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From innovators to change-makers, every voice brings practical strategies to spark your next move. Come ready to be inspired, empowered, and equipped.
This Year’s Theme
Innovation. Infrastructure. Inclusion.
BTF Summit 2025 is where vision meets action. This year’s theme invites us to explore how innovation, infrastructure, and inclusion intersect to shape our future. Through thought-provoking discussions and strategic collaborations, we aim to redefine what's possible in our communities and industries.
- All Summit Speakers
Leaders shaping what's next
Janak Alford
Speaker - Keynote
Deputy Minister of Innovation and Technology for Government of Alberta
Janak Alford is Alberta’s Deputy Minister of Technology and Innovation with nearly two decades of public sector leadership in digital transformation, AI, and innovation. An entrepreneur and author, he is helping shape Alberta’s technology and AI strategy for the future economy.
Enyinnah Okere
Featured Speaker
Deputy Minister, Communications and Public Engagement
Enyinnah is an experienced Executive with a focus strategic planning, issues management, government & community relations.
Dr. Ako Ufodike
Speaker - Opening Remarks
Associate Professor York University and Former Deputy Minister, Alberta
Dr. Ufodike brings a wealth of experience from both public service and academia. His keynote will delve into how intentional innovation and inclusive infrastructure can drive transformative change.
Dennis Agbegha
Event Host
Regional Manager, Partnerships – Prairies, Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
Dennis Agbegha brings energy and insight to the summit as our host. With a strong background in fostering partnerships and supporting entrepreneurial ventures, he will ensure the event flows seamlessly, keeping attendees engaged and inspired.
Thandiwe Konguavi
Speaker - Panel Moderator
Reporter/Editor at CBC
Thandiwe is an award-winning journalist with a passion for storytelling, people, and continuous learning. Adventurous and driven, she has built experience working across Canada, including Toronto, Edmonton, Yellowknife, and Saskatoon, as well as in her native country, Zimbabwe.
She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of Toronto and is recognized for her curiosity, adaptability, and compelling approach to storytelling.
Lan Tan
Panelist
VP Commercialization and partnerships, Lawcubator
Lan Tan is a seasoned commercialization strategist with a passion for innovation, global markets, and building partnerships that drive meaningful growth. Ambitious and results-oriented, she has built a career-long track record in venture operations, currently serving as VP of Commercialisation and Partnerships at Lawcubator (ComplyMS), where she is scaling a digital compliance management system into a global industry standard.
Courtney Remekie
Panelist
Senior Practice Lead, Adobe
Courtney Remekie is an experienced digital marketer with over 10 years of experience in enterprise software, digital strategy and customer engagement. He works closely with business leaders, marketers and IT stakeholders, to help organizations align their digital goals with scalable, customer-focused solutions.
Teslim Ogundiran
Panelist
Regional Manager, Inclusive Entrepreneurship, BDC
Teslim is a seasoned investment professional with a passion for emerging markets, impact-driven finance, and backing the next generation of high-growth businesses. Analytical and commercially sharp, he has built a broad investment career spanning private equity, corporate development, and venture capital across Africa, Europe, and the Americas, with experience in markets including the United Kingdom, Canada, Chile, and Argentina.
Ebenezer Arthur
Panelist
Partner, BKR Capital
Ebenezer is a seasoned investment and business advisory professional with a passion for driving growth, building ventures, and creating impact across Africa and beyond. Strategic and results-orientated, he has built a distinguished career spanning over a decade across Ghana and Canada, with experience in green ventures, startup ecosystems, and financial advisory.
Ryan Dunford
Closing Remarks
Director General, Program Operations and Community Development, Prairies Economic Development Canada.
Ryan Dunford is an experienced public policy professional with a passion for good governance, innovation, and the systems that shape people’s lives. Thoughtful and strategic, he has built a versatile career spanning post-secondary education, student financial assistance, labour market, immigration, and regional economic development policy and programs.
Dr Lisa-Ross Rodriguez
Remarks from the Province
Assistant Deputy Minister, Government of Alberta
Dr Lisa-Ross has over 20 years of experience in the academic and public sectors, She has lead strategic initiatives that advance inclusion, workforce development, economic empowerment, and lifelong learning. She is the Assistant Deputy Minister of Newcomer and multicultural supports for the Government of Alberta, and has overseen programmes that strengthen multicultural engagement and support the economic and social integration of newcomers.
Andrew Knack
Remarks from the City
Mayor of Edmonton
Andrew Knack is a strong advocate of our community league system and served on both the Meadowlark and Jasper Park Community Leagues. He has served as the Council representative on the Accessibility Advisory Committee, City of Edmonton Youth Council and Edmonton Transit System Advisory Board. He is responsible for four Council Initiatives: NextGen, Seniors, Public Engagement, and Transportation Innovation.
Andrew also sits on the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (ABmunis) Board of Directors and Executive as Vice President for Edmonton.
Ayo Aiyeleye
Fire Side Chat Speaker
Executive Director At Alberta Innovates
I am a business leader, community advocate and entrepreneur, passionate about bringing innovative solutions to real-world problems. I have an extensive professional background across multiple countries and industries, both in the private and public sectors, and I bring a unique intersectional lens to my professional, business and community engagements.
Max Rose
Fire Side Chat Speaker
Founding partner of Best Step Real Estate Services Ltd.
Max is a highly motivated Real Estate Asset Management professional with 15+ years of experience and $15M+ in sales. Based in Edmonton, he co-founded Best Step Real Estate, manages a $60M portfolio, and leads development projects. Originally from the East Coast of Canada, Max also played a pivotal role in the growth of a local Edmonton pet food company that transitioned from a family-run business to being acquired by a private equity firm, and eventually became part of a global sale to a multi-billion dollar corporation.
Michele Evans
Fire Side Chat Speaker
Assistant Deputy Minister, Alberta Region – Prairies Economic Development Canada
Michele Evans is a dedicated and accomplished public servant, currently serving as Assistant Deputy Minister, Alberta Region – Prairies Economic Development Canada. With over two decades of government leadership, she has consistently driven innovation and excellence in public policy, program delivery, and strategic planning. Her expertise spans economic development, social policy, and public administration, earning her recognition as a transformative leader.
Fuel the Vision, Together
Don’t miss this opportunity to be in the same room with the people shaping tomorrow’s economy at the BTF Summit.
Friday, June 26, 2026 @ The Maclab Theatre, Citadel, Edmonton from 5pm to 9pm.
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