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EDMONTON’S ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ECOSYSTEM

Edmonton is known as one of Canada’s youngest and fastest growing major cities. It’s also increasingly known for its ingenuity. The last couple of years saw a significant growth in artificial intelligence, health innovation and technological entrepreneurship in Edmonton. When the Canadian government announced the recipients for the $125 million-dollar post-secondary AI funding, some might have been surprised to see Edmonton’s Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute alongside schools in Toronto and Montreal. But Edmonton — and the University of Alberta in particular — has been a centre for world-class artificial intelligence research longer than outsiders might realize. AI companies—start-up, scale-ups and experts alike—are drawn to Edmonton for the world class research institutions, entrepreneurial culture, and dedication to science and technology, making it the perfect destination for AI focused meeting and conventions.

All of these things are amplified through Edmonton’s continued growth and investment in the ‘innovation corridor’, a series of hot spots that run from NAIT to the University of Alberta, through the downtown core – a channel where innovation, entrepreneurship, the arts, creativity and vibrant urban life intersect.

The Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (AMII) at the University of Alberta, part of the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy, works to enhance understanding and innovation in a number of subfields of machine intelligence. AMII researchers hail from the University of Alberta’s Department of Computing Science, the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry and the School of Public Health; and it is this robust ecosystem of research that is helping AMII to make ground breaking discoveries in numerous areas. This work is just part of a staggering range of AI projects in the city including health tech projects in prosthetics, location of brain tumours, self-driving cars and even wildfire prediction tools.

Lately, it’s Richard Sutton who is catching people’s attention on the U of A campus. He’s a pioneer in a branch of artificial intelligence research known as reinforcement learning—which some say is complementary to the deep learning research, receiving the bulk of the attention in recent years. Jonathan Schaeffer, Dean of the Faculty of Science at the U of A, and his team have their hands in a staggering range of AI projects, including the development of self-driving cars that can navigate winter roads, image processing to better pinpoint the location of brain tumours, and fMRI analysis that helps psychiatrists become more effective in diagnoses of patients.

Edmonton has the start-up culture, entrepreneurial mindset, and comparatively low cost compared to other large cities. So, you can see why a lot of established tech companies are choosing Edmonton to set up base, companies like BioWare, and now Edmonton is the new home of DeepMind’s first international lab. Owned by Google’s parent company, Alphabet, DeepMind works with the University of Alberta and is one of many examples of Edmonton’s flourishing startup culture. Another is the Edmonton Research Park, which, apart from housing more than 55 companies in a diversity of fields, offers dedicated space and ample resources to help cultivate early-stage companies and research initiatives.

The real magic of AI are the new capabilities that it’s enabling every year; things that will have a transformative effect on today’s world. The 30th Canadian Conference on Artificial Intelligence took place in Edmonton last May in collaboration with the Canadian Graphics Interface and the Computer and Robot Vision conferences. Conferences like this, surrounded with a bolstering and exciting AI industry like Edmonton’s, helps to showcase Canada’s ingenuity and global leadership in intelligent systems. This ecosystem of research and innovation can help initiate collaboration not only between visiting groups, but also with local associations, educational institutions, and influencers.

Edmonton Tourism’s Meeting and Conventions team can help connect groups to Edmonton’s intellectual capital and industry leaders through the DMO’s influencer program, which connects groups with ambassadors who can help them tap into local industry networks. Talk to our Business Development Managers today to get connected.

Read more about Edmonton’s AI in Convene magazine

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Regional revival underway in Niagara Falls

Conventional wisdom says that as a story begins, so too must it end. But what if your story isn’t done being told?

From an outsider’s perspective, it’s typical to view Niagara Falls solely as a world-famous travel destination visited by millions every year. If you’re a local, however, you know tourism is simply one chapter in a much larger story.

Like every memorable tale, Niagara Falls begins with a unique destination. Situated on the easternmost point of a peninsula, the city is bordered by a small network of vibrant towns and cities on one side and the dynamic counties and communities of Western New York on the other. The movement of goods and people has historically played a major role in making the region what it is today, with assets like strategic waterways and cross-border passages serving to intensify its dominance in the manufacturing sector. Yet just as the economic climate has shifted in recent decades, so too has there been a need for Niagara’s regional economy to shift in the direction of change and innovation.

And so, as part of a region-wide attitude intent on taking action, Niagara Falls is joining its municipal counterparts to add a new theme to its story: revitalization. Every day, the spirit of knowledge exchange sweeps through the region’s post-secondary educational institutions, powering the momentum of small- and medium-sized companies that have chosen to retain their young talent. Emerging generations are putting down roots and coming up with creative solutions to tackle the challenges of yesterday and tomorrow, and entrepreneurs from all walks of life are bringing new ideas and innovations to the fore.

One doesn’t need to look far to find homegrown success stories, especially in areas like health, bioscience, and education technology. Organizations are bridging ties between industries to diversify the local economy, and business leaders, educators, and forward-thinking minds from across the region are collaborating to create new and exciting economic opportunities.

“All of the changes taking place in Niagara right now is really what motivated me to want to work in this part of the province,” says Judy Mahoney, who recently took on the role of Vice President, Sales & Marketing, at Scotiabank Convention Centre and Niagara Falls Business Events. “The more I get familiar with Niagara Falls the city, the more I see Niagara Falls’ worth as a leading business events destination. In the people I’ve met and the things I’ve learned so far, I’m convinced this region is undergoing a remarkable revival. I know for certain that location is one of, if not the, most important factors for hosting a business event. Planners who are seriously looking at our destination, taking into account the growth and development happening here, can expect to find what they’re looking for in Niagara Falls.”

No doubt, Niagara Falls’ story is much larger than its unique surroundings. And as the region continues to give rise to exciting new partnerships, entertainment offerings, and world-class organizations, it will continue to hold a title role in the business events world.

Association Insights
Originally printed: January 16, 2018
By Matt Bradford
© 2018 Canadian Society of Association Executives

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Peterborough & the Kawarthas is a class above when it comes to Meetings, Conferences and Sporting Events

Located in the vibrant City of Peterborough, Trent is easily accessible from major centres, including Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Trent University offers more than just an impressive Canada event setting; we make it easy to plan your conference or special event. Our professional planning team will ensure your Trent experience is rewarding for all. With four distinctive colleges spread across 1500 acres, Trent presents you with a wonderful variety of accommodations, award-winning architecture, meeting spaces and athletic facilities. All-inclusive packages are available for any type of Ontario, Canada event: conferences, sporting competitions, banquets, weddings, or corporate meetings. Check out www.meetatrent.com to learn why Trent University is the ideal space for your next Ontario, Canada conference, event or meeting.

Book your conferences at Fleming College’s Peterborough or Lindsay campus and enjoy the best conference rates in the Kawarthas!
Our staff will ensure your conference is a complete success. We are here to assist you with planning all the details – from room bookings, meeting space, food services and technical requirements. Check out www.flemingcollege.ca/conference-services for more details.
Fleming’s residence facilities offer suite style accommodations, designed for larger conference group activity. Large groups are considered a minimum of 18 and up to 300 at Sutherland Residence Village and 100 at Frost Residence.
At the Sutherland Campus, you have access to the adjacent 58,000 square foot Sport & Wellness Centre.

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Toronto Takeaways

6ix in the City Toronto has many nicknames—Hogtown, the Big Smoke, T.O. and T-Dot—but when Canadian rapper Drake dubbed his hometown “The Six” Torontonians never looked back. Here are 6ix uniquely Toronto ideas for delegate welcome gifts, thank-you treats and giveaways.

1. MakeLab’s Edible Selfie Photo Booth lets guests make their own personalized treats. A laser cutting and engraving machine laser-caramelizes photos onto macarons and cookies for a sweet takeaway.makelab.ca
   

   

2. Main and Local is a sassy souvenir supplier offering city-inspired gifts “that don’t suck.” Its fun conversation pieces include socks celebrating Toronto public transit, Canadian Mounties and sock aficionado Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Inspired by Andy Warhol’s Pop Art style, raccoon coasters are a reminder that Toronto is city where many cultures—and an abundance of raccoons—live in harmony.mainandlocal.com
   

   

3. This copper plated Anigram Reindeer Ring Holder—designed by Ontario College of Art and Design University grad Sun Wook Park for Canadian design phenomenon, Umbra—is inspired by modern animal shapes and sculptures.umbra.com
   

   

4. Pure maple cubes are handmade with love by Sixty Six Brix. Grate flakes of maple over your favourite sweet or savoury dish for a unique twist. Wow gala event attendees with The Maple Six tasting station, where guests can watch pieces of sharp artisan cheese being wrapped in ribbons of pure frosted maple taffy. sixtysixbrix.com
   

   

5. Calming, refreshing or energizing, these small-batch facial mists by Woodlot from the Likely General Store are a great way to relax after a busy day. Choose from aromas of Juniper, cedar and lavender, bergamot and lavender, or a combination of rose, palo santo and geranium.likelygeneral.com
   

   

6. Succulent Chocolates and Sweets hand crafted artisan bonbons are a luxurious treat, made with 35 per cent cream, butter, real fruit and real whole nuts, and available in bold and natural flavours from Chili Pepper to Espresso Bean to Earl Grey Tea. succulentchocolates.com