Better Marketing can beat Better Technology – as can be seen from countless examples. Clear communications and awareness of value can provide clarity and customers – through the visibility, brand, and market-share that creates a market-leading product. As an example, Alberta was a leader in Artificial Intelligence before Montreal and Toronto – however their greater investment in marketing, ecosystem, and then post-secondaries helped them catch up quickly. Note: Canada did then invest in all 3 as National AI centres –and Alberta has made continued investment, so we are all still in the game.

Strategic Events are Marketing, Community Building, Reputation-Building, Morale-Building, Catalysts and Business Attraction all pulled together in one. Continued investment in events can build the brand of a province, and a message is sent locally, nationally and internationally. While “Collision” in Toronto, and “SxSW” in Austin have become iconic innovation events that have put these cities in the spotlight – the word is getting out through Upper Bound and Inventure$ that innovation is a strength and a priority of Alberta. We are seeing results, and are gaining momentum – national and global investment is being made in Alberta’s Tech Sector, and even more talent is moving here. “If you build it, they will come” – is working.. as long as we continue to show the world the strength that we have here! Memories are short, and the competition is tough – so thank you to the champions at AMII and Alberta Innovates and the Government of Alberta – and the many, many, tech entrepreneurs and community champions across the province – for believing in Alberta, and ourselves, and bringing us – and keeping us – on the global stage.

So spread the word everyone – through conferences, through talks at post-secondaries – Alberta’s great tech companies are hiring, in a province which is a great place to work and live, and where innovation is valued, and celebrated! This builds a great economy.

.. Next Stop –ASTech Awards. Nominate now – Your innovators are counting on you! Deadline to recommend or nominate candidates for the 35^th Annual Alberta Science and Technology Leadership Awards is in 3 weeks – on June 26. It only takes 30 minutes to make a difference and show our researchers, tech entrepreneurs, and community champions that what they do matters – for the future of our province, you got this!

Thanks everyone, and see you soon, at the ASTech Awards Grande Opening, Friday September 27at University of Calgary, and at the ASTech Awards Gala in Edmonton at the Delta Convention Inn South on Friday November 1.

..and let’s show everyone how much We Heart Alberta Tech!

Gail
Gail J. Powley, P.Eng
President, Technology Alberta