5 Top Tech Events Tech Professionals Should Attend in Toronto

Toronto is often celebrated as one of Canada’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities. As a result, it’s become a focal point for professionals from around the globe. The city consists of a rich cultural tapestry and a robust economic landscape that offers a unique blend of opportunities, attracting a diverse workforce across various industries.

Toronto’s commitment to fostering a progressive environment is evident in its extensive support for innovation and development, making it an ideal setting for both burgeoning and established industries. As the city continues to grow, so do its educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and a wide array of recreational and cultural activities.

This dynamic urban setting not only enriches the lives of its residents but also sets the stage for its emerging status as a major hub in the global marketplace.

Highlights of Toronto’s tech career opportunities

• Toronto as a tech hub: Toronto’s rapid growth in technology jobs over the past five years surpasses traditional tech centers like San Francisco and Silicon Valley. This makes it an ideal city for tech professionals seeking opportunities.
• Northeastern’s analytics program: Northeastern’s Master of Professional Studies in Analytics equips students with critical skills in statistics, mathematics, and analytics systems technology. This program is designed to meet the increasing demands of employers in the tech industry.
• Networking opportunities: Toronto hosts numerous tech summits, conferences, and events annually, offering unmatched networking opportunities that can lead to career advancement and personal growth in the tech sector.
• Experiential learning: Northeastern’s approach integrates real-world experience with classroom studies, preparing students for successful careers by giving them practical skills and insights.
• Career advancement: The combination of Northeastern’s comprehensive curriculum and Toronto’s dynamic tech scene provides a strong foundation for students to enhance their careers and stay competitive in the global tech industry.

Toronto’s technological advancements

The number of technology jobs in Toronto increased at a faster rate than in any other North American city over the years, landing the top spot on a list that included well-known hot spots like San Francisco and Silicon Valley. Northeastern’s Master of Professional Studies in Analytics provides students with the knowledge and skills in statistics/mathematics, analytics systems technology, and other principles to help meet this increasing demand from employers in the tech industry. There are few better cities in Canada for tech, so it’s no surprise that there are dozens of summits, conferences, and other events dedicated to the industry each year. 

Tech conferences are one of the best ways to network, learn new skills, and connect with talented professionals within your specialty. Take a look at some of these must-attend events if you’re looking for opportunities to connect with industry experts and build your professional network.

Top tech events in Toronto

1. Data Analytics for the Public Sector Summit

Date: October 16–17, 2024

The 4th Annual Data Analytics for the Public Sector Summit is a pivotal two-day conference hosted at the Hyatt Regency Toronto. This event uniquely caters to the Canadian public sector, bringing together esteemed data experts from all levels of government and public services. The summit focuses on showcasing the latest trends and technologies in data analytics that are essential for enhancing public sector operations and governance.

With presentations from leading organizations like the Public Health Agency of Canada, the City of Toronto, and Statistics Canada, attendees will gain invaluable insights into improving organizational performance and citizen engagement. Space is limited, so register early to ensure you can participate in this critical event for public sector innovation.

2. 15th Canadian EdTech Leadership Summit – Presented by MindShare Learning

Date: October 1 and November 1–2, 2024

The 15th Canadian EdTech Leadership Summit, presented by MindShare Learning, is set for October 31 to November 2 at the University of Toronto Scarborough. This premier event, themed “Navigating the Future of Education in an AI-Inspired World,” brings together education leaders, policymakers, and innovators to explore the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in learning.

Hosted in the newly designed Sam Ibrahim Active Learning Spaces Building, the summit features interactive sessions, keynotes, and workshops focused on AI’s role in education. Highlights include the Teacher & Student STEAM Saturday Showcase and opportunities for networking both in person and virtually.

Attendees can also participate in the Canadian EdTech Awards and the Dragon’s Den Startup Challenge. Join us to engage in critical dialogues, gain insights into educational technology trends, and contribute to shaping the future of education in Canada. Secure your registration today for this dynamic and collaborative summit.

3. Web Summit Vancouver

Date: May 27–30, 2025

In May 2025, Vancouver will welcome the inaugural North American Web Summit, hailed as “the world’s premier tech conference” by Politico. This event promises to assemble thousands of global tech leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs, offering a platform for unparalleled networking and learning opportunities. The summit will feature influential speakers from diverse sectors, including Elon Musk and Ryan Reynolds, enhancing its reputation for fostering groundbreaking discussions and showcasing future technologies.

Set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most picturesque cities, Web Summit Vancouver represents a pivotal moment for tech professionals seeking to engage with the global technology ecosystem and explore the latest innovations.

4. SecTor

Date: October 23–24, 2024

Held in downtown Toronto, SecTor features insights and network opportunities with some of the IT industry’s most respected experts. Get the inside scoop on the latest in technical security and IT management techniques, and seize opportunities for hands-on learning in the IT Hack Lab, which lets you put everything you’ve learned into practice. In addition to its impressive panel of speakers, SecTor also includes a career fair with companies actively recruiting candidates, career coaching, and more than 100 exhibitors of innovative IT products on the expo floor. 

5. iTech

Date: November 19, 2024

IT professionals can’t miss the iTech Toronto conference, which brings industry experts and the latest IT technology together for a day of exhibitions, seminars, panel discussions, and demos. The conference will focus on the cloud, data centers, infrastructure, security, and mobility this year, bringing together global experts to share their insights on each topic. Browse upcoming and previously recorded webinars on the iTech site and get yourself ready for the big day in November by taking a close look at cyber recovery, AI, IoT, and more. 

Continuing your tech education

While tech conferences can be a quick way to expand your skill set and meet fellow tech professionals, a degree or certificate may be the best option for those seeking to deepen their knowledge in a particular area of tech. Northeastern’s portfolio of online and on-ground tech programs are based in Seattle, Silicon Valley, Vancouver, Toronto, and Boston, providing students with access to industry experts and the latest developments in technology. 

The university’s unique approach to education combines instruction from professors who have real-world experience in the industry and projects, co-ops, and other opportunities to work with businesses in the tech space. This focus on experiential learning integrates your classroom studies with the work you’ll be doing when you graduate, giving you the skills necessary to build a successful career. 

To learn more about advancing your technology career with Northeastern, explore the related degrees and certificates offered at our regional locations in Seattle, Silicon Valley, Vancouver, and Toronto.