Q4 2026 - QT Connect Meetup Ottawa

# Who Gets to Thrive? Opportunity and Power in an AI-Driven World

Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, 1625 Vanier Parkway, Ottawa, ON K1L 7P1

Register at https://community.queertech.org/events/290896

AI is changing more than how we work. It is reshaping what opportunities exist, what skills and ideas are valued, who has access to resources, and who has the power to shape what comes next.
Join The Communications Security Establishment Canada (CSE) and QueerTech for an evening of networking, community engagement, and conversation on 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion. CSE's Pride Network will introduce its mission, share the impact of its work, and highlight the renewed partnership between CSE and QueerTech. The event will feature discussions on Inclusive AI, recruitment opportunities, and meaningful connections across the community.
In Ottawa, where technology, government, public service, cybersecurity, and policy are shaping the future of work and economic opportunity, these changes raise important questions. What becomes more possible as AI evolves? What becomes harder? And who has the resources, influence, and support to adapt and thrive?
This QT Connect meetup creates space for community members to explore these questions together. Through guided small-group conversations, interactive questions, and shared reflection, participants will discuss how AI is changing what feels possible in their careers, organizations, and communities—and what people need to have meaningful opportunities as work continues to change.
Together, we’ll explore:

• Where AI is creating new opportunities accompanied with where opportunities may be limited
• How changing technologies are affecting work, careers, entrepreneurship, and communities
• Who currently has the resources, knowledge, networks, and influence to benefit from these changes
• How 2SLGBTQIA+ professionals, allies, and organizations are fostering more inclusive workplaces and communities
• What people need to navigate an AI-shaped future with greater agency and choice
• What organizations and communities can do to help more people participate and thrive
• The role of community partnerships in creating opportunities for connection, mentorship, and career growth
• How organizations can attract, support, and retain diverse talent in the tech and security sectors
• The impact of employee resource groups, such as CSE's Pride Network, in driving belonging and positive change
• Ways to strengthen collaboration between community organizations, employers, and professionals to advance equity and inclusion

This QT Connect gathering is designed as a guided community conversation grounded in lived experience, reflection, and participation.
You do not need to work in AI or tech, or identify as queer to join this conversation.
This space is for technologists, creatives, founders, community advocates, students, digital workers, and anyone thinking about how AI is changing work, opportunity, and our collective future. Insights gathered across QT Connect meetups will contribute to a cross-country snapshot of how queer communities are experiencing these shifts.

### What to Expect

• A welcoming and community-centered environment
• An introduction to CSE's Pride Network, its mission, and ongoing initiatives
• Insights into the renewed partnership between CSE and QueerTech and its importance for the year ahead
• Guided dialogue and reflection
• Accessible conversation grounded in lived experience
• Opportunities to learn about recruitment, career development, and community engagement
• Meaningful conversations with professionals, allies, advocates, and community leaders
• Space to build connections, exchange ideas, and support a more inclusive future in technology and beyond

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### Event Agenda

### 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

| Time | Agenda | Description |
| ---- | ------ | ----------- |
| 5:00 PM | Arrival, Networking & Community Welcome | Arrive, connect, and meet others from Ottawa’s queer tech, creative, startup, and community ecosystems. |
| 5:40 PM | Opening Remarks & Grounding Activity | A short welcome and grounding exercise to create space for reflection, connection, and participation. |
| 5:50 PM | QueerTech 2026 Theme Introduction: Who Gets to Trust AI? | An introduction to QueerTech’s 2026 national theme and the focus of Chapter 4: Mobility, Power & the Future. |
| 6:00 PM | Guided Community Conversation: Who Gets to Thrive? Opportunity and Power in an AI-Driven World | A facilitated community dialogue exploring how AI is shifting opportunities and what people and communities need to thrive as work changes. |
| 6:45 PM | Community Reflection & Shared Takeaways | A collective reflection on key themes, insights, and questions that emerged during the conversation. |
| 6:55 PM | QT Ask & Offer | Share something you’re seeking support around and something you can offer back to the community. |
| 7:15 PM | Informal Networking & Continued Conversation | Continue conversations and build new connections in a relaxed and welcoming environment. |

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### Volunteering & Scholarship Tickets

We don't want cost to be a barrier to participating in this conversation. We have scholarship and volunteer tickets available. To sign up, fill out this form.

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### About QueerTech’s 2026 National Theme

## Who Gets to Trust AI?: Power, Participation, and Accountability

QueerTech is convening a national conversation on how trust in AI is earned, broken, and rebuilt—and what it takes to create systems where people have the agency, protections, and power to shape their futures.
Across 2026, we have explored access and agency, fairness and safeguards, and governance and accountability. In this final chapter, we look forward: as AI reshapes work, leadership, entrepreneurship, and opportunity, what will it take for more people and communities to thrive?
Because the future of AI is not only about what technology can do.
It is also about who has the power, resources, and opportunities to benefit from what comes next.

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### THANK YOU TO OUR HOST!

The Communications Security Establishment Canada (CSE) is one of Canada’s key security and intelligence organizations. We work tirelessly to protect Canada and Canadians against threats by providing valuable foreign signals intelligence. We also develop and provide sophisticated and advanced cyber security services to protect Canada’s most important systems and information. CSE brings together the smartest minds and leading-edge technology in our world-class facilities in Ottawa. The result: a dynamic, innovative and rewarding work environment.

See QueerTech Event Terms & Conditions for more information