Speakers List

Paul Zikopoulos

Vice President, IBM Technology Sales – Skills Vitality and Enablement

Paul is an award-winning professional writer and speaker who has been consulted on the topic of AI & Big Data by the popular TV show “60 Minutes.” He’s also been invited to participate in data discussions with NATO generals who are charged with shaping the future of its operational command and control strategy, where data has been identified as its most critical component. Paul’s been named to dozens of global “Experts to Follow” and “Thought Leader” lists, including Analytics Insight’s “Top 100 AI & Big Data Influencers” and CIO Look magazine’s “The 10 Most Intelligent Leaders in Data Science and Analytics”. Paul has written 21 books (including “The AI Ladder”, “Cloud without Compromise”, and 3 ‘for Dummies’ titles) and over 360 articles during his accidental 28-year career as a data nerd.  

At IBM, Paul leads from the front, helping to shape the strategic direction in a ‘tech years are like dog years’ world for the IBM Technology Unit’s (IBM’s software & hardware divisions) sales, tech sales, and partner ecosystem learning journeys and upskilling programs.  

You’ll find Paul taking a very active role around Women in Technology (he’s a seated advisory board member for Switch, formerly known as Women 2.0) who he became involved with after one of his viral tweets was mentioned on the TV show, “The View.” He’s the only male to ever win IBM Canada’s “Women in Technology Ally of the Year” award and is always at the forefront of general workplace inclusivity. In addition, Paul is a seated “Coding for Veterans” board member and sits on the world-recognized “Masters of Management Analytics & AI” program board at Canada’s prestigious Queen’s University. 

Sean Congdon

President and Chief Executive Officer, Colt Canada

President and Chief Executive Officer of Colt Canada, Canada’s provider of Small Arms for the Canadian Armed Forces.  Sean previously spent 32 years in the Canadian Automotive Manufacturing industry – with Ford Motor Company of Canada and then with Linamar Corporation where he served as the Group President of North America, overseeing 28 manufacturing sites and 13,000 employees in Canada, USA and Mexico.  He has a Mechanical Engineering and Management Degree from McMaster University and an MBA from Queen’s University.

Andrew Ellis

VP, Global Portfolio Engineering, Rockwell Automation

Andrew is the Vice President of Global Portfolio Engineering which is part of the Global Sales and Marketing organization within Rockwell Automation. He brings more than 30 years of experience to guiding customers along their Automation and Connected Enterprise journeys. Prior to Rockwell Automation, Andrew was one of the founders of Incuity Software, whose Enterprise Manufacturing Intelligence product became FactoryTalk VantagePoint.  In his role as Vice President of Professional Services he developed, designed and implemented automation strategies, integrated control systems and information solutions for North American and international customers in a variety of industries. 

Andrew is a member of the CESMII Governance Board, where he plays a key role in guiding the institute’s strategic direction, overseeing its programs and initiatives, and fostering collaboration among its diverse stakeholders. 

He holds a degree in Engineering Physics and Management from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario and lives with his wife and four children in Burlington, Ontario. 

Dr. Ryan Janzen

Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder, TransPod Inc.

Ryan Janzen is the inventor of the TransPod system. His strategy was to create a new generation of tube transportation with key new technologies to create a safe high-speed transportation system. His concept gave TransPod key competitive advantages, including a low infrastructure cost, and fundamental safety. Janzen has been featured on the Discovery Channel, Wired magazine, and Through the Wormhole, with his innovations featured in 110+ international lectures, media interviews, and scientific publications. Janzen has created several “world’s firsts” including veillance flux and aircraft PLC, leading to advances in aerospace propulsion, physics, and new innovations for cities.