2nd Annual Kootenay i-Tech event celebrates Kootenay innovation, invention and Internet technologies

Network and be inspired by successful Kootenay entrepreneurs

by Danielle Cameron — May 11, 2012

people gathered at tables listening to a keynote speaker at the itech show 2011

Last year's i-Tech event was a huge success. — Trevor Crawley photo

The Kootenay i-Tech Trade Show and Luncheon, organized by Kootenay Business, will be held in Nelson on Wednesday, May 23, at the Prestige Lakeside Resort, and Cranbrook Friday, May 25, at the Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort.

“We are presenting our second annual technology showcase event in the Kootenays and we are giving away a new Samsung Galaxy Tab—one of the world's hottest selling new tablets,” said Kootenay Business publisher, Keith Powell. “We are bringing together what’s new and exciting and innovative in technology and have a great lineup of speakers and panelists.”

A keynote speaker in Nelson will be Morgan Dehnel of Nelson's D-Pace (Dehnel Particle Accelerator Components and Engineering). Also, one of the Kootenays' leading high-technology companies, Teck Trail, is sending chemist and business development official, Keith Klimchuk. David Savage, founder of the new Kootenay Leadership Institute, will speak about leadership in today's competitive business climate at both events.

The keynote speaker in Cranbrook will be Dr. James Heilman, president of Wikimedia Canada—a division of Wikipedia—along with David Savage from the Kootenay Leadership Institute.

Each event will also feature an informative panel discussion about business trends, tips and insights on how technology is changing and how business entrepreneurs are keeping up with these trends.

“Morgan Dehnel will speak about how a high-tech company like his can thrive in the Kootenays,” said Powell, “He explains why his company is based in Nelson and how he can effectively do work all over the world. I think business people will find Morgan's success informative and inspiring.”

“Many entrepreneurs need business leadership skills,” said David Savage, “and our goal is to show how important these essential skills are.”

Kootenay Business magazine publisher Keith Powell will also conduct interviews with a panel of entrepreneurs from the Nelson area, including Edmund Segbeaya of Ebesse Zozo Hot Sauce; digital publisher, Nelson Becker of the Nelson Express Update and video game developer, Elizabeth Boylan, founder of VectorBloom Technologies.

In Cranbrook the panel discussion will be with Stephen Wik of Rocky Mountain Print Solutions, Tracey Buckley of the Kootenay Rockies Innovation Council and Lee Tengum, web professional and developer.

“For the price of a $25 lunch, there is a great lineup of high-profile speakers, great panelists and an opportunity to exchange ideas and network in business community," said Powell. "You will get to talk to lots of people in technology and hopefully come away with some ideas that will continue to spur growth in the Kootenays.”

In addition, the luncheon will be kicked off with special recognition to all the women nominated in the new Influential Women in Business Awards program hosted by Kootenay Business.

Everyone is invited to attend the 2nd Annual Kootenay i-Tech event, but keep in mind that seating is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Kootenay i-Tech Trade Show and Luncheon: Nelson