Join RBCx for an easygoing Afternoon Brew at Lavanda on the second day of Mb Tech Week.
Drop by anytime between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM for coffee, snacks, and good conversations!
No presentation or formal agenda — just a relaxed space to meet, swap ideas, and catch up on what’s happening in the Manitoba tech ecosystem.
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:
Featured Sessions
Panel and Interaction
Breakfast and Lunch included in ticket price.
Sponsorship opportunities available, $500 – $1,200.
Kicking off during MbTech Week, Launch Coworking Space will host Founders Coffee, a weekly gathering designed to foster entrepreneurial community, connection, and collaboration. This event will be lead by 360 Coaching Group with coffee from Muse Café.
THE TALK
Three Mistakes I Made Building (and Exiting) a Startup in Winnipeg
This is a short coffee conversation about three themes that slowed us down while building a SaaS startup — all things that felt reasonable at the time and only became obvious once the dust settled on the other side of an exit.
In ten minutes, I’ll share a few decisions that weren’t catastrophic, but in hindsight had us running with one of those weighted vests strapped on without knowing it. The kind of calls founders make every day while trying to be careful, scrappy, and “do the right thing,” without realizing the trade-offs.
THE SPEAKER
Chris Johnson is a repeat enterprise SaaS founder and operator who has led multiple successful exits. He was the Founder and CEO of Permission Click, a K–12 workflow and forms platform acquired by SchoolMessenger in 2021. Following the acquisition, Chris became President of SchoolMessenger, where he led the business through its next phase of growth and operational maturity, culminating in a $300M acquisition by PowerSchool in 2023. Across these roles, Chris has built and scaled product-led organizations, overseen go-to-market transformations, and navigated the complexities of post-acquisition integration. Beyond operating roles, Chris is a co-founder of North Forge Technology Exchange and an active supporter of the Manitoba startup ecosystem as a mentor, advisor, and early-stage investor.
Beginning February 24th during Manitoba Tech Week, our Launch Downtown location will host Founders Coffee, a weekly Tuesday-morning (8 am to 9 am) gathering designed to foster entrepreneurial community, connection, and collaboration. Founders Coffee provides a welcoming space where local entrepreneurs can share their stories, present their ventures, and receive meaningful feedback from peers, mentors, and community partners.
Each session features:
Our goal is to cultivate a consistent, inclusive gathering that brings together innovators, creators, small-business owners, and community champions.
Presented by Futurepreneur, hosted by Launch Coworking, lead by 360 Coaching Group, and fueled by Muse Cafe, Founders Coffee strengthens the connective tissue of our local business community and helps entrepreneurs access the insight, encouragement, and resources they need to grow.
Founders Coffee will serve as a weekly ritual—a place where relationships are built, ideas take shape, and founders feel supported on their journey.
Join us at Powerland’s office during Manitoba Tech Week for an engaging and approachable discussion on “How to Leverage AI in the Community – Simplifying AI.” This event is designed for tech enthusiasts, business leaders, and curious minds who want to understand how AI can make a real impact in everyday life and local communities.
Manitoba knows how to build great ideas. What happens when those ideas, curious minds, and a great breakfast come together? You get a morning fueled by innovation, and a little bit of magic.
As part of MbTech Week, CGI invites you to a welcoming, interactive breakfast celebrating local innovation and the people shaping it.
Discover the Unicorn Academy, CGI’s innovation ecosystem, through real stories from start-ups and clients who are turning ideas into meaningful impact.
What’s on the menu?
• Breakfast, coffee, and great conversations
• The Unicorn Academy — where ideas meet experience and start-ups meet clients
• Panel discussions with start-ups sharing their journey and clients driving innovation in Manitoba
• An interactive session designed for questions, connections, and collaboration
Whether you’re part of Manitoba’s start-up community, a client exploring innovation, or simply curious about what’s next, come for the breakfast, celebrate Manitoba innovation and leave inspired.
⚠️ Space is limited — please register early
Join us for an engaging and insightful panel discussion exploring Wawanesa’s AI Journey—a candid look at how artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work, serve our members, and deliver value across the organization.
This session will bring together business and technology leaders to share real-world experiences from the front lines of AI adoption. Hear how teams have navigated early successes, tackled organizational challenges, and built momentum in a rapidly evolving technology landscape.
A highlight of the discussion will be a deep dive into SmartQuote, one of Wawanesa’s most impactful AI-enabled solutions. SmartQuote has delivered measurable improvements in underwriting efficiency, quote accuracy, and has become a flagship example of how thoughtful AI integration can enhance both internal workflows and broker experiences.
Whether you’re curious about how AI is reshaping insurance, looking to learn from practical use cases, or wanting a behind‑the‑scenes view of Wawanesa’s innovation path, this session promises valuable insights and an open Q&A to spark meaningful dialogue.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from the people advancing AI at Wawanesa—and to explore what’s next on our modernization journey.
Manitoba Start is hosting a speed networking event for those looking for work in the Information Technology sector. This event is an excellent opportunity to expand your network, exchange insights, and forge valuable connections with employers.
Attendees will have the chance to engage in targeted networking during this event, focusing on five key topics:
Candidates are encouraged to bring copies of their resume and dress for success!
Attendee Note:
Limited spots available and sessions are open to Manitoba Start clients only. If you are not a Manitoba Start client yet, please register as a new client to get career service supports. Please register by Tuesday, February 17.
ISACA Winnipeg and Manitoba Women in Tech are passionate about helping women take their place in the tech world. Cybersecurity is an area overflowing with opportunities, but perceptions about careers in cybersecurity might be holding many women back from entering the field.
🚨 Sold Out! 🚨
Join Payworks on February 26, 2026, for Breaking the Code of Confidence, a women in tech panel exploring imposter syndrome, resilience, and authenticity. Hear inspiring leaders share strategies to overcome self-doubt and foster thriving workplaces.
Moderated by Payworks General Counsel & Privacy Officer and Tech MB Board Chair, Grainne Grande, this panel will explore the challenges of imposter syndrome in the tech industry and highlight the voices of women who are leading with resilience, innovation, and authenticity.
Hear from Payworks leaders and other trailblazing women in technology as they share personal stories, strategies for overcoming self-doubt, and insights on how organizations can foster environments where women thrive.
This dynamic panel session will dive into the cutting-edge technological innovations, such as Artificial Intelligence and how it’s transforming the film industry and what they mean for Manitoba’s own creative landscape.
Attendees will enjoy a lively, moderated conversation featuring industry insights, followed by an open Q&A with the audience.
The event is free and open to all University of Winnipeg students, faculty, and members of the public. A networking reception will follow the session, offering a chance to connect, share ideas, and continue the conversation.
