By Elke Porter | WBN News Vancouver | May 26, 2025
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With hundreds of talks, panels, and networking opportunities packed into the schedule, Web Summit Vancouver—hailed by Politico as the "Olympics of Tech"—is a hive of innovation and inspiration. Amid the whirlwind of events, a handful of standout sessions on Wednesday, May 28 promise cutting-edge insights and influential voices from across the tech, business, and government sectors.

Technology is now the fastest-growing industry in British Columbia, employing over 220,000 people across more than 11,000 tech companies. The region’s tech sector is expanding at twice the pace of the broader economy, and Vancouver currently ranks first in high-tech job growth in North America.

That’s why the launch of Web Summit’s first North American edition, hosted in Vancouver this May, is such a pivotal moment. It brings together thousands of international entrepreneurs, unicorn founders, midas-touch investors, and top-tier global media, all converging to explore the future of innovation in one of the world’s most dynamic tech ecosystems.

1. Quantum Optimization: The Killer Use Case for Quantum Computing
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Location: E161, Number 2 - Centre Stage
This special meetup offers a deep dive into the transformative potential of quantum optimization. As quantum computing inches closer to mainstream application, this session highlights real-world breakthroughs that could disrupt industries from logistics to pharmaceuticals. Expect to hear from experts on how quantum technology is being used to solve some of today’s most complex problems.

2. 20 Charts in 20 Minutes That Will Transform Your Marketing – Neil Patel
Time: 11:00 AM – 11:20 AM | Location: Centre Stage
Marketing icon Neil Patel delivers a fast-paced, insight-packed session designed for today’s data-driven world. In just 20 minutes, Patel will walk through 20 compelling charts that reveal current trends, consumer behaviors, and conversion strategies. A must-attend for marketers seeking fresh, actionable insights.

3. Smarter, Not Harder: AI’s Role in Data-Driven Optimisation
Time: 11:30 AM – 11:55 AM | Location: Stage 5
Moderated by Fast Company’s Harry McCracken, this panel discussion features Chris Mar (PwC) and Ping Wu (Cresta). The focus is on how AI tools are transforming the way organizations process data, optimize workflows, and make smarter decisions—proving that innovation doesn’t always mean working harder, just smarter.

4. Press Conference with Web Summit Leadership and Government Officials
Time: 12:00 PM – 12:20 PM | Location: Stage 2
In this pivotal moment for the event, Web Summit founder Paddy Cosgrave is joined by Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim and BC’s Minister of Jobs, Diana Gibson. Together, they will address the significance of hosting the summit in Vancouver and its broader impact on the local economy, innovation, and global partnerships.

5. Brandcasting: Why Every Company Needs to Be a Media Company
Time: 12:40 PM – 1:05 PM | Location: Stage 4
At the Marketing Summit, Megha Garibaldi, Chief Growth Officer of The Atlantic, joins Cristina Beatrice Mancini to discuss “brandcasting”—a rising strategy where companies act as their own media channels. This session explores how storytelling, content creation, and media ownership are redefining how brands connect with audiences in the digital age.

Bonus Spotlight: Two Must-See Talks on Tuesday Evening

While Wednesday is packed with unmissable sessions, the evening before sets the tone with two powerful conversations that are already creating major buzz.

Current AI is Morally and Technically Inadequate

📍 May 27 • 6:15 PM – 6:40 PM • Centre Stage
AI expert and outspoken critic Gary Marcus takes the stage alongside Amy Nordrum, Executive Editor of MIT Technology Review, to examine why today’s AI systems fall short—not just technically, but ethically. Expect a provocative discussion that challenges mainstream narratives and explores what the future of responsible AI might look like.

The Next Era of Social Media

📍 May 27 • 6:40 PM – 7:05 PM • Centre Stage
Arguably the most anticipated speaker of the entire conference, Jay Graber, CEO of Bluesky, joins Katie Drummond, Global Editorial Director of WIRED, to explore the shifting landscape of social media. As decentralization, privacy, and platform responsibility take center stage, this session promises deep insights into the evolution of digital communities—and what might come next.

From quantum breakthroughs to brand storytelling and AI-driven transformation, these five events are among the standout sessions that caught my eye in Wednesday’s jam-packed lineup.

With such a high-caliber schedule, it’s nearly impossible to catch everything—but the good news is that many of these talks will likely be recorded or recapped, making it easy to revisit the highlights later. Keep visiting WBN Digital or Westcoast German News for more updates, highlights, and insights from Web Summit Vancouver and beyond.

#Web Summit Vancouver #Tech Innovation #Quantum Computing #AI in Business #Digital Marketing #Brand Storytelling #WBN News Vancouver #Elke Porter

Connect with Elke at Westcoast German Media or on LinkedIn: Elke Porter or contact her on WhatsApp:  +1 604 828 8788

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