From the Nominator

The Tech Horizons Executive Forum is a transformative executive learning experience, equipping senior leaders with real-world insights and strategies to navigate rapid technological change. Developed by WatSPEED, the professional and executive education arm of the University of Waterloo, the Forum bridges academia and industry, bringing together senior executives, policymakers, and top researchers to drive technological leadership and tackle global disruption. Held at CIBC Square in Toronto, Canada, this exclusive gathering attracted 327 attendees—80% at the director level or higher—spanning over 14 industries. The event featured keynotes from global business leaders, including Victor Dodig (CEO, CIBC), Mellody Hobson (Co-CEO, Ariel Investments), and Bruce Flatt (CEO, Brookfield Asset Management), alongside leading academic voices. Live demonstrations of artificial intelligence, robotics, and quantum computing transformed theoretical insights into hands-on learning, reinforcing the event’s reputation for practical, future-forward executive education. Beyond content, Tech Horizons delivered unmatched engagement and influence. Backed by strategic partnerships with CIBC, Microsoft, and IBM, among others, the event garnered 29.5 million media impressions across 59 outlets, amplifying its reach. The Forum not only exceeded attendance and engagement goals but also strengthened WatSPEED’s position as a premier provider of executive education. With a Net Promoter Score of 75 and session ratings averaging 9/10, attendees praised it as “one of the most valuable executive learning experiences of the year.” More than just an event, Tech Horizons established a new benchmark for bridging business and academia—fostering deep dialogue, high-impact networking, and actionable insights that empower leaders to shape the future.

From the Judges

Tech Horizons integrates hands-on technology demonstrations, exclusive executive networking, and a structured content strategy—setting a new standard for executive education. This model offers a replicable framework for deeper engagement between academia and industry, bridging the gap between research and real-world application.