Toronto School of Management (TSoM) recently hosted the highly anticipated Data Analytics Symposium at its downtown campus, drawing attention from professionals, researchers, and students from different fields. The event, held on Saturday, June 24th, 2023, featured esteemed keynote speaker Dr. Kenneth Jonathan A. Rodgers who delivered an enlightening address on the intersection of data analytics and economic forecasting.
Dr. Rodgers, a renowned Bahamian eye surgeon with a multifaceted career, is widely recognized for his accurate predictions on economic crises and trends. In addition to his medical expertise, Dr. Rodgers has extensively studied economics and authored two books focusing on the Bahamian economy. He is the founder of Omni Financial Services, a company offering a wide range of financial services, and has been actively involved in various economic commentaries. Attendees of the symposium were captivated by his insights into the future of data analytics and its implications for the economy.
Apart from the keynote address, the symposium provided a platform for students to showcase and present their research posters covering a wide range of topics, including health and business. It also featured an engaging panel discussion where experts delved into insights on the impact of the proper and strategic use of data and how data analytics has helped them achieve their career, business, and research goals.
Dr. Adam Vanzella-Yang, a distinguished social scientist from University of Montreal, was one of the esteemed panelists and research presenters. Dr. Vanzella-Yang’s research explores the intricate relationship between social inequality and health outcomes. With a Ph.D. and M.A. in Sociology from the University of British Columbia, he has received numerous awards and scholarships for his outstanding contributions to the field. Attendees were inspired by his expertise and his ability to shed light on important societal issues and received valuable tips on how to use public data ethically no matter what the purpose of the data analysis is.
Another notable panelist was Jason Greenberg, a technology entrepreneur renowned for his disruptive software platforms. Greenberg’s current venture, rCycle, aims to incentivize and enable a circular economy by rewarding sustainable actions. He has previously founded successful enterprises in the technology industry and has a diverse background, including experience in sustainability, augmented reality, and children’s entertainment. Greenberg’s passion for the environment and his belief in the power of creativity to address global-scale challenges resonated strongly with the audience.
The event was moderated by Ali Abbas, a seasoned and a highly sought-after figure in the technology industry with over 15 years of experience in the IT development lifecycle. Ali skillfully guided the discussions, adding an additional layer of expertise, further enriching the experience for students in attendance.
Overall, the Data Analytics Symposium at TSoM’s campus was a resounding success leaving attendees inspired and motivated to further pursue advancements in the field. The symposium served as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and networking, fostering collaboration among participants and contributing to the growth of the data analytics community.
