Social Events
Social Events
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Opening Reception
Reconnect with old friends, meet new colleagues, and kick off the conference at our Opening Reception, held immediately following the Keynote lectures at the Katz Group Centre for Pharmacy and Health Research (KATZ).
As part of the evening’s activities, attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a guided tour of the University of Alberta’s Cryo-EM Facility, led by the Director of High Res Cryo-EM Zhijie Li and Dr. Justin Di Trani, offering a behind-the-scenes look at state-of-the-art cryogenic electron microscopy instrumentation and research.
Wednesday, June 17th, 2026
Informal Postdoc Meet and Greet Event
Organized by: CSM-SCM2026 University of Alberta Student Volunteers
Did you ever feel out of place because you were suddenly no longer a student, but not truly part of the staff either? Did you have to deal with stressful short-term contracts, or the excitement (and impostor syndrome…) of bringing to life a whole project of your own making, almost but not quite like a PI?
This event aims to make postdocs feel welcome, heard, and understood during this unique and transient phase of their career. Postdocs will be able to discuss with other postdocs, but also with PIs who can answer their questions, alleviate their concerns, and help them navigate through life post-PhD in a friendly setting. Simply grab your lunch and meet with us. More details to be provided.
When: Wednesday, June 17th, 12:00 PM
Location: PCL Lounge in the Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Sciences
Wednesday, June 17th, 2026
Student Mixer and ASM Student Network Event
Organized by: CSM-SCM2026 University of Alberta Student Volunteers
Student Mixer: Looking for an evening in Edmonton to connect with fellow trainees in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere? Join us at the University Club for an evening of great food, lively conversation, and science-themed fun. Enjoy a complimentary drink, test your knowledge with microbiology and pop-culture trivia, and meet peers from across Canada in a friendly networking setting designed just for students.
The ASM Student Network event will be held within the CSM Student Mixer. A speed dating style, informal networking event which aims to bring students and post docs closer to established-career scientists. This is a great opportunity to get some valuable face time with leaders in various microbiology-related fields from Canada and the US over some drinks and food. This event is sponsored in part by the American Society for Microbiology, and is organized by the ASM Student Ambassador. Tickets to the CSM Student Mixer have to be purchased to be able to access and participate in the ASM Student Networking Event.
Location: The University Club of the U of A, starting at 6:00 PM
Thursday, June 18th, 2026
Happy Beer Street Brewery Tour & Social Evening
Join us for an informal evening exploring Edmonton's famous Happy Beer Street!
Participants will enjoy round-trip transportation from the University of Alberta, a pizza dinner, samples of locally crafted fermented beverages, and the opportunity to visit several of Edmonton's award-winning breweries. Guests will also have the option to participate in a guided tour of Blind Enthusiasm's Monolith Brewery, one of Canada's premier spontaneous fermentation breweries. The evening begins with departure from campus at 6:15 PM and concludes with return transportation to campus by approximately 9:30 PM. Participants are welcome to leave earlier and arrange their own transportation if they wish to continue exploring the area.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026
Departure: 6:15 PM from the University of Alberta
Return: Approximately 9:30 PM to the University of Alberta
Capacity: 80 participants
Cost: $30 per person
Registration includes:
Transportation to and from Happy Beer Street
Pizza dinner
Beverage samples at participating breweries
Optional tour of Blind Enthusiasm's Monolith Brewery (space permitting)
For more information about the breweries located on Happy Beer Street, including a map of the area, please visit:
https://www.happybeerstreet.com/
Thursday, June 18th, 2026
Phage Canada Social
Organized by: Phage Canada - not affiliated with CSM
Event description:
Please join fellow phage researchers and enthusiasts (including grad students, post-docs, and PIs) for the "Phage Canada Social", an informal evening of networking and conversation hosted by Phage Canada during CSM 2026. This free reception-style event will feature light dinner snacks, refreshments, and a cash bar in a relaxed setting, providing an opportunity to connect with colleagues, discuss phage research, and build new collaborations. The University Club is on campus, about a block away from the conference lecture theatres.
Time: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Location: Upstairs in the "Papaschase Room", University Club, University of Alberta
Capacity: 60-80 attendees
Thursday, June 18th, 2026
iGEM Trivia Night
Organized by: UAlberta iGEM Team - not affiliated with CSM
Event description:
This will be a Trivia Night fundraiser for glEYEco, a student-led UAlberta iGEM project working to improve how treatments for eye diseases are delivered. The event will feature live-hosted trivia with multiple rounds and mixed categories, prizes for top teams, team-based competition, opportunities for socializing and networking, and a chance to learn more about the project.
Location: The event will be held at The Pint on Whyte (8032 104 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 4E5). Doors open at 7:00 PM and trivia will begin at 7:30 PM. Venue capacity is approximately 100-120 attendees.
Transportation:
We will not be providing transportation. However, we selected The Pint on Whyte because it is located relatively close to the University of Alberta and is accessible by walking, public transit, and rideshare services. We are preparing a digital information sheet with directions, transit information, and map links that attendees will be able to access via QR code when purchasing tickets.
Tickets/drink tickets:
Tickets will be $10 and include entry to the trivia event as well as one prepaid highball from The Pint.
Registration requirements:
The only registration requirement is the purchase of a ticket. We will be selling physical tickets during the week of CSM, including at the UAlberta iGEM table that Anthony Cornish secured for us along with the tables for the core facilities. We will also have tickets available for purchase at the door prior to the start of the event.
Friday, June 19, 2026
CSM 2026 President Banquet
A cherished CSM tradition, the President’s Banquet is an evening dedicated to celebrating our community and marking the official transition of leadership as we thank the outgoing CSM President and welcome the incoming President. Held at the stunning Edmonton Convention Centre overlooking the North Saskatchewan River Valley, the evening will feature a formal dinner, the presentation of student and postdoctoral poster and oral symposium awards, and an opportunity to recognize excellence across our society.
Join colleagues, mentors, trainees, and friends for one final evening together at CSM 2026 — a night of celebration, connection, and community. And yes, bring your dancing shoes… it wouldn’t be a CSM Banquet without a great party to close out the conference in style!
Location: Edmonton Convention Centre
