It will be the third year for “FWD50.” The conference was first held in 2017, with the name referencing Canada’s 150th birthday. The conference’s manifesto seeks to avoid both doomsaying and utopian views of technology, instead focusing on realistic means of using technology to positively shape society:
“With proper stewardship, technology can make all lives better. In the immediate future, it can streamline the way countries govern today, improving antiquated processes and updating how citizens and the government interact at every level. In the long term, we can reimagine what’s possible for nations, anticipating pitfalls while putting the best innovations to work.”
As such, the conference includes many speakers who work with and within governments both in Canada and abroad. Conference speakers include Ontario deputy cabinet minister Hillary Hartley, author Malka Older, and DXC head of AI Jerry Overton.
Last year’s conference saw over 1,500 attendees, and the 2019 edition aims to be just as big. In addition to the big ideas being thrown around, conferences like this often act as hubs for networking, with nearby printing services used for résumé and business card printing.
The 2019 edition of FWD50 will take place at Ottawa’s Aberdeen Pavillion from November 5 to 7.