NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF ORILLIA
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Fuel Innovation, the City of Orillia’s Innovation Collective, is excited to host the Innovate and Elevate Symposium, a transformative half-day event designed to spark creativity and build connections within Orillia and Lake Country’s business and innovation community.
“The Innovate and Elevate Symposium is a great opportunity to showcase the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that drives our community forward,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “This event will not only connect local entrepreneurs with the resources and expertise they need to succeed, but also highlights Orillia as a place where new ideas and businesses can thrive.”
The symposium takes place on Nov. 28, 2024, and is tailored for local entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, and community leaders seeking to drive growth through new ideas in their businesses and organizations.
Innovate and Elevate Symposium
Date: Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024
Time: 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Best Western Mariposa Inn and Conference Centre, 400 Memorial Ave., Orillia
Registration fees for the symposium is $60 and can be purchased at innovateandelevate.eventbrite.ca. Early-bird pricing of $45 is being offered until Nov. 12, 2024, at 4 p.m.
The event will feature Leo Chan, a renowned innovation strategist and thought leader, as the keynote speaker. Chan will share actionable insights on fostering creativity, resilience, and sustainable growth in local ventures, providing a roadmap to strengthen Orillia and Lake Country’s role as a centre for new ideas and innovation.
Additionally, the symposium will launch the ICE Challenge (Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship), which invites high school students to pitch their innovative business ideas. Organized by Lakehead University in partnership with County of Simcoe and Fuel Innovation, this competition encourages youth entrepreneurship, inspiring the next generation of leaders and problem solvers.
Alongside the keynote and ICE Challenge, the symposium offers innovation-focused workshops, panel discussions, and showcases that highlight practical strategies for leveraging new technologies, enhancing creativity, and driving growth. Innovators and entrepreneurs will also have a unique platform to present their projects, facilitating valuable networking and collaboration.
“The Innovate and Elevate Symposium is the perfect gathering for Orillia and Lake Country’s entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs to dive into discussions about the innovation economy, connect with like-minded innovators, and uncover powerful resources to fuel the growth of bold ideas and ventures across Orillia and Lake Country,” said Prerna Sharma, manager, Fuel Innovation. “It will also be a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to understand the types of provincial, municipal, and federal support available for their ventures.”
Fuel Innovation, the City of Orillia's Innovation Collective, is managed by the city’s business development, tourism, and modernization division and supported by the Innovation Collective operating committee. Fuel Innovation is committed to growing the local economy through entrepreneurship and corporate innovation.
For more information about Fuel Innovation and the Innovate and Elevate Symposium, including the event agenda, visit fuelinnovationorillia.ca.
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