Technology Conference Coming to Courtenay Next Week

September 14, 2016

A major conference on the latest trends in technology for municipalities is happening in Courtenay next week, and will bring good old-fashioned dollars and cents to the Comox Valley.

The Municipal Information Systems Association (MISA) BC fall conference runs from September 19 to 22, 2016. The conference, open to MISA BC members, is expected to bring in roughly $500,000 worth of economic benefit to the community, through hotel bookings, conference and leisure activities, and other economic spin-off opportunities.

MISA BC promotes greater cooperation among local government information technology staff by sharing information and developing common solutions on a broader and cost-effective scale.

“Having the MISA conference in Courtenay is a big deal,” said City of Courtenay CAO David Allen. “This represents a huge investment in our community, not only through direct financial benefit to our tourism and conference sector, but also to the greater local economy as our community showcases the best we have to offer to hundreds of conference attendees.

“MISA is also an opportunity for the participating local governments to learn the latest technological solutions and innovations for supporting municipal services and keeping residents and visitors informed.”

Approximately 350 delegates representing municipalities of all sizes around the province have registered, plus over 50 vendors from across North America.

The conference is happening largely in downtown Courtenay, in and around the Florence Filberg Centre, the Sid Williams Theatre, and the Native Sons Hall. In addition, conference leisure activities are planned around the greater Comox Valley.

While the main conference is limited to registered attendees, a number of $25 balcony seats are being offered for sale to the general public to each of the three conference keynote speaker presentations: technology futurist Tod Maffin, journalist, innovation, and augmented reality speaker Leah Hunter, and technology educator and personality Steve Dotto. Contact the Sid Williams Theatre for ticket information. 

To accommodate the conference, a section of the parking lot between the Florence Filberg Centre and the Native Sons Hall will be closed.

For more information, visit www.misa.bc.ca