From October 1–3, 2024, downtown Toronto transformed into a vibrant hub of technological innovation and thought leadership during the Elevate Festival. This premier Canadian tech and innovation event brought together over 10,000 attendees, including founders, investors, and tech professionals across various industries .

Spotlight on Keynote Speakers

Elevate 2024 featured an impressive lineup of over 350 speakers, showcasing a commitment to diversity with over 47% visible minorities and over 50% women-identifying speakers . Notable speakers included:

Michele Romanow: Co-founder and Executive Chairman of Clearco, and a “Dragon” on CBC’s Dragons’ Den. Tori Dunlap: Founder and CEO of Her First $100K, empowering women to achieve financial independence.

These speakers provided attendees with a wealth of knowledge, inspiring stories, and actionable insights.

Attendee Experiences and Festival Highlights

Participants of Elevate 2024 reported a multitude of enriching experiences:

Diversity and Inclusion: The festival celebrated diversity through its speaker lineup and dedicated spaces like the Women+ in Tech Lounge, promoting inclusivity in the tech industry. Startup Engagement: The event facilitated over 200 startup-investor meetings and 24 startup roundtables, fostering collaborations that could shape future innovations . Networking Opportunities: Attendees connected with startups, industry leaders, and peers, fostering collaborations that could shape future innovations.

Areas for Improvement

While the festival was largely successful, attendees noted some areas that could be enhanced:

Logistical Challenges: Issues such as long registration lines and crowded corridors affected the overall experience. Startup Representation: Attendees expressed a desire for a more extensive showcase of emerging startups to better reflect the innovation landscape.

Conclusion

Elevate Festival 2024 successfully brought together a diverse community to celebrate and advance technological innovation. With its rich programming and commitment to inclusivity, the festival continues to be a cornerstone event in Canada’s tech ecosystem. Addressing the noted areas for improvement will further enhance its impact in future editions.

For more information and updates on upcoming events, visit Elevate’s official website.