10:10 to 11:10

Featuring: 

Julie Chapman, VP & Head of Legal, LexisNexis North America
Colin McKay, Head of Canadian Policy & Public Relations, Waabi
Amir Kashdaran, Tech & Privacy Partner, McMillan LLP

Moderator: Sairam Sanathkumar, Corporate & Commercial Lawyer, Aird & Berlis LLP

The panel will explore how governments worldwide are shaping the future of AI through evolving legislation. The panelists will discuss (among others) Canada's Artificial Intelligence and Data Act, the decentralized patchwork of AI regulation in the U.S., and the European Union's Artificial Intelligence Act that came into force on August 1, 2024.

11:10 to 11:30 Networking Break

11:30 to 12:45

TRACK 1 – Quebec Legal Update: Language, Privacy, and Consumer Protection

Featuring:

Ayse Gauthier, Senior Lawyer, Deloitte Legal Canada LLP
Simon Du Perron, Associate, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Alexandre Fallon, Partner, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

This session is designed to provide you with an understanding of recent changes impacting Quebec's legal landscape. We’ll cover the latest developments in French language requirements, the significant updates to privacy laws - including the final provisions of Law 25, the new health information privacy law, and the new regulation on anonymization of personal information - and the amendment to the Consumer Protection Act. We’ll also briefly touch on other relevant regulatory changes, helping you stay fully informed and ready to support your clients through these transitions.

TRACK 2 – Understanding the Cyber Response Arsenal: What resources do clients and data breach counsel need to respond to a cyber attack

Featuring: 

Olivier Bue, Vice President, Cyber Practice, Hub International
Howard Smith, Cyber Insurance Counsel, HRS Law
Dina Maxwell, Chief Privacy Officer, PwC Canada
RJ Sahi, Managing Partner, CyberWolfe

Moderator: Hélène Deschamps Marquis, Partner, Deloitte Legal Canada

In this panel you will learn the ins and outs of cyber coverage, and the trends of the changing cyber-insurance landscape; understanding the players and resources available to support a breach response, including cyber forensics; extortion advisors, e-discovery, etc.

12:45 to 1:15 LUNCH

1:15 to 2:15 PLENARY – Doing Things Differently: Women in Groundbreaking Roles

Featuring: 

Mei Chen, CEO, Free the Agents

Bonnie Li, Research Engineer, Google DeepMind

Kelley Irwin, Strategic Advisor, Board Director, Kelley Irwin Consulting Services

Moderator: Mimi Palmer, Partner, WeirFoulds LLP

Be inspired by the stories of exceptional women who are leading the charge in some of the most exciting and impactful fields today. From [revolutionizing health tech and facial recognition to exploring new frontiers in space and electric vehicles, and advancing AI and sustainability], our panelists will share their experiences and insights. This session will celebrate their achievements and provide valuable lessons on leadership, innovation, and resilience. Join us to be part of a conversation that champions diversity and excellence in technology.

2:15 to 3:45

TRACK 1 – Data Interoperability: Unpacking the Laws and the Flaws

Featuring: 

Claudiu Popa, Co-Founder & Chairman of KnowledgeFlow Cybersecurity Foundation and CEO, Informatica Corporation
Samara Starkman, Partner, INQ Law/INQ Consulting 

Moderator: Nic Wall, Senior Associate, Torys LLP

As data sharing across systems and sectors becomes increasingly critical for innovation, businesses and policymakers face complex legal challenges in ensuring compliance with privacy laws, intellectual property rights, and cybersecurity standards. The panel will delve into key areas such as open banking, data sharing in the healthcare industry, role of Application Programming Interfaces as well as upcoming laws such as the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act and the newly introduced Connected Care for Canadians Act.

TRACK 2 – It’s Not a Bird or a Plane – Regulating the Legal Landscape of Drones

Featuring: 

Mark Wuennenberg, Owner and Senior Consultant, Skyworthy UAS Consultants Inc.
Katherine Ayre, Founder, CAYRES Inc.

Moderator: M. Imtiaz Karamat, Associate, Deeth Williams Wall LLP

While we might think that drones fly under the radar, there are a number of regulations regarding drones to be aware of before contracting for commercial drone uses. Join our panel of experts as they discuss the current legal landscape of commercial drone technology. This session will delve into how drones are revolutionizing business practices across industries and the new legislative frameworks that are evolving to regulate this new frontier. There is no better time to become familiar with this technology and the rules of the road (or air) to prepare for a drone agreement to land on your desk (or your doorstep). 

3:45 to 4:00 Networking Break

4:00 to 5:15

Navigating the Future of In House Legal Practice: Strategies and Insights

Featuring:

Kai Kramer, Managing Counsel, MongoDB
Vishank Menon, Product and Regulatory Counsel, KOHO
Brian Calalang, Assistant General Counsel, Purolator

Moderator: Anaar Dhanji, Assistant General Counsel Capital One Bank (Canada Branch)

Join our dynamic panel discussion featuring leading in-house lawyers providing their insights on the crucial aspects of practice management in the rapidly evolving legal landscape. Our panel will explore a range of topics, including the transformative impact of technology on legal operations, strategies for global risk management and compliance, and the increasingly strategic role of legal departments in business decisions. This discussion promises to provide valuable insights and practical strategies for enhancing the efficiency and strategic value of in-house legal teams, making it an essential event for in-house counsel (and their trusted external counsel) to advance their practices and achieve their business goals and objectives.

5:15 to 5:30 Closing Remarks

5:30 to 6:30 Cocktail Reception

7:00 to 9:30 Awards Dinner at Lena (ticketed)

8:50 to 9:00 Opening Remarks

9:00 to 10:00

The Quantum Leap: Exploring Cutting-Edge Computing

Featuring: 

David Asgeirsson, Ph.D., Manager - Partnerships and IP, Xanadu Computing
John Weigelt, National Technology Officer, Microsoft Canada
Bindiya Arora, PSI fellow, Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics

Moderator: Jessica B. Horwitz, Partner, International Trade & Investment, Bennett Jones LLP

Join us for an engaging session with our panel of experts to demystify quantum technology from a technical standpoint, discuss the groundbreaking advances being made by industry players, and explore the potential future applications of this revolutionary technology. This session will also delve into the recent amendment to the Canadian Export Control List, shedding light on its implications for the quantum computing sector. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or simply curious about the next big thing, this session promises to pique your interest and expand your understanding of quantum computing.

10:10 to 11:10

TRACK 1 – Balancing Act - Navigating Employee Monitoring and AI in the Workplace

Featuring: 

Murali Vijendran, CISO & Chief AI Risk Officer, SigmaRed Technologies Inc.
Cezar Serhal, Senior Manager, Deloitte Forensic
Colette Stewart, Managing Counsel, Interac Privacy Office, Interac Corp.

Moderator: Lyndsay Wasser, Partner, McMillan LLP

This panel explores the evolving landscape of employee monitoring technologies enhanced by artificial intelligence. As organizations increasingly adopt these tools for productivity and security, questions arise about privacy, trust, and ethical boundaries. Join industry leaders and legal experts as they discuss the implications of AI-driven monitoring, strategies to balance employee rights with corporate interests, and best practices for transparent and ethical implementation. Dive into real-world scenarios, learn about the latest technologies, and engage in a critical dialogue on shaping a respectful and effective workplace environment.

TRACK 2 – Exploring the frontiers of IP Law in 2024
Featuring:

Ryan Abbott, MD, JD, MTOM, PhD, Partner, Brown, Neri, Smith & Khan, LLP
Rob Shek, Associate, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP

Join our distinguished IP panel as it explores the latest and most significant developments in IP law affecting your Canadian practice and clients, all with a Technology flavour. This panel will explore the evolving landscape of IP, highlighting key legislative changes, landmark cases, and emerging trends, including the status of the Consultation on Copyright in the Age of Generative Artificial Intelligence. These issues will be shaping the future of IP rights.

11:10 to 11:30 Networking Break

11:30 to 12:45

TRACK 1 – Levelling Up: Legal Trends and Strategies in the Video Gaming World 

Featuring: 

Kelly Harris, Principal, Harris + Co
Amarvir Sidhu, Lawyer & Founder, Amar-VR Law
Mike McDonald, Product Counsel, Electronic Arts Canada

Moderator: Teodora Niculae, Senior Counsel, Mastercard

Step into the vibrant world of video games! This session will cover the latest legal trends and regulatory developments shaping the gaming industry, and provide insight into effective strategies for collaborating with gaming companies. As these companies strive to expand their market reach, adopt cutting-edge technologies, and protect their intellectual property, they face complex legal challenges. Understanding these legal nuances is increasingly important as various industries partner with gaming companies to attract and retain customers. Join us to stay ahead of the curve and learn how to realize the potential of this evolving sector.

TRACK 2 –Open Banking in Canada: Legal Insights on Privacy, Compliance, and Innovation

Natasha Anzik, Senior Privacy Counsel, Wealthsimple
Alina Silvestrovici Paun, Trusted Counsel, Elite :// Fintech Law
Aviv Kartuz, General Counsel, Questrade

Explore the latest regulatory developments in open banking with our panel of experts as they unpack the dynamic intersection of law, technology, and finance. As Canada moves forward with the creation of a new open banking framework to regulate access to financial data, legal professionals must navigate a landscape marked by both opportunity and complexity. While the government's initiative aims to improve Canadians' access to secure financial services, the fintech industry faces pressing privacy, compliance, and liability challenges. This session will provide insights into strategies fintech companies can consider to address these concerns, and what this means for the future of financial services in Canada. 

12:45 to 1:15 LUNCH

1:15 to 2:15 PLENARY – Tech in the arctic: challenges and opportunities for tech in the great white North

Featuring: Adam Shoalts, Writer, Explorer

Introduction by: Jennifer Davidson, Partner, Deeth Williams Wall LLP

Professional adventurer Adam Shoalts has been called "one of the greatest living explorers" by the CBC and is a national bestselling author of five books. His best-known journeys include crossing nearly 4,000 km of Canada's Arctic alone and just last year paddling from Lake Erie to the Arctic. On his adventures, he faces challenges ranging from spending months without seeing another person, to dealing with snarling polar bears, powerful storms, gale-force winds, equipment breakdowns, and running out of food. Shoalts will join us to discuss insights he's learned about life and tech in the arctic, from advancements in canoe construction to equipment functioning in extreme low temperatures, Shoalts will share his unique adventures when dealing with uncertainty, adversity, and the mental toolkit he uses to overcome daunting obstacles.

2:15 to 3:15

Reaching for the Stars: Contracting Considerations in Space Law

Featuring: 

Valérie Bastien-Dupuis, Counsel, Canadian Space Agency Legal Services, Department of Justice Canada
Dennis Rogers, Account Executive, Telesat
Sean Mitra, Space Lawyer and Entrepreneur, CEO and Co-Founder of Foundation Space Resources

Moderator: Jennifer Davidson, Partner, Deeth Williams Wall LLP

Join us for an illuminating panel discussion on Contracting and Legal Considerations in Space, where experts will delve into the complexities of applying traditional legal frameworks to space exploration and commercialization. This session will explore critical aspects that include licensing technology and intellectual property and addressing the unique challenges of protecting innovations beyond Earth's atmosphere. The panel will also examine jurisdictional issues arising from multi-national space activities and the dynamics of public-private partnerships, highlighting how collaborative efforts between governmental bodies and private entities are shaping the future of space law and fostering a new era of interstellar enterprise. 

3:30 to 4:30

TRACK 1 – E-commerce & Consumer Protection - An International Perspective

Featuring: 

Meghan Connolly, Associate General Counsel, Shopify
Tahira Manji, Head of Legal, Article
Gabriel M.A. Stern, Partner, Fasken

Moderator: Manpreet Singh, Of Counsel, Norton Rose Fulbright LLP

Legal Considerations for Launching E-Commerce Platforms: Navigating Canadian and International Regulations." This session will tackle the multifaceted legal landscape faced by businesses venturing into online retail, with a focus on compliance with Canadian laws and international regulations. Our experts will explore crucial topics including data protection and privacy laws, consumer rights, and cross-border transactions. The panel will also address intellectual property concerns, contract management, and the impact of varying legal standards across different jurisdictions. Attendees will gain valuable insights into navigating these complex regulatory environments to ensure successful and lawful expansion of their e-commerce ventures both within Canada and on the global stage. 

Featuring: 

Diana Drappel, Assistant General Counsel, Royal Bank of Canada
Moya Graham, Partner, McCarthy Tétrault LLP
Sahil Razdan, Director, Legal Counsel, Postmedia Network Inc.

Moderator: Olalekan (Wole) Akinremi, Partner, Deeth Williams Wall LLP

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, and with the recent CrowdStrike outage, technology lawyers will need to carefully consider force majeure clauses and business continuity/disaster recovery obligations when drafting and negotiating commercial agreements. This panel will discuss the various factors to consider when determining how to effectively allocate the risk between service providers and clients in the event of a force majeure event or business interruption.Feat