Over the past decade, the Aga Khan Economic Planning Board in Canada has brought together exceptional speakers and ambitious participants as part of the Ignite Conferences, an initiative of Alliances Canada.
Participants have typically included a broad section of the Jamat from different backgrounds, including students, career professionals, entrepreneurs, and life-long learners. In the past, delegates from around the country eagerly gathered in one city to build partnerships, grow networks, and share memorable experiences. However, 2020 and 2021 were very different.
Twenty months after the Covid-19 pandemic began, networkers were yearning for deeper connections, were ready to expand their professional circles, and to gain knowledge from industry leaders on trends, opportunities, and risks.
In keeping with the goal of sharing insights in an engaging way, the 2021 IgniteDigital Conference featured world-class speakers presenting on topics such as the so-called great resignation, the housing crisis, and the future of work; as part of the conference’s overarching theme of “Reimagining the Future: Emerging Stronger.”
The result was an interactive conference delivered via an immersive platform that allowed speakers and participants to connect in real-time like never before. The online platform was also designed to showcase AKDN projects and to share with participants the history, architecture, and impact of these beautiful sites.
“IgniteDigital 2021 brought the community together to build bonds virtually, that we typically only build in-person,” said conference lead Fareen Madhani. “The breadth of session topics, the interactive and engaging platform and the relationships formed made the conference a successful, inspiring, and thought provoking event.”
Real-time networking was facilitated by randomised matchmaking, photobooths, mentorship sessions, as well as live discussions with speakers and panel members. IgniteDigital sponsoring partners had virtual booths where attendees could meet one another, download resources, and set up future meetings. This was not just another zoom meeting!
Through two days of engaging and informative talks, more than 40 speakers shared their knowledge, wisdom, and insights to help the Jamat re-imagine the future.
Delegates heard from futurist Ian Khan who shared emerging technology trends with insights on the Art of Future Readiness. Participants also joined a panel discussion on The Great Resignation in Canada and heard from inspiring Women entrepreneurs who shared stories about their paths to thriving entrepreneurial success.
After the conference, participants were able to continue interacting on IgniteExchange, Alliances Canada’s online community platform, which brings professionals and business owners together in one place to network, join various Alliances across Canada, share knowledge, and grow.
The knowledge and wisdom captured at the 2021 IgniteDigital conference is now available for all to enjoy on The Ismaili TV On Demand.
