Join us for the second annual DevOur Campus Research Symposium

“Uniting student leaders, organizers and innovators to forge practical paths for social, environmental and economic justice through campus food systems.”

June 5-7 | Toronto, Ontario

Register Now

What it is:

Three days of action, innovation, and connections to help you spice up the student food movement on your campus. 

We bring together project creators and activists and take the best lessons from 20 years of campus organizing to host trainings on coalition building, food operations, case studies, field trips, and lots of opportunities for building connections with like-minded people and craft new recipes for transformation.

When & Where: 

June 5-7th, 2024
DevOur Campus will happen in person at George Brown College & University of Toronto 

Venue:  Research symposium sessions will take place on both both GBC and UofT campuses

June 5&6: George Brown College St James Campus - 200 King St E, Toronto
June 7: University of Toronto UTSU Student Commons - 230 College St, Toronto

– Stay tuned for detailed information about the room locations, including maps and directions.
Find details about accommodations in the FAQ section.

Theme, Program & Speakers:

This year we’re talking about Microcosms: campus food cultures are intricate communities & systems with proven potential to spark transformative change. Together, through dynamic workshops, panels, and meaningful conversations, we’re delving further into practical strategies for building inclusive, sustainable, and vibrant food systems. Whether you’re a student leader, an educator or an advocate, come connect with a thriving network of changemakers and help reimagine the future of campus food. Join the Microcosm Movement!

A sneak peek at the program plans:

June 5th: 1pm - 7pm - Communal Lunch cooking workshop & Welcome reception social
June 6th: 8:30am - 5:30 pm Keynote, dynamic sessions, and trainings (includes light breakfast and lunch)
June 7th: 8:30 - 4 pm Field tours with dynamic sessions and closing reception

Stay tuned for a detailed schedule of sessions and profiles of guest animators coming out in March!

Who is DevOur for?

DevOur Campus is about coalition building. The research symposium welcomes all kinds of stakeholders in campus food: students, faculty, staff, advocates, and external community partners. As students are the key impetus and funders of food services, as well as drivers of food system change, many research symposium sessions will focus on the empowerment and agency of student organizers. 

How To Participate:

1. Understand the Costs

Here’s what you’ll need to budget for:

  • Research Symposium Fee: $175 (covers all sessions + most meals)
  • Accommodation:
    • Budget option: $65-95 at New College - limited availability
    • Hotel option: TBC at Chelsea Hotel  
  • Travel: varies based on your location (obvi) 

Participants are responsible for their own accommodations, travel and other expenses. Check the FAQ for details & tips!

If you’re good to go, head to Step 2. If these costs are a barrier, don’t worry—we can help!

2. Figure Out How You’ll Cover It

Can you cover the costs yourself? → Skip to Step 3 and lock in your spot!
We know costs are a huge barrier for students, academics and many other folks to access these sorts of events. Need financial support? Here’s what to do: 

  • Estimate your travel & accommodation costs (save the estimates for proof) and tally up to figure out your total funding request amount. We’ve outlined as much as we can to help you estimate and share the info with potential funders. 
  • Look for Funding: Contact your student union (undergrad or grad), faculty associations, Dean of Students, or even a relevant student club. Many offer grants for research, engagement or professional development. 
  • Gather Support: Seek out 1-2 Support Letters: contact your professors, advisors, a food org where you volunteer, and even ask us at the Communal Lunch Project for a Support Letter to attach to your Request for Funding applications. 

Request Assistance: If you don’t have any funding options, you can contact us at communallunch@gmail.com and we’ll help you explore funding or find a sponsored ticket. 

3. Register & Pay

Once you’ve got your funding sorted:

🚀 Done! You’re all set for DevOur 2025.

Interested in becoming a funder or sponsor?

Sponsor a Student, a Speaker or a Lunch! Check out ways you can support the research symposium here and get in touch at communallunch@gmail.com. 

About the Organizers:     
Building food sovereign communities at Concordia University and beyond.
Working towards a student and faculty driven campus food system that prioritizes equity, sustainability, and democratic food governance while providing accessible, non-commercial alternatives to corporate food models.

Inclusive, healthy and sustainable food culture
through opportunities for skill-building,
knowledge production, local healthy food and communal eating.  

DevOur campus is part of the Communal Lunch Project, which is supported by NSERC’s College and Community Social Innovation Fund 

Contact Us: communallunch@gmail.com 

FAQ 

How do I get a support letter from CLP?

Indicate that you would like one in your Reservation form, or send us an email at communallunch@gmail.com explaining who the letter will be sent to and when you need it by.

Who can sponsor the research symposium?

We are looking for student unions, Food initiatives and social change organizations that support student empowerment for a better future. Check out this brochure to learn more about where your sponsorship money goes.

How do I estimate travel costs?
  • Participants are responsible for their own travel and related expenses. 
  • Travel costs will vary based on your geographic location and personal needs. If you are traveling from outside of Toronto to the research symposium, we recommend taking the train or carpooling. 
  • If you are traveling from Ontario or Quebec by train, we recommend using viarail.ca and selecting the dates / times you wish to travel to get a more accurate estimate of the current fees. 
  • If you are traveling from Ontario or Quebec by carpool, you can use an AI language model with the prompt “calculate fuel costs for __[insert vehicle year, make and model]__ from __[insert your city or town]__ to Montreal” and then double that amount to factor in your return trip. Or you can use this Fuel Cost Calculator. 
  • If you plan to travel by some other means and want support, please contact us
What other costs might I need to consider?

You should be prepared to purchase at least one supper and any additional snacks not included in the 2.5 day package.
If you wish to visit other attractions in the city during your stay you should budget additional costs for public transit or taxi.

I have special dietary requirements, how do I plan for meals at the research symposium?

The breakfast and lunch menus will cater to vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free diets and will not contain nuts.
There will be a section in the Registration form to include any dietary restrictions or requirements you have. Please clearly indicate your restrictions there or we cannot guarantee alternatives for you!

How can I book accommodations?

Participants are responsible for purchasing and managing their own accommodations. Room availability is on a first come, first served basis. CFC has a special partnership with the following locations to offer you convenient and affordable accommodations for your stay:

Please note that room availability is on a first-come, first-served basis, and participants are responsible for booking and managing their own accommodations.

1. Chelsea Hotel, Toronto

Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, the Chelsea Hotel offers a variety of room types to suit different needs. While there is no special discount for research symposium participants, the hotel provides comfortable accommodations with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, multiple on-site dining options, and fitness facilities.

  • Room Rates: Rates vary, please contact the Hotel directly.
  • Room Types:
    • Chelsea Room: Standard guest room with options for one queen bed or two double beds.
    • Executive Room: Newly renovated rooms offering extra space and additional amenities.
  • Directions to the Hotel:
    • From Pearson International Airport (YYZ): Take the UP Express train from the airport to Union Station (25 minutes). From Union Station, transfer to the TTC Line 1 subway northbound to College Station (4 minutes). The hotel is a short walk from College Station.
    • From Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ): Take the airport ferry to the mainland (2 minutes). Then, take the free shuttle to Union Station (10 minutes) and proceed as above.
    • From Union Station: Take the TTC Line 1 subway northbound to College Station (4 minutes). The hotel is a short walk from College Station.
  • Chelsea Hotel to 230 College Street (UTSU Building UofT)
  • Walking: ~13 minutes (1.0 km)
    • Walk west on Gerrard St W toward Bay St.
    • Turn right onto Bay St.
    • Turn left onto College St.
    • Walk to 230 College St.
  • Transit: ~9 minutes
    • Walk to College St at Yonge St.
    • Take the 506 Carlton Streetcar Westbound toward High Park.
    • Get off at Beverley St at College St.
    • Walk to 230 College St.
  • Chelsea Hotel to George Brown College
    • Walking: ~22 minutes (1.8 km)
      • Walk south on Yonge St.
      • Turn left onto Richmond St E.
      • Turn right onto Sherbourne St.
      • Turn left onto Adelaide St E
    • Transit: ~12 minutes
      • Walk to Yonge St at Gerrard St.
      • Take the TTC Line 1 Subway Southbound to King Station.
      • Transfer to the 504 King Streetcar Eastbound toward Broadview Station.
      • Get off at Sherbourne St at King St.
      • Walk north to Adelaide St E

___________________________________________

2. Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre

Situated just half a block from College Subway Station, the Holiday Inn offers modern, renovated rooms and is within walking distance to attractions like the Eaton Centre.

  • Approximate Room Rates: Standard room rates start from approximately $175 CAD per night. Prices not guaranteed, please contact the Hotel directly.
  • Room Types:
    • Standard Rooms: Featuring options of one king bed, one queen bed, or two double beds, with amenities like free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV.
    • Premium Rooms: Offering additional space with one king bed, city views, and high-floor locations.
  • Directions:
    • From Pearson International Airport (YYZ): Take the UP Express train to Union Station (25 minutes). Transfer to the TTC Line 1 subway northbound to College Station (4 minutes). The hotel is a short walk from College Station.
    • From Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ): Take the airport ferry to the mainland (2 minutes), then the free shuttle to Union Station (10 minutes), and proceed as above.
    • From Union Station: Take the TTC Line 1 subway northbound to College Station (4 minutes). The hotel is a short walk from College Station.

Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown to 230 College Street (UTSU Building UofT)

  • Walking: ~10 minutes (850 m)
    • Walk west on Gerrard St.
    • Turn right onto University Ave.
    • Turn left onto College St.
    • Walk to 230 College St.
  • Transit: ~7 minutes
    • Walk to College St at Yonge St.
    • Take the 506 Carlton Streetcar Westbound.
    • Get off at Beverley St at College St.
    • Walk to 230 College St.

Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown to George Brown College

  • Walking: ~19 minutes (1.5 km)
    • Walk south on Yonge St.
    • Turn left onto Richmond St E.
    • Turn right onto Sherbourne St.
    • Turn left onto Adelaide St E.
  • Transit: ~10 minutes
    • Walk to Yonge St at College St.
    • Take the TTC Line 1 Subway Southbound to King Station.
    • Transfer to the 504 King Streetcar Eastbound.
    • Get off at Sherbourne St at King St.
    • Walk north to Adelaide St E.

3. University of Toronto – New College Residence

Ideal for budget-conscious attendees, the New College Residence offers dormitory-style accommodations suitable for both students and non-students. While no discount code is available, this is the most affordable option among the listed accommodations.

  • Approximate Room Rates: Rates range from $67 to $75 per night for a standard single room (depending on student v non-student)
  • Room Types:
    • Single Rooms: Furnished with a single bed, desk, and wardrobe, with shared bathroom facilities.
    • Double Rooms: Equipped with two single beds, suitable for sharing, with shared bathroom facilities.
  • Directions:
    • From Pearson International Airport (YYZ): Take the UP Express train to Union Station (25 minutes). Transfer to the TTC Line 1 subway northbound to Queen's Park Station (6 minutes). From there, it's a short walk or streetcar ride west along College Street to the residence.
    • From Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ): Take the airport ferry to the mainland (2 minutes), then the free shuttle to Union Station (10 minutes). Proceed as below.
    • From Union Station: Take the TTC Line 1 subway northbound to Queen's Park Station (6 minutes). From there, it's a short walk or streetcar ride west along College Street to the residence.

New College Residence to 230 College Street

  • Walking: ~3 minutes (260 m)
    • Walk east on Willcocks St.
    • Turn right onto St. George St.
    • Turn left onto College St.
    • Arrive at 230 College St.
  • Transit: Not necessary (short walk).

New College Residence to George Brown College

  • Walking: ~28 minutes (2.3 km)
    • Walk east on College St.
    • Turn right onto University Ave.
    • Walk south to Adelaide St W.
    • Walk east along Adelaide St E.
  • Transit: ~16 minutes
    • Walk to Queen’s Park Subway Station.
    • Take the TTC Line 1 Subway Southbound to King Station.
    • Transfer to the 504 King Streetcar Eastbound.
    • Get off at Sherbourne St at King St.
    • Walk north to Adelaide St E.

For more information and to make reservations, please visit the respective websites provided above.