City of Maple Ridge
2018
Innovation in Emerging Cities was a day-long forum featuring a mix of keynote speakers and interactive panel discussions that explored the role of business, government and post-secondary
institutions in creating and supporting a culture of innovation. The event featured participation from local businesses, all four levels of government, a high school robotics club, and the local polytechnic university.
Keynote speakers included well-known tech personality Steve Dotto; Dr. Salvador Ferreras, Provost and VP Academic from KPU; and Jesse Dougherty, the GM for Amazon Vancouver. Two of the panels featured a mix of business, post-secondary, local government and First Nations leaders discussing “How to foster a culture of Innovation” and “Attracting, Developing and
Retaining Talent" in smaller cities. The third panel featured Mayor Nicole Read, MP Dan Ruimy, and MLA Bob D'Eith discussing "How Government Supports Innovation”and featured a video introduction from the federal minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, the Honourable Navdeep Bains.
The City of Maple Ridge and its Economic Development Committee worked collaboratively with the offices of local MP and MLA to plan the event. The inaugural event attracted 250 registrants from throughout Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley including local business owners, tech entrepreneurs, post-secondary educators and government officials.
