While all Albertans know that October weather is followed by the short, cold days of winter, discover what is next in connectivity in Alberta at Digital Futures: What’s Next, October 18-19 in Vermilion.  Digital Futures is the forum that brings together community leaders, government officials, academics, industry and broadband champions from across the province to exchange knowledge and insights on what trends, issues, challenges and policies will shape broadband across the province.

Digital Futures: What’s Next will include discussions on the Province’s approach to broadband including its connectivity strategy and new SuperNet framework.  Hear from groups and individuals from across various sectors as to why broadband is essential and what can be done to improve community, regional, rural and remote broadband.  Digital Futures unique cross sectoral audience and presenters provides an opportunity for interaction among key broadband leaders in the province and also serves as place for those just orienting themselves on the topic to gain key insights.  With both provincial and federal elections looming in 2019, new policies from both levels of government taking shape, and an ever evolving connectivity landscape across Alberta come to Digital Futures: What’s Next in vibrant Vermilion Alberta. Hosted at the Pomeroy Inn & Suites Vermilion Hotel this October to be ready for what’s next in broadband.

Pre-Symposium Mixer

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

6:00 pm – 9:00 Pre-event Networking at Boston Pizza Lounge, 5208 46 Ave, Vermilion, AB T9X 1X8. (650 m from the Pomeroy Inn) Light appetizers will provided. Boston Pizza will have its full menu and bar service.

Symposium Agenda

Thursday, October 18, 2018

8:30    Registration

9:00    Welcome, Opening Remarks and Introductions

9:30     Policy Updates and Backgrounders

Dr. Michael McNally and Dr. Rob McMahon from the University of Alberta will provide policy updates on a variety of topics.

10:00  Networking Break

10:30  Provincial Update

Stephen Bull, Assistant Deputy Minister – Provincial Telecommunications & Registries, Government of Alberta and Claudette Dunsing, Manager, Provincial Broadband Strategy, Government of Alberta

11:30   ATCO Telecom – Brian Krest, Project Manager – Telecom Development: Strategic Initiatives, ATCO Electric

12:30   Lunch

1:30     Regional Projects – Rob Pulyk, Councillor for the Town of Vermilion & Chair, Vermilion River Regional Alliance (VRRA) and Randy Martin, Owner, Rock Solid Industries

2:15     Jason King, Manager, Information Technology Operations Lakeland College

3:00    Networking Break

3:30    CRTC Update

Friday, October 19, 2018

9:00    Opening remarks

9:15    Broadband in the Alberta HUB Region – Bob Bezpalko, Executive Director, Alberta HUB and Dayna Brosseau, Senior Northern Development Officer, NADC, Government of Alberta

10:00  Jessica Littlewood, MLA for Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Trade for Small Business

10:30   Networking Break

11:00   Building Capacity – ‘Make-the-Net-Work’ – Michael McNally and Rob McMahon

12:00   Lunch and Facilitated Roundtable Discussion – What is Next for Broadband in Alberta

1:00    Safe Drive Home!

Sponsorship Opportunities are Available!

Hotel Information:

Pomeroy Inn and Suites Vermillion; Room Rate of $109 a night;

Please call hotel direct at (780) 853-3066

Please use the group name “Digital Futures Conference-Van Horne Institute” when making your reservation.