Cybersecurity
Operation: Defend The North 2026 (Toronto)
Operation: Defend the North 2026 (Toronto) brings together cybersecurity leaders and practitioners for a high-intensity, live simulation event at the intersection of artificial intelligence, automation, and operational velocity.
Set against the backdrop of Toronto’s critical infrastructure, the event challenges participants to navigate the real-world consequences of rapid technological adoption—where AI is both a catalyst for innovation and a source of new vulnerabilities.
The essentials
Event details
- Dates
- 8 December 2026
- Location
- Hotel X, Toronto, Canada
- Address
- 111 Princes' Blvd, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3
- Organiser
- siberX
- Industry
- Cybersecurity
Speaking
Call for speakers
This event publishes a call for speakers. The deadline is unverified, so check the call before preparing a submission.
Agenda themes
Topics covered
- AI, Automation, and the New Cyber Risk Landscape
- Live Crisis Simulation: Testing Real-World Response
- Industry Context: Why This Matters Now
- Addressing the Operational Challenge
On stage
Speakers
- Alex DowChief Innovations Officer, Mirai Security
- Ali Abbas HirjiExecutive Director, Canadian Centre for Cyber Defence
- Ali ShahidiDirector, Cybersecurity and IT Risk, Infrastructure Ontario
- Amit ChopraHead of Information Systems / CIO, Lakefield College School
- Daniel PinskyCSO, CDW Canada
- David CachiaChief Information Officer, Municipality of Clarington
- Dhanush LiyanageOntario Health
- Dr. Prabir PandaLaurentian Bank
- Edgard RodriguezRogers
- Emerson RajaramWellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health
- Ferris AdiCISO, Trans Americas Fiber System
- Gurvinder GillCISO, Toronto Parking Authority
- James CairnsCISO, Bow Valley College
- Jason LeakeManager, Enterprise Information Security, Toyota
- John PinardDUCA Financial
- Kim SchreaderDirector, Cybersecurity Professional Services, Telus
Logistics
Where to stay
Places to stay near the venue.
Hotel X Toronto
111 Princes' Boulevard, Toronto
The Drake Hotel ★★★
1150 Queen Street West, Toronto
Gladstone House ★★★★
1214 Queen Street West, Toronto
Ace Hotel Toronto
51 Camden Street, Toronto
The Alexandra hotel
77 Ryerson Avenue, Toronto
SoHo Hotel Toronto
318 Wellington Street West, Toronto
Marriott City Centre
1 Blue Jays Way, Toronto
Bisha Hotel & Residences
Stay on it
Get the next edition
When Operation: Defend The North 2026 (Toronto) announces its next edition, or these dates change, we read it from the organiser's own site. One email when that happens, nothing else.
Plan this event
Work out who to meet here
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