Presented by
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
Conference Schedule
Tuesday October 8
Fostering Digital Potential, Connecting Tech, Talent + Opportunities – Tech Manitoba
Wednesday October 9
Our 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
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.
Kelly Fournel
CEO, Tech Manitoba
Kelly Fournel is the CEO of Tech Manitoba, the province’s tech industry association that represents its leading innovative and tech-driven organizations. With a tech career spanning nearly two decades, Kelly has consistently demonstrated a passion for driving successful transformations within organizations, enabling them to achieve their strategic goals so that they may realize their desired impact.
In addition to her role at Tech Manitoba, Kelly serves on the Board of Directors for the Winnipeg Airports Authority and the board of the local start-up Anthella. Her leadership and commitment to fostering growth in the tech community are evident in her various contributions.
Marie Hacault
Youth and Talent Initiatives | Industry Engagement, Tech Manitoba
Marie has spent over a decade leading youth initiatives, and now focuses on strengthening Manitoba’s tech-talent pipeline to meet the evolving demands of a growing industry. With expertise in marketing, program management, and both youth and industry engagement, she bridges the gap between education and employment, preparing the next generation for successful careers in technology.
Through mentorship and close collaboration with industry leaders, Marie ensures that emerging talent aligns with the needs of Manitoba’s tech companies. Her efforts play a role in advancing workforce development, ultimately contributing to the province’s long-term economic growth and innovation.
Shaelynn Stimpson
Event Manager, Tech Manitoba
Shaelynn Stimpson is a dynamic and seasoned events professional with years of expertise in customer service, event management, marketing, and leadership. As the Events Manager at Tech Manitoba, she leads the planning, promotion, and execution of a wide range of events that engage and support the local tech community. Known for her attention to detail and innovative approach, Shaelynn has a proven track record in managing both virtual and in-person events, building strong vendor relationships, and delivering memorable experiences.
Previously, she served as the Wedding & Corporate Event Coordinator at the prestigious Manitoba Club, where she was instrumental in client satisfaction and team leadership. With a strong educational background in event management, Shaelynn continues to make a significant impact in both the tech and event planning communities in Manitoba.
Jodie Parmar, CPA, CMA
Head, Project Development, Western Canada, Canada Infrastructure Bank
Jodie Parmar is the Head of Project Development for Western Canada – leading the CIB’s engagement with both public and private project sponsors in the West across all investment sectors. Jodie is also the National Lead for Agricultural Infrastructure whereby he leads CIB’s investment activities in agriculture and agrifood. In his role, Jodie offers advice and makes investments consistent with the CIB’s focus on new infrastructure in key priority initiatives.
Jodie has almost 30 years of experience in lending to, structuring and advising on project finance and public-private partnership transactions across a variety of infrastructure asset classes.
He holds an MBA from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management and a BA in Economics from the University of Regina. He also holds a Certificate (Honours) in Business Intelligence – Data Analysis & Reporting from SAIT Polytechnic in Calgary. Jodie is a CPA, CMA, and has also completed executive development programs at institutions such as the Harvard Business School and Queen’s University.
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