Co-op Mode combines play personalities with video game creation. Participants will learn about the different ways people engage with play by completing hands-on activities that each produce a component of a real video game.
We’ll kick things off with self-discovery using Dr. Stuart Brown’s 8 Play Personalities to explore how you naturally engage with curiosity, connection, problem-solving, and collaboration. We’ll look at play as a mindset (not just an activity) and how understanding your “play nature” can help teams communicate better, build trust faster, and create a more energized team culture.
We’ll then assign 1-2 people per play personality to tackle a unique task. The whole group will work together around a selected theme for their game to create something unique. By the end, all the pieces come together into a simple, playable web-based game that is unique to the group that creates it. Co-op Mode is designed for anyone curious about tech, creativity, and play. No coding or game development experience is required. Attendees will walk away learning more about play and videogames, as well as a collaboratively created game they can play themselves and share with others.
A conference to learn about practical technology for real business productivity
Join business leaders and technology experts to explore practical applications of AI, automation, ERP systems, robotics, and modern software , all focused on improving productivity and business performance.
The Southern Manitoba Technology Conference 2026 is a focused, one-day, in-person professional conference tailored for manufacturing and operations leaders who are responsible for advancing business transformation through technology adoption. The event is designed to move beyond theoretical discussion and deliver practical, actionable insights from industry-leading practitioners, with an emphasis on real-world implementation of Robotics and Automation, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Attendees will:
- Gain clear, actionable guidance on adopting key technologies in manufacturing environments
- See firsthand how leading manufacturers approach automation, ERP, and AI
- Build professional connections with industry peers and technology solution providers
- Leave with practical strategies for addressing real operational and technological challenges
- Have the opportunity to network with peers and subject matter experts while gaining insights
Featured Sessions
- Live Hackathon Kickoff: Hands-on demonstration of real software solution development
- Keynote Address: Why technology adoption is essential for modern manufacturing
- Robotics & Automation Workshop: Practical robotics use cases and adoption strategies
- ERP in Practice: Tools and support available, with implementation insights
- AI in the Workplace: Real use cases showing how AI improves production outcomes
Panel and Interaction
- Industry Panel: ERP, Automation, and the path forward with industry leaders
- Hackathon Demo & Awards: Showcase of solutions developed throughout the day
- Networking Breaks: Purpose-driven interaction to establish connections and share insights
Breakfast and Lunch included in ticket price.
Sponsorship opportunities available, $500 – $1,200.
🚨 Sold Out! 🚨
Co-op Mode combines play personalities with video game creation. Participants will learn about the different ways people engage with play by completing hands-on activities that each produce a component of a real video game.
We’ll kick things off with self-discovery using Dr. Stuart Brown’s 8 Play Personalities to explore how you naturally engage with curiosity, connection, problem-solving, and collaboration. We’ll look at play as a mindset (not just an activity) and how understanding your “play nature” can help teams communicate better, build trust faster, and create a more energized team culture.
We’ll then assign 1-2 people per play personality to tackle a unique task. The whole group will work together around a selected theme for their game to create something unique. By the end, all the pieces come together into a simple, playable web-based game that is unique to the group that creates it. Co-op Mode is designed for anyone curious about tech, creativity, and play. No coding or game development experience is required. Attendees will walk away learning more about play and videogames, as well as a collaboratively created game they can play themselves and share with others.
🚨 Sold Out! 🚨
This event consists of a 90-minute “lunch-and-play” Capture the Flag (CTF) exercise designed for a mixed technical and non-technical audience. The goal is to provide a hands-on, engaging learning experience that demonstrates how real-world security incidents begin and evolve.
The Capture The Flag is structured into three phases:
1) Awareness, IT Hygiene, and OSINT
Focused on recognizing common threats such as phishing, poor password practices, and basic OSINT.
2) Tech challenge 1: Log review, Reconnaissance, Remote Access
Emphasizing the importance of secure configurations, credential management, and operational discipline.
3) Tech challenge 2: Cred reuse, Lateral movement or Priv Escalation
Demonstrating how weak credential practices can enable attackers to expand access and escalate privileges within an environment.
Key Takeaways
• How cyber-attacks actually start in real-world environments
• Why basic security hygiene is critical
• Practical preventive measures to reduce risk
