What to expect from the 2024 Maclean’s Ideas Summit

For its third iteration, the Maclean’s Ideas Summit returns on Wednesday, February 28, creating space for influential thinkers and leaders to share insight into some of the most pressing issues facing Canadians today. 

This year, StartWell’s Event Studio on West Queen West—along with our partners Uber Canada, Microsoft Canada, Amazon Canada, and Fitzrovia—will set the stage for an intellectual journey, as a roster of accomplished speakers welcome guests for an evening of compelling conversation. We’ll explore hot-button topics such as artificial intelligence, revolutionary innovations, and the ever-evolving tapestry of societal progress in Canada. 

Join the ultimate authority on Canada’s intellectual pulse as Maclean’s celebrates the game-changing ideas propelling the nation forward. Here’s a closer look at what’s in store:

Maclean’s First Person Fireside Chat: Canada’s AI Future

John Weigelt, the national technology officer at Microsoft Canada will kick things off with a short Fireside Chat about Canada’s AI future. How will AI improve the lives of Canadians in the year ahead? And what are the risks citizens should prepare for when it comes to this brand new technology. 6:30 p.m. EST. 

Keynote Address: The Future of the City

Mayor Olivia Chow will kick-off the 2024 Maclean’s Ideas Summit with a warm welcome and keynote address on the future of Toronto. Topline issues include what we can expect from our city in 2024, and whether or not we should feel optimistic about what comes next. 7 p.m. EST.

A Marquee Panel 

For the evening’s main event, give (5) visionary thinkers across four unique industries will step onto the Ideas Summit stage for a dynamic conversation about the future state of Canada. In conversation with Maclean’s publisher Jason Maghanoy, the panel will aim to generate both curiosity and understanding on topics such as the future of urban mobility, AI’s impact on cities, public health preparedness, and the future of Canadian culture. 7:30 p.m. EST.

Featured Speakers

Clement Virgo

Clement Virgo, a leading Canadian film director, gained prominence with his debut RUDE at Cannes 1995. His unique perspective as a Black filmmaker extends to TV dramas including The Wire and Billions, and his acclaimed work includes the limited series adaptation of The Book of Negroes, earning nominations for two Critics Choice Awards and the Peabody Award. His latest feature, Brother, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival this year. 

Phil De Luna
Phil De Luna, chief carbon scientist and head of engineering at Deep Sky, is a distinguished leader in carbon removals development, with a background in carbontech at McKinsey & Company, directorship at the National Research Council of Canada, and recognition as a Governor General Gold Medal-winning scientist and Forbes Top 30 Under 30.

Laura Miller

Laura Miller leads public policy and communications for Uber in Canada, focusing on labour and the future of work, sustainability and the road to zero-emissions among other high-priority issues. Prior to joining Uber, Laura directed marketing and communications at Elevate, an organization focussed on uniting Canada’s innovators to solve society’s greatest challenges. 

Dr. Teresa M. Chan

Dr. Chan, founding dean of Toronto Metropolitan University School of Medicine and vice-president of Medical Affairs, is a scientist and leader in advancing social justice in healthcare. She has authored over 200 publications, led numerous research teams, and pioneered innovative approaches to medical education. 

Magda Grace

Magda Grace, head of Prime Video, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. As Head of Prime Video, Canada, Australia and New Zealand Magda Grace is responsible for the company’s development and expansion efforts into each region. She previously held positions at Starz and ICM Partners. Magda has a Master of Laws from UCLA School of Law and a Juris Doctor degree from McGill Law.

The Closing Party

Following closing remarks by Maclean’s publisher Jason Maghanoy, the event will round off with live music, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as guests enjoy the evening’s closing party and networking segment—marking the perfect end of an evening of curiosity and discovery. 8:30 p.m. EST. 

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To purchase tickets visit here.