HAMILTON
May 1-3, 2026
What you should know when you get there…
EVENT UPDATES: Purpose Hamilton 2026 daily schedule outline below.
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2026:
4:30 PM: Rehearsal room and change room doors open. Hall doors open to audience members 15 minutes prior to show time.
5:30 PM: Competition commences.
9:30 PM: Final awards ceremony of the day.
SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2026:
7:00 AM: Rehearsal room and change room doors open. Hall doors open to audience members 15 minutes prior to show time.
8:00 AM: Competition commences.
8:50 PM: Final awards ceremony of the day.
SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2026:
7:00 AM: Rehearsal room and change room doors open. Hall doors open to audience members 15 minutes prior to show time.
8:00 AM: Competition commences.
8:50 PM: Final awards ceremony of the weekend.
HAMILTON CONVENTION CENTRE ACCESS: There is construction currently taking place on Summers Lane. Please see below options on how to easily access the venue:
- Recommended Access Route: The easiest way to access the venue is via the bridge connecting the Hamilton Convention Centre to the Sheraton Hamilton Hotel. This will be open daily from 6:30 AM-11:00 PM.
- Pedestrian Access via King Street: A detour walking path is in place at King Street and Summers Lane. Wayfinding signage will direct pedestrians around construction (through the parking garage) to the Hamilton Convention Centre's front doors.
- Parking Garage Access: Elevators are available from P3, P5, and the main level of the underground parking garage (shared with the Art Gallery) to reach the building.
- Stairwell Access: You may also use the stairwell (pink/yellow area in the parking garage), which leads to grey crash doors on your right. These doors will be open from 7:00 AM-10:00 PM and provide access to the main lobby.
EVENT ACCESS: The competition will be located on the first floor in Wentworth Hall. Rehearsal room and change room doors will open 1 hour prior to showtime each morning. House/hall doors open 15 minutes prior to show time.
ONLINE PROGRAMS: A link to the online program will be available on the Purpose Dance website homepage on the dates of the scheduled competition.
- NOTE: The online event program is password-protected. The password will be displayed on signage at the event. For those watching via livestream, the password can be obtained from the dancer/family you are supporting or from you Studio Director.
- NOTE: Souvenir/hard copy programs will be available for purchase on-site for those who prefer a printed copy. Quantities are limited.
LIVESTREAMING: The entire event will be streamed on the Purpose Dance website homepage on the dates of the scheduled competition.
CHANGE ROOM & REHEARSAL ROOM GUIDELINES:
- Parents are not permitted in the rehearsal room or backstage areas.
- Parents and/or guardians of dancers aged 12 and older are asked to refrain from entering change rooms when possible to help reduce congestion.
PARKING:
Enclosed, multi-level onsite PAID parking lot.
PROPS: Backstage access will be provided 1 hour prior to show times for prop arrival.
- SMALL PROPS: The loading dock is located on MacNab Street South & is for prop drop-off and pick-up only. This must be done before the competition begins each day, as access to the loading dock during show hours cannot be guaranteed. A small area in the Rehearsal Room will be designated for daily prop storage only. All props must be loaded in and out daily, as overnight storage cannot be guaranteed.
- LARGE PROPS: Please ensure the Competition Directors are made aware of any large props. Large prop load-in and load-out must be scheduled on a case-by-case basis.
MUSIC:
Studio Owners/Directors can submit music directly through their DanceBug account.
- Accepted Music Formats: .wav, .mp3, .m4a, or .mp4
- Non Compatible Media Formats: .mov and .qt (QuickTime Music Files)
BACK UP MUSIC:
We ask that all Studio Owners/Directors have backup copies on hand at the event.
- A USB, iPod, iPad, laptop or cellphone can be used for backup music ONLY.
- Adapters (if needed) must be provided by Studio Owners/Directors and/or teachers as we cannot guarantee compatibility from device to device.
NOTE: Teachers are responsible to play backup music. We ask that teachers are present at the music table to give any special cues. We cannot guarantee that a pitch control change can be precisely made. It is best to pre-pitch all music to avoid technical issues.
HOST HOTEL: Sheraton Hamilton Hotel
HOTEL ADDRESS: 116 King Street West, Hamilton ON, L8P 4V3
HOTEL PHONE NUMBER: 905-529-5515
BOOKING LINK: Purpose Hamilton 2026 Room Block
GROUP NAME: Purpose Dance
ARRIVAL DATE: Thursday, April 30, 2026
DEPARTURE DATE: Sunday, May 3, 2026
LAST DAY TO BOOK: Monday, March 30, 2026
SPECIAL GROUP RATE: $229.00 CAD per night
NOTE: For a smooth reservation process, it is highly recommended that all guests use the above booking link. Reservations can also be made by contacting the hotel's 24-hour, toll-free reservation line at 1-888-627-8161.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Reservations may be cancelled or modified up to 48 hours prior to the scheduled arrival date to avoid a 1-night guest room rate penalty. There may be additional applicable charges and taxes.
CHECK-IN TIME: 3:00 PM | CHECK-OUT TIME: 12:00 PM
AMENITIES:
- Breakfast: Daily breakfast buffets are not included in the nightly guest room rates. Onsite breakfast options include a full-service Starbucks and two full service restaurants: Chagall's and Loft Lounge.
- Guest Parking: Available onsite but is not included in the nightly guest room rates. Overnight self-guest parking will be available underground for a rate of $15.95 with unlimited in and out privileges. Pricing is per night/per car and subject to HST. Parking is operated by Precise ParkLink and is subject to change. Overnight parking can be applied onto the guest room account during check-in. The parking garage has a height restriction of 6'11" at the King Street entrance and 6'6" at the Bay Street entrance.
