We will be joined by some of Canada's most prolific leaders in the emerging domain of blockchain technology. Our speakers will explore myths and misconceptions about blockchain, discuss current blockchain applications and solutions for traditional industries, and share their views on the potential for blockchain as a transformative technology.
Speakers:
Iliana Oris Valiente, Managing Director and Global Blockchain Innovation Lead, Accenture, Co-Founder ColliderX
Iliana Oris Valiente, CPA, CA, CBP (Certified Bitcoin Professional) is a managing director at Accenture where she oversees both the Canadian blockchain practice as well as the Canadian Innovation Hub, working with clients to support their strategic transformation journeys leveraging the latest emerging technologies. Iliana is widely credited for being a trailblazer in the blockchain industry, leading initiatives to conceptualize and build blockchain solutions across industries - focusing on financial services, supply chain, health and public sector. She also founded ColliderX, an open-source and crowdsourced research and development hub for the toughest technical questions for blockchain and related technologies(ML/IOT), where she currently chairs the board.
Hilary Carter, Managing Director, Canada, Blockchain Research Institute
Hilary Carter is Managing Director and Director of Research at the Blockchain Research Institute, a multimillion dollar think-tank co-founded by Don Tapscott and Alex Tapscott. At the BRI, Hilary is responsible for the program's operations and research deliverables. She has built a team of thought leaders and subject matter experts in blockchain technology to conduct the definitive investigation into blockchain transformations in enterprise, government, and society.
Hilary's career began in financial services where she worked in a number of divisions including Corporate Finance, Research and Analysis, and ultimately as an Officer at UBS in Global Private Banking. Her career pivoted to digital technology where she focused on mobile communications and digital media consulting, working with the C-Suite. Her writing on digital transformation has been featured in Canada's national newspaper, the Globe and Mail, on topics such as digital leadership, authoritative branding, and most recently, blockchain technology.
At the Blockchain Research Institute, Hilary presents key research findings and blockchain use cases in webinars, keynotes, and roundtables at conferences and events around the world. With Don Tapscott and Jill Rundle, she authored a whitepaper on the conditions necessary to build and sustain blockchain centers of excellence. Hilary also conducted a first-of-its-kind research report exploring the intersection of blockchain technology and social media networks, with a spotlight on the Ethereum-based AKASHA Project.
Hilary is a graduate of the London School of Economics and holds the Certified Bitcoin Professional designation.
Kesem Frank, Mavennet President and Aion Co-Founder
Kesem is a technology strategy expert specializing in blockchain powered enterprise architecture. Following a leadership position in Deloitte's Blockchain practice, Kesem co-founded Nuco, one of the earliest enterprise blockchain platforms and a founding member of the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance. In his capacity as COO, Kesem led multiple projects, positioning blockchain at the core of future business platforms for fortune-1000 companies. In 2017, Kesem directed the launch of Aion, a decentralized interoperability network, establishing its position as a globally leading blockchain protocol. Mavennet, founded 2018, leads Aion for Enterprise and pursuesthe goal of making blockchain a mainstream technology by driving adoption by major enterprises.
Kesem is an experienced team leader, having served as a naval officer with the IDF for 5 years, his passion for startups and innovation led him to join UofT's Creative Destruction Lab as a program fellow. Kesem achieved Cum Laude honors for both his undergraduate degrees of Law (LLB) and business administration (BA) and was awarded multiple scholarships towards his Masters of Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Toronto.
Ruairi Hanafin, Co-Founder and Chief Architect, GrainDiscovery
Ruairi is a long time blockchain advocate and sees its potential in increasing financial inclusion- particularly in rural regions and the developing world. He is a cofounder of Grain Discovery, which aims to bring transparency and supply chain provenance to the agricultural commodity markets. Previously he has held positions in quantitative investments, researched alpha strategies, and headed the blockchain group at the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board.
Ruairi holds a PhD in Theoretical Physics from Trinity College, University of Dublin.
Agenda
5:30-6:15pm - Registration and refreshments
6:15-7:15pm - Keynote and panel discussion
7:15-7:30pm - Q&A, Open discussion