Website: www.connectitconference.com

Theme
Small Rooms | Big Ideas: Weaving Our Social Fabric with Technology

The advancements of Information Technology (IT) in the past decade have pushed this discipline and industry into the forefront of solving increasingly complex problems. With the relationship of IT and the social fabric of society generally overlooked, we are witnessing an unparalleled time of break-fix solutions and ailing innovation. Challenges faced by individuals, society and ultimately the city can no longer afford to be solved superficially.

small rooms | Big Ideas challenges existing debate and conversation methods by breaking the big issues into small bites. We will explore the various ways IT impacts our lives and areas of habitation. By using the city as a focal point, we will create conversations about enabling citizens in ways unique to their social, political and economic structure at both the local and global level.

Our exploration of small rooms | Big Ideas will help provide a holistic overview of how IT is being taken from business strategy to architecture and beyond.

Itinerary

11:00am-11:45am Registration

11:45am-12:30pm Lunch

12:30pm-1:15pm Opening Address

The opening address will be presented to you by Abby Goodrum, Rogers Chair in News, Media and Technology at Ryerson University where she is also an Associate Professor in the School of Journalism

1:40pm-2:45pm - Awareness Session: Technology in Developing Worlds

Perspective I

Change is inevitable.
Wealth disparity continues on a relentless trend upward.
Individuals, societies and cities are becoming more technologically advanced.

Can the developing world generate and implement innovative technological solutions to help deliver education, improve citizen health, and drive a global playing economy? The discussion will focus on which technologies and strategies could help bolster a viable social fabric within developing countries.

Perspective II

Pervasive advancements in IT force constant evolution of technological requirements.
BRIC countries face unending threats to their competitive advantage. What strategies will drive successes? Who will be left behind?

This conversation will be driven by questions like:  if a BRIC country becomes a real-player in the global economy, what technologies and methods are used to sustain a competitive advantage?  What changes to existing thought leadership and direction occur? Are formal strategies in place and are they providing a leading edge against underdeveloped nations?  Does the success of BRIC nations mean less global economic opportunity to share?

3:00pm-3:20pm Refreshments

3:30pm-4:50pm - Panel Session - Global Knowledge Cities: Does Toronto make the cut?

Among other factors, powerful global corporations, emergence of Web 2.0 technologies, and the increased ease of information displacement have changed our social landscapes. In light of this shift, how will cities, like Toronto, be using technology to gain a competitive advantage in the changing global landscape? Are they improving the quality of life for its residents? What defines a fully developed/knowledge city? Where does Toronto stand?

Panelists:

• Diane Francis - Editor-at-Large for the National Post, Author, Distinguished visiting professor at the Ted Rogers School of Management
• Dave Wallace - CIO, City of Toronto
• John Cannon - CIO, TTC
• Mark Kuznicki - Principal at Remarkk! Consulting

5:00pm-6:15pm Networking Session

6:20pm-8:30pm Dinner & Keynote

The keynote session will be presented to you by Mark Surman, Executive Director of Mozilla Foundation.

8:30pm-10:00pm Cocktail Reception