Venture Out announces Lightspeed Founder and CEO Dax Dasilva as 2018 keynote speaker
Dasilva will be sharing his 'Colour by Icons' immersive activation with conference attendees
TORONTO, Feb. 20, 2018 /CNW/ - Venture Out, Canada's first and largest conference dedicated to the advancement of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Asexual/Aromantic (LGBTQA+) technology professionals, is thrilled to announce Dax Dasilva, Founder & CEO, Lightspeed and Founder, Never Apart, as the keynote speaker for the second annual conference taking place in Toronto on Thursday, March 15th, and Friday, March 16th, 2018 at MaRS Discovery District. Dasilva's fireside interview will be hosted by Newstalk 1010's John Moore.
"Venture Out is an amazing initiative that provides many opportunities, personally and professionally, for the LGBTQA+ technology community in Canada," said Dax Dasilva. "I'm honoured to be involved in a project that merges an industry I am extremely passionate about, with the community-focused and inclusive thinking that is also at the foundation of the work I do with Never Apart."
Dasilva founded Lightspeed, a cloud-based POS and eCommerce solution for independent retailers and restaurants, in 2005, and it continues to be one of Canada's leading technology success stories. Strengthening his entrepreneurial footprint in 2015, he started Never Apart, a non-profit based out of Montreal, bringing communities together for social change through arts and culture.
Venture Out is also thrilled to host Never Apart's 'Colour by Icons' interactive activation. "Colour by Icons" is one of the first and only colouring books to actively showcase and celebrate queer historical icons. Dasilva will share the 'Colour by Icons' activation at the Venture Out conference, where participants will have the chance to colour in pages of the coloring book and contribute to the growing collection of artwork paying tribute to LGBT role models like Marlene Dietrich and Alan Turing.
"Dax is a trailblazer in the industry, and we are elated to have him as the keynote speaker at this year's Venture Out conference," said Taylor Bond, Chair, Venture Out. "Through his work at Lightspeed and Never Apart, Dax has always been a strong advocate for both LGBTQA+ diversity and inclusion and the growth of the Canadian technology community. He represents everything that Venture Out is about."
Venture Out takes place in Toronto on March 15th, and March 16th, 2018 at MaRS Discovery District. To purchase tickets and to learn more about Venture Out, please visit: www.ventureout.ca
About Venture Out
Venture Out is a summit that connects Canada's dynamic startup sector with the country's most innovative, engaged and entrepreneurial Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Asexual/Aromantic (LGBTQA+) professionals. Venture Out is an initiative of Start Proud, the not for profit that facilitates the professional development of students as they transition from school to career in order to build a national network within the LGBTQA+ community.
About Lightspeed
Headquartered in Montréal, Canada, Lightspeed is the most powerful cloud-based point-of-sale solution for independent businesses, in-store and online. Nearly 50,000 retailers and restaurateurs, processing over US $15 billion in transactions annually use Lightspeed to grow and manage their business. Lightspeed can be found in more than 100 countries, powering favorite local businesses, where the community goes to shop and dine. Founded in 2005, Lightspeed has grown to nearly 600 employees, with global offices in Canada, USA, Europe, and Australia.
For more information, please visit: http://www.lightspeedhq.com.
Facebook: Facebook.com/LightspeedHQ, Twitter: @LightspeedHQ and Instagram: @LightspeedHQ.
About Never Apart
Established in 2015, Never Apart is a non-profit organization in Montreal, Canada, determined to bring about social change and spiritual awareness through cultural programming with global reach and impact. Founded by tech CEO, Dax Dasilva, the Center features 12,000 square feet of creative space that hosts seasonal art exhibitions, two permanent installations: the Sun Room and the Moon Room, live music events, artist talks, and film screenings. Follow Never Apart's latest developments and monthly online magazine at Neverapart.com, Facebook:Facebook.com/neverapartmtl, Twitter:@neverapartmtl, and Instagram: @neverapartmtl
SOURCE Venture Out
and interview requests, please contact: Jamie Gillingham, Eighty-Eight, [email protected], 1-416-944-2722
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