Past Events from September 4, 2019 – August 15, 2025 – Digital Nova Scotia – Leading Digital Industry

How to Take Advantage of Rising Tech Valuations

Online

Want to know what changing valuations could mean for your company? Join BDC's Brenda Slauko, Regional Director, Technology Industry and Michelle Scarborough, Managing Partner, Strategic Investments and Women in Technology Venture Fund, to discuss the effects of rising business valuations in 2021 have had on raising equity and financing for entrepreneurs. We will also be joined by Stephany Lapierre, Founder and CEO of TealBook as well as Mike Wilson, Founder and CEO of DrugBank, who will share how they scaled up their business and grew their company value. Why should you participate in this discussion Explore how to unlock additional capital to invest in growth, R&D, M&A, cybersecurity, and hiring and retention. Discover the strategies you should put in place to take advantage of changes in tech valuations. Find out what evolving values mean for raising debt and equity. Learn about the potential pitfalls of high valuations.

Market Expansion Stories: Scale into Europe

Virtual Event

Expanding into Europe? Learn from those who’ve done it. Join us with the experts from ChannelCreator. Matt Ball and Elias Moubayed as they break down what it takes to sell and scale in Europe—alongside Brad Wing, former Senior Director at Heyday (acquired by Hootsuite), who’ll share real-world lessons from his own global journey. From market entry to value props and go-to-market strategies, you’ll walk away with insights to help you expand without the upfront cost of hiring a local team. We’ll dive into: The size and scope of the European opportunity Where (and how) to launch your expansion How to navigate technical and language barriers Direct vs. indirect expansion—and what’s right for your business Zoom (link to be sent upon registration)

Free

Volta Virtual Pitch Competition Powered by Boast

Virtual Event

The Pitch Competition is an excellent opportunity for founders to practice their three-minute pitch, fine-tune their deck, and get feedback from peers and industry experts. This is your chance to get a front-row seat to the innovation shaping Atlantic Canada’s tech ecosystem! The Pitch Competition is open to Volta Residents, Network Members and anyone from the tech community in Atlantic Canada. Each competition will have a judging panel, comprised of entrepreneurs and community leaders. Judging will be based on the pitch, business idea, and will focus on presentation quality and content. The winning pitch will receive : $500 Visa gift card Their name engraved on Volta’s Pitch Competition trophy Apply: For more information or to apply to pitch please visit here before applications close on Sunday, May 11, 2025 at 11:59pm AST. When: Where:  Virtual Via Zoom (log in details will be sent via your Eventbrite confirmation email) Notes: If you're unable to attend an event please take a minute and cancel your ticket. This allows our events 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.

Free

AI for Growth: Unlocking Strategic Value in Your Business

Virtual Event

Turning AI Into a Competitive Advantage — Without Compromising SecurityJuly 3, 202510:00 AM – 11:00 AM (AST)Hosted by Brian Joudrey, Founder & CEO of bNetworked Inc. AI is the most disruptive business force since the internet. But when applied without strategy or safeguards, it can do more harm than good. This session is for business leaders who want to stay ahead — not just keep up. Join Brian Joudrey, a trusted advisor to Nova Scotia businesses since 2011, as he cuts through the hype and fear to offer practical insights on using AI intentionally and securely. With over a decade of experience in digital transformation, cybersecurity, and IT leadership, Brian will show you how to build smarter, faster, and safer operations using AI. What you’ll learn: What’s really happening with AI in business today The cost of ignoring (or rushing into) AI — in dollars, time, and trust How to identify what you can actually control Why missing this moment could mean missing your biggest growth opportunity How to turn AI risks into real revenue gains If you’re wondering how to harness AI without compromising your operations, values, or client trust — this is your moment to get clarity. Who […]

Free

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

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

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

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