FAQs
Get answers to frequently asked questions about The Gathering Summit. From event details to travel tips and ticket information, find everything you need to prepare for the event.
Questions about
Travel
How do I get to Banff for The Gathering Summit?
The Gathering Summit is hosted at the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs in Banff, Alberta, Canada from October 22-24, 2025.
For those flying in, the closest major airport is YYC Calgary International Airport. From there, it's a scenic 90-minute drive to Banff.
To simplify your travel, we recommend the Banff Airporter's shuttle service. Book your ride here.
Alternatively, you can rent a vehicle at YYC International Airport, or opt for an Uber or other car service.
Once in Banff, you can easily get around using shuttle services or the Roam public bus system. There are no Ubers located in Banff, so if you need return to YYC travel accommodations, we suggest coordinating it ahead of time.
Questions about
Ticketing
Are group passes available at The Gathering Summit?
Absolutely! We offer group passes for teams, colleagues, or friends who want to experience The Gathering Summit together. Our group passes are designed to give you and your group a seamless and unforgettable experience.
How to Book Group Passes:
If your group consists of 6 or more attendees, please reach out to us directly to discuss your needs and options. You can email reilly@cultgathering.com or submit a contact formhere to get started. Our dedicated group sales team will assist you every step of the way.
Corporate Teams:
Many of our corporate partners find The Gathering ideal for offsites, team building, or strategic planning sessions. With direct access to our event team and the Fairmont Banff Springs, we can tailor your experience to boost team morale and enhance strategic engagement.
Let us help you create a memorable and productive Gathering experience for your group, reach out to our team here.
For full visual of pass options, click here
How can I choose the right pass for The Gathering Summit?
At The Gathering Summit, we offer various pass tiers to cater to different preferences and needs. Here’s a breakdown to help you select the pass that best fits your experience goals:
Summit Passes: Ideal for those who want a taste of The Gathering. This pass grants access to the main sessions on Thursday and Friday. It's our most economical option but does not include lunch, excursions, or access to Wednesday’s Brands & Brews offsites and masterclasses. It does not include access to Inner Sancums either.
All-Access Pass: Make your experience at The Gathering FOMO proof. This pass includes all sessions, our special Brands & Brews panels and masterclasses on Wednesday, lunches on Thursday and Friday, 2 Inner Sanctums, and exclusive entry to the Tony Hsieh Gala and the Brand Hall of Fame Induction on Friday evening.
VIP Pass: For those seeking a premium experience, the VIP pass includes all benefits of the All-Access Pass plus accommodation at The Fairmont Banff Springs, white-glove service, priority seating, and first access to inner sanctums and Supper Club experiences.
The Pinnacle Pass: Our most exclusive option, limited to only 30 guests, offers Gold Floor accommodation at The Fairmont Banff Springs, behind-the-screen lounge, priority seating, a personal VIP host, limited edition merchandise, and private dining experiences. This pass is designed for guests who desire the utmost in luxury and personal attention.
Choose your pass based on the level of access and experiences you wish to enjoy. Each tier is designed to provide a unique and enriching experience at The Gathering Summit.
If you are still undecided on whats the best fit for you, please contact Gatekeeper@cultgathering.com and we are happy to support you!
Are tickets for The Gathering refundable?
Tickets for The Gathering Summit are non-refundable; however, they are transferable. If you need to change the name on your pass, we're here to help facilitate that adjustment.
Event Credits:
Understanding that plans can change, we offer the option to receive a credit for the full value of your ticket purchase. This credit is valid for one year and can be applied to any future Gathering experience, whether it's our annual business festival or any other event we host, exclusions apply.
Please note that all event credits must be used within one year from the date they are issued.
Questions about
Accomodations
How are accommodations handled at The Gathering Summit?
The Gathering Summit is held at the Fairmont Banff Springs, known as "Canada's Castle in the Rockies." This luxury hotel, recently voted the #1 luxury hotel in the world, offers a stunning backdrop for our business festival.
All Access Pass (Accommodations not included): If you are looking for accommodations at the Fairmont Banff Springs, please contact them directly. Availability is limited and rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
VIP Ticket Holders: Booking a VIP ticket is one of two ways to guarantee a room at the Fairmont Banff Springs. VIP access includes a reserved room as part of your package, ensuring you are at the heart of the summit activities. Each VIP Pass defaults to checking in on October 22nd and you will be checking out on October 25th, 2025. Please ensure to mark this in your calendars ahead of time. If you need to extend your stay, please contact Gatekeeper@cultgathering.com
Pinnacle Pass Holders: Your Pinnacle pass includes a reservation on the Gold Floor at the Fairmont Banff Springs. This is our most luxurious and highly sought out pass because of this benefit. Our team will be in contact with you about your reservation. Each Pinnacle Pass defaults to checking in on October 22nd and you will be checking out on October 25th, 2025. Please ensure to mark this in your calendars ahead of time. If you need to extend your stay, please contact Gatekeeper@cultgathering.com.
Alternative Accommodations: Banff offers a range of lodging options close to the conference venue. For further details on travel and accommodations, please reach out to gatekeeper@cultgathering.com
Questions about
Experience
What can I expect at The Gathering and what makes it unique?
The Gathering is not just a conference; it's a business festival set against the backdrop of Banff's stunning scenery, designed to reshape how you view leadership, culture, and commerce. Here’s what makes The Gathering truly unique:
Inspirational and Actionable Content:
Expect a stellar lineup of speakers delivering insightful presentations that combine inspirational narratives with practical applications. From transformative workshops to enlightening panel discussions, each element is curated to challenge and expand your thinking.
Unparalleled Networking Opportunities:
Engage with a diverse group of industry leaders through a series of curated gatherings designed to foster meaningful connections. Whether it's during one of our intimate Inner Sanctums, our celebratory galas, or our exclusive Supper Clubs, you’ll find numerous opportunities to network with peers and influencers.
Diverse Activities:
Where else can you bowl, dress up for a gala, learn from leading brands, and hike the Canadian Rockies all in one day? The Gathering offers a range of activities that blend professional growth with personal exploration.
Inner Sanctums:
These are coveted, intimate sessions where attendees can engage directly with trailblazers in an open, ask-me-anything format. These sessions are a chance to gain personal insights in a smaller group setting, making them a must-attend for those looking to dive deeper.
Supper Clubs:
After the sun sets, the Supper Clubs come alive, offering off-site activities like dinners, roundtable discussions, and unique local experiences. These gatherings are perfect for unwinding and continuing conversations in a more relaxed setting.
Brand Hall of Fame:
Experience the induction of the Brand Hall of Fame, celebrating the legacies of the world’s most influential brands. This addition to our event provides an extra layer of depth and prestige to our business festival.
At The Gathering 2025, you’ll leave not just inspired but also equipped to elevate your business and branding strategies. Join us for an experience that transcends the typical festival format, where every session, speaker, and social event is designed to catalyze professional growth and personal connections.
Questions about
Partnerships
How can I partner with The Gathering?
Interested in positioning your brand alongside industry leaders at The Gathering? We welcome partnerships that align with our mission and provide value to our attendees. We offer a variety of sponsorship and partnership opportunities, both turnkey and customizable, to ensure your brand connects effectively with over 1500+ C-suite leaders and brand builders.
Get Started: For detailed information on how to become a sponsor and to explore partnership opportunities, please contact Annie@cultgathering.com. Our dedicated partnership team will follow up with you to discuss potential collaborations and tailor an engagement that suits your brand's objectives.
Questions about
The Tony Hsieh Gala
When is the Tony Hsieh Gala, and what time does it start?
Date: October 24th, 2025
Location: Conference Centre (previously the WestJet Stage)
Event Details:
Cocktail Hour: Begins at 7:00 PM
Gala Start Time: 8:00 PM sharp
We recommend all attendees arrive early to enjoy the cocktail hour and secure their seating prior to the start of the Gala. Doors will close promptly at 8:00 PM to ensure an uninterrupted experience.
Please plan accordingly to make the most of this prestigious evening celebrating excellence in brand leadership.
Who can attend the Tony Hsieh Gala & Brand Hall of Fame, and how does seating work?
The Tony Hsieh Gala & Brand Hall of Fame is exclusively available to Pinnacle, VIP, and All Access passholders, with specific seating and ticket requirements based on your pass type.
Pinnacle and VIP Passholders
Pinnacle and VIP passholders enjoy priority seating with an assigned seating chart. All Pinnacle and VIP passholders will be sent an RSVP to confirm their attendance. RSVP is mandatory by October 20, as seating charts will be finalized on this date. Seating is limited, so failure to RSVP may result in your seat being reallocated to another guest.
All Access Passholders
All Access passholders who purchased their passes on or before June 30, 2025, will have access to the Gala included in their ticket. All Access passholders who purchase their pass after June 30, 2025, must purchase an additional ticket to attend the Gala. All Access passholders will have open seating in the venue.
RSVP is mandatory for all eligible attendees to secure their spot at the Gala. Failure to RSVP may result in your seat being given to another guest.
What is the dress code?
We encourage a cocktail or formal dress code for the Gala, but ultimately, we want you to feel comfortable—wear what suits you best!
What if I have allergies or dietary restrictions?
You can provide your allergy and dietary restriction information on the RSVP form or the purchase page for All Access tickets.