‟FWD50 is an opportunity to work on my job—asking why I do what I do, and whether that is changing—rather than in it.”
Technology shapes every facet of modern life. But will it hurt or help us?
Too often, technological advancement is either demonized as a job-stealing, privacy-violating terror; or beatified as a panacea come to rescue us from our worst selves. But there’s a middle ground—a way forward that shapes technology to benefit us, building the kind of society we want atop it.
In the immediate future, tech can streamline the way countries govern today, improving antiquated processes and updating how citizens and the government interact at every level. In the long term, it lets us reimagine what’s possible for nations, anticipating pitfalls while putting the best innovations to work.
But we must not sit idly by and let the future happen to us. We must shape it. It must be used by us, not just on us. And that’s why we launched FWD50 in 2017.
FWD50 explores this transition, marrying policymaking, technology, ethics, and invention.
Because it’s time for some forward thinking.
FWD50 throughout the years
From the outset, FWD50 was a global event that brought many countries together in new and unexpected ways:
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In 2017, from humble beginnings, we welcomed six countries to Lansdowne Park. Minister Scott Brison kicked off the event, which featured keynotes and panels on emerging technologies and change management.
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In early 2018, partly as a result of those conversations, Canada joined the Digital Nations. We introduced the Circlesquare interactive format, which changed our stage layout to an intimate in-the-round model.
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In 2019, we added a Regional Digital Government Summit; months later, regional Chief Digital Officers continued that conversation at regular meetings, which helped them navigate the COVID pandemic.
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In 2020, we were one of the first events to prove that online content didn’t have to be boring webinars. We helped Canada host the Digital Nations on our platform, and welcomed members of the global Civic Tech movement. Many of the ways to connect online, first demonstrated at FWD50, have since been adopted within governments worldwide.
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In 2021, we switched to a two-host format for an online event that spanned continents and thousands of attendees, continuing to unite a global network of digital-first public servants remotely during the pandemic.
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In 2022, we ran our first truly hybrid event, bringing what we learned from two years online into the physical world. From scannable conversation starters, to soundproofed interview booths, to a full-stage studio, the conference was a triumphant return to a world still returning to in-person interaction.
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In 2023, we expanded the hybrid format with a second building; switched platforms to improve virtual networking; added dedicated content just for online attendees, launched a library of books written by our past and current speakers, and held our largest event ever with over 3,500 folks online and more than 1,000 in person.
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In 2024, we leaned into the overlap with the US Election, splitting the conference into several days: One online-only day that brought in bestselling authors and global speakers; an Executive Cohort; two hybrid days, and one in-person day devoted to workshops and debates. We also launched new activations developed exclusively for the event such as Change My Mind and Place Your Bets
Our manifesto
Check out our manifesto on digital government, or read our latest updates where we explore the challenges and opportunities of tech and society.
