ExpoPlaza Latina 2025 returned to the Vancouver Convention Centre on November 21, bringing together leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators from across Canada, the United States, and Latin America. The event served as a powerful platform for dialogue on the future of work, innovation, and the collaborative role interconnected economies play in shaping global progress.
Representing PixelPaddle, CEO Meer Anwar attended the conference and engaged in in-depth discussions centered on AI adoption, mentorship in technology, immigrant workforce development, and the evolving economic landscape across British Columbia.
ExpoPlaza Latina 2025: Strengthening Cross-Border Innovation and Workforce Readiness
ExpoPlaza Latina 2025 returned to the Vancouver Convention Centre on November 21, bringing together leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators from across Canada, the United States, and Latin America. The event served as a powerful platform for dialogue on the future of work, innovation, and the collaborative role interconnected economies play in shaping global progress.
Representing PixelPaddle, CEO Meer Anwar attended the conference and engaged in in-depth discussions centered on AI adoption, mentorship in technology, immigrant workforce development, and the evolving economic landscape across British Columbia.
Unlocking Capital & Market Access for Emerging Entrepreneurs
One of the standout sessions was “Unlocking Capital & Market Access for Emerging Entrepreneurs,” moderated by respected mentor and ecosystem leader Paul Brassard. The discussion addressed persistent challenges faced by emerging and underrepresented founders, with expert insights including:
- George Moen, who shared a grounded outlook on careful AI adoption, future expectations, and market readiness.
- Praveen K. Varshney, FCPA, FCA, who emphasized the importance of strong teams and consistent mentorship as essential pillars for investment preparedness.
- Pooria Arab, who reinforced the value of structured mentor networks in accelerating the growth trajectory of startups.
During the event, Meer Anwar had a meaningful discussion with Mina Haghighi about the critical role of mentorship in the tech sector and how ecosystem partners can accelerate economic growth by supporting early-stage founders. He also engaged with Adnan Sarwar, whose insights on BC’s labour market outlook for the next decade align closely with Canada’s long-term innovation and skills strategy.
Bridging Policy and Practice for a Future-Ready Workforce
Another key highlight for PixelPaddle was the session “Bridging Policy and Practice: Strategies for a Future-Ready Workforce.”
The panel offered actionable perspectives for employers and entrepreneurs navigating Canada’s changing labour landscape:
- Patrick von Pander, BBA, MCC discussed strategies for long-term talent retention and the need for coordinated policy reform.
- Heather Bell provided clarity on immigration patterns and their influence on future policy decisions—insights that Meer explored further during a one-on-one conversation about the role of skilled newcomers in shaping Canada’s workforce.
- Andrea Reimer used compelling sports analogies to simplify Canada’s talent strategy, creating practical takeaways for founders looking to stay relevant locally while scaling globally.
These conversations highlighted important themes such as AI adoption, employer needs, career mobility, newcomer integration, and efforts required to strengthen Canada’s future-ready talent ecosystem.
Dual Tracks: GoExpand & SheLatina
ExpoPlaza Latina offered two robust parallel tracks, GoExpand and SheLatina, each featuring thought-provoking sessions and remarkable speakers. Both tracks delivered high-impact content, providing entrepreneurs with invaluable knowledge on scaling businesses, embracing innovation, and leveraging diverse networks.
An Event Driving Collective Impact
From ecosystem insights to workforce strategies, this year’s ExpoPlaza Latina reinforced the importance of collaborative innovation. PixelPaddle acknowledges the organizers, sponsors, speakers, and contributors who made this gathering impactful. Events like these strengthen global networks, empower entrepreneurs, and foster inclusive economic growth across borders.
PixelPaddle remains committed to contributing to these ongoing conversations and building meaningful partnerships that support AI adoption, mentorship, and innovation-driven economic development in Canada and beyond.
Unlocking Capital & Market Access for Emerging Entrepreneurs
One of the standout sessions was “Unlocking Capital & Market Access for Emerging Entrepreneurs,” moderated by respected mentor and ecosystem leader Paul Brassard. The discussion addressed persistent challenges faced by emerging and underrepresented founders, with expert insights including:
- George Moen, who shared a grounded outlook on careful AI adoption, future expectations, and market readiness.
- Praveen K. Varshney, FCPA, FCA, who emphasized the importance of strong teams and consistent mentorship as essential pillars for investment preparedness.
- Pooria Arab, who reinforced the value of structured mentor networks in accelerating the growth trajectory of startups.
During the event, Meer Anwar had a meaningful discussion with Mina Haghighi about the critical role of mentorship in the tech sector and how ecosystem partners can accelerate economic growth by supporting early-stage founders. He also engaged with Adnan Sarwar, whose insights on BC’s labour market outlook for the next decade align closely with Canada’s long-term innovation and skills strategy.
Bridging Policy and Practice for a Future-Ready Workforce
Another key highlight for PixelPaddle was the session “Bridging Policy and Practice: Strategies for a Future-Ready Workforce.”
The panel offered actionable perspectives for employers and entrepreneurs navigating Canada’s changing labour landscape:
- Patrick von Pander, BBA, MCC discussed strategies for long-term talent retention and the need for coordinated policy reform.
- Heather Bell provided clarity on immigration patterns and their influence on future policy decisions—insights that Meer explored further during a one-on-one conversation about the role of skilled newcomers in shaping Canada’s workforce.
- Andrea Reimer used compelling sports analogies to simplify Canada’s talent strategy, creating practical takeaways for founders looking to stay relevant locally while scaling globally.
Meer got the chance to had a discussion with Heather Bell, about the role of skilled immigrants and they have contributing towards economic development and what measure can be suggested to avoid the brain-drain and retention of talent within the ecosystem. These conversations highlighted important themes such as AI adoption, employer needs, career mobility, newcomer integration, and efforts required to strengthen Canada’s future-ready talent ecosystem.
An Event Driving Collective Impact
From ecosystem insights to workforce strategies, this year’s ExpoPlaza Latina reinforced the importance of collaborative innovation. PixelPaddle acknowledges the organizers, sponsors, speakers, and contributors who made this gathering impactful. Events like these strengthen global networks, empower entrepreneurs, and foster inclusive economic growth across borders.
PixelPaddle remains committed to contributing to these ongoing conversations and building meaningful partnerships that support AI adoption, mentorship, and innovation-driven economic development in Canada and beyond.
