VICTORIA, BC (October 28, 2026) — Artificial intelligence is changing how we work, run businesses and develop technology. But with the pace of change accelerating, many organizations and professionals are still asking the same question: What does AI actually mean for us, and what should we do next?

On Thursday, November 5, Prompt Victoria returns to the Victoria Conference Centre, bringing together business leaders, technology professionals, entrepreneurs and AI practitioners for a full day of practical learning, expert insights and networking.

This year’s theme, “From Disruption to Direction,” reflects a growing shift in the AI conversation — from experimenting with new technologies to understanding how they can deliver meaningful results.

Following a sold-out inaugural conference in 2025 that welcomed 350 attendees and featured 28 speakers, Prompt Victoria returns with an expanded program featuring three conference tracks: Lead Adoption, Build Deeper and Work Smarter. This year’s conference is sponsored by CGI, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, and Airbnb Canada.

“AI is the biggest disruption to technology and business in generations, possibly ever. It's moving faster than most of us can keep up with on our own. Prompt Victoria is our community's answer to that,” said Dan Gunn, CEO of VIATEC. “It brings together real-world experts, local businesses and the people across Vancouver Island who are using AI every day to share what they've learned, with tracks and topics built for everyone, from people just starting out with AI to the developers building advanced systems with it, so more of us come away knowing how to put it to work well, responsibly and with real results.” 

From AI Hype to Real-World Impact

Prompt Victoria is designed for everyone from business owners exploring AI for the first time to experienced developers building advanced AI systems. The 2026 program features presentations, discussions and panels examining the practical opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence.

Highlights include:

Shifting the Conversation with AI: From Hype to Impact — Opening keynote by Diane Gutiw, VP, AI Research & Strategic Advisory at CGI, exploring the current state of AI and its implications for Canadian organizations.

AI Advancements in Antibody-Based Drug Development — Sid Srinivasan, founder of Crux Intelligence, explores how AI is transforming the development of new medicines.

Code is Cheap, Now What? — John Oram, Mike Anderson, Calum Bird and René Fournier discuss how AI-generated software is changing the role of developers and the future of software engineering.

Why AI Fails at Small Businesses (And How the Winners Get It Right) — Arsh Singh, Sheila Wynne Fung, Ian Slipp and Owen Mead-Robins examine why some businesses struggle to achieve results from AI while others succeed.

Growing Your Career and Business with AI: Surviving and Thriving in an AI Era — A panel exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping careers, business opportunities and the skills needed to succeed.

Other sessions will explore AI security, sovereign AI, legal considerations, creative industries, organizational adoption and the emergence of AI-powered businesses.

Victoria Data Society, Samantha Magnus: “I can’t overemphasize how important this event is for data, AI, and technology professionals and entrepreneurs on the island. We are coming together to share both our successes and lessons learned on our AI journeys to date - elevating the capabilities and collective wisdom within our community, all during a time of rapid technological and cultural change.”

AI4 Enterprise, Steve Harris: "AI is moving at an extraordinary pace with increasing impact. Prompt Victoria brings together people who are exploring, building and applying AI to share practical experiences and help our business community turn emerging technology into real results."

Building Vancouver Island’s AI Community

Beyond the presentations, Prompt Victoria provides an opportunity for Vancouver Island’s technology and business communities to connect, share their experiences and explore opportunities for collaboration.

The conference is presented by VIATEC and co-organized by the Victoria Data Society (VDS), AI4 Enterprise and PlusROI Online Marketing.

The event brings together local and national expertise, reinforcing Victoria’s growing role in Canada’s AI ecosystem while ensuring businesses and professionals have access to practical knowledge they can put to work.

PlusROI Online Marketing, Robert Cooper: “Having watched Victoria’s hunger for AI knowledge growing while co-hosting over 40 VIATEC AI Meetups, I’m so excited to be part of such a critically important event for the region.”

Media Invited to Attend

Members of the media are welcome to attend Prompt Victoria 2026 to cover the conference, capture footage and conduct interviews with organizers, speakers and attendees.

Networking breaks throughout the day will provide opportunities for interviews and filming, including conversations with local business leaders and technology professionals about how AI is affecting their industries.

Media representatives interested in attending, arranging interviews or coordinating filming opportunities are encouraged to contact the organizing committee in advance.

Event Details

Event: 2026 Prompt Victoria >_ AI Conference

Theme: From Disruption to Direction

Date: Thursday, November 5, 2026

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location: Victoria Conference Centre, 720 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC

Website: https://promptvictoria.ca/ 

Agenda and speakers: https://promptvictoria.ca/agenda/

About Prompt Victoria

Prompt Victoria is Vancouver Island’s largest artificial intelligence conference, created to help businesses, professionals and technology practitioners navigate the opportunities and challenges of AI. Launched in 2025, the conference brings together practical expertise, industry perspectives and community connections to help participants move beyond AI hype and toward meaningful action.

Presented by VIATEC and co-organized by the Victoria Data Society, AI4 Enterprise and PlusROI Online Marketing.

Media Contacts

Primary Media Contact — VIATEC

Dan Gunn
CEO, VIATEC

Email: dgunn@viatec.ca

Phone: 250-882-2820

Victoria Data Society (VDS)

Samantha Magnus

Director of Memberships and Conference Committee Chair

conference@victoriadatasociety.ca

250-886-5339

AI4 Enterprise

Steve Harris

Founder and GenAI Consultant

sharris@ai4enterprise.ca

250-885-8835

PlusROI Online Marketing

Robert Cooper

[Founder/Owner, PlusROI Online Marketing

rob@plusroi.com