OCAD University is proud to host the seventh Manning Innovation Symposium on Thursday, November 30, 2017 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Presented by Freedom Mobile, the Symposium will connect Canadian innovators and post-secondary students with a goal to inspire them to choose innovation as a life or career choice.
“We are delighted to host the Manning Innovation Symposium at OCAD University - Canada’s university of the imagination,” says Dr. Sara Diamond, president and vice-chancellor, OCAD University. “It is our belief that art and design are central and driving components of all forms of innovation and we are pleased to engage with the community and share our ground-breaking research and pathways to innovation success.”
“The pathway to innovation can be indirect and daunting,” says Foundation President Jennifer Diakiw. “We are grateful for Freedom Mobile’s support, which is a demonstration of their commitment to inspiring young Canadians to consider innovation as a life or career choice.”
The theme of this year’s Innovation Symposium is “The Imagination to Innovate, the Stamina to Succeed.” Organized by and for students, the Symposium is comprised of two components:
In the first session, Ernest C. Manning Awards Laureates and two innovators linked to OCAD University will share stories that focus on their pathways to innovation success. The presentations are brief and informal and will be recorded and produced as YouTube videos, which will be widely distributed.
The second component, Innovation Mentorship in 12 Minutes, is an opportunity for students to engage with the innovators in a way that is more meaningful than a Q & A session. Similar to speed dating, small groups of students will have approximately 12 minutes with each innovator for conversation.
“Encouraging innovation in Canada’s young people is key to helping ensure the future growth, development and prosperity of our community,” says Chethan Lakshman, Vice-President, External Affairs, Freedom Mobile. “Events like the Manning Innovation Symposium champion the development of new ideas and new thinking that will help inspire the next generation.”
“The pathway to innovation can be indirect and daunting,” says Ernest C. Manning Awards Foundation President Jennifer Diakiw. “When the innovators share their stories, students hear about the challenges, but also the tremendous rewards.”
Ernest C. Manning Awards Laureates participating in the Symposium will include the 2017 winners to be announced at the 36th Manning Innovation Awards at Toronto’s Scotiabank Centre on Wednesday, November 29. They will be available for media interviews at the Innovation Symposium at 10:30 a.m. at OCAD U.
The Ernest C. Manning Awards Foundation discovers, encourages and rewards outstanding Canadian innovators – and tells their stories. The Innovation Symposia, held in partnership with Canadian post-secondary institutions, are key pillars in encouraging young Canadians through the innovators’ stories.