Disrupted is a leading force in uniting the tech community in Manitoba, and Tech Manitoba’s premier tech conference. It’s a place for education, business connection and inspiration. With internationally recognized keynote speakers, breakout sessions and networking opportunities, Disrupted is a catalyst within Manitoba’s tech ecosystem.

In 2022 Disrupted will be held twice – March 24th and September 29th – with each event focusing on a different current tech topic.

Connection

Forge relationships with the movers and shakers of Manitoba’s tech community

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Inspiration

Listen, learn and ask questions with local and international thought leaders

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Networking

Make yourself known with the people powering Manitoba tech

Attend Disrupted

March 24
Local Solutions to Global Challenges

8:30 am - 11:30 am

Disrupted explores technology through the eyes of entrepreneurs, researchers and true disruptors. Join us as we hear from thought leaders whose innovation and convergence with tech is leading change on local and international scale – including those disrupting food chains, aiding in sustainable practices and changing how we treat the environment. 

Program at a glance
Thursday, March 24th
8:30 am – Doors open + Networking
9:00 am – Welcome & Greetings
9:10 am – Program begins

  • Wade Barnes, Fireside Chat
  • Innovation Bursts
  • Justin Kingsley, Keynote 

11:00 am Networking
11:30 am  Doors Close

 

Host -
Cate Friesen

Cate Friesen is a story strategist, a gifted facilitator, a podcast host and entrepreneur. As the host for Disrupted, her passion for connection and her curiosity about innovation and story will bring everyone together for the day.

Speaker -
Wade Barnes

Wade Barnes is the CEO, co-founder, and board member of Farmers Edge™. Since starting the company, he has quickly become known as a motivational force in the agricultural industry. Facing disruption head on, Wade bridged technology with agronomy to lead the development of a fully connected digital agricultural ecosystem in support of global sustainability and food traceability. He is a seasoned leader with an entrepreneurial spirit and deep agronomic roots that keep his sights on the needs of farmers and agribusinesses worldwide.

Keynote Speaker -
Justin Kingsley

Bestselling Author &
Creativity Strategist
What does Justin Kingsley do? A better question: What doesn’t he do? A New York Times bestselling author, Justin is a storyteller, strategist, creative director, photographer and a former Press Secretary under Prime Minister Paul Martin. Named one of Canada’s most creative people by Marketing Magazine, Justin has served as Creative Director for NHL superbrand the Montreal Canadiens, turned Star Wars and Indiana Jones into global museum exhibitions, put a McDonald’s into the side of a mountain at a snowboarding competition, and developed award-winning communications strategies for UFC champ Georges St-Pierre and slogans for the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup. The strategy he developed for Adidas at the London Olympics was named best global campaign of the Games. We could go on.

Innovation Burst

In these short video features, hear from entrepreneurs and thought leaders who are using innovative approaches and applications to change the landscape of their industry in the province and beyond.

Entrepreneur

Mike Fata

Co-Founder of
Manitoba Harvest
Mike Fata co-founded Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods in 1998 and ran the company as Chairman of the Board and CEO until 2016. In February 2019 Mike helped guide the strategic sale of Manitoba Harvest to Tilray for $419 million dollars.
He is the current Chief Executive Officer of Fata & Associates, Chairman of the Board of Nuts For Cheese, Global Growth Advisor for Mid-Day Squares, Director of the Canadian Health Food Association and investor/advisor to a portfolio of companies.
In 2021 Mike launched www.fatafleishman.org a mass mentorship toolbox for CPG entrepreneurs.
He hosts the Founder to Mentor podcast, connecting you with world class founder mentors to inspire your personal and professional growth.

Stephanie Westdal
Chris Bunio

Chris Bunio is a Co-founder and the CEO of TheoryMesh. He has been active in the tech industry for nearly 30 years. Prior to founding TheoryMesh, Chris spent 17 years with Microsoft, leading strategy, sales and business development globally as a Senior Director. Chris represents TheoryMesh as a founding member of the IEEE Blockchain in Agriculture working group.
Stephanie Westdal is a Co-founder and the COO of TheoryMesh. She has 10+ years experience leading international consulting projects in the Middle East and Africa. Stephanie has led projects and business development with multiple organizations including Microsoft and her own companies, Jadeco Ltd. and Stephanie Westdal Music.

Entrepreneur

Paul Card

Consultant, Researcher
and Start-up Coach
Paul Card was instrumental in the establishment and success of TRTech, where he served as the organization's Senior Research Scientist for a decade. As an entrepreneur, Paul has led or advised a number of Manitoba start-up organizations including MBR Inc, 151 Research Inc. and Evotrux. With Paul's move to the private sector, his background in technology, education and research were core to the establishment of innovation and development teams and technology commercialization for companies such as Seccuris Inc., Hitachi Systems and Canadian Tire. Paul leverages his extensive experience driving strategy and deployment of technology solutions to improve operations and boost market position, he is a valuable asset for companies working on transformational initiatives, IT systems restructuring, cybersecurity and digital strategy.

Networking Hour

Pick brains, bounce ideas, and engage with Manitoba’s tech community. You just might meet your next employee or employer.

Next-Gen
Online Conference Platform

Explore the interactive conference floor to engage with fellow attendees – just like in real life. Mix and mingle as you please by moving from table to table – all with a few simple clicks.

Career Connections

Disrupted Career Connections brings together industry professionals with tech students, preparing to enter the workforce. This speed-dating styled employment expo focuses on showcasing the robust employment opportunities in the Manitoba tech sector.  

Meet the participating Companies and Schools

Meet highly skilled and motivated youth through personalized ‘face-to-face’ sessions at Career Connections. Search the student directory to support your current and future recruiting needs. The curated directory allows companies to search through profiles easily before and after the conference, making it an efficient and cost-effective recruitment tool.

  • Companies get to know students before the conference by searching the specially curated student directory.
  • Member companies showcase their workplace and current job opportunities at a pitch session
  • Approximately 100 students will participate and listen to the company pitches (students are upcoming graduates, enrolled in tech-centric programs).
  • Following the workplace pitches, company representatives move into breakout rooms and meet the students ‘face-to-face’ for speed-dating styled interviews.

Looking for talent? If you are a Tech Manitoba or New Media Manitoba member looking for tech talent, we’re here to help! Connect with Marie at mhacault@techmanitoba.ca

Are you a near-graduating post-secondary student enrolled in a tech program? If you would like to participate in Career Connections to meet potential employers please reach out to Elise at 

Disrupted x SkipTheDishes


Working together to feed our community
Donate
Over the past two years of the pandemic, Harvest Manitoba has seen a significant increase in our community’s need. Currently, Harvest Manitoba is feeding over 80,000 Manitobans every month.
This year Disrupted and SkipTheDishes invite you to join forces with us and support Harvest Manitoba. How your donation can make a positive impact:
  • A donation of $1 provides a snack or light meal for schools & daycares,
  • A donation of $20 helps provide 5 meals to families in need,
  • A donation of $150 provides an entire Harvest Hamper for a family of 4 – a months’ worth of food support.       

Donate to be entered to win one of five $100 SkipTheDishes gift cards.

SkipTheDishes will also be matching the donations made through the campaign up to $2000.

Attend Disrupted

(Group, Member and non-member rates available)

Silver Sponsors:

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Bronze Sponsor:

Partnerships and Innovation

Community Sponsors:

Sponsorship Opportunities