For the third year of its existence, MTL Connecte, which exists under the umbrella of Printemps numérique (the banner for other events of the same kind in other cities around the world), is offering a hybrid formula, both in virtual and in-person mode.

MTL Connecte is a kind of huge anthill in which we mix and eat digital. Obviously, the business community is greatly involved in this event.

This year, the team wants to address the impact of modern communication tools, particularly in this period of global health crisis. This has led to the isolation of billions of human beings and forced a redefinition, at least temporarily, of our relationships with others. The theme of the Renaissance was chosen to address both this great upheaval and renewal.

Thousands of participants

The event organizers are expecting 12,000 participants over six days. Most of them are professionals from a multitude of different companies who want to learn more about the digital world, but also build relationships with their counterparts. This is precisely MTL Connecte's mandate: to support digital transformation and foster exchanges between players from various sectors of society. The Montreal organization, which is headed by Mehdi Benboubakeur, therefore provides a sort of digital platform to build bridges and promote ideas. In addition to sharing knowledge, networking activities are essential. This way, more than 500 exhibitors (companies and organizations) can put their expertise forward, develop their business through networking ecosystems, and then define the strategic positioning of their brand.

Coming from 80 countries, specialists of all kinds will talk about artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, video games, robotics, innovation, financial technology, sustainable development, telework, education and the city of the future. Among them, renowned experts have been invited to speak on these themes in one of the 300 conferences on the menu. Digital experts and novices alike will find what they are looking for by participating in MTL Connecte.

Conferences and panels: highlights from the program

Some are political strategists, others are business leaders. Sometimes they are professors, sometimes they are activists. One thing is certain, they will share their knowledge on a digital transformation issue. Here are some suggestions from programming director Claude Landry.

Thione Niang

Senegalese-American Thione Niang was an activist in the Young Democrats during his studies in the United States, his adopted homeland. He was also its president during the election campaign that led Barack Obama to the head of the country. In addition to his work as a political consultant, he created the non-governmental organization GIVE1PROJECT to train the leaders of tomorrow: civic engagement, leadership, entrepreneurship, professional training, women's empowerment and education are some of the topics. Thione Niang also encourages the introduction of new technologies in Africa.

• Cathie Wood

CEO of New York-based investment fund ARK Invest, she is a social media sensation. More than a million people follow her Twitter account, among others. Cathie Wood is a highly respected manager in the financial world. In her talk, she discusses the need to “embrace disruptive technology and innovation for a better future.”

• Francois Naude

South African Francois Naude loves the theme of democratizing knowledge. This doctor of philosophy and specialist in educational sciences, who is an excellent communicator, advocates a different way of teaching.

• Luc Sirois

He was appointed by the Legault government to head the Quebec Innovation Council, which was created in the fall of 2020. The Council's mandate is to boost the development of innovation within businesses and society.

• Flynn Coleman

Author of the book A Human Algorithm, this American is a lawyer specializing in human rights. She defends an idea of progress that places humans at the heart of all technological innovation, particularly in the development of artificial intelligence.

• Nourdine Bihmane

From Atos, Nourdine Bihmane is an international leader in digital transformation who talks about the climate emergency and the essential adaptation of companies. He addresses in particular the necessary digital transformation and the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.

• Amir Belkhelladi

In a panel discussion, Amir Belkhelladi addresses cybersecurity issues. He also discusses digital identity. He leads Deloitte Canada in cybersecurity. He advises financial services organizations in particular.

• Richard Mulholland

The South African founded the company Missing Link. According to him, the world of presentation is changing, and we must change with it. In his talk, he explores the future of presentations, without losing sight of the fundamentals.

Artistic programming

In addition to the conferences, panels and networking activities, more than fifty artists from all walks of life—local and international—will offer various performances during MTL Connecte, whether in person or online. The works will explore a range of themes, including social interactions during a pandemic.

It is possible to attend the opening night presented at the Society for Arts and Technology (SAT) on October 11. That said, places are limited due to the health measures in force.

Starting at 6 p.m., in the Satosphère, you can witness the work of AKOUSMA, who will present immersive performances in a world premiere, to celebrate their 30th anniversary. Starting at 8 p.m., in the SAT space, the Montreal collective susy.technology will offer an audiovisual performance. Finally, three French DJs will offer live performances.

To register for MTL Connecte October 12 to 17, 2021

Late Riser Discount Until Tomorrow, October 8th!