Catalyst Summit 2025
Thanks to our partners for continued support:
Be part of the second annual Catalyst Summit!
Step into the second annual Catalyst Summit — an exclusive, high-energy gathering where alumni, instructors, stakeholders, and program partners connect, collaborate, and inspire the next chapter of cybersecurity.
This year’s Summit is your opportunity to build meaningful connections, sharpen your thinking with the latest cybersecurity research and trends, and collaborate on bold solutions to the most urgent challenges in the digital world. Whether you’re shaping national strategy or your next career step, the Summit offers a space to plan, learn, and lead.
In the face of rising U.S. tariffs, global cyber threats, and rapid digital change, Canada’s need for homegrown cybersecurity solutions has never been more urgent. At the Catalyst, we’re helping businesses, governments, and individuals strengthen national security, drive innovation, and fuel economic growth. The Summit is where that work begins — and accelerates.
Join us to shape the future of cybersecurity. We can’t do it without you.
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Brampton, ON
'Canada's Cyber Capital'
Our forward-thinking Catalyst Community
Exchange of ideas & collaborative workshops
Agenda
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Registration & Networking Breakfast | Lobby
Welcome & Introductions | Main Room - Muirfield & Edinburgh
Opening Remarks | Main Room - Muirfield & Edinburgh
Morning Keynote 1: Democracy, Dependency, and the Digital Threat: Canada at a Crossroads | Main Room - Muirfield & Edinburgh
In a world where old orders of international cooperation are rupturing, Canada faces an urgent reckoning. Acclaimed author and cultural critic Stephen Marche will explore how Canada’s digital infrastructure stands at a crossroads — and why complacency is no longer an option. Drawing connections between democratic fragility, technological dependency, and national security, Marche will argue that Canada can no longer rely on assumptions of safety.
This talk will examine the structural and cultural vulnerabilities that leave Canada exposed, and the critical investments required to build a truly sovereign and resilient cybersecurity ecosystem. For those already working on the “what” of cyber defence, Marche’s challenge is to confront the “why” — why our digital independence matters, why action is urgent, and what it will take to secure a future that’s both free and fortified.
11 – 11:15 AM
Morning Break
Morning Keynote 2 | Main Room - Muirfield & Edinburgh
2026 at the Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst | Main Room - Muirfield & Edinburgh
12:00 – 1:00 PM
Lunch | Lobby
Workshop Sessions I
AI Workshop
AI at Speed: Secure Adoption in a Fast-Moving Landscape
As companies race to integrate AI and emerging tools into their operations, the pressure to adopt quickly can create both opportunities and risks. This session explores the critical considerations for organizations navigating rapid AI adoption, including balancing innovation with security, evaluating new technologies, and understanding the evolving threat landscape AI introduces. Experts will share practical guidance on integrating AI tools responsibly, managing cybersecurity implications, and establishing guardrails that protect data, systems, and people. Attendees will walk away with strategies to help their organizations innovate with confidence — adopting AI at speed, but not at the expense of security.
Speaker: David Whyte, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Tidal Point Software
Law Enforcement Workshop
Inside Cyber Investigations: A Guide for Law Enforcement Collaboration
Cybercrime investigations often unfold far from public view, but they are critical to protecting individuals, businesses, and national security. In this session, law enforcement experts will take you behind the scenes of a high-profile cyber investigation, sharing how cases are built, evidence is gathered, and criminals are brought to justice. Participants will also learn practical ways organizations can work effectively with law enforcement — what to expect during an investigation, how to report incidents, and the do’s and don’ts of sharing information. Whether you’re in the private sector, government, or security research, this session offers valuable insights into bridging the gap between industry and law enforcement in the fight against cybercrime.
Speakers:
Lina Dabit – Executive Director Office of the CISO, Optiv Canada
Melanie Power – Detective Inspector Manager, Ontario Provincial Police Cyber Operations Section (COS)
Career Workshop
Charting Your Path: Advancing Your Career in Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing fields in the world, but breaking in and moving up can be challenging without a clear roadmap. This session brings together seasoned leaders to share strategies for building your skills, standing out in a competitive job market, and navigating career transitions within the cyber ecosystem. Whether you’re just starting, aiming for leadership, or looking to specialize in emerging areas like AI, cloud, or threat intelligence, you’ll walk away with practical insights on in demand skills, mentorship, networking, and continuous learning to help you take the next step in your cybersecurity career.
Jaclyn Parent, Manager Cyber Vulnerability, Metrolinx
Daniel Pinsky, CSO & Head of Information Security, CDW Canada
Moderator: Roxana Rozembaigher, Associate Director, Recruitment, Admissions & Partnerships
1:55 – 2:05 PM
Afternoon Break
Workshop sessions II
Boosting Canadian Cyber Workshop
Fion Lee Madan, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer, Asenion (formerly Fairly AI + anch.AI)
Adam Evans, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer, RBC
Moderator: Connie Tang, Director, Public Sector and Small Business
Quantum Workshop
Speaker: Brian Neill, Vice President, evolutionQ
Career Workshop
Level Up Your Career: Networking Strategies & LinkedIn Tune-Up
Looking to take the next step in your cybersecurity career? This interactive workshop combines expert insights with practical, hands-on support. Start with a dynamic session on networking effectively — online, at conferences, and within your community — to build meaningful connections that open doors. At the same time, Catalyst staff will be available for one-on-one LinkedIn profile reviews, offering personalized tips to help you stand out to recruiters and employers. Whether you’re just entering the field or aiming for your next leadership role, this workshop will equip you with tools and strategies to sharpen your professional presence and expand your opportunities.
Speaker: Ben Babins, HR Manager and Career Coach
Moderator: Roxana Rozembaigher, Associate Director, Recruitment, Admissions & Partnerships
Investing in the Future: Strengthening Catalyst's Community | Main Room - Muirfield & Edinburgh
Closing Remarks | Main Room - Muirfield & Edinburgh
Networking Reception | Lobby
Join us for a reception featuring drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and a few words from the Mayor of Brampton, Patrick Brown, while taking the opportunity to connect and network with the Summit community.
Featuring
Stephen Marche
Novelist and columnist. Author of The Next Civil War and the First Ever AI-Generated Novella, Death of an Author | Writer
Elizabeth Anderson
David Whyte
Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer
Lina Dabit
Executive Director Office
Melanie Power
Detective Inspector Manager
Fion Lee Madan
Co-founder and Chief Product Officer
Adam Evans
Jaclyn Parent
Manager Cyber Vulnerability
Daniel Pinsky
Charles Finlay
Steven Liss
Patrick Brown
Judith Borts
Ben Babins
HR Manager and Career Coach
Roxana Rozembaigher
The Details
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
8:30 AM – 5 PM EST
Lionhead Golf Club & Conference Centre (Brampton, ON)
- Food and beverages to be provided.
Registrations are limited. Attendee registrations will be considered on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Mark your calendars
If you have questions about the event or accessibility needs, we would love to hear from you. Reach out to events@cybersecurecatalyst.ca