The Next Big Thing: Data with Nora Young

In the last year, the term Big Data has started to buzz. The amount of data in our world is growing at an exponential amount, and both the private and public sectors are looking for ways to mine into decades worth of data for good reason.

Analyzing large data sets will become a key basis of competition in the near future; it has the potential to identify business trends, profile consumers and voters, prevent diseases, combat crime, determine real-time roadway traffic conditions and much, much more.

The question is, should we simply leave big data, with its personal and political insights, in the hands of corporations and government to sort out?

Nora Young, acclaimed journalist, author, speaker and the host and creator of CBC Radio’s Spark (http://www.cbc.ca/spark/), will be joining us to share why we shouldn’t.

Nora will discuss the debates and challenges around virtual data-sharing and its potential for building more responsive communities and governments. She’ll also explore issues and legalities around privacy and data control, and how we should harness the power of big data.

Nora Young

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Nora Young is the host and the creator of Spark, CBC Radio’s national radio show and podcast about technology and culture. She was the founding host of the CBC Radio show Definitely not the Opera, where she often focused on new media and technology. Her work has also appeared online, on television, and in print.

As a journalist, author, and speaker, Nora explores how new technology shapes the way we understand ourselves and the world around us. Her book, The Virtual Self (http://www.cbc.ca/books/2012/04/nora-youngs-the-virtual-self.html), on the explosion of data about our behaviours, opinions and actions, was published by McClelland and Stewart in 2012.

Nora blogs at norayoung.ca (http://norayoung.ca/), and does the indie podcast The Sniffer (http://thesniffer.net/) with her friend and colleague, Cathi Bond. Find her on Twitter, @nora3000 (https://twitter.com/nora3000).

Special thanks to our partners who help make the evening great:

Our partners

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Digiflare is a digital agency at the forefront of creating engaging connected user experiences. We harness the potential of Web, Mobile, Tablet, Connected TV, Game Consoles, and emerging devices to deliver cutting-edge solutions to our clients. Working with top tier Media and Entertainment brands, we provide strategy, design, development, and systems integration, helping them achieve their vision and extend their reach to their customers. Follow them on Twitter (https://twitter.com/digiflare) and visit digiflare.com (http://www.digiflare.com/).

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OANDA is an innovator and world leader in online foreign exchange trading and currency services. We have created a powerful trading engine that allows clients around the world to trade quickly and with confidence. We’re proud to have recently been named one of The 10 Non-California Tech Companies You Wished You Worked For (http://www.wired.com/business/2012/11/best-non-california-tech-companies/) by Wired magazine, and we’re growing, so please check out our Recruiting Page (http://jobs.oanda.com/) to see how you can make a difference!

To learn more about OANDA, our website (http://www.oanda.com/) and Forex LabNotes (http://www.oanda.com/corp/forex-lab-notes/) blog are great places to get started. Follow them on Twitter (https://twitter.com/oanda).

Our contributors

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FITC produces design and technology focused conferences and seminars worldwide which inspire, educate and challenge attendees.

Their next event Spotlight: Hardware (http://fitc.ca/event/hardware/), a close look at new technologies and how they are affecting our world, is coming up on June 8. Get 10% off a ticket to Spotlight: Hardware with code 'GirlGeeksTO (http://hardware.eventbrite.com/?discount=GirlGeeksTO)'. They are also producing NXNEi (http://nxne.com/interactive/), a three day festival looking at the interaction of media, technology and culture, on June 12-14. Follow FITC on Twitter (https://twitter.com/fitc).

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Chow Productions is a Toronto based company led by a young talented team. Our trio adds a modern, creative twist to capture memorable moments at your corporate or family events. We specialize in photo and video event coverage including creative digital experiences, commercials, and branded media. While bringing you the best event coverage, we continue to expand our talents, making short films and other projects!

Connect with them on Twitter (https://twitter.com/chowproductions).

SYPA (Stuff You'll Probably Ask)

You: What time do the presentations start?

Us: Doors open at 6:30pm and we begin the talks at 7:00pm. Before and after the talks, there are opportunities for conversations, and the enjoyment of drinks and hors d'oeuvres.

You: Hors d'oeuvres, you say? Is there dinner?

Us: We always organize some food and beverages for everyone, be it sandwiches or the like.