I was fortunate last week to be invited to the Association of University Research Parks Canada Annual meeting in Hamilton, Ontario. The AURP invited me to be a panelist with Bill Elliott of the Ontario Technology Corridor and Neil Everson of the City of Hamilton to discuss Collaboration and Building a Pipeline. Each one of us discussed our individual experiences regarding investment attraction both international and domestically as well as discussed best practices and target identification. The panel answered questions from University Research Park representatives and engaged in some very interactive conversations for about an hour and a half. Unfortunately, there were some sessions to follow so our panel time had to come to an end. However, I was able to connect with a few individuals in the hallways after so that we could continue the conversations. Overall I think that the panel presented some great points and I believe we were able to answer everyone’s questions.

While in Hamilton I got to visit McMaster Innovation Park, which I have to say is quite the operation. I look forward to working with MIP and the City of Hamilton again soon, the region is growing and there is plenty of opportunity for companies to thrive and grow. I’m also hoping I get to go back to the AURP Canada conference next year and hopefully also to the AURP International conference as a panelist or speaker.