BC’s Biggest Tech Event Returns to Vancouver in March

Technology is transforming key industries at an unprecedented pace. BC’s technology sector is growing faster than the overall economy. In 2014, it grew at a rate of 3.3%, a higher rate than the 2.9% growth observed in the provincial economy—and it outperforms all other provinces in venture capital investment per capita, with $450 million invested in 2015.

From natural resources and agriculture to health and digital media, the second #BCTECH Summit returns and will explore how tech is impacting BC’s economy and changing lives.

Presented by the province and the BC Innovation Council, BC’s largest and second-annual tech event will arm attendees with the tools to propel their companies to the next level, establish valuable business connections and inspire students to pursue careers in technology.

“The #BCTECH Summit will showcase some of the incredible technological advances being created in BC that are changing lives around the world,” says Amrik Virk, Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services. “It will also provide small and medium sized companies the rare opportunity to meet face-to-face with and pitch to industry and government buyers, helping open the door to new business opportunities in B.C.’s burgeoning tech sector.”

New to the summit this year is the Future Realities Room, presented by Microsoft, the event’s primary sponsor. It will be a space for local companies to showcase their innovative augmented reality, virtual reality and mixed reality applications. There will also be keynotes from thought leaders including Shahrzad Rafati of BroadbandTV and Ben Parr, as well as Youth Innovation Day to expose grades 10-12 students to career paths in the technology sector.

“Technology is everywhere. It’s making our cities smarter, our businesses more efficient, and our workplaces safer. There is incredible innovation happening in British Columbia and the #BCTECH Summit will showcase global thought leadership and position our province as a beacon of transformative tech for the world to see,” said Shirley Vickers, president and CEO, BC Innovation Council.

BCTEC Summit will be capped off with Techfest by Techvibes, our legendary recruiting event.

The summit builds on the success of the inaugural summit in January, which exceeded its goal of 1,000 attendees with more than 3,500 people. The #BCTECH Summit is an initiative of the #BCTECH Strategy, which is a component of the BC Jobs Plan, a multi-year strategy that includes a $100-million BC Tech Fund.

The #BCTECH Summit is taking place March 14-15 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Early bird tickets are on sale until December 20.

Successful #BCTECHSummit Capped Off With Best Techfest Yet