Speaker Meeting

Speaker Meetings are informative presentations by knowledgeable guest speakers on a wide variety of topics related to emerging technologies. 

When:
Held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month, September - June
Meetings run from 9:30 - 11:30, with a coffee break / social time mid morning.

Where:
Downtown Community Centre, Multi-Purpose Room upstairs

Topics:
See below for information about this month, as well as upcoming and past speakers.

Club members are encouraged to use the City of Kitchener's Active Net portal to register for all club activities. Instructions to do this can be found on this Active Net Instruction Guide for Members.

February Information Meeting - Wednesday, February 25, 9:30 a.m. (in person)

Topic: Learning about Linux and Chrome Operating Systems

This is a new format for our club. We have had several members who have requested information on Linux and Chrome Operating Systems - what they are, what are their main uses, is it for me?, can I convert an old laptop using one of these and if so, how?

This session will be an information sharing and demo and as well a time to ask questions on this topic. Members who have experience both using and converting to these operating systems will be there to share and answer your questions.

Whether this is something you are very keen on trying yourself (or not!), or whether you are just keen to do some learning - ALL are welcome!

A Review of this year's SPEAKERS and TOPICS - 2025 - 26:

September - Chanakya Ramdev - Sweat Free Telecom

October - Visit and Tour of Communitech 

November - Kevin Matsui, Artificial Intelligence 

December - Madeleine Kong, KPL, Online Library Services

January - Real or Fake: How to Tell the Difference Online

PAST SPEAKERS and TOPICS, 2024 - 25:

September - Dr. Carla Fehr, Who the Computer Sees: Race, Gender and AI

October - Lucy Santos, KPL, An Introduction to Smart Home Technology

November - Dr. Linda Lee - Dementia: What It Is, and How To Reduce Your Risk

December - Jenn Gerynowicz - Creating Comfort and Joy Around Technology

January - Peter Rasberry - Shutters and Sensors and Shooting Modes

February - John Handby - Artificial Intelligence - The Future is Now

March - Nicole Amaral - Welcome to the Digital Kitchener Innovation Lab

April - Video Call Alternatives to Skype (no guest speaker this month)

May -  Dr. Josephine McMurray - Your Watch Knows Where you Are - but SHOULD IT? - Exploring Location-Tracing Technologies in Long-Term Care

June - Constable Joshua Rhab, WRPS - Internet Safety

A valid Kitchener Group Card is required to attend in person meetings. Kitchener Group Cards are now on sale online, by phone, or in person at any Kitchener Community Centre. They are good for unlimited visits for many ongoing groups at any City of Kitchener Community Centre.