The Collision Conference, often called the "Olympics of Tech," will be held in Vancouver and supported by the Government of Canada and local economic development partners.
In 2025, the conference will be rebranded as Web Summit Vancouver, aiming to boost economic growth, attract investment, and attract tech talent to British Columbia. Web Summit is a technology events company that brings together a global community of founders, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and investors to exchange ideas about the technology and trends shaping the world.
Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced $6.6 million in funding to Destination Vancouver to host the event over three years starting in May 2025. The announcement was made in Toronto during Collision 2024.
British Columbia's tech sector is expansive, comprising over 11,000 companies and providing quality employment for over 200,000 people. According to PacifiCan, hosting Web Summit in Vancouver will link B.C.'s innovators and entrepreneurs with global tech leaders, fostering investment opportunities and creating long-term benefits for the local tech ecosystem.
The Web Summit is expected to draw thousands of attendees to Vancouver, benefiting the local tourism sector by filling hotels, restaurants, and other businesses.
Web Summit Vancouver has come to fruition through a collaborative effort involving PacifiCan, Destination Vancouver, the Province of British Columbia, Innovate BC, Invest Vancouver, and the City of Vancouver. This partnership aims to establish British Columbia as a central hub for technology and innovation.
PacifiCan envisions sustained prosperity for all British Columbians. The Government of Canada's investment in Web Summit Vancouver is expected to have a lasting impact beyond 2027, strengthening the tech ecosystem and propelling B.C. forward.
Minister Sajjan highlighted the significance of the event, stating, "PacifiCan is here to champion B.C. as a global hub for innovation and technology, with cutting-edge talent and companies that are poised for international growth. Web Summit Vancouver is a transformative opportunity for the region that will create the conditions for growth that will continue for years."