Google Canada Manager and Benevity CEO to deliver opening and closing keynotes at this year’s conference in Edmonton

Calgary, Canada – AccelerateAB, Alberta’s annual flagship technology event, is proud to announce the 2016 keynote speakers.

As the technology space advances the diversification of the Alberta economy, AccelerateAB is proud to support diversity within the tech industry itself. The 2016 keynote speaker is Katie McLean, Western Canada Territory Manager of Google. Ms. McLean has a background in sales and marketing with technology companies such as Xerox, HP, Oracle, and Google. She has developed a passion for tech startups, having spent a large part of her technology career working closely with them. Today, her work involves actively looking for partners to develop on the Google platform.

“Through my work with Google I have been able to see first-hand the growth of Alberta’s technology industry,” said McLean. “Events like AccelerateAB are essential to enabling the community to seed future partnerships, innovations, and successes that would not have been possible without the opportunity to engage with each other. Also, as a woman in tech, I am excited to participate in a conference that has made diversity a part of its goals.”

The 2016 closing keynote speaker is Bryan de Lottinville, CEO of Benevity, a thriving Alberta social enterprise that is aiding in our province’s efforts to diversify the economy. In the past year, Benevity has grown from 90 to 220 employees, added almost 100 new enterprise clients, and raised $38 million.

Mr. de Lottinville’s keynote will address recruiting and developing talent during rapid growth. “There are a ton of factors to be considered in growing global companies quickly and efficiently,” said de Lottinville. “Ultimately, none are more important that attracting, retaining, and developing great people.”

This year’s panels consist of innovative entrepreneurs, investors, key leaders, and partners of the technology sector from across the province. The panel participants include: Kristina Williams, CEO of Alberta Enterprise Corporation, Cory Fries, VP Investments & Legal at Alberta Innovate Technology Futures, Patrick Lor, Co-Founder of Dissolve, and Michelle Scarborough, Senior VP at Kensington Venture Partners, on the panel about Alberta’s Innovation Funding Landscape.

In addition, Omar Mouallem, Journalist, Sam Pillar, CEO of Jobber, and Dr. Ray Muzyka, Co-Founder of BioWare/CEO of ThresholdImpact, will speak on the panel Building Big in Alberta.

The AccelerateAB Conference takes place from 1:30pm to 9:30 pm on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at the Art Gallery of Alberta. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased on the AccelerateAB website.

For more information about AccelerateAB, please visit www.accelerateab.com.