Lunch is on us! Are you just getting started in your career or dreaming of taking it to the next level? Come along to Canada House @ SXSW Sydney for complimentary lunch while learning about job opportunities in Canada in various sectors. Explore International Experience Canada Working Holiday and other pathways for you to make your dream a reality. Then, listen to overviews on current trends and opportunities from Canadian professionals in tech and entertainment industries. Following this, take advantage of the breakout sessions with dynamic experts and do a deep dive into what it’s like to work in Canada in these sectors and best practices in the industry. Don’t miss this chance to expand your network, knowledge and international career prospects in this relaxed and interactive session.

Explore Canada’s Working Holiday and other pathways to expand your career overseas.

Time: 12pm - 1pm

Guest Speakers in Tech, Screen, Music, Tourism:

Olivier Blais: Co-Founder, Moov AI

Olivier is the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer at Moov AI, recognized as a leader in deploying artificial intelligence solutions in Canada. Having played a role as an editor of the international ISO standard defining the quality of artificial intelligence systems and leading a team of 50 AI professionals from different countries, he was appointed as the President of the Canadian Committee for Artificial Intelligence (AI) at ISO/IEC. This committee aims to promote global cooperation and drive progress in the field of AI, ensuring that Canadian expertise has a significant impact on a global scale. His cutting-edge knowledge in AI and machine learning has led him to lead the implementation of a data culture in various industries and support digital transformation projects in numerous Canadian companies. Olivier is an inspiring leader, placing innovation and security at the core of his concerns. Firmly believing that AI can empower humans, he is always on the lookout for new solutions to help businesses achieve their objectives.

Ron Kitchener: President, RGK Entertainment
Ron Kitchener, Founder and CEO of RGK Entertainment Group Inc., is a pillar in the Canadian music business. Having managed the careers of multi-platinum, GRAMMY, and JUNO award winning artists, Ron surrounds himself with a team of passionate professionals who push boundaries to inspire an artist’s development to attain tier-one status. Kitchener himself has been honoured with several notable awards that have established his proficiency in artist management, including Manager of the Year at the CCMA awards 14 times. In addition to the success of his management roster, Ron’s record company, Open Road Music’s artists have garnered 5 Juno Awards (30 nominations) and more than 56 Canadian Country Music Industry Awards (173 nominations). Open Road Music which celebrated 20 years in business last year has seen a remarkable 20 #1 hits and more than 120 Top 10 singles on the Canadian country radio charts. With global focus, RGK Entertainment Group has become a highly regarded and innovative force in today’s competitive entertainment industry.  An entrepreneur and an innovator, Kitchener embraces the future of today’s business. He combines professional business strategies with a grass-roots philosophy, creating the best all-around opportunities and atmosphere for his artists. With all of his professional successes, it made sense when Kitchener was nominated and elected to sit on the board of the Country Music Association (CMA), as International Director in November 2009. He has also held positions on the MMF (Music Manager Forum) Canada Board and the CCMC (Contemporary Coalition of Country Music) board based in Sydney, Australia.

Shant Joshi: President and Executive Producer, Fae Pictures
Shant Joshi is an award-winning producer and president of Fae Pictures, based in New York and Toronto, on a mission to decolonize Hollywood. His credits include award winners at Sundance (Framing Agnes), Red Sea (In Flames), Iris Prize (Scaring Women at Night), Durban (Runs in the Family), premieres at Cannes, Toronto, Canneseries (Streams Flow From A River), Aspen (I Live Here), Palm Springs (Diaspora), Hot Docs, Black Star (Noor and Layla), Bentonville, and BFI London, and nominees for the Canadian Screen Awards (Queen Tut). He was also an executive producer on Nisha Pahuja’s Academy Award ® nominated film To Kill A Tiger, an impact producer on John Greyson’s TEDDY Award-winning film International Dawn Chorus Day, and an associate producer on Ingrid Veninger’s Canadian Screen Award-nominated film Porcupine Lake. Shant currently sits on the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) Regulatory Committee and was previously Co-Chair of the BIPOC TV & Film Board, on the CMPA EDI committee, and co-founder of the Future of Film Showcase. He is an alum of the Canadian Film Centre, Rotterdam Lab, and Osgoode Hall Law School, and was named a Marché International des Programmes de Télévision (MIPTV) Producer to Watch, Reelworld Trailblazer, nominated for an Indiescreen Award, and to York University’s Top 30 Changemakers under 30.

Zane Buchanan: Creative Manager, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
Zane, a Métis writer, producer, and digital storyteller based in Vancouver, British Columbia, has crafted a diverse and impactful career path. Starting as a freelance journalist, he quickly transitioned into travel media when he was named the 2019 Saskatchewanderer by Tourism Saskatchewan. This opportunity not only solidified his expertise within the tourism industry but also opened the door to his current role with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC). There, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the creative direction of The Original Original authentication program and Destination Indigenous, ITAC’s consumer-facing platform. In his role at ITAC, Zane manages content and brand integrity while serving as the executive editor of Nations magazine. His reach as a writer extends beyond ITAC, with regular contributions to Canadian Geographic and Explore magazines, where he focuses on ethical travel. Zane’s work has earned him the prestigious title of Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, and he serves as a judge for the Travel Media Association of Canada Awards. His leadership extends to advocacy, as seen through his close collaboration with the Assembly of First Nations. In April 2022, he attended the historic Papal Visits in Rome, aligning his work with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. A sought-after speaker, Zane has appeared on panels and delivered keynote addresses at high-profile events such as South by Southwest (SXSW), the International Indigenous Tourism Conference (IITC), and The IMPACT Conference. Following his mission in Sydney, Zane will head to Austin to deliver the closing keynote at the SEE 2024 conference. Additionally, he presents the Contemporary Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year Award at the annual Juno Awards Ceremony. Beyond his speaking and editorial roles, Zane is the founder and creative director of CIVL Creative, a digital agency that addresses the unique needs of nonprofits and social enterprises.

Sarah Mak: Co-founder and CEO of Folktale

Sarah Mak is a purpose-driven entrepreneur working at the intersection of storytelling, technology, and social impact. With a background in science and international public health, she has spent the past decade transforming how organizations use storytelling to drive meaningful change. As co-founder and CEO of Folktale, Sarah leads a platform that amplifies community voices in over 45 countries, enhancing qualitative data and impact reporting. Her focus is on helping organizations better listen to, understand, and address community needs through the power of storytelling.
Previously, Sarah co-founded the award-winning studio TheStoryBoxes and the Poplabs Incubator, where she combined traditional funding with innovative business models to support impact-led creative ventures. In addition to her entrepreneurial work, Sarah is currently the Executive Producer of a premium drama series with Hoodlum Entertainment. Her leadership continues to redefine how storytelling can be harnessed to drive social change.

Event Queries: whpcanada.sydney@international.gc.ca

International Experience Canada (IEC) is a Government of Canada program that allows youth, aged 18-35*, from IEC’s over 30 partner countries/territories to work and travel in Canada for up to two years*. Whether it is to take a gap year, complete a co-op/internship abroad, or gain international work experience after graduation, IEC can help make these experiences happen*. For information on IEC, visit www.canada.ca/iec. For queries, please email whpcanada.sydney@international.gc.ca.

*May vary depending on your country of citizenship.

The Consulate General of Canada in Sydney, Australia hosts in-person events and webinars for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands to learn about work, study, and migration opportunities in Canada. Follow us to find out about upcoming events!