Our dynamic lineup of thought-provoking presentations, engaging panel discussions, and captivating keynotes:
Please note: Agenda is subject to change
7:45 a.m. | Breakfast and networking
8:30 a.m. | Welcome and opening remarks
Step into the realm of innovation and knowledge as we commence this highly anticipated event with a warm welcome from Dr. Vivek Goel, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Waterloo and Richard Jardim, EVP and CTO, Technology, Infrastructure, and Innovation, CIBC.
Dr. Vivek Goel
President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Waterloo
Richard Jardim
EVP and CTO, Technology, Infrastructure, and Innovation, CIBC
8:45 a.m. | Geopolitics and global uncertainty: Navigating risks for Canadian leaders
Panel discussion
Unpack the challenges of geopolitical tensions, from ongoing conflicts to global power shifts, and understand their business implications for supply chains, technology access, data privacy, cybersecurity, and more.
Dr. Bessma Momani
Professor, Political Science
Senior Fellow, Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)
George Takach
Author on geopolitics and AI, including the recent Cold War 2.0
Rachel Ziemba
Founder, Ziemba Insights
Senior Advisor, Horizon Engage
Adjunct Senior Fellow, Center for a New American Security
9:25 a.m. | Charting new horizons: Sustainable technology investments
Fireside chat
Discover the future of wealth management with a focus on sustainability, strategic investment, and future-proofing in an evolving global landscape.
Bruce Flatt
CEO, Brookfield Asset Management
Dr. Jagdeep Singh Bachher
Chancellor, University of Waterloo
Chief Investment Officer, University of California
10:05 a.m. | Networking break
10:30 a.m. | AI applications: Insights from Canada’s top technology leaders
Panel discussion
Hear from top CTOs how their organizations are embracing and implementing AI. Discover how AI is transforming business operations and driving innovation across various sectors.
Manav Gupta
Vice-President, Technical Sales and CTO, IBM Canada
Dr. Jimmy Lin
Cheriton Chair, David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science
Co-director, Waterloo AI Institute
CTO, Primal
Rex Lee
CITO, Canadian Tire Corporation
Jodie Wallis
Global Chief Analytics Officer, Manulife
11:20 a.m. | Technology as a catalyst: Shaping Canada's future prosperity
Fireside chat
Canadian businesses face critical decisions about technology, innovation, and talent. This discussion will explore the importance of digital transformation, the role of generative AI in boosting productivity, and the strategies needed to invest in Canada’s digital workforce.
Victor Dodig
President and CEO, CIBC
Dr. Vivek Goel
President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Waterloo
12:00 p.m. | Lunch
1:00 p.m. | Trust in AI: Building responsible AI frameworks
Active learning session
Gain insights on the ethical implications of AI and the importance of fostering trust through responsible AI practices.
Dr. Amir-Hossein Karimi
Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Waterloo
John Weigelt
National Technology Officer, Microsoft Canada
Dr. Mary Wells
Dean of Engineering, University of Waterloo
Ozge Yeloglu
Vice President, Advanced Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, CIBC
1:45 p.m. | AI adoption: Overcoming challenges and harnessing opportunities
Panel discussion
Explore the barriers and opportunities for AI adoption. Learn actionable strategies to effectively integrate AI into your business operations.
Francis Bilodeau
Associate Deputy Minister, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Dr. Joël Blit
Chair, Council on Innovation Policy
Senior Fellow, Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)
Nick Frosst
Co-founder, Cohere
Nicole Janssen
Co-founder and Co-CEO, AltaML
2:35 p.m. | Networking break
3:00 p.m. | Leading amidst disruption: Driving a culture of innovation
Fireside chat
Hear the leadership strategies that emphasize continuous learning and innovation in an era of rapid technological change.
Mellody Hobson
Co-CEO and President, Ariel Investments
Dr. Jagdeep Singh Bachher
Chancellor, University of Waterloo
Chief Investment Officer, University of California
3:45 p.m. | Closing remarks
As the event draws to a close, we'll reflect on the illuminating discussions and insights into emerging technologies, and their direct applications to business.
Dr. Vivek Goel
President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Waterloo
4 p.m. | Closing reception, hosted by Microsoft
End the day with networking and refreshments at Microsoft headquarters.