Name: DEFCON Halifax February Meet-Up
Start: 2025-02-20T18:30:00-04:00
End: 2025-02-20T20:30:00-04:00
Location: 1800 Argyle Street 801 Halifax, NS B3J 3N8

February 2025
February 5 @ 2:00 pm AST

Navigating GoC Support in the 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Ecosystem

Empowering 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurs: Navigating Government Support for Your Business. The 2SLGBTQI+ community of entrepreneurs are some of Canada’s most innovative and creative – however, they can face a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Join Innovation Canada for a free webinar at 1:00 pm (ET) on February 5, 2025 to learn about where to find – and navigate – government programs that are right for you and your business.us for a free online session that explores some of the puzzles and possibilities – but also the supports that are put in place to address them. The event is hosted by Innovation Canada, who will provide a demonstration of the Business Benefits Finder and BizPaL tools. Joining the conversation will be ecosystem experts from Canada's 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce who are working in areas designed to enhance the entrepreneurship landscape for 2SLGBTQI+ business leaders. Together, these elements aim to provide tailored resources, build awareness of the unique challenges faced by 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs, and foster a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape.
February 5 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm AST

“Can you fix our UX?”

VOLTA 1800 Argyle Street #Unit 801, Halifax, NS, Canada

It's a question that inspired the name 20/20 Digital—and one with no simple answer. Join Jamie Gerrard, founder of 20/20 Digital, as he shares what it takes to improve people's interactions with digital products and services. With 24 years of experience in digital product strategy and design, Jamie reveals why UX success goes far beyond quick fixes or flashy design updates—it's about understanding how organizations work from the inside out. Drawing on real-world projects, Jamie will examine the three critical elements every successful UX initiative needs, explain why "it depends" is often the most thoughtful answer and share practical strategies for building digital experiences that stand the test of time. Whether you're a product leader, designer, or simply curious about creating better digital products and services, this talk offers candid insights and actionable takeaways to help you strengthen your UX approach. AGENDA 7:00 PM Doors open, networking time 7:15 PM Introductions from Nata and Ruby 7:20 PM "Can you fix our UX" with Jamie Gerrard 7:50 PM Q&A 8:15 PM Networking and wrap-up 8:30 PM Doors close
February 6 @ 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm AST

Ocean Connector: A Rising Tide of Innovation – Facility Tour at Enginuity

264 Herring Cove Road Halifax, NS B3P 1M1 Nova Scotia, Canada

Enginuity Inc. is a creative engineering firm specializing in custom solutions for aerospace and defence, industrial marine, Industry 4.0 robotics, and product design. By bringing together discipline experts, they transform challenges into innovative successes. Join COVE on Thursday, February 6th, from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. AST, for an off-site Ocean Connector at Enginuity’s newly expanded facility. Explore their latest innovations and meet the experts driving some of the region’s most impactful ocean tech projects.
February 7 @ 11:30 am - 1:30 pm AST

LUNCHEON: A Conversation with Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly

The Halifax Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome the government of Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly to present to Chamber members in Halifax on February 7th. With President Trump’s policy threats moving from executive orders to action, this is a unique opportunity to hear from the Canadian Minister who is on the front lines of the issue, negotiating at the highest levels with the US government. The US administration’s decisions will have a wide range of impacts on Canada and Nova Scotia. While specifics are evolving, it is clear that our business community will be impacted at all levels – from SMEs to multi-national organizations. All these organizations will need significant support from all levels of government, as well as from the legal, consulting and financial sectors, to name a few. Please join us in support of our business community during these uncertain times and hear first-hand the risks and solutions facing us all as our governments navigate the significant economic risks from our largest trading partner.
Featured February 11 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm AST

AI Governance: Strategic Oversight for Senior Leaders

A one-day workshop designed to equip senior executives with the tools and strategies necessary to understand, oversee, and implement AI governance within their organizations. Participants will explore AI’s opportunities and risks, and ethical considerations, and learn practical approaches to integrate AI governance within organizational structures for accountable and strategic AI use. 3 key takeaways: Understand AI governance frameworks and their role in responsible AI deployment Develop AI ethics policies aligned with organizational goals Implement risk management and monitoring systems to ensure accountable AI use Meet your presenter: Henry Awere is a Cybersecurity, AI, and Public Policy Consultant, with over a decade of experience designing, and implementing advanced security solutions across industries. As Senior Manager of Technology Risk at Canada Life, he leads initiatives to strengthen cloud, AI, and application security. Henry also teaches in Seneca Polytechnic’s AI program, and volunteers with DGSI’s Ethical AI committee, advocating for ethical standards in AI models.
February 11 @ 11:00 am - 12:30 pm AST

Ottawa Workshop with BeyondTrust & Optiv

Understand and Defend Your Identity Attack Surface BeyondTrust & Optiv are hosting an exclusive Paths to Privilege™️ workshop, and you’re invited! Paths to Privilege™ are your organization’s most critical risk exposure points. These paths enable attackers to gain footholds, compromise identities, escalate privileged access, and move laterally to undermine your infrastructure itself. Some paths are known, others are unknown and vulnerable. And they are everywhere. During this workshop, you’ll learn How to defend your IT estate better every day, with holistic visibility, simplified management, intelligent protection, and the most modern privileged access management (PAM) control plane to protect against identity-based threats. Gain valuable insights, discover best practices, and learn how to safeguard your organization from evolving threats. Don’t miss out on this chance to enhance your security approach!
February 12 @ 9:30 am - 4:00 pm AST

Food Spark 2.0

Charlottetown Library Learning Centre Nova Scotia, Canada

Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025 Location: Charlottetown Library Learning Centre, Charlottetown, PE Join us and learn social media tactics from some of the best in Canada. During this interactive session you will learn everything you need to know about rocking social media, ensuring the right message at the right time to the right audience and proven tactics to boost your reach and engagement to help you stand out. Highlights include: Advanced social media tactics to engage your audience How to harness AI for smarter, more effective marketing Tickets: General Admission: $39.95 Student Admission: $25.00
Featured February 18 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am AST

NIST Cybersecurity Framework: A Beginner’s Guide

This session looks at key elements in Cybersecurity using the NIST Cybersecurity Framework as a guide. The session will address key areas covered within the NIST CSF that are often overlooked by programs that can lead to deficiencies or observable items in certifications and audits. 3 key takeaways: A structured approach for those seeking to streamline their cybersecurity programs A roadmap for integrating new requirements and regimes into your cybersecurity program A structured approach that is useful in the context of ISO 27000 and NIST SP 800-171 Meet your presenter.. Allan McDougall brings 25+ years of military, public, and private sector security experience, holding a Master’s degree in Security Management in addition to several security certifications (CISSP, CPP, PSP, PCIP). He has co-authored four books on Critical Infrastructure Protection and been a guest speaker internationally at universities and professional associations. He currently holds several volunteer positions that focus on learning and capacity building in the Asset Protection and Security domain.
February 19 @ 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm AST

Finding the right government support for your Indigenous-led business

Join Innovation Canada and other government representatives for a free webinar on February 19, 2025, at 1:30 pm ET. This session is designed to help Indigenous business owners navigate programs and resources tailored to your unique needs, including: Indigenous Business Navigator Service: Access personalized guidance to find the programs and services that are right for your business. Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program: Access financing options specifically designed to support Indigenous entrepreneurs. Unlocking Free and Powerful Tools: Discover innovative web tools to start, scale, or grow your business. Exploring Tailored Support: Learn about additional programs and services designed specifically to empower Indigenous businesses. You will also have the opportunity to connect with our panelists during the live Q&A portion. Take advantage of this opportunity to explore the resources that can help your Indigenous business thrive. Explore the resources that can drive growth and success for your Indigenous business.
February 19 @ 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm AST Recurring

Third Wednesday

Atlantica Hotel Halifax 1980 Robie St, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Join us at Third Wednesday! Pop by and chat with Halifax's tech/media/marketing community at the Atlantica Hotel. Introduce yourself during the 30-second intro/opportunity spots, and meet a great group of interesting people to chat with. All welcome, no need to register!
Featured February 20 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am AST

Talking Tech | Breaking the Mold: Why Black Representation Matters in Tech

Join us for Talking Tech | Breaking the Mold: Why Black Representation Matters in Tech, an engaging panel discussion moderated by Otni Chinenere, Founder of Taura Communications. This thought-provoking session will explore the critical need for Black representation in the tech industry, the challenges faced by Black professionals, and the opportunities to drive equity and innovation through diversity. Hear from industry leaders as they share insights, personal experiences, and actionable strategies to inspire change. Date: February 20, 2025 Time: 10:00 - 11:30 AM Location: Virtual Don’t miss this chance to be part of the conversation shaping the future of tech! Meet your moderator: Otni Chinenere Otni Chinenere is a vibrant and dynamic communicator, entrepreneur, and community leader based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. As the founder of Taura Communications, Otni is passionate about helping individuals overcome communication barriers such as fear, self-doubt, cultural differences enabling them to express their authentic voices with confidence and empowering them to express their ideas effectively in any situation. Through Taura, Otniprovides persons with lifelong communication skills that extend beyond their professional lives into enriching their personal relationships, enhancing their leadership abilities, as well as fostering overall personal development. With nearly a decade of experience hosting events and moderating impactful […]
February 20 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm AST

DEFCON Halifax February Meet-Up

1800 Argyle Street 801 Halifax, NS B3J 3N8 Nova Scotia, Canada

DEFCON Halifax is a place for hackers, tinkerers, and security professionals to share ideas and projects. We are an inclusive group and welcome everybody no matter their background or skillset. 💡 Why You Should Attend: ✅ Connect with like-minded cybersecurity professionals ✅ Stay ahead of the curve with the latest trends ✅ Share insights and knowledge in a relaxed, no-pressure environment No sponsors. No sales pitches. Just good conversations and valuable connections! 🤝 ✨Agenda: 📌6:30 PM - Doors Open, Networking 📌 6:55 PM - Welcome & Introductions 📌7:00 PM - Jamil's Talk 🎙 📌 7:30 PM - Q&A 🧐 📌8:00 PM - More Networking 📌 8:30 PM - Event Wrap-Up

Events

February 2025