| TIME | EVENT |
|---|
| 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | Networking |
| 9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. | Conference Host Opening Remarks
Event Host: Chad Davis, Co-Founder & Partner LiveCA LLP |
| 9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. | Opening Keynote
Topic: Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Automation in Accounting and Financial Services
Speaker: To come |
| 10:15 a.m. – 10:25 a.m. | Break & Networking |
| 10:25 a.m. – 11:10 a.m. | Topic: How to evaluate technology investments and identify the most promising opportunities for SMEs (Small to Medium Businesses)
Speaker: Narbe Alexandrian, Founder and CEO of Define Capital
Description: In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, it has become crucial for Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to make wise technology investments that align with their goals and drive growth. This session will delve into the process of evaluating technology investments and uncovering the most promising opportunities for SMEs. Attendees will gain practical insights and strategies to navigate the complex realm of technology, enabling them to make informed decisions that maximize returns on their investments and contribute to their organizations' success.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn effective methods for evaluating current processes and identifying areas where technology can make the most impact.
- Explore strategies for researching and evaluating various technology solutions, such as functionality, scalability, security, ease of integration, and long-term viability.
- Learn how to conduct a comprehensive financial analysis to determine the potential return on investment (ROI) and total cost of ownership (TCO) associated with technology investments.
- Discuss the ethical components and frameworks around creating and executing investment strategies.
|
| 11:10 a.m. – 11:22 p.m. | Break & Networking |
| 11:20 a.m. - 12:05 p.m. | Topic: The Future of Decentralized Finance (DeFI): Blockchain and Beyond
Speaker: Erica Pimentel, Assistant Professor, Smith School of Business, Queen’s University
Description: Building on her experience as a CPA, educator and researcher in the blockchain and digital technologies space, Erica will demystify the landscape of decentralized finance (DeFi). Using parallels to areas of traditional finance like lending and governance, she will demonstrate how blockchain-based applications can extend well-known practices by making them cheaper, faster and more accessible. Using recent use cases as examples, she will also demonstrate the pitfalls of DeFi and provide practitioners with practical tools to advise their clients on the risks and opportunities in this emerging space.
Key Takeaways:
- Obtain an understanding of the landscape of decentralized finance across areas such as governance, finance and accounting
- Understand the regulatory landscape evolving around decentralized finance
- Examine key use cases to understand the strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats of DeFi compared to CeFi (centralized finance).
|
| 12:05 p.m. - 1:05 p.m. | Lunch & Networking |
| 1:05 p.m. - 1:50 p.m. | Topic: Leading Technology Change
Speaker: Kazeem Jaffer, CPA, CA, MBA, Principal, Finalyze Consulting
Description: Are you leading a technology project for your organization? A new ERP system, budgeting tool, or maybe experimenting with RPA tools? Today’s accounting and finance leaders are at the heart of driving technological change in their organization. Kaz will take you through his practical tips and lessons learned in his 10+ years of delivering technological change at large to mid-sized organizations.
Key Takeaways:
- The leader’s role in driving technology change
- Tips on building a sound business case for technology investment
- Strategies to rally the organization to embrace new technology
- System implementation project management best practices
- Sustaining a culture of continuous improvement and innovation
|
| 1:50 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Break & Networking |
| 2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. | Topic: Fireside chat Q&A
Speakers: To be announced |
| 2:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Break & Networking |
| 3.00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Digital Literacy Trivia
Event Host: Chad Davis, Co-Founder & Partner LiveCA LLP |
| 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Closing Keynote
Topic: The AI Demand Gap in Canada – How to harness the opportunities ahead
Speaker: Audrey Ancion
Description: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the leading economic drivers of our time. Canada’s research strength, talent pool, and startups that have capitalized on AI offer us the opportunity to lead the global pack. But shaping an AI-driven world will take something more: true leadership. That means taking steps now to establish a world class AI ecosystem in Canada and increase the demand for AI.
Key Takeaways:
- Why the demand gap matters and what’s causing it
- Why some companies have not started using AI and how they can begin their AI journey
- Challenges faced by companies that are starting to adopt AI, and what they need to understand in order to scale
- AI adoption experiences of several businesses to showcase lessons learned
Source: Canada’s AI Imperative Report: Start, Scale, Succeed – Deloitte Canada |
| 4:30 p.m. - 4:40 p.m. | Closing Remarks
Event Host: Chad Davis, Co-Founder & Partner LiveCA LLP |
| 4:40 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Networking |