Join us for the 2024 Smart Villages Symposium!

We are thrilled to announce the 2024 Smart Villages Symposium (SVS) on October 2 at the University of Guelph, Arboretum Centre. This event will bring together experts, researchers and practitioners to discuss innovative solutions for sustainable rural development and smart village initiatives. Speakers will include representatives from universities, governments, NGOs, and businesses. Networking and mentoring opportunities will be available for University of Guelph students.

This event will focus on how rural people experience and use smart technologies, emphasizing the impact of new digital tools and technology, new modes of connectivity and new large language models (LLMs) and artificial intelligence. Special attention will be given to the challenges faced by youth and other marginalized populations. It will pay specific attention to how these technologies benefit rural communities and create new opportunities as well as new risks, such as social inequality, polarization, and misinformation. The event is intended for researchers, practitioners, students, and anyone else who may be interested in these issues.

Why attend?

• Engage with thought leaders in the field of smart villages
• Participate in insightful discussions and workshops
• Network with professionals and like-minded individuals
• Explore cutting-edge research and practical applications

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the transformation towards smarter, more resilient rural communities.

Registration is free and remains open. Please register online to join this event.