Held at Waterloo-Kitchener’s most fabulous venue, Communitech’s signature event took place in the early morning of Wednesday, July 14^th. Eight of us had the opportunity to be part of this high-profile conference, and were able to walk away with a set of fresh ideas.

Kicking off by keynote Clay Christensen, bestselling author of The Innovator’s Dilemma, the conference raised the energy of the attendance by Christensen’s unique theory about disruption.

The other two keynotes did not disappoint either. Bill Taylor, the co-founder of Fast Company, invited us to rethink about the differences between individuals. Noel Biderman, President of Avid Life Media, challenged our perspectives on social entertainment by confronting us with one of the most controversial websites.

Aside from the innovative speeches, we also took part in Communitech’s annual tech expo, and interacted with regional’s leading firms and high potential startups.

We felt applied to the HR team and Impact in general from matters such as being innovative and accepting ideas (from Noel’s speech) to understanding that we need to distinguish ourselves. – Macro Yim

I loved the conference for its great organization, high delegate moral and quality, and wonderful keynote. – Yue Liu

These take-aways, I’m sure, will spur us as we take on more future challenges to grow Impact bigger and better.

A huge thank you to Communitech for inviting us to this amazing conference and great job on all of our Impact ambassadors: Oleg Kostour, Nikhita Singh, Yong Gi Lim, Eric Ho, Susan Wang, Yue Liu, Marco Yim, and Scott Toldsdorf. Loved all your enthusiasm and professionalism!

Image courtesy of Communitech at http://www.communitech.ca/en/special_events/index.shtml

With more initiatives then ever before, Impact is excited to present our upcoming lineup for 2010.

1. Impact Innovate (March 6)
   Impact Innovate 2010 will be a one-day discussion about innovative thought and the entrepreneurial spirit. You will gain critical new skills, ponder provoking ideas and meet your future business partners. 
    
2. Impact Microcredit (Spring)
   Impact Microcredit is Canada’s biggest high-school social entrepreneurship competition, reaching students in hundreds of schools across Canada and raising tens of thousands of dollars to worthy charities.
    
3. Impact Apprentice (Summer)
   Impact Apprentice is a real-life, challenging, hands-on competition that will test the business smarts and wits of Canada’s top entrepreneurial-minded students.
    
4. Impact Expo (Fall)
   Taking place in University of Waterloo, the Impact Expo is a conference attracting over 2000 students featuring case study competitions, keynote speakers and more.
    
5. Impact National Conference (Fall)
   Recognized as Canada’s Premier Youth Entrepreneurship Conference,  the Impact National conference attracts 500 of the top high school and post-secondary students from across Canada.
    
6. Impact Connect (Year-round)
   With a focus on connecting students interested in entrepreneurship with the industry leaders who can inspire them, the Impact Connect team will be organizing entrepreneurship competitions, networking events, and seminars throughout the year.
    
7. I Am My Ambition (Year-round)
   Exposing an interview series aimed at highlighting ambitious and successful entrepreneurs, philanthropists and politicians to shed light on their starting up stories, and transfer lessons learned through experience while emphasizing immediate action. 
    
8. Youth Canada (Year-round)
   Youth Canada is the top online resource for Canadian high school students to find insight and opportunities to further enrich their lives.
    
9. Impact.org Network (Year-round)
   The Impact.org network strives to build an online and in-person community around Impact’s people, programs, and partners.
    
10. Impact Speakers’ Bureau (Year-round)
    More information coming soon! 

Stay tuned for an exciting year!