Theme: Up All Night

At the intersectionality of ideation, imagination and interdisciplinarity, this year's conference themed, Up All Night, will share stories of dreamers and doers. Become inspired by short, powerful talks from across a plethora of human endeavour! We will be featuring local leaders and innovators to discuss innovation in Edmonton - whether this be in technology, entertainment, business, education, healthcare, arts, or global issues. In the spirit of “ideas worth spreading,” we hope to spark discussion and connection over shared passion for issues that face Edmonton.

Telus Centre
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E1
Canada

Arman Hemmati

Professor: Mechanical Engineering + Climate policy expert

Arman Hemmati is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, and Principal Investigator for Future Energy Systems, where his research focuses on alternative energy systems. He is internationally renowned and received numerous awards for his research on fluid mechanics, aerodynamics and turbulence, as attested by his participation as an Official Expert Observer for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on multiple occasions.

Jasneet Parmar

Professor + Doctor

Jasneet Parmar is an Associate Professor in the Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta, and the Medical Lead of Home Living and Transitions, AHS Edmonton Zone Continuing Care. She has worked for the Specialized Geriatrics Program and served as the Medical Director for the Covenant Health Network of Excellence in Seniors’ Health and Wellness. Her research focuses on improving the quality of care of complex and frail seniors as well as the support provided to family caregivers of older adults.

Randall Morck

Professor + Finance and Economics Expert

Randall Morck is a Professor at the Alberta School of Business, University of Alberta, and a Research Associate in numerous institutes. After obtaining a Ph.D. in economics at Harvard, Randall notably served as a Research Fellow at the Bank of Canada and he was made a Yangtze River Scholar, China’s highest academic honour. His research interests include business history, political economy and corporate finance. Internationally recognized for his work, Randal is a frequent keynote speaker at conferences.

Randy Boissonnault

Politician + LGBTQ+ Activist

Randy Boissonnault was elected as the Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre in 2015 and was appointed by Justin Trudeau as the Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on LGBTQ2 Issues. Randy discovered his passion for leadership and public service at the University of Alberta, where he served as President of the Students’ Union. Since studying at the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, Randy has worked as a lecturer at the University of Alberta’s Campus Saint-Jean, and as a journalist and political commentator for CBC Radio-Canada and Les Affaire.

Sandra Bucerius

Professor + Researcher: Canadian Prisons

Sandra M. Bucerius is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology, University of Alberta. Her research is designed to understand criminal justice institutions and those who encounter them, particularly those marginalized by factors related to race, gender, social class, addictions and other factors. Sandra translates her knowledge and findings into best practises and system changes, by co-leading the University of Alberta Prison Project and as an executive member of the Canadian Research Network of Terrorism, Security, and Society (TSAS).