The Connected Futures Conference takes place from 30 April to 3 May, bringing together senior business leaders, policymakers, investors and entrepreneurs from both sides of the Atlantic. Delivered by Chartered Accountants Ireland Ulster Society in partnership with Danske Bank, the conference also marks a milestone 25 years of partnership between the two organisations.
Hosted in Toronto, one of North America’s leading financial and innovation hubs, the conference will explore opportunities and challenges shaping transatlantic trade, investment and collaboration amid rapid economic and technological change. Delegates will consider how trusted relationships, innovation led growth and global connectivity can support sustainable economic development in both jurisdictions.
Support from Invest Northern Ireland was instrumental in securing a high calibre line up of keynote speakers and panel contributors, including a keynote address from Yung Wu, a serial entrepreneur, private equity investor and experienced Corporate Director specializing in innovation, digital strategy and technology.
Two major panel discussions anchor the business programme. Driving Growth Across the Atlantic: NI–Canada Economic Insights, hosted by Michael Barton, Invest Northern Ireland, features leaders from Options Technologies, Kainos, OMERS & Ireland Funds Canada. The second panel, From Ireland to Toronto: Real‑World Business Experiences, focuses on practical cross-border lessons with speakers from Swoop, Edgepoint and Arrow Capital Management.
In addition, the delegates will hear from author and economist Andrew Spence on global and Canadian economic trends and their implications for open, innovation driven economies. A fire side chat hosted by Aaron Ennis from Danske Bank will explore the innovation connections between Canadian and Northern Ireland with Mairead Lavery, Chair of the Canadian Advisory Council and Stephen McCullough, Executive Vice President, Engineering, Product Development and Bombardier Defense.
The conference also provides an opportunity to recognise the long standing partnership between Chartered Accountants Ireland Ulster Society and Danske Bank, which over the past 25 years has supported professional development, economic insight and engagement with the wider business community in Northern Ireland.
Mark Lawther, Chairman of Ulster Society said: “This conference highlights the importance of strong international connections for Northern Ireland’s business and professional community and the opportunities to build closer links between Northern Ireland and Canada. Our long standing partnership with Danske Bank has enabled meaningful engagement with global markets, and we are proud to mark 25 years of collaboration in a city as globally connected as Toronto.”
John-Paul Coleman, Head of Treasury & Markets at Danske Bank said: “Danske Bank is proud to support this flagship conference and our long-standing partnership with the Ulster Society. The accountancy profession plays a crucial role in Northern Ireland’s economic progress, and strong international connections are increasingly important for businesses navigating change. This event reflects our shared focus on trust, collaboration and supporting customers to compete on a global stage.”
The Toronto conference forms part of the Ulster Society’s flagship international programme, reinforcing its commitment to providing members with insight, leadership and global perspective while strengthening economic links between Northern Ireland, Canada and the wider international business community.
Pictured before heading to the Conference in Toronto are Mark Lawther, Chartered Accountants Ulster Society; Zara Duffy, Chartered Accountants Ireland; and John-Paul Coleman, Danske Bank.
