Smartweek event facilitates learning, collaboration

Led by a bevy of leading technology speakers, more than 200 entrepreneurs descended upon Global Smartweek 2015 in Toronto recently to listen in to such hot topics as IoT, wearables, AI and smart devices to name some.

Held at the Metro Convention Centre, the two day event was co-sponsored by electronic distributor Arrow Electronics of Canada and RED2i, a Toronto-based not-for-profit and co-operative that integrates research, education, design, development and innovation to drive technological advancement in Canada.

Both days were filled with informative keynotes, panel discussions and classroom learning opportunities, plus a tradeshow exhibit area for attendees to engage with industry leaders and subject matter experts surrounding the ever evolving topics of the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine intelligence.

“This event is aimed at addressing our customer’s questions and desire to learn more about IoT, machine intelligence and its relevance, complexity and necessity in their business’ vision and goals,” says Trevor Bingham, general manager of Arrow Toronto and advisor to Smartweek. “Many of the attendees are at the launch point of their design careers, representing start-ups, university grad students and business incubators.”

The event featured subject matter experts including Joy Wiess, president of Dust Networks (Linear Technology); Rick Lisa, worldwide IoT business development, embedded sales group, Intel Corp.; Philip Poulidis, SVP & GM at Marvell Semiconductor; and Rick Power, IBM’s Watson business leader for Canada. Each delivered an address that provided insightful information regarding the proliferation and importance of new technology areas.

“This event creates awareness, while helping us build an audience and trust with the customer,” Bingham adds. “As an organization, we continue to morph and change – to better serve as a solutions provider.”