Collision is North America’s fastest growing technology conference, bringing together thousands of technology professionals, businesses, and innovators from more than 100 countries. In 2024, Collision occurred in Toronto from June 17 to 20, and saw more than 40,000 attendees. Prior to the first day of this conference, on Monday, June 17, 2024, Invest Oakville partnered with Halton Region, Burlington Economic Development, TechPlace, Town of Halton Hills, Innovation Factory, and the Government of Ontario to host an exclusive tour of Halton’s innovation ecosystem. Approximately 30 attendees came from countries around the world, including Brazil, Chile, Italy, Jamaica, and Thailand.
Ultimately, the purpose of this tour was to showcase the region’s vibrant tech scene and the many different investment opportunities and resources available to support business growth in Halton. Some anticipated outcomes included: higher awareness of Halton Region as a prime destination for foreign direct investment (FDI), particularly in the tech sector; and increased interest in the region as an ideal location for tech entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
In terms of both objectives, the familiarization tour was successful: a stop at Geotab’s headquarters in Oakville showed participants how the company, a global leader in connected vehicle and asset solutions, is utilizing advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize fleet performance, safety, and sustainability. At TechPlace, participants gained valuable insights into supports available for tech start-ups and new-to-Canada businesses including collaboration opportunities with post-secondary institutions. We were joined by a panelist from Sheridan College and Generator at Sheridan, which embodies purpose-driven applied research, innovation and entrepreneurship (RIE). In addition, the tour allowed participants to network with innovative startups and connect with local business leaders.
Our post-tour survey data showed a 92% overall satisfaction rate among attendees. Additionally, 100% said they would recommend this tour for future international delegations; 95% made useful connections during the tour; and 75% of attendees said they did not know anything about Halton Region prior to the tour. The target audience for this tour was Collision Conference attendees, including tech leaders, businesses, and entrepreneurs. As their favourite parts of the tour, attendees noted the visit to TechPlace, information provided about the Startup Visa program, and the various networking opportunities. This data reflects a highly successful tour this year, especially by accomplishing our goal of familiarizing new and foreign startups and business owners with Halton’s thriving innovation ecosystem.
The 2024 Collision Tour faced a tight turnaround time for the video recap, necessitating efficient collaboration and quick execution. Additionally, feedback from last year’s attendees indicated a desire for more networking opportunities. To address this, we adjusted the tour agenda to allow ample time for participants to connect and build new relationships. These changes ensured a more engaging and dynamic experience for all attendees, highlighting our commitment to continuous improvement and responsiveness to participant feedback.
Link to video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W8bmjIrmSVMiNxYkOEMLNl7FvjJkiCr5/view?usp=sharing