ITWC’s December flagship event, Technicity, will celebrate the power of information technology to transform the public service and the citizen experience in Canada’s largest city.
Reimagined to showcase the technology acumen of the City of Toronto – and all its board and agencies – Technicity 2018 will feature panels and presentation from senior City of Toronto leaders on issues ranging from open data and big data analytics to artificial intelligence and the role of emerging technologies in improving service delivery.
The power of partnership
“We recognize our strength in the technology ecosystem and realize the importance of having strategic partners,” said Rob Meikle, Chief Information Officer at the City of Toronto. “Which is why we are excited to collaborate with industry and institutional partners to help solve big civic issues and drive innovative solutions that make our city a great place to live, work and visit.”
The public sector is often accused of taking a wait and see attitude to technology because they don’t face the competitive pressures that drive innovation in the private sector, said Fawn Annan, President of ITWC. “The City of Toronto’s embrace of AI, blockchain and IoT, shows that does not have to be the case.”
Projects to explore
Some of the specific issues to be explored during the December 12 event include the use of big data to mitigate the City’s traffic issues, the use of drones and “smart” balls by Toronto water to monitor previously difficult to access areas, and innovative procurement systems. A series of digital displays will allow attendees an additional “peek behind the curtain” at additional projects that demonstrate how the City’s commitment to modernization through innovation is fuelled by the technology and systems it deploys.
“This is a unique opportunity to strengthen your public-private sector partnerships and develop powerful relationships with key decision-makers across the City of Toronto and its many associated agencies,” said Annan.
New home for the City’s IT Awards
For the first time, the conference will be home to City’s annual IT awards program, Toronto’s Got IT Awards of Excellence. A total of 10 awards for the best team-led IT initiatives will be presented by and in front of the city’s senior leadership.
More than 250 private and public sector technology leaders with an interest in public sector digital transformation and emerging technologies are scheduled to attend. The event is being held at Arcadian Court on Bay Street, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Mayor-elect John Tory has been invited to speak.
