Catalyst
Summit 2026
Thanks to our partners for continued support:
Be part of the third annual Catalyst Summit!
Step into the third 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 18, 2026
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 & Opening Remarks | Main Room - Muirfield & Edinburgh
Settle in with a warm welcome from Judith Borts & Charles Finlay as they kick off the 2026 Catalyst Summit.
Speakers:
Charles Finlay, Founding Executive Director, Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst
Judith Borts, Senior Director, Planning and Delivery, Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst
Morning Keynote | Main Room - Muirfield & Edinburgh
11:00 - 11:10 AM
Morning Break
Catalyst Program Announcements & Award Presentation | Main Room - Muirfield & Edinburgh
A look into the future of the Catalyst with Charles Finlay and other members of the Catalyst team.
11:40 - 1:00 PM
Lunch & Networking | Lobby
Afternoon Workshop Sessions
Choose between three concurrent workshop sessions:
Data Centres Workshop
Main Room – Muirfield & Edinburgh
The Data Centre Boom: Opportunities, Challenges, and What’s Next
As demand for AI and digital infrastructure accelerates, data centres are becoming increasingly important to economic growth and technological innovation. But their rapid expansion also raises questions about energy consumption, resource management, and the impact on local communities. Drawing on research from his newly released book, Hyperscale, journalist and author Paris Marx will explore the opportunities and challenges associated with data centres, and what a more sustainable and responsible approach to digital infrastructure could look like.
Speaker: Paris Marx, Author of Hyperscale: The Ambition and Excess of Big Tech’s Data Empires
Moderator: Charles Finlay, Founding Executive Director, Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst
Disinformation Workshop
Aberdeen Room
Blind Spots: How Disinformation Exploits People, Erodes Trust, and Dismantles Democracy
Disinformation erodes trust in the institutions that hold up our democracy, but because disinformation campaigns target people and not systems, they often fall outside the parameters of cybersecurity. Participants will leave the workshop with an understanding of what disinformation is, how disinformation campaigns exploit vulnerabilities, and why democratic resilience is a whole-of-society concern.
Speakers:
Jennie Phillips, Co-Director, Global Centre for Democratic Resilience (GCDR)
Brian McQuinn, CEO, CIPHER AI | Associate Professor, University of Regina
Moderator: Katie Gibson, Director, Cyber Clinic & Policy Insights
Career Workshop
Drumoak Room
Rooted and Ready: Growing Into Leadership in Cybersecurity
Leadership in the field of cybersecurity demands resilience, flexibility, and adaptability. This workshop is for participants looking to build capacity in their current role, explore new opportunities, or take the next step into leadership. Participants will leave with a clearer sense of their core values, how those values compare to the AI tools they use, and the leadership skills required to work through a real-world cybersecurity scenario.
Speaker: Makenzie Van Eyk, Founder, ConnectEd Consulting
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
Facilitator: Judith Borts, Senior Director, Planning and Implementation, Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst
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)
Moderator: Trish Dyl, Director, Skills Development & International Programs
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.
Speakers:
Jaclyn Parent, Manager Cyber Vulnerability, Metrolinx
Daniel Pinsky, CSO & Head of Information Security, CDW Canada
Nitin Bedi, Vice President, Cyber Services, ISA Cybersecurity
Moderator: Roxana Rozembaigher, Associate Director, Recruitment, Admissions & Partnerships
1:50 – 2:05 PM
Afternoon Break
Afternoon Keynote | Main Room - Muirfield & Edinburgh
AI & Trust: Securing an Intelligent World
As AI systems become increasingly autonomous and embedded in our daily lives, how do we ensure they remain secure, reliable, and worthy of our trust? In this keynote, renowned security expert Bruce Schneier will explore the evolving relationship between AI, cybersecurity, and trust.
Closing Remarks | Main Room - Muirfield & Edinburgh
Reflect on the day’s highlights with Charles Finlay, then get ready to mingle and share ideas with fellow attendees during networking.
Networking Reception
Join us for a reception featuring drinks, hors d’oeuvres, while taking the opportunity to connect and network with the Summit community.
Featuring
Charles Finlay
Founding Executive Director
David Frum
Social & Political Commentator, Staff Writer
Jennie Phillips
Co-Director
Paris Marx
Author of Hyperscale: The Ambition and Excess of Big Tech’s Data Empires
Bruce Schneier
Security technologist and author
Judith Borts
Senior Director, Planning and Implementation
Katie Gibson
Director, Cyber Clinic & Policy Insights
Makenzie Van Eyk
Founder
The Details
Wednesday, November 18, 2026
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