National tech association announces supporting partnership to highlight Canadian tech leaders at WOW Dinner, kicking off 2019 Web Summit Conference

Mississauga, ON (October 29, 2019) – The Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC) is pleased to announce a supporting partnership role with the founder of the Worldwide Network of Women (WOW) Dinner, Isabel van der Kolk, that will see a number of international tech thought leaders provide a comprehensive, informative overview of what it takes to succeed in the tech industry from a variety of perspectives during the third annual  WOW Dinner. The WOW Dinner will help launch the 2019 Web Summit Conference, which will be held in Lisbon, Portugal this coming November.

The WOW Dinner is part of a global series of networking events aimed at promoting diversity and the empowerment of women in tech and related industries. At each WOW Dinner, women and men come together to network, learn and be inspired by those in attendance, as well by the speakers behind the podium. It often draws an international crowd of tech enthusiasts who understand the value that diversity in our teams and companies brings not just to the business world, but to the larger society. This will be the third anniversary of the Dinner.

The event will be held at the Instituto Superior Técnico, Alameda da Universidade Lisboa on November 3, 2019. Instituto Superior Técnico is a supporting partner this year as well. To purchase a ticket to attend the dinner, register here.

Canadian Ambassador to Portugal, Lisa Rice Madan, and Mayor of Brampton, Patrick Brown will be in attendance, and will provide brief remarks. During the Dinner, ITAC will also host a panel discussion, moderated by Janice McDonald, CEO, The Beacon Agency. This Panel includes members of the ITAC Canadian delegation: Jackie King, Chief Operating Officer, Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Fatima Zaidi, Co-founder and CEO, Quill Inc., Alana Frome, Co-founder and CTO of hiMama and Clare Barnett, Director, Economic Development & Culture at City of Brampton Economic Development Office.

ITAC is working with CanExport-Associations and is bringing an ITAC Women-Led Tech Trade Mission to attend this year’s WOW Dinner, and Web Summit. The goal, in part, is to promote the spirit of the Canadian technology industry in putting Canada on the map for cutting edge technology around cyber, AI and web management.

To learn more about the WOW Dinner, contact Isabel van der Kolk: isabelvdkolk@yahoo.com or at 0031 653478252.

Quotes:

“We are proud partner with the Instituto Superior Técnico to host the third annual WOW dinner, and to be a part of the Canadian delegation to the 2019 Web Summit Conference again this year. ITAC has had a long-standing commitment to supporting female entrepreneurs, particularly in their quest to conduct business globally as well as to scale and grow their businesses. The Conference and the Dinner provides an invaluable opportunity for participants interested in growing their businesses to gain access to market, capital and talent, and to learn more about the latest trends and opportunities in tech as presented by global thought leaders.” Angela Mondou, President and CEO, ITAC.

 “We are excited to celebrate the third anniversary of the WOW Dinner, and pleased that ITAC and the Instituto Superior Técnico have agreed to be host partners. Many of our attendees are coming back for the third time, and have come to see our dinner as a tradition for seeing old connections/ friends and making new connections.We are truly thankful for the support from all corners of the world and every level within the society. That is how we meant it to be; and we want to continue building bridges.’’ Isabel van der Kolk, Founder, The WOW Dinner.

 “I am looking forward to attending and speaking at the WOW Dinner prior to the Web Summit. It’s such an incredible opportunity for delegates from all over the world to connect in advance, and form connections in a more intimate setting. The event hosted by Isabel and her team during Collision in Canada was a huge success, so it’s no wonder all editions are sold out and have long waiting lists. Looking forward to speaking to this exclusive group of executives on my entrepreneurial journey! What a fantastic way to kick off the Web Summit!”    Fatima Zaidi, Co-Founder and CEO, Quill Inc.

’In a changing world with new problems to solve in almost every aspect of our lives, from public health to climate change, we cannot afford to leave half our talent pool untapped. For these reasons, Instituto Superior Técnico has a firm commitment towards equality and diversity, with the assurance that such commitment reinforces its mission, enhances its identity and contributes to the excellence of its activities.’’ Palmira F. da Silva, Vice-presidente, Comunicação e Imagem, Instituto Superior Técnico

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About Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC)

As Canada’s national ICT business association, the Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC) champions the development of a robust and sustainable digital economy in Canada. A vital connection between business and government, we provide our members with the advocacy, networking and professional development services that help them to thrive nationally and compete globally.

A prominent advocate for the expansion of Canada’s innovative capacity, ITAC encourages technology adoption to capitalize on productivity and performance opportunities across all sectors. A member-driven not-for-profit, ITAC has served as the authoritative national voice of the $184 billion ICT industry for over 60 years. More than 39,000 Canadian ICT firms create and supply goods and services that contribute to a more productive, competitive, and innovative society. The ICT sector generates over one million jobs directly and indirectly and invests $6.1 billion annually in R&D, more than any other private sector performer.

About Instituto Superior Técnico
Técnico is part of Universidade de Lisboa, the largest and the most competitive university in Portugal, and is recognised as a prestigious engineering school at national and international level. Técnico success is tied to its ability to recruit and retain outstanding staff and students from all backgrounds and identities, building an inclusive working and study environment where diversity is a strength, not a challenge.

To arrange an interview, please contact:

Janet Gibson Eichner

Cell: 416-357-8908 or jgibson_eichner@itac.ca

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