Who Not to Overlook: Key People and Groups in Vancouver & BC's AI Education Community for Meetup Presentations

When considering who in your Vancouver AI and BC + AI communities might have something interesting to present at your next meetup—especially those involved in education—it's important to recognize both prominent individuals and the broader organizations, labs, and grassroots initiatives that are shaping the region’s unique AI-in-education landscape. Below is a synthesis of the most relevant people, institutions, and community clusters you should not overlook.

1. The ED + AI Subgroup and AI in Education Working Group

The ED + AI initiative is an emergent node within the BC + AI ecosystem, specifically designed to bring together educators, technologists, researchers, designers, students, and learning leaders for collaborative, educator-led exploration of AI in education. This group catalyzes inclusive, future-ready learning with AI across K–12, higher education, workforce upskilling, and community programs, with a strong focus on accessibility, neurodiversity, and ethical design.

ED + AI hosts regular meetups and "Knowledge Spotlights" featuring tools, frameworks, people, and projects from within the community. This is a space where educators, students, designers, administrators, researchers, artists, technologists, librarians, and the AI-curious come together to discuss how AI intersects with pedagogy, culture, ethics, and people—not just tools or trends. If you’re looking for presenters who can speak to both the practical and philosophical aspects of AI in education, this is a key group to tap[1].

2. Academic and Research Leaders in AI and Education

Vancouver’s AI education scene is anchored by strong academic-industry bridges, with several university labs and leaders actively developing curriculum, research, and real-world projects at the intersection of AI and learning. Some of the most notable:

• SFU SIAT Metacreation Lab: Led by Dr. Philippe Pasquier, this lab specializes in AI and creative processes, contributing to curriculum development and research on AI-driven creativity.
• UBC Emerging Media Lab (EML): Led by Saeed Dyanatkar and Patrick Pennefather, EML explores emerging technologies and provides insights on AI applications in media and technology.
• Emily Carr University of Art + Design: With Kate Armstrong as a contact, Emily Carr is integrating creative AI modules into design and animation programs, focusing on the use of generative AI in art and UX.
• Northeastern University – Vancouver Campus: Dennis Chennard is a key contact here; the campus focuses on experiential learning, AI curriculum development, and co-op opportunities in AI-related fields.
• Centre for Digital Media (CDM): This graduate education hub facilitates AI-focused capstone projects and connects industry partners with emerging talent[2].

These institutions not only produce top-tier talent but also foster innovative research and community engagement, making their faculty and researchers excellent candidates for presentations[3][4].

3. Education Technology Professionals and Community Builders

Vancouver and BC are home to a vibrant ecosystem of education technology professionals, grassroots organizers, and creative technologists who are deeply involved in AI and learning:

• BrainStation Vancouver, Lighthouse Labs, and General Assembly: These organizations run bootcamps and workshops on data science and AI, equipping participants with practical skills and often collaborating with industry on real-world projects.
• UBC Master of Data Science (MDS): Produces graduates who work on AI capstone projects with local companies, often staying in BC to contribute to the ecosystem.
• BCIT & Community Colleges: Offer post-degree diplomas and certificates in AI and data analytics, with a strong applied focus.
• Emily Carr University: Now includes creative AI modules in its curriculum.
• Canada Learning Code (BC): Runs AI workshops for youth and underrepresented groups, broadening accessibility and diversity in the field.