Canada is at a defining crossroads. The choices we make today about technology and innovation will shape not just our industries — but our national prosperity for decades to come.

In this keynote, John Weigelt, Chief Technology Officer at Microsoft Canada, brings a uniquely insider perspective on how emerging technologies are transforming the way we work, build, and compete on the global stage. Drawing on real-time case studies from both the private and public sectors, John breaks down how artificial intelligence, data strategies, cybersecurity, and sustainable innovation are creating entirely new pathways for growth — and what’s required to fully unlock them.

But this isn’t just a tech talk. It’s a call to action for leaders across sectors to build the policies, talent pipelines, and digital cultures needed to seize this moment. With Canada’s economic resilience on the line, John shares tangible steps organizations and policymakers can take today to ensure we don’t just keep up — we lead.

Whether you’re shaping strategy for a multinational, building local infrastructure, or navigating the shifting regulatory landscape, this session will challenge and equip you to think bigger, act faster, and position Canada as a powerhouse of innovation in the years ahead.