The first gathering of its kind in Guelph, the event happens from 8:30 a. m. to 3 p. m. in the new Frank Hasenfratz Centre of Excellence in Manufacturing, 700 Woodlawn Rd. W. It was spearheaded by the Guelph Chamber of Commerce with support from the City of Guelph, Linamar Corp. and Communitech, a news release said.

Jim Estill, founder of EMJ-SYNNEX Canada, will give the keynote address. Another speaker is Jonathan Dart, British Consulate General and director UK Trade & Investment (Canada). The conference will include various break-out sessions, as well as panel discussions examining technology success stories in the Guelph region and in Canada as a whole.

The information technology sector in Guelph “is reaching a critical mass and maturity in our community, and it’s attracting a highly skilled and creative workforce,” Mayor Karen Farbridge said the release. The IT sector “represents a valuable opportunity to diversify the types of jobs we have in Guelph,” she said.

“The Guelph Technology Economy initiative represents fast, agile, independent business solutions that will unite technology businesses with other key local businesses that can benefit from their products and expertise for the mutual benefit of all,” said Guelph Chamber of Commerce president Lloyd Longfield.

For more information, visit www.guelphtechnologyeconomy.ca .