FutureWave is TECHNATION’s annual hybrid event exploring the future of the tech workforce in Canada. Taking place during Work-Integrated Learning month in March, this conference invites diverse voices in the tech space and beyond to discuss ways in which we can support our future leaders with experiential learning opportunities. This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Student Work Placement Program.
FutureWave 2024 will explore the role of work-integrated learning in building the next generation of talent. We invite you to be a part of this critical conversation. This two-day conference unites a diverse array of voices from across the country to equip tech companies, HR professionals, and educators with a practical roadmap for discovering and empowering the upcoming generation of leaders.
FutureWave 2024 is steering into the future with a special focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Attendees will hear about groundbreaking developments in the field and listen in on cutting-edge discussions with experts as we delve into the pivotal role of AI in shaping tomorrow’s workforce and Canada’s tech sector.
If you’re eager to uncover fresh strategies for educating, recruiting, and championing the future of the tech workforce, we invite you to join us. Attendees will come away with actionable knowledge to support and foster the leaders of tomorrow.
Brett Hotas – Executive Director, Future Workforce Development Strategy, TECHNATION Canada
Brett Hotas currently serves as the Executive Director of Future Workforce Development Strategy at TECHNATION – Canada’s largest technology industry association, and your hosting organization at FutureWave! He has led the organization’s Student Work Placement Program, Career Ready, for over 5 years, stewarding nearly $250M in funds from the Government of Canada to ensure young Canadians are met with equitable and inclusive career pathways into STEM careers. He and his team are currently focused on WIL programming streams that focus on AI and Indigenization.
8:30-9:00 am – Registration and continental breakfast
9:00-9:45 am – Welcome and Keynote 1 – How Top Employers Are Recruiting Innovative Talent in 2024
9:45-10:45 am – Future-Proofing Canada’s Workforce: Policy Responses for AI Innovation and Sustainable Employment
10:45-11:00 am – Break
11:00-12:00 pm – Innovative Recruitment: The Importance of Hiring in an Economic Downturn
12:00-1:00 pm – Lunch and networking
1:00-2:00 pm – Revolutionizing Learning: Innovations in Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Models in Quebec’s Post-Secondary Education
1:00-2:00 pm – The Power of Perspective: Youth Mentors in the Workplace
2:00-2:15 pm – Coffee break sponsored by Kyndryl
2:15-3:15 pm – AI Innovation in Montreal’s Indie Game Scene: Empowering Studios and Shaping Future Tech Careers
2:15-3:15 pm – Bridging the Gap: Navigating the Transition from Theoretical Knowledge to Practical Skills in the Tech Sector
3:15-4:15 pm – Developing the Next Generation of Indigenous Tech Talent
4:15-4:30 pm – Lightning Talk with Interac (Raising the Recruiting Bar: The Winning Combination of Diversity, Talent, and Growth) and Day 1 wrap-up
4:30-6:00 pm – Networking event sponsored by Versatil
8:30-9:00 am – Registration and continental breakfast
9:00-9:45 am – Welcome and Keynote 2 – Developing Quantum Computing Research Projects Between Academia and the Industry
9:45-10:30 am – Cyber Skilling: Staying Current in the Surge of Emerging Cybersecurity Solutions
10:30-10:45 am – Break
10:45-11:30 am – Mind Meets Machine: Using AI to Future-Proof Workplace Wellness
11:30-12:15 pm – The Quantum Revolution: Charting Opportunities, Navigating Challenges and Redefining the Future Workforce
12:15-1:30 pm – Lunch and networking
1:30-2:30 pm – Speed Connect networking event
2:30-4:30 pm – Networking event sponsored by CEWIL
