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We spend enormous time and money building the infrastructure that attracts companies. But are we investing enough in the cultural industries, experiences and spaces that attract people, create jobs and drive economic growth?

Kanata North is home to Canada’s largest technology park and one of the country’s most successful tech and innovation districts. We have world-class companies, incredible talent and a strong innovation economy. But building a thriving community takes more than office towers, labs, roads and power. It also takes the music, arts, entertainment, sports, festivals, food and experiences that bring people together to create a place where people want to live, work, play and stay.

And why should culture only be something we experience after work?

What if we brought more of it into our workplaces, our business districts and our everyday lives? Live music at the office. Creative events that connect employees and neighbours. Businesses partnering with local artists, venues and cultural entrepreneurs. Experiences that create energy, strengthen connections and bring communities to life throughout the day, evenings and weekends.

There’s an economic opportunity here, too. Behind these experiences are entrepreneurs, skilled workers and sophisticated businesses that generate jobs, investment and innovation. Yet we rarely recognize cultural industries with the same economic ambition and strategic attention we give technology.

What could happen if tech and culture understood each other better, worked together more often and saw one another as partners in economic growth?

Join us for a lively TechTuesday conversation exploring the economic power of culture, what technology and cultural businesses can learn from one another, and how business leaders can play a more active role in creating vibrant workplaces and communities.

Our panelists

· Erin Benjamin, Executive Vice President, Advocacy & Strategy, Ottawa Board of Trade

· Mathieu Grondin, Nightlife Commissioner, City of Ottawa 

· Kevin Ford, Business Advisor and Co-founder, Positive Leadership Forum

Can’t join us in person? TechTuesday will also be available via our TechTuesday livestream powered by iSiLIVE so you can tune in and be part of the conversation from wherever you are. To watch the TechTuesday livestream, sign up here.