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Geospatial Insights Over Lunch: Bridging the Two Solitudes – The Future of Canada’s Geospatial Industry

Decorative image for session Geospatial Insights Over Lunch: Bridging the Two Solitudes – The Future of Canada’s Geospatial Industry

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When:
12:00 PM, Monday 12 May 2025 (1 hour)
Where:
Tag:
Networking Event

Join us for a thought-provoking lunchtime discussion where we explore the evolving landscape of Canada’s geospatial industry while enjoying a delicious meal.

The concept of Two Solitudes has long symbolized the cultural and linguistic divide between English and French Canada, but how does this idea still resonate within our geospatial ecosystem today? As global markets shift and technology advances, is Canada’s industry at risk of developing new silos—both domestically and in its reliance on the United States?

Led by Luc Vaillancourt, a geospatial industry veteran and founder of BALIZ, this session will dive into the challenges and opportunities shaping our national geospatial future. With over three decades of experience in business development, strategic partnerships, and digital transformation, Luc will examine the leadership role of the public sector, the importance of interoperability, cloud sovereignty, and how we can strengthen collaboration across provinces and sectors.

Enjoy a Chef-Curated Lunch While You Learn:

  • Artisanal Garlic Focaccia
  • Classic Caesar Salad with Caesar Dressing, Croutons, and Bacon Bits
  • Homemade Spinach & Cheese Manicotti with Sun-dried Tomato and Pesto Cream Sauce (V)
  • Italian Style All-Beef Meatballs tossed in Homemade Tomato & Basil Sauce
  • Sliced Seasonal Fruit & Berries

Take this opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and gain insights into the future of Canada’s geospatial industry—all while enjoying a fantastic meal.

Who's Attending

Barry A. MacDonald 
Managing Director
Hyperion Consulting Services Incorporated
Patrick Lalonde
Senior Director, Digital Project Delivery
EllisDon
Gordon McElravy
Director, Industry Council Program
buildingSMART Canada
Shane Long
Program Director, Community Maps
Esri Canada
Gregory Burt OMM, MSM, CD, ICF-ACC, ICC-Master Coach, MA , MPA, CRM
Strategic Advisor in Leadership and Organizational Strategy
Senior Officer | Retired – CAF
Claudia Cozzitorto
CEO/COO
buildingSMART Canada
Dale Nicholson
President
Canadian Hydrographic Association
Richard Estephan
Senior Director
Open Geospatial Consortium
Alain Gauthier MSC, CD, ICF-PCC, ICC-Master Coach
Strategic Advisor in Leadership and Organizational Strategy
Senior Officer | Retired – CAF
Neil Thompson OMM CD UE
Colonel (retired), Senior Advisor to the President
WCGroup
Alefiya Dungrawala
Freelance GIS Mapper & Content Writer
GoGeomatics
Peter Rabley
CEO
Open Geospatial Consortium
Michael Claassen
VP of Innovation at Spexi
Spexi Geospatial
Steve Slusarenko
Director
Subsurface Utility Map Data Exchange (SUMDEx)
David Legris
Volunteer Editors and Writers Team
GoGeomatics Canada
Jon Lofthouse
VP of Project Delivery
Spexi Geospatial
Farzaneh Farshad
Business Analyst
GoGeomatics
Benedicta Antwi
Volunteer-Writer and Editor
GoGeomatics
Bao Ha
LiDAR Sales Engineer
John Hale
President
buildingSMART Canada
Stephen Fai
Director / Professor
CIMS
Prashant Shukle
Member Board of Directors
buildingSMART Canada
Anusuya Datta
Editor
GoGeomatics
Rosie Chen
Community Manager
Open Geospatial Consortium
Lara Chow
Associate Director
CIMS
1 other(s)

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