Q4 2026 - QT Connect Meetup Montreal

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

Date: Thrusday, October 29, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: BDO Canada - 1000 Rue De la Gauchetière O, Montréal, QC H3B 4W5

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.
In Montreal, where AI, gaming, life sciences, and creative industries 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
• What people need to navigate an AI-shaped future with greater agency and choice

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
• Guided dialogue and reflection
• Accessible conversation grounded in lived experience
• Opportunities to connect with others navigating similar changes
• Space to think collectively about opportunity, power, and the future of work

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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 MONTREAL’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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THANKS TO OUR HOST BDO Canada!


BDO Canada LLP is a leading professional services firm with over 100 years of experience offering assurance, tax, and advisory services nationwide. With 5,000+ team members in 100+ offices across Canada, and part of a global network in 164 countries, BDO is committed to building inclusive workplaces.

Supporting the Queer Community
BDO actively supports 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion through its Pride pillar, partnership with Pride at Work Canada, and participation in Pride events across the country. They foster a culture where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work.

Careers
BDO is hiring! Explore opportunities to grow your career in a people-first, inclusive environment at BDO Careers
By registering for this event, participants agree to QueerTech's Event Terms & Conditions.