pavilion.
Toronto Reception Location: Boxcar Social Harbourfront
235 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2G8, Canada
Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, our second conference reception, Boxcar Social Harbourfront, provides a sleek, intimate space for attendees to network and indulge in local flavors.
Bike Share Toronto Operational Headquarters
25 Booth Ave Toronto, ON M4M 2M3, Canada
Enjoy local treats as we say goodbye to friends new and old, as the conference comes to a close at Bike Share Toronto Headquarters.
Mobile Workshops
Two cities, two opportunities to participate in our popular mobile workshops.
Hamilton
September 19th from 3:15pm to 5:15pm
Walking Tour: Explore Hamilton’s Downtown, North End and waterfront! City staff will lead a conversation about how citizen-led change and targeted transportation infrastructure investment enhance mobility in this dynamic, historic city center.
Take a stroll down James Street, a former one-way street that saw an urban renaissance when it was converted to two-way traffic. The route leads through the north end of Hamilton looking at redevelopment and renewal in the area. Participants will also be given an overview of transportation in Hamilton, including the regional train links and the coming LRT, and about Hamilton’s cycling infrastructure, and discuss how neighborhood-wide traffic calming can contribute to family-friendly communities.
East End Ride to the Adaptive Bike Hub: Join Hamilton Bike Share staff in a bike ride to the Adaptive Bike Hub, the Everyone Rides Initiative’s base for equity programming at the historic Gage Park. The ride will showcase a variety of bike infrastructure including the 1st two-way cycle track in Ontario, multi-use recreational paths, and neighborhood bikeways. Along the way participants will see beautiful murals, community projects, Victorian brick architecture, and the forested Niagara escarpment.
West End Biking Tour: Visit Hamilton’s new and historic cycling infrastructure while touring the Waterfront trail, Westdale Village and McMaster University. Get insight into the successes and challenges in developing the active transportation network and what the future of the network will look like in Hamilton. Ride Hamilton’s iconic Cannon Street and Bay Street cycle tracks, as well as the new mini-jersey barrier separated lanes on York Boulevard. The Waterfront trail portion of the tour features great views and a floating Active Transportation bridge to connect two parts of the trail and the city together.
Toronto
Friday September 22nd at 8:30am, 9:15am, and 10:00am. Conference activities end at 12:00pm.
We are excited for you to close out your conference experience and get to know Toronto by participating in a mobile workshop. All mobile workshops begin at Bike Share Toronto station: Bremner Blvd/Rees St and end at Bike Share Toronto operational headquarters (25 Booth Ave Toronto, ON M4M 2M3, Canada) where attendees will say goodbye to friends old and new over a local treat.
Bike Share Toronto Operation Tour with Shift Transit @ 8:30am or 10:00am: Ride to Bike Share Toronto Operational headquarters to look behind the curtain into Bike Share Toronto’s operational arm. Join Shift Transit on a facility tour + let’s discuss key program drivers, including:
- Rebalancing + customer satisfaction
- Capacity and resource planning for an ever-changing landscape
- Operational excellence for e-Bike availability
- Supply chain planning + management
Ride to North America’s Largest Electric Bike Share Station: Take a ride along Toronto’s world class waterfront trails to North America’s largest bikeshare electric charging station. At the station participants will have an opportunity for a Q&A with representatives from Bike Share Toronto, PBSC, and SHIFT Transit.
The Growing Shared Micromobility: Connecting People & Places Conference is a great opportunity to showcase shared micromobility solutions and gain recognition for supporting the shared micromobility community. The NABSA Annual Conference is the only conference of its kind globally. The conference is an international cross-sector convening of all sectors involved in shared micromobility planning and implementation – host cities, equipment manufacturers, operators, technology providers, and consultants.
What Past Sponsors Are Saying:
“NABSA, and its annual conference convening leaders in the micromobility industry, is an essential force in building relationships and pushing for policies that set shared bike and scooter systems up for growing impact in communities across North America. Lyft has been proud to play a Presenting Sponsor role after learning first hand the value of sponsorship over the past 4 years. Serving as a sponsor not only allows us to support NABSA, but also gives us a powerful forum to demonstrate industry leadership and expand our relationships.”
– Caroline Samponaro, Vice President, Head of Micromobility & Transit Public Policy, Lyft
“The NABSA Conference has over the years become the go-to gathering of bikeshare and micromobility in North America. It’s a can’t miss event in our business calendar, and we always end up getting the latest news of the industry and a lead or two for our sales. It’s perfect for any micromobility company to position itself.”
– Kristian Brink, CEO, Urban Sharing
“The NABSA 2022 Conference held in Guadalajara, Mexico, was a great success and we were delighted to have sponsored the event. It offered us a unique occasion to exchange with all the shared micromobility stakeholders as well as meeting up with our partners, all with the common objective of redefining the future of urban mobility.”
– Gian-Carlo Crivello, Chief Relationship Officer, PBSC
“At Qucit, we have participated in and sponsored the annual NABSA conference for many years. For us, it’s a great opportunity to meet the entire bikesharing ecosystem across the Atlantic, to exchange on new trends, and to present our latest project to a passionate and qualified audience. ”
– Raphäel Cherrier, CEO, Qucit
Presenting Sponsor
Exclusive
Platinum Opening Reception Sponsor $30,000
Exclusive
- Recognition at Opening Reception
- 2 minute speaking opportunity at reception
- Recognition in at least 3 social media post/tags
- Recognition on at least 3 conference signage pieces
- Recognition in conference printed program
- Logo and link on NABSA conference webpage
- Recognition in all conference-specific email announcements (from date of sponsor agreement)
- Space in Expo — Tier 1
- 6 complimentary conference tickets
- ($5,400 value)
- 6 complimentary Hamilton Bike Share passes
- 6 complimentary Bird scooter passes
- Pre-event and post-event conference attendee lists distributed. Pre-event list distributed 5 days before event, post-event list distributed no later than two weeks after the event. (Lists exclude contact information for attendees who have opted out)
Gold $12,500
Up to 2
- Lunch/Closing Social sponsorship recognition
- Recognition in at least 1 social media post/tag
- Recognition on at least 2 conference signage pieces
- Recognition in conference printed program
- Logo and link on NABSA conference webpage
- Recognition in all conference-specific email announcements (from date of sponsor agreement)
- Space in Expo — Tier 2
- 4 complimentary conference tickets ($3,600 value)
- 4 complimentary Hamilton Bike Share passes
- 4 complimentary Bird scooter passes
- Pre-event and post-event conference attendee lists distributed. Pre-event list distributed 5 days before event, post-event list distributed no later than two weeks after the event. (Lists exclude contact information for attendees who have opted out)
Silver $9,500
Up to 4
- Breakfast/break sponsorship recognition
- Recognition on at least 2 conference signage pieces
- Recognition in conference printed program
- Logo and link on NABSA conference webpage
- Recognition in all conference-specific email announcements (from date of sponsor agreement)
- Space in Expo — Tier 2
- 3 complimentary conference tickets ($2,700 value)
- 3 complimentary Hamilton Bike Share passes
- 3 complimentary Bird scooter passes
- Pre-event and post-event conference attendee lists distributed. Pre-event list distributed 5 days before event, post-event list distributed no later than two weeks after the event. (Lists exclude contact information for attendees who have opted out)
Bronze $6,500
Space Limited by Floorplan, Designated on First Come, First Serve Basis
- Recognition on at least 1 conference signage piece
- Recognition in conference printed program
- Logo and link on NABSA conference webpage
- Recognition in all conference-specific email announcements (from date of sponsor agreement)
- Space in Expo — Tier 3
- 2 complimentary conference tickets ($1,800 value)
- 2 complimentary Hamilton Bike Share passes
- 2 complimentary Bird scooter passes
- Pre-event and post-event conference attendee lists distributed. Pre-event list distributed 5 days before event, post-event list distributed no later than two weeks after the event. (Lists exclude contact information for attendees who have opted out)
Green $3,500
No Limit
- Recognition on at least 1 conference signage piece
- Recognition in conference printed program
- Logo and link on NABSA conference webpage
- Recognition in all conference-specific email announcements (from date of sponsor agreement)
- 1 complimentary conference ticket ($900 value)
- 1 complimentary Hamilton Bike Share pass
- 1 complimentary Bird scooter pass
Custom Options
In addition to the packages listed, NABSA offers custom sponsorship opportunities.
Custom sponsorship opportunities in the past have included:
Wifi Sponsorship
Session Sponsorship
Other unique ideas!
For more information, contact NABSA Executive Director, Sam Herr: sam@nabsa.net
2023 Conference Scholarships are Available
NABSA values the presence and contributions of people from a diversity of backgrounds and organizations to make this conference a success. We don’t want cost to be a barrier to participation. We are offering scholarships to conference attendees.
Assistance is available in two forms:
- Registration fee that is significantly discounted from the full cost
- Scholarships of up to $500 USD to cover the cost of travel and lodging
Eligible recipients include city, advocacy group, or community-based organization staff or volunteers focusing on shared micromobility (bikeshare, shared e-scooters, biking infrastructure, etc.) and equity, or others focusing on the intersection of social justice and transportation as part of their primary work. We are unlikely to offer support to more than one person in an organization.
Applications will be reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis; we will not consider requests for scholarships after September 1, 2023.
Applicants must:
- Demonstrate that their professional work is in the area of shared micromobility, bicycling, transportation, social justice, or related field
- Demonstrate that scholarship assistance is necessary to allow them to attend this conference
- Use the scholarship funds for travel or lodging costs only
- Submit reimbursement form with copies of receipts for eligible expenses within one month of the conclusion of the conference
Exporing Hamilton and Toronto
Hamilton and Toronto have so much to offer! To help you get out and explore both cities, we put together these recommendations.
Hamilton
Hamilton has a unique urban feel, a vibrant arts scene, and a bustling downtown. Located between Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment, Hamilton offers incredible access to nature trails, parks, waterfalls, museums, art galleries, and incredible restaurants and shopping experiences.
Local Eats:
- PinToh
- The Diplomat
- Merit Brewery
- Martello
- The Mule
- Rapscallion & Co.
- Earth to Table Bread Bar
- Moody’s Pizza Bar & Arcade
- Electric Diner
Drinks:
- Imbibe
- The Brain
- Merit Brewery
- Collective Arts Brewery
- Capitol Bar
- Farside
- Academica
- The Judge
- ODDS
Coffee Shops:
- Smalls
- Mulberry Coffeehouse
- Synonym
- Redchurch Cafe & Gallery
- Durand Coffee
- Democracy on Locke
Looking for additional ideas? Check out Tourism Hamilton’s bucket list of must see and do experiences in Hamilton.
Toronto
Toronto is Canada’s largest city and a leader in such areas as business, finance, technology, entertainment and culture. Its large population of immigrants from all over the globe has also made Toronto one of the most multicultural cities in the world.
Check out recommendations from the Toronto Visiting resources.
Q: How much does the conference cost?
A: The conference rates are as follows:
General Admission: $935 USD
Non-Profit/Govt General Admission: $775 USD
Latin American: General Admission: $525 USD
Latin America: Non-Profit/Govt General Admission: $400 USD
Student Rate: $100 USD
Q: Who should I contact with general questions about the conference or registration?
A: Contact conference@nabsa.net.
Q: Who should I contact about sponsorship opportunities?
A: Please contact Sam Herr at sam@nabsa.net. To view sponsorship information select the Sponsor the Conference tab.
Q: When and where is the conference?
A: The conference is taking place in Hamilton and Toronto, Ontario, Canada Tuesday, September 19th through Friday, September 22nd. Learn more about the conference experience by visiting the About tab.
Q: When should I plan to arrive on the 19th and leave on the 22nd?
A: On Tuesday, September 19th, registration will open at 12 PM at the Sheraton Hamilton Hotel, and the Lighting Round Slideshow will begin at 1:30 PM. The closing reception will conclude at 12pm, Friday September 22nd at Bike Share Toronto Headquarters. Consider arriving Monday and departing late Friday or early Saturday.
Q: If I am flying, what airport should I fly into?
A: There are several airports in the area:
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM)
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
Q: What’s the best way to get from the airport to the hotel?
A: Most people will be arriving through the Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). Once you land, getting to the Sheraton Hamilton Hotel (116 King St W, Hamilton) is easy.
- GO Transit
- GO Transit Buses depart from Terminal 1, Ground Level – Column Q2 to Q4. Arriving in Terminal 3? To catch your GO bus, take the free Terminal Link train to Terminal 1.
- Purchase your ticket online or at a kiosk. Online was easier for us.
- Take the GO Bus to the Hamilton GO Centre. Then take the short 10 minute walk to the hotel.
- Ride Hail: Lyft is available in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA)
For additional information about transportation, visit the Transportation tab.
Q: Where should I stay?
A: Join us at the Sheraton Hamilton Hotel the nights of the 19th through 20th and the Fairmont Royal Work the evening of the 21st. Additional hotel information can be found on the Venue tab.
Q: What meals will be served during the conference?
A: The receptions on September 19th and 21st will include drinks and light appetizers. Breakfast and lunch will be provided at the Sheraton Hamilton Hotel September 20th and 21st. The closing reception on September 22nd will include a local treat.
Q: I have dietary restrictions. What food will be served?
A: NABSA is working with our vendors to curate menus that accommodate as many dietary restrictions and preferences as possible, such as vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
Q: If I am a speaker, do I get a free conference ticket?
A: Unfortunately, we cannot offer complimentary tickets to our speakers. Are you a NABSA member? NABSA members receive complimentary tickets to the annual conference.
Q: Are there scholarships available?
A: Limited scholarships are available. More information can be found on the Scholarships tab.
Q: What about COVID-19?
A: Please note that your health and safety are your responsibility. We are monitoring health and safety guidelines regarding COVID-19 and interacting with our conference and hospitality partners. There are currently no COVID-19 restrictions that we are aware of. If NABSA becomes aware of any changes, we will update this information and notify attendees.
Thanks to our 2023 Conference Sponsors!
Presenting Sponsor:
Diamond Sponsor:
Gold Sponsor:
Silver Sponsor:
Bronze Sponsors:
Green Sponsors:
Special thanks to our 2023 conference hosts!
