Presented by

2024 Linkages

Innovation + Renewal Conference

With a focus on innovation, people and partnerships, as well as language and culture, Linkages will explore not only the challenges but also the opportunities and applications within each area. The event will highlight the strengths of Northern Manitoba and demonstrate how together, we can thrive.

Objectives + Outcomes

Assess the current northern economic landscape

Identify actionable strategies for innovation

Develop new partnerships and collaborations to inspire a culture of renewal

Understand the importance of reconciliation for the community

subject to change without notice

Conference Schedule

Our Keynote Speakers

Shawn Kanungo
Strategist and Bestselling Author

As a globally recognized innovation strategist and bestselling author, Shawn Kanungo works at the intersection of creativity, business, and technology. He spent 12 years at Deloitte working closely with leaders to help them better plan for the opportunities associated with disruptive innovation. In his high energy keynotes, Kanungo draws on his extensive experience to provide audiences with an optimistic roadmap for the future; one that embraces unexpected approaches to innovation to remain competitive and relevant.

Since leaving Deloitte, Kanungo has worked with hundreds of organizations on their journey to digital transformation. He’s led complex projects incorporating artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, behavioural economics, Web3, and more. Today, Kanungo is a Partner with Queen & Rook, where he advises leading organizations and executives on disruptive trends and invests in early-stage ventures.

Kanungo is the first innovation expert to have a streaming special, released on Apple TV and Prime Video in August 2023. It complements and shares the name of his bestselling debut book, The Bold Ones, a playbook for individuals to become bolder and push their careers and organizations forward. It has been touted as one of McKinsey’s top decision-making books for leaders. Kanungo’s work has also been featured in the Globe and Mail, The Guardian, CBC, and CTV.

A prolific content creator, Kanungo’s content on innovation has garnered millions of views across LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook. He’s been recognized by Edify magazine as one of their “Top 40 Under 40” and was called the “best virtual keynote speaker I’ve ever seen” by Forbes in 2021.

Ramy Nassar
AI & Emerging Technology Expert

Ramy Nassar (he/him): With nearly 25 years experience in technology and as former Head of Innovation for Mattel, he leads sessions focused on AI and emerging technology & disruption with organizations worldwide. Ramy’s insights offer valuable perspectives on strategic foresight and the integration of emerging technologies in the fast-changing landscape of business.
 
These insights could prove instrumental in enhancing your team’s approach to innovation and future-proofing your team and organization. 
 
Ramy previously served as Head of Retail Innovation for Mattel, successfully launching and leading the organization’s first Innovation Lab. Ramy and his team pioneered over 15 AI-driven online & in-person retail experiences aimed at growing the Barbie and Hot Wheels brands. During his tenure, Ramy drove a cultural shift toward innovation-first mindsets through a range of internal keynote presentations, town halls, and interactive workshops. Ramy continues to be called upon by Mattel and other F1000 organizations seeking his experience with respect to innovation, strategic foresight, and AI strategy. 
 
He has led AI-focused keynotes and workshops & strategic foresight and planning initiatives with organizations including TD Bank, Rio Tinto, Genome Canada, Interac, Apple, Air Canada, Facebook, New Balance, Telus, CIBC, and the Federal Government of Canada.
 
Ramy teaches an AI + Design Thinking course at NTNU in Norway and in the Master’s of Engineering, Innovation & Entrepreneurship program at Toronto Metropolitan University. Ramy is an award-winning speaker & facilitator at international events including World Usability Congress, IxDA, FITC, AI Everything, AI Business Summit, and World Mobile Congress. He is fluent in English, French, and German.
 
Ramy Nassar is the founder of 1000 Days Out and author of the upcoming AI Product Design Handbook.

Ken Coates
Historian

Ken Coates is a rare public commentator who brings deep understanding of past and present realities together with compelling ideas about Canada’s future. His passionate and highly engaging talks have captivated diverse audiences across the country, from college administrators and economic development officers to Aboriginal entrepreneurs and community activists.

Ken was previously professor of Indigenous Governance, Yukon University and Canada Research Chair in Regional Innivatiin, University of Saskatchewan.  Ken combines irreverence, insight and a sense of humour in his conversations about the issues that matter most to Canadians.

Accommodations

Book Your Stay!

Andersen Inn & Suites

1717 Gordon Ave. The Pas, MB R9A 1K3
Phone: 1-204-623-1888

Reservation Deadline: Saturday, September 7, 2024
Group ID: UCN Linkages

Kikiwak Inn

P.O. BOX 10040 Opaskwayak, MB ROB 2J0
Phone: 1-204-623-1800

Reservation Deadline: Saturday, September 7, 2024
Group ID: #189656

For information on registration, please contact Kelly Watters: [email protected]

CONTACT US

Kelly Watters
Kelly Forgala Events
[email protected]
204 391 4419

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