YYC DataCon

🌟 Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Shardar Quraishi! 🌟 Shardar is a dynamic force at YYC DataCon, seamlessly blending his technical expertise with a passion for community building. As Head of Marketing for YYC DataCon, he’s the brain behind the campaigns that connect, inspire, and bring the data community closer together. From leveling up YYC DataCon’s LinkedIn presence to organizing collaborative events, Shardar’s strategic leadership has amplified our reach and impact. But there’s more to Shardar than data and tech. Outside work and volunteering, Shardar channels his creativity into Miracle UAV Photography, capturing stunning real estate and landscape shots with a unique artistic flair. When he’s not behind the lens, you’ll find him on the golf course perfecting his swing or training in Muay Thai. In his words: “Volunteering is about creating spaces where people connect, learn, and thrive together. It’s about inspiring innovation and building stronger, more inclusive communities.” We’re incredibly lucky to have Shardar’s leadership, creativity, and dedication driving YYC DataCon forward. Thank you, Shardar, for everything you bring to the team! 🙌

Speaker Spotlight: Mike Henry Shifting to a truly data-driven culture sounds great on paper but why is it so challenging in practice? In his session, "Why Changing the Data Culture in Organizations is Challenging," Mike Henry unpacks the complexities of becoming a data-driven organization. He’ll explore how data is managed, shared, and integrated into existing systems, highlighting the real obstacles organizations face in fully unlocking their potential. If you heard Michael speak earlier this year, you already know he delivers insights that stick; and this session is one you won’t want to miss. With over 20 years of experience leading digital transformations, Michael knows what it takes to align people, processes, technology, and data to drive lasting impact. 📅 Event Dates: February 27 – March 1, 2025 📍 Venue: BMO Centre, Calgary 🎟️ Early Bird ticket rates end on January 1, 2025. Secure your spot today and be part of the conversation. https://lnkd.in/gMB_Sxw6 #YYCDataCon2025 #SpeakerSpotlight #DataCulture #DigitalTransformation

We’re kicking off 2025 with an exciting Founders Lunch, presented in partnership with YYC Data Society! In this session, we’ll explore how startups are leveraging #AI to streamline workflows, cut operational costs, and unlock new levels of efficiency. Whether you’re a founder, investor, or team member, this event will offer practical steps to harness the power of AI for smarter decision-making and scalable growth. Featured panelists: - Josh Rainbow, Director, YYC DataCon (Moderator) - Drew Gillson, Co-Founder, @Gravity Foundation - Wish Bakshi, Founder, Quant AiQ   - Akbar Nurlybayev, Co-Founder, CentML  Mark your calendars and register: https://lnkd.in/g5648gaD

We’re thrilled to welcome Boast as a Bronze Sponsor for YYC DataCon 2025! Boast specializes in helping organizations claim and access eligible R&D tax credits, minimizing audit risks and time-consuming processes in Canada and the United States. By combining in-house technical and R&D tax expertise with the latest AI technology, Boast makes navigating tax credits effortless so companies can focus on what they do best: Innovate. 🚀 Since 2011, Boast has helped over 1,500 businesses across North America unlock more than $600 million in innovation capital empowering companies to build stronger products, extend their runway, and drive world-changing innovation. We’re excited to have Boast supporting YYC DataCon 2025. 📅 Event Dates: February 27 – March 1, 2025 📍 Venue: BMO Centre, Calgary #YYCDataCon2025 #SponsorSpotlight #InnovationCapital #DataInnovation

Alberta is Making Global Headlines! Big news for our province: Wonder Valley, the world’s largest AI data centre industrial park, is coming to the Greenview Industrial Gateway in Alberta! With a $70 billion investment, this groundbreaking project is a bold step toward positioning Alberta and Canada as world leaders and a center of excellence in this emerging industry. Here’s what this means: 🚀 Thousands of jobs to support families and drive local growth 🌱 A greener future with innovative off-grid power solutions 💡 Global recognition as Alberta takes the lead in AI and data infrastructure Excited to learn more? We’re diving into this topic on Day 1 of YYC DataCon 2025 with an exclusive panel: “Alberta’s Digital Backbone: Scaling Data Centres for the Energy Transition and AI Revolution” Hear from government leaders, industry researchers, energy producers, and top data centre operators as they explore how Alberta is building the infrastructure to power the AI and energy revolution. 📅 February 27 – March 1, 2025 📍 Venue: BMO Centre, Calgary 🎟️ Early Bird ticket rates end January 1, 2025. Secure your spot today to join the conversation shaping the future of Alberta’s data community. https://lnkd.in/gMB_Sxw6 Learn more about the Wonder Valley project here: https://lnkd.in/gDSgcyST #YYCDataCon2025 #WonderValley #DataInnovation #AIInfrastructure #Alberta

🌟 Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Philip Owusu 🌟 When it comes to YYC DataCon, someone has to make sure the website works flawlessly and looks amazing; and that’s where Philip comes in! As the lead of our website team, he brings his expertise in software engineering, data science, and infographics to life. Philip has built an impressive career working across industries like education, consulting, banking, and non-profits. By day, he’s a Data Scientist at GoAuto, and by night (or whenever inspiration strikes), he’s creating insane animations that showcase his creative side. He joined the YYC Data Society to give back to Calgary, connect with like-minded professionals, and help grow Alberta’s data science community. We’re so grateful for his dedication and leadership. Thanks for being such a key part of the team, Philip. Your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. #YYCDataCon2025 #VolunteerSpotlight #ThankYouVolunteers #DataCommunity

Benjamin Reeves Wants to See YOU at YYC DataCon 2025! Ben knows just how transformative YYC DataCon can be, and he’s inviting you to join the action. YYC DataCon 2025 is THE place to be next year. Think big ideas, real conversations, and a chance to meet some of the brightest minds in data. So, are you in? Watch the video, grab your ticket, and let’s make it happen. This is your chance to be part of something amazing. 📅 February 27 – March 1, 2025 📍 BMO Centre, Calgary 🎟 Get your tickets now before prices go up! Early bird pricing ends January 1, 2025, so don’t wait to secure your spot at the best price. https://lnkd.in/gMB_Sxw6 #YYCDataCon2025 #CalgaryTech #JoinTheCommunity #DataInnovation

🌟 Speaker Spotlight: Tashina Jackson 🌟 What’s all the buzz about blockchain? Get ready to delve into its transformative power with Tashina Jackson, CEO of All About Blockchain and a pioneering figure in decentralized technology. Tashina is committed to driving secure, transparent, and ethical innovation through blockchain. With years of experience in blockchain and decentralized technologies, Tashina has worked with global teams at stakefish and delivered a TEDx talk on how blockchain can create a more equitable future. Her session is a must-attend at YYC DataCon 2025! 𝙎𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣: 𝘽𝙡𝙤𝙘𝙠𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘿𝙖𝙩𝙖: 𝙋𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙒𝙖𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙚, 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙀𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙁𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁: • Learn how blockchain can be used to solve data privacy and transparency challenges. • Explore real-world examples like decentralized voting, supply chain tracking, and tokenized asset management. • Get inspired by case studies and practical steps to integrate blockchain into your field. Tashina’s passion for innovation and practical problem-solving makes this session one you won’t want to miss. 📅 February 27 – March 1, 2025 📍 BMO Centre, Calgary 🎟 Grab your ticket now and get ready to explore how blockchain is paving the way for ethical innovation! https://lnkd.in/gMB_Sxw6 #YYCDataCon2025 #BlockchainForGood #EthicalInnovation #SpeakerSpotlight

Time is running out. Don’t miss your chance to lock in the best price for YYC DataCon 2025. Early bird sales end on January 1, 2025, and ticket prices will increase afterward. Why pay more later when you can save now? Why wait? ✔️ Save big by grabbing your tickets now. ✔️ Secure your spot at Canada’s premier data event. ✔️ Start the new year with a resolution to learn, connect, and innovate. 📅 Event Dates: February 27 – March 1, 2025 📍 Venue: BMO Centre, Calgary 🎟 Don’t let the clock run out. Get your tickets today and be part of the data movement that’s shaping the future. #YYCDataCon2025 #EarlyBirdTickets #DataInnovation #Don’tMissOut

🌟 Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Andy Guevara! 🌟 Andy’s journey takes him from coding his way through data challenges to climbing the Rockies with ease. Data scientist by profession, adventurer by passion, and community builder at heart. By day, Andy works as a Data Scientist at AbaData, where he combines his expertise in Electrical Engineering and Software Engineering with skills developed during internships at the Canadian Space Agency and AltaML. On the weekends, you can find him out in the the Rocky Mountains, living his best adventurous life. This is his second year volunteering with YYC DataCon, where he’s gone from logistics coordinator to procurement lead. And because he’s all about building connections, he’s also the logistics lead for the YYC Data Meetup. Thanks, Andy, for all the passion, hard work, and heart you bring to YYC DataCon! We’re so lucky to have you on the team. 📸 P.S. That Rocky Mountain backdrop in his photo? Pure Andy vibes. 🏔️ #YYCDataCon2025 #VolunteerHighlight #ThankYouVolunteers #DataCommunity