Welcome to this week’s Midweek Memo. In this issue, read about the TEDxVictoria speaker lineup, how technology helps the vision impaired, construction on a $242M film studio, and Joni’s initiative to give back.

Now, onto today’s briefing. It’s 674 words, a three-minute read.

TEDxVictoria is speaking to us all

Nine years since its last appearance in Victoria, TEDxVictoria is back. With Victoria’s Redbrick as presenting sponsor, this year’s theme, “it’s up to us,” will bring Victoria together to challenge inaction and encourage personal, local, and global change.

An initial speaker list for TEDxVictoria has been released and includes a deep-sea explorer, teen novelist, rainforest photographer, urban planner, and wildfire fighter, with more to come.

Some of the speakers announced so far include:

• Luke Mari: Mari has 15 years of experience as a land economist and professional urban planner. He’s an advocate for data-informed design and diverse housing in all neighbourhoods, which means fostering a strong vision for what a city can be—and acting on it.

• Moronke Harris: Harris is an award-winning deep-sea explorer with experience in climate engineering, blue economy, and intergovernmental research expedition planning on the high seas.

• Jonathan Reimer: Reimer has led the response on hundreds of emergency incidents across the country, including Canada’s largest wildfire disaster. His research draws from real-world experiences to help emergency decision-makers meet challenges with innovative, evidence-based methods.

“We have an exceptional lineup of speakers representing such a broad range of inspirational topics that anyone can attend and feel engaged. Getting all these ideas under one roof feels like the beginning of something big for Victoria,” said Marco Pimentel, CMO of Redbrick and TEDxVictoria organizer.

TEDxVictoria is set to take place on May 15 at the McPherson Playhouse in downtown Victoria. Tickets are available now.

SPONSORED BY INNOVATEWEST

Act fast, and take advantage of INNOVATEwest Full Conference Passes. Enjoy the Tech Bash Party, All Keynotes & Breakouts, Welcome Reception featuring Guy Kawasaki's live signing of his book 'Think Remarkable’, and more.

📰 More Victoria innovation news

👀 I can see clearly now: Michael Moore, a lived experience consultant for Victoria’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion office, shared their story of how technology can help the vision impaired and what the City of Victoria is hoping to do with it.

✨ Let’s get it started: Beverley Dondale, founder and CEO of Victoria’s Alpha Select Production Services, shared that construction on a $242-million carbon-neutral, zero-waste film studio located on the territory of the Malahat Nation is set to begin towards the end of 2024.

🎁 Give it away: On its fourth birthday, Victoria’s Joni celebrated by launching the Joni 4for4 initiative, which awards four women-led small businesses prizes valued at $1,000. Nominations are open.

🕴️ Tech jobs of the week

Find your next career:

• Manufacturing Assembler at First Light Technologies

• IT Project and Portfolio Management Manager at City of Victoria

• Software Developer, Custom Implementations & Managed Services at VertiGIS

Hiring in Victoria? Reply to this email and let us know!

📅 Upcoming events

March 28 | The Creator...Likes Nachos

In a world where AI surpasses human intelligence... will it enjoy nachos? Join the Humans of Victoria in consuming Melted Cheese, Tortilla Chips and Jalapeños to prepare for the AI Revolution. ​​A no-speaker, social-only, nacho-friendly event. Non-tech guests are welcome, but they may be bored by conversations about no-code tools and Generative AI. 

April 4 | The Building Blocks of Black Inclusion at Work

Join an in-depth workshop in partnership with the Black Women’s Business Network.

This will be a meaningful three-hour session with a focus on sharing practical tools and resources, highlighting what leaders can do to utilize EDIB related practices to better support Black professionals.

Have an upcoming event? Reply to let us know.

🙋 I need a…

We at Victoria Tech Journal know you, our community, pretty well. Are you searching for someone in your field to have coffee with, a hiring hookup, a lead on local investors, or a suggestion for a great Victoria tech tool? Whatever you’re hunting for, let us know. We’ll post it in this section and make it happen.

Email your requests to [email protected].