RECAP: MAAIP Launch Event!
We hosted the Manitoba Association of AI Professionals’ (MAAIP) launch event, which showcased AI innovation in Manitoba. Nearly 200 attendees connected with AI professionals, researchers, and industry leaders as they explored how AI is transforming industries.
The event featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, providing valuable insights from top experts on Manitoba’s AI breakthroughs and challenges.
Agenda
Introduction to MAAIP
The board introduced MAAIP's mission, goals, and vision for AI in Manitoba.
Keynote Speech
Insights from a thought leader on shaping the future of AI.
Panel Discussion
Exploring the latest trends, challenges, and breakthroughs in AI.
Q&A
Audience engagement on pressing AI questions.
Closing
Final reflections followed by time to connect with fellow AI professionals.
Event Recap
Building Manitoba’s AI Community
The evening began with Gaetan Ruest, our MAAIP board member and emcee, who set the tone with opening remarks about the importance of building a strong AI community. Gaetan emphasized the energy from various sectors and how this momentum will drive AI innovation here in Manitoba.
Our Board Chair, Roy McLaughlin, reflected on the incredible turnout and shared the mission of MAAIP: “There is so much talent in this room tonight. And that is the point of MAAIP—bringing like-minded individuals together to share ideas, learn from each other, and work towards the common goal of making Manitoba an AI hub.” Roy also thanked the hardworking MAAIP board members, whose dedication made this event a reality.
Keynote
Stephanie Pace
AI/ML Global Practice Director, Quantiphi
The Future of AI
Stephanie Pace focused on the transformative potential of generative AI. She highlighted the incredible 3,000% growth predicted in the generative AI market, emphasizing the importance of building responsible AI systems. Her call to action for businesses: prioritize fairness, transparency, and security as they adopt AI.
Panel Discussion — Shaping AI in Manitoba
The panel focused on how AI is shaping various industries in Manitoba, the role of government policies in fostering AI innovation, and the challenges and opportunities Manitoba faces in AI application. This 45-minute session was led by MAAIP board member Loretta Kulchycki.
Loretta Kulchycki
SVP, Product, AI & Digital Strategy, Canada Life
Panel lead exploring how AI is shaping industries and policy in Manitoba.
Tyler Gooch
Director of Innovation and Technology, City of Winnipeg
“Open the data, and the AI will come…” — on civic innovation and open data for AI.
Jacqueline Keena
Managing Director, EMILI
On AI across agriculture in Manitoba and sector transformation.
David Gerhard
Department Head, Computer Science, University of Manitoba
On education, research, and ethical AI in the province.
Jeff Fettes
CEO / Founder, Laivly
On pragmatic AI adoption in business and customer experience.
After the panel, the floor opened for Q&A from the room and QR code submissions—covering ethics, privacy, bias, accessibility, and practical ways to start implementing AI today.
Gaetan Ruest closed the evening: “Your enthusiasm and commitment tonight show that Manitoba is ready to embrace the AI revolution. We’re just getting started, and the future looks bright!”
Looking Ahead
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the launch. We’re building Manitoba’s AI community together—sign up to stay connected with events, resources, and advocacy.
Sponsored by
Volunteers
Special thanks to Alexandra Blinder, Sanchit Shangari, Daniel Krutikov, Slava Blinder, and photographer Alexandra Kovlev.
Explore Future Sponsorship Opportunities
Connect with us at hi@maaip.ca.