ESCA SUMMER EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE │ JUNE 28 - JULY 1, 2026 │ FAIRMONT BANFF SPRINGS, BANFF, CANADA
Start Planning Your SEC 2026 Travel
Start Planning Your SEC 2026 Travel
AIRPORT
TRANSFER
RENTAL & PARKING
HOTEL
SCHEDULE OVERVIEW
AROUND BANFF
Plan Your Travel
ESCA Summer Educational Conference
When: June 28 – July 1, 2026
Where: Fairmont Banff Springs | Banff, Canada
Planning ahead is key when traveling to Banff. While registration opens in March, we’re sharing travel information early so you can plan confidently for this bucket-list destination.
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All pricing in Banff is listed in Canadian dollars (CAD)
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U.S. attendees benefit from the current exchange rate
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At today’s rate, 1 CAD ≈ $0.73 USD
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This creates a built-in savings across hotels, dining, and experiences
What does that mean?
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A 700 CAD hotel room converts to approximately $511 USD
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Same room. Same experience. Lower U.S. cost.
Exchange rates fluctuate. Example shown reflects current rates.
Getting to Banff
Fly Into Calgary International Airport (YYC)
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Closest major airport to Banff
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Served by most major airlines
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Approximately a 90-minute scenic drive (130 kilometers or 87 miles) to Banff National Park
Passport & International Travel Reminder
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Canada is an international destination
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Valid passport required
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Recommended passport validity: at least six months beyond travel dates
Airport Transfers & Shuttle Discount
Preferred Shuttle Partner: Banff Airporter
We’re excited to partner with Banff Airporter, our preferred travel partner, to make your journey from Calgary International Airport to Banff as smooth as possible.
ESCA Attendee Discount
Enjoy Banff Airporter’s comfy, reliable shuttle service, which runs 11 times daily, so you can land and relax on your own schedule.
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15% off shuttle service
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Promo Code: ESCALATE
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Valid for travel: June 23 – July 3, 2026
To book your shuttle:
1. Head to Banff Airporter and click Book Now.
2. Fill in your travel details.
3. When you reach the final payment page, enter the promo code ESCALATE into the “Promo Code?” box, and your discount will be applied.
Booking note: Shuttles can fill up fast, so book at least a month in advance to guarantee availability.
Rental Cars & Parking
Rental Cars
If you prefer to drive, all major rental car companies operate at Calgary International Airport, with additional options available in Banff.
On-site Rental at Fairmont Banff Springs:
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Hertz (403) 762-2027
Other Banff Locations:
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Avis Rent-A-Car (403) 762-3222
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Enterprise (403) 762-2688
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Budget Car & Truck Rental (403) 226-1550
There are over 300 parking spots available in the Fairmont Banff Springs Parkade at an hourly rate.
Venue Parking
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Overnight self-parking is available in a secured garage at $25 CAD per night/per vehicle.
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Valet charges are $37 CAD per night/per vehicle.
Park Entrance Pass Required
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Vehicles entering Banff National Park require a park pass
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Passes are available online or at park gates.
Conference Hotel
The iconic Fairmont Banff Springs will host the ESCA Summer Educational Conference. Built in 1888, this historic landmark offers a variety of room sizes, layouts, and views. Due to the age and character of the property, no two rooms are exactly alike.
If you have specific rooming needs or questions about capacity, we recommend reaching out to the hotel directly.
Book Hotel
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Attendees may book via the following online booking link: https://book.passkey.com/go/2026ESCA
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Call In-House Reservations: 1-833-762-6866
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Please identify yourself as an ESCA Summer Educational Conference attendee to receive the contracted group rate. If the In-House team is unavailable, your call will be forwarded to the Global Reservations Center.
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Important Booking Details
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Please note that the rates are displayed in CAD.
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Credit cards automatically convert CAD to USD
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With the current exchange rate, U.S. travelers pay approximately 27% less
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This applies to hotels, meals, transportation, and activities.
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A $16 per adult, per night resort fee has been built into the rates.
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Group rates are available through May 27, 2026, or until the block sells out
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Cancellations are permitted up to 30 days prior to arrival
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A full, non-refundable deposit will be charged to the credit card on file 30 days prior to arrival
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Due to peak travel season in Banff, the group rate cannot be extended beyond the conference dates.
Banff is a true bucket-list destination, and many attendees choose to travel with family. We strongly recommend booking early and contacting the hotel directly with any rooming or occupancy questions.
Conference Schedule Overview
| Day | Date | Focus | What to Expect |
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| Saturday | June 27 | Optional Arrival | Optional early arrival for attendees who wish to settle in, adjust to travel, or begin enjoying Banff ahead of the conference. Many attendees arrive Saturday due to travel timing, international flights, or to extend their stay. |
| Sunday | June 28 | Arrival & Opening Reception | Official arrival day and start of the conference experience. Conference registration opens, ESCA committee and board meetings take place during the day, and welcome/opening conference activities begin in the evening. Attendees are encouraged to arrive by Sunday afternoon. |
| Monday | June 29 | Education & Networking | First full conference day featuring educational sessions throughout the day, networking with industry peers, and evening programming and social events. Full attendance is recommended. |
| Tuesday | June 30 | Education, Activities & Signature Events | A blend of education and destination-based experiences, including daytime sessions, optional Banff-based activities, and evening receptions and networking events. Often considered a conference highlight. |
| Wednesday | July 1 | Closing Programming & Closing Reception | Final conference day with morning education sessions, daytime closing programming, afternoon activities, and a signature closing reception in the evening. Attendees are encouraged to remain onsite through the evening. |
| Thursday | July 2 | Departure Day | Recommended departure day. Departing Thursday allows full participation in all conference programming and closing events on Wednesday. |
Saturday
June 27
Optional Arrival
Optional early arrival for attendees who wish to settle in, adjust to travel, or begin enjoying Banff ahead of the conference. Many attendees arrive Saturday due to travel timing, international flights, or to extend their stay.
Sunday
June 28
Arrival & Opening Reception
Official arrival day and start of the conference experience. Conference registration opens, ESCA committee and board meetings take place during the day, and welcome/opening conference activities begin in the evening. Attendees are encouraged to arrive by Sunday afternoon.
Monday
June 29
Education & Networking
First full conference day featuring educational sessions throughout the day, networking with industry peers, and evening programming and social events. Full attendance is recommended.
Tuesday
June 30
Education, Activities & Signature Events
A blend of education and destination-based experiences, including daytime sessions, optional Banff-based activities, and evening receptions and networking events. Often considered a conference highlight.
Wednesday
July 1
Closing Programming & Closing Reception
Final conference day with morning education sessions, daytime closing programming, afternoon activities, and a signature closing reception in the evening. Attendees are encouraged to remain onsite through the evening.
Thursday
July 2
Departure Day
Recommended departure day. Departing Thursday allows full participation in all conference programming and closing events on Wednesday.
Travel Planning Summary
- Recommended Arrival: Saturday, June 27
- Conference Programming: Sunday evening through Wednesday evening
- Recommended Departure: Thursday, July 2
Getting Around Banff
One of the best parts of staying at the Fairmont Banff Springs is that getting around is easy, no car is required. The hotel is a scenic 20-minute walk from downtown Banff.
You can also hop on the ROAM public transit bus, which departs from Spray Avenue near the hotel and runs regularly into town. Fares are $2, with exact change required. Daily schedules vary depending on the season, so please check with the Concierge for times.
Quick Facts
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Mountain Daylight Time (MDT, UTC-6)
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Altitude: 4,800 ft
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Population: 9,658
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Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
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Taxes: 5% GST
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Average Summer Temperature: 25°C / 77°F | Low: 7°C / 45°F
Banff, Alberta
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