Past Events from September 4, 2019 – August 21, 2025 – Digital Nova Scotia – Leading Digital Industry

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Vibe Coding Meetup

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

When: Tuesday, July 22, 2025 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm Where: Volta, 1800 Argyle St., Unit 801, Halifax, NS, B3J 3N8   Description: Get ready to roll up your sleeves and code. In this third edition of the Vibe Coding Meetup, we’re shifting into hands-on mode with a guided session led by Sam Silver. Whether you’re just getting started or actively building, this is your space to connect, learn, and create.   He'll walk through: Basic prompting techniques Simple project setup Turning an idea into a working prototype Efficient iteration with AI   What to Bring: Your laptop A mindset ready to build and iterate   NOTE: If you are unable to attend any of our events please take a minute and cancel your ticket. This allows our team to better prepare for every event. By attending this event, you agree to be photographed and/or filmed and give permission to Volta to use your image in promotional and/or marketing materials.

SNMA Summer School: Your Content’s Off… Here’s Why (And How to Fix It)

As marketers, we're sometimes responsible for content across multiple brands, and the pressure to be efficient, consistent, and AI-savvy has never been higher. But in the drive to produce more, faster, many of us are noticing a cost: content that feels polished but interchangeable. A little too templated. A little less… real. This 30-minute session, led by Shannon Emmerson, founder/CEO of B Corp content agency Forge & Spark, offers a strategic reset. With the help of a mini 'authenticity audit,' you’ll identify where your brand’s voice may have lost its edge—and what you can do to bring it back. Designed for marketers who care about integrity as much as impact, this session will help you realign your content with the values, voice, and audience that matter most. About Shannon Emmerson: AUTHOR | CONTENT STRATEGIST | FOUNDER & CEO, FORGE & SPARK MEDIA Shannon Emmerson is a content strategist, agency founder, and author of Content With Purpose: Authentic Messaging and Marketing to Grow Your Business. As CEO of Forge & Spark Media—a certified B Corp content marketing agency based in Vancouver, B.C., Canada—she helps purpose-driven organizations and leaders tell authentic stories, build trust, and grow with integrity. With over 25 years in publishing, communications, and […]

Free
Featured

Choosing the Right Methodology

This is a practical webinar designed to equip you with essential project management skills tailored for the tech industry. Learn key concepts, tools, and best practices to plan, execute, and lead successful projects. Whether you're new to project management or looking to strengthen your skills, this session offers valuable insights to help you deliver results with confidence. 3 Key takeaways What is the project management and various methodologies Key fundamentals and concepts of each framework Why are companies choose certain methodologies Meet your Facilitator - Kumaran Nagasu Senior Project Manager and Agile Coach Dynamic, enthusiastic, and results-oriented Operations and Senior Agile Project Manager with about 2 decades of experience successfully delivering multiple large projects & initiatives, within scope, costs and schedule. Adept at coaching agile methodologies and implementing change in operations management through training management & teams, delivering impactful performance and results. Note: This event is free to DNS Members

Free – $15
Featured

Driving AI Accountability Through Robust Data Governance

This session explores how to embed data governance into the AI lifecycle—from sourcing and quality to bias mitigation and explainability. We will learn how to align governance with innovation, reduce risk, and build systems that are transparent, ethical, and scalable. 3 Key Takeaways What Accountable AI Really Means Governance in the AI Lifecycle Actionable Governance Strategies Meet your presenter... Aadi Machandi has 16+ years in Data & AI, I help organizations unlock the value of data—driving decisions, building trust in AI, and embedding intelligence into the business. As a CDO and ex-Microsoft architect, I focus on turning data into a strategic asset for growth, innovation, and resilience.

Free

SNMA Summer School: Igniting Marketing Magic: How Micro-Internships Power Innovation and Results

Join Sarah Blackmore, VP of Operations at Riipen, as she explores how micro-internships are helping marketing teams bring in fresh talent and new ideas. She’ll share examples of how these short-term, funded student projects contribute meaningful support and help drive innovation while giving emerging professionals valuable experience. About your host: Sarah Blackmore is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience in HR, operations, strategy, and leadership, specializing in scaling technology startups and fostering high-performing, human-centric cultures. As the VP of Operations and Head of People & Culture at Riipen, Sarah drives operational excellence and organizational growth while ensuring an inclusive, people-focused environment. Passionate about team development and delivering exceptional service, Sarah leads Riipen's Operations division, which encompasses Marketing, Strategic Project Delivery, Employer Success, Data & Compliance, and People & Culture. Her leadership has been instrumental in delivering outstanding experiences for Riipen’s partners, transforming how organizations engage with talent and create lasting impact. Let's level up your marketing with fresh perspectives! See you there!

Free

From COBOL to Co-Pilot: 70 Years of “Soon We Won’t Need Programmers Anymore”

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

Speaker: Andrew Burke (Co-Founder, Developer at BeanCounter Technologies) Join us for a captivating journey through seven decades of tech predictions, hype cycles, and the enduring spirit of developers. From the early promises of COBOL automating business logic to the current buzz around AI tools like GitHub Copilot, this TechTalk Atlantic event explores a recurring theme in tech: "We won’t need programmers anymore"—and why that never quite comes true. We'll dig into the historical moments when new technologies promised to replace coders, examine why those predictions fell short, and discuss what today's AI moment means for the future of software development. Whether you’re a seasoned engineer, an emerging dev, or just tech-curious, this talk offers a mix of history, insight, and a healthy dose of humor. Expect real talk, bold questions, and a forward-looking conversation on what it means to be a programmer in an age of rapid automation. Spoiler: programmers aren’t going anywhere—but their tools (and titles) are evolving fast. 🧠 Insights from the past. 💡 Lessons for the future. CODE OF CONDUCT Agenda: 6:00PM – 6:15PM: Welcome & Registration 6:15PM – 6:20PM: Sponsor Speech 6:20PM – 7:00PM: Speaker Presentation 7:00PM – 7:45PM: Networking 7:45PM – 8:00PM: Program End

Free

IGNITE: STEM Networking Night – Halifax

IGNITE: STEM Networking Night Join Ignite for an evening of connection, mentorship, and meaningful conversations at IGNITE: STEM Networking Night! IGNITE is more than just a networking event—it’s a movement. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, share your expertise, or be part of a community creating real change, this is the place to be. What to Expect: Welcome Panel: Hear from seasoned career panel Systems Change Workshop: Attendees will participate in a systems change workshop (pre- and post-event survey and brief activity on day of event) Mentorship: Connect with industry professionals and accomplished leaders who can guide your STEM journey. Networking: Meet people from inside and outside your industry, expanding your reach as you create lasting connections. Discussions: Join the dialogue on how to create meaningful change in STEM—challenging gender roles, redefining identity, and breaking barriers. Limited Seats Available Due to the limited space at IGNITE and its intimate and impactful experience, they kindly ask that if you are unable to attend after securing a ticket, you inform them as soon as possible. This will allow them to maximize attendance and ensure that as many people as possible can benefit from this event. Please let them know at kwallace@scwist.ca as soon as possible so […]

Free

Small Group Networking Coaching

Virtual Event

Looking to sharpen your networking skills this summer? Networking Naturally is offering a Small Group Coaching program designed specifically for entrepreneurs and professionals who want to grow their confidence, communication, and connections. This 4-week program (August 4-25) includes: ✅ Live weekly coaching sessions focused on real-life networking✅ Personalized feedback to help you refine your approach✅ A supportive group environment for peer learning✅ A final in-person session to put new skills into action Curriculum Highlights:• Setting networking goals & building your personal brand• Mastering effective communication & elevator pitches• Finding key contacts & creating referral partnerships• Prepping for networking events & mastering the follow-up 4 Weekly Zoom SessionsDeep-dive into practical networking strategies 90-Minute CallsPlenty of time for real discussion and personalized feedback Exclusive Small Group SettingJust 8 participants per group for maximum support and accountability A Proven ApproachLearn from Dalene Allen, a master networker who built a $5M referral-based business If you’ve been meaning to strengthen your network or just get more comfortable putting yourself out there, this is a great opportunity to do so in a structured, supportive setting. Spots are limited, so we encourage you to check it out soon if you're interested! Let us know if you'd like […]

$299

SNMA Summer School: Branding & Storytelling

Join SocialNext for a webinar on branding and storytelling designed for marketing professionals looking to elevate their brand presence and connect more deeply with their audience. This session will cover how to shape a clear brand identity, craft narratives that resonate, and apply storytelling techniques across platforms to drive engagement and loyalty. Led by Will Yang on behalf of Differo, the webinar will offer practical strategies, examples, and inspiration to help turn your brand message into a powerful tool for growth. About Will: Will Yang is a content strategist and branding expert specializing in short-form video and destination marketing. As CEO of Differo Marketing, he has led campaigns for Tourism Nova Scotia, Halifax Shopping Centre, and Discover Halifax. Will empowers businesses to tell compelling, authentic stories—often using just a smartphone. Come have a laugh and up your brand storytelling skill with us!

Free

Essentials of AI for non-profits

Mount Saint Vincent University 166 Bedford Highway, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Essentials of AI for non-profits, a full-day interactive workshop for non-profit professionals, will be held on Tuesday, August 12 at MSVU. Participants will explore how artificial intelligence can advance their mission, ease operational pressures, and amplify impact, without overwhelming their teams or compromising their values. No technical experience or coding knowledge is required! The workshop will be facilitated by Melissa Peneycad, Director of Public Engagement & AI Strategy at MDR Strategy Group, a Halifax-based social enterprise that drives meaningful transformation in non-profit and public sector strategic communications, public engagement, organizational design, and AI. She is the award-winning and best-selling author of Essentials of AI for Beginners and Generative AI Basics & Beyond. Early-bird tickets are $375 per person. Scholarships are available to equity deserving community members.

$375

SNMA Summer School: Bad Data Is Worse Than No Data: Common Tracking Mistakes That Quietly Kill Sales

You’re making “data-backed” marketing decisions… but what if the data is wrong? In this tactical session we’re breaking down the most common data tracking mistakes that quietly kill sales— and how to fix them before your next campaign. From Google Analytics to UTM links to the best (and worst) ways to track leads and conversions, you’ll walk away knowing: What errors to look for, and how to spot them fast What a comprehensive data system looks like How to build a tracking system that supports real revenue— not just pretty reports About your host: Ally is a data-backed marketing consultant who helps entrepreneurs who don't have time (or money) to waste— take the guesswork out of marketing success. She teaches you to track your marketing and make data-backed decisions on where to invest your marketing efforts, so you can stop the trial-and-error, start focusing on what gets you results, and save time on what doesn't. Join us and get your marketing back on track!

Free

SNMA Summer School: The Undying Importance of Understanding the Customer Journey

Talitha is here to share how to build genuine, lasting relationships through customer insights. This session will dig into the evolving customer journey and share data-driven insights, real-world examples, and tools you can actually use to shape smarter, more human marketing strategies. About Talitha: Talitha McCloskey (she/her) is a relationship builder, advocate, and community enthusiast who channels her passion for connection into meaningful impact. As Co-Founder of RaiseHER Community and Strategic Consultant at Growclass, she empowers others to dream big and succeed. A proud board and committee member with organizations like the YWCA and Venture for Canada, Talitha also juggles roles as a freelance writer, partner to Mitch, and devoted mama to her sons. Rooted in a deep love for community and advocacy, Talitha is dedicated to creating spaces where everyone can thrive. She believes in the power of standing up and showing up for others, building a network of women united in mutual support and strength.

Free