Upcoming Events

Interior of the Maanjiwe nendamowinan buliding at the University of Toronto Mississauga campus

Are you a current ICCIT student, faculty, staff or alumni? Do you have an event relevant to our community? Submit this form to add it to the calendar!

Featured Event: Space Out! Interstellar Media

Join us March 5–6, 2025 for Space Out! Interstellar Media, a research symposium on the media, culture, and life in the cosmos.

When the current and former owners of social media sites and e-commerce platforms increasingly turn their lustful gaze to outer space, we should take note. Yes, outer space is obviously the site of future wealth and resources, but it is also a field of activity shaped by the tools, artifacts, devices, and frameworks of media studies, revealing that humanity’s relationship with the cosmos is a mediated one.

Space Out! will feature presentations from invited speakers; 5-minute "theory pill" talks from graduate students; and a screening of Space Down, a film by Dominic Gagnon.

See the Full Program

Register for the Film Screening Register for the Symposium


Upcoming Events

March 5, 2025 | SRI Seminar with Beth Coleman

12:30pm–2:00pm, Online

Join ICCIT professor Beth Coleman for her contribution to the Schwartz Reisman Institute's Seminar Series. In this talk, Coleman will explore the significance of trust in the interactions between humans and machine learning systems, including how trust influences user adoption, ethical considerations, and the societal impact of emerging technologies. SRI Seminars are free to attend.

Register Now

March 6, 2025 | Shared Work, Shared Words: Community Publishing Workshop with Lauren Kirshner

1:00pm–3:00pm, IB 345

Join us in welcoming Lauren Kirshner—renowned author, creative writing professor, and founder of the acclaimed community publishing project Sister Writes—to this special WRI490H5 workshop hosted by Professor Nicole Cohen. In the workshop, we will gain exclusive insights into the Sister Writes initiative, which has empowered countless writers to share their stories. Join an engaging discussion about the magazine project, with tips on transforming ideas into impactful publications. The workshop will cover themes of writing, publishing, and work, specifically women's work. It will be held to mark International Women's Day.

This event is open to all ICCIT students, available in person until seats are filled, and online. To join, register using the link below. Zoom details will be provided one day before the workshop. 

Register Now


Previous Events

March 4, 2025 | Anemily Machina: What is ChatGPT?

11-1 pm ET, IB 335

Many people use Generative AIs, like ChatGPT, but few people understand how they work. When academics or corporations explain the workings of AIs they link them to human concepts such as reasoning or understanding, but this hides the very concrete mechanisms that make AIs function.

The first part of this workshop will answer the following questions:

  • What is a modern AI
  • How does the AI generate text
  • Why does the AI hallucinate

The second part of this workshop will address:

  • The basic limitations of generative AI
  • The energy cost of using large AIs
  • The large amount of human effort required for AIs to function
  • The impact AI has on humans today

This event is open to all ICCIT students, available in person until seats are filled, and online. To join, register using the link below. Zoom details will be provided one day before the workshop.

February 27, 2025 | James Russwurm: Fun and Games? Working Conditions and Unionization in the Video Games Sector

11-12 pm ET, MN2266

Join us for an insightful session with James Russwurm, the organizer of Canada's first video game workers' union. He will discuss working conditions and unions in Canada's video game sector—a must-attend event for anyone interested in the industry or workplace advocacy. James Russwurm will join Professor Nicole Cohen's in-person class, virtually.

The event will include a lecture, an informal discussion, and a Q&A session, giving you the chance to engage directly with one of the industry's trailblazers.

This event is open to all ICCIT students, available in person until seats are filled, and online. To join, register using the link below. Zoom details will be provided one day before the workshop. 

February 26, 2025 | Career Centre Networking Series: Marketing & Communications

6:00pm–8:30pm, KN Rotunda, Kaneff Building

Hear from UTM alumni who will share industry insights, talk about their career story, and provide advice on career planning, job search and workplace success. You can also practice your networking skills and build connections with alumni and fellow students. Refreshments will be provided. Registration is required. Limited spots are available.

Brought to you in partnership with:

  • Institute of Communication, Culture, Information and Technology (ICCIT)
  • ICCIT Council
  • Digital Enterprise Management Association (DEMA)
  • ICCIT Student Mentorship Program

February 26, 2025 | Samar Sabie: Design Thinking for Sustainability

1- 3 pm ET, IB390

Join us for an insightful session with Professor Samar Sabie, to explore how design thinking can tackle real-world challenges in sustainability and digital transformation. The workshop is an opportunity to collaborate with peers to generate innovative solutions for today’s pressing issues using the design thinking approach. The workshop is offered in the CCT318 Sustainability and the Digital Entreprise class, facilitated by Professor Sarah Cherki El Idrissi.

February 26, 2025 | Dr. Tarek Loubani: Technology on the Frontlines of Liberation, a Conversation on Medical Solidarity in Gaza and Beyond

11 am- 2 pm ET, Open Design Collaboratory: CC3110

Join us for a talk and conversation with Dr. Tarek Loubani from the Glia Project and Western University. Glia is a medical solidarity organization that, among other things, provides low-cost 3D-printed medical equipment, such as stethoscopes and tourniquets, to frontline medical personnel in Gaza and beyond. Glia's Gaza offices were bombed during the recent war, and its Gaza team was displaced from their homes. Despite this, Glia continues to operate and bring in medical supplies. After the talk, ICCIT professor Alessandro Delfanti will moderate a panel discussion with Dr. Loubani, followed by an interactive Q&A session.

Register Now

February 12, 2025, | Robin Smith: Media Distribution: Understanding Your Audiences and How to Reach Them.

9 -11 am ET, IB210

In this workshop, veteran film distributor and industry expert Robin Smith will provide an in-depth look at media distribution. With over 30 years of experience working with major studios, independent distributors, and film festivals, Smith will explore key strategies for identifying and reaching target audiences in today's media environment. Through case studies and real-world examples, participants will gain insights into distribution models, audience engagement, and the role of festivals, streaming platforms, and traditional theatrical releases. This session is particularly valuable for emerging media professionals and students seeking employment in media and creative industries.

February 7, 2025, | Amrita Maharaj: Unpacking Privacy and Security Trends in Information Systems Sector: Key Considerations for Decision-Makers

11-1 pm ET, DV 2082

Join us for an insightful session with Amrita Magaraj, the Associate Director, Privacy, Data Protection & Information Management at Ernst and Young (EY). Amirta is passionate about the intersection of privacy and technology and its profound impact on cultural, socioeconomic, political, and systems design perspectives. Her work empowers organizations to navigate the complexities of data protection and information governance in today’s evolving digital landscape. 

Join us for an insightful session covering two critical topics for modern enterprises: 

  • Microsoft Co-Pilot: Unpacking the implementation process and exploring risks and considerations for organizations.
  • Migration to the Cloud: Weighing the pros and cons of shifting from on-premises applications to cloud or vendor-managed solutions.

Discover essential insights on privacy, security, access controls, vendor due diligence, data storage, and residency to guide your enterprise technology decisions.

This event is open to All ICCIT students.

January 22, 2025, | Anureet Kaur: Calculating Environmental Impact: Scope 1 & 2 Emissions in Practice

1-3pm ET, Online via Zoom

This interactive two-hour workshop, developed in the context of the CCT318 Sustainability and the Digital Enterprise Course, introduces students to a practical understanding of carbon accounting and emissions measurement in the ICT Sector. the workshop will be run in person in class and facilitated by Professor Sarah Cherki El Idrissi.

Led by Anureet Kaur, a Toronto-based sustainability professional, public speaker, writer, and professor, the workshop provides a unique opportunity to explore carbon accounting and its critical role in addressing climate change issues. 

This event is open to all ICCIT students.