Almost 1,000 people experienced Calgary’s thriving tech and innovation ecosystem first-hand at the virtual Live Tech, Love Life Career Fair.
The event, co-hosted by Calgary Economic Development and Tech West Collective (TWC), aimed to connect job seekers from around the world with local tech companies to network, learn about the innovative, world-changing work happening in the city, and showcase Calgary’s growing ecosystem.
“Calgary’s tech and innovation ecosystem is growing, and people who work here are coming up with innovative ways to solve some of the world’s greatest challenges,” says Brad Parry, Interim President & CEO, Calgary Economic Development. “This career fair was the perfect opportunity to show talent that Calgary is the place to be if they want an exciting, impactful career in tech.”
The career fair also hoped to help solve one of the challenges facing many Calgary companies: filling the talent gap.
“Many of these companies have aggressive growth plans but are having trouble trying to find the people to support them,” says Katherine Lesperance, Organizer, Tech West Collective. “The best way to attract talent is to have the tech companies share their stories. Intermediate to senior talent wants to hear about the cool work, the challenges, and see that there is a thriving ecosystem here.”
Whether attendees were there to find a new job, learn more about the industry, or create meaningful connections, they were able to accomplish it all at the six-hour event. Featuring a networking lounge, panel discussions on increasing diversity in tech, supporting women in tech and tips on how to become a successful CEO, and the opportunity to chat one-on-one with local companies.
“Events like this give tech guys like me hope of finding a career in Calgary,” says Omomogbe Fisayo, who has a background in software development. “I’m looking for transition roles, and at this event I’ve had the time to make new contacts and share my resume with a few companies as well.”
“I didn’t know there would be so many different companies attending,” says Brett Nakonechny, an Information Systems student. “I’ve been able to connect with those I wanted to reach out to and have all my questions answered.”
The companies also found the event beneficial, largely in part of the opportunity to meet different candidates and share their stories with a large audience. Many shared a similar sentiment they hope attendees took away with them.
"If someone is considering moving to Calgary for a career in tech, now is a great time to do it,” says Nic Beique, CEO, Helcim. “The industry has grown dramatically over the past three to five years, but I truly believe that we're just getting started. Over the next few years, we're going to see a huge shift in the city's economy as the tech companies here scale up. The opportunity to have a huge impact and disrupt an industry is here. Plus, you get to do it all while living in a great city with an affordable cost of living, excellent restaurants, events, and easy access to the mountains."
“Many of us have moved to Calgary from other places because we saw everything the city had to offer,” says Margaux Myers, People Operations Manager, Aimsio. “You cannot go wrong if you choose Calgary. Calgary has so much to offer from a culture, citylife, and outdoor enthusiast perspective. The people of Calgary are resilient, innovative and hard-working. If you decide to move here to further your career, you'll work alongside some of the most bright and respectful individuals. But you'll also find a community of people who are ready to support you and your family as you become one of us!”
For more information on working in our opportunity-rich city, visit the Live Tech, Love Life website.
