Events

IMDC Conference Registration Open Now Until Jan. 22, 2018 (Tickets are Limited)
by : AOD NetworkInnovation Methodologies for Defence Challenges
Saint Paul University, Ottawa
Jan 30-31, Feb 1, 2018
IMDC 2018 Definitive ProgrammePlease RSVP for the conference by first (1) filling out the form below and, second (2), by following the eventbrite link to obtain a $25 ticket. Further information (points 3-14) is available below.
Note: conference is free for students and presenters, we ask that you still RSVP by completing this form by January 22, 2018. There will be no on-site registration available.
1. Registration Form
2. Ticket on Eventbrite
To complete registration, please purchase a $25 ticket on Eventbrite ASAP and no later than January 22, 2018. Tickets are limited.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/innovation-methodologies-for-defence-challenges-tickets-41199491789
(excludes students, presenters, & staff)
3. Overview
Saint Paul University together with the Canadian Forces College’s Centre for National Security Studies, the Royal Military College Saint-Jean, the Center for International Policy Studies, and the Mapping and Charting Establishment are proud to present “Innovation Methodologies for Defence Challenges: Towards Practical Strategies.” To be held at Saint Paul University in Ottawa from 30 Jan to 1 Feb 2018, the Conference will bring together some of the most distinguished defence practitioners, innovation specialists and scholars in the field coming from several NATO countries and partners (see working programme above).
Aligned with the Canadian Defence Policy Strong, Secure and Engaged (SSE), this event aims primarily at facilitating exchanges of experiences in using innovation methodologies in practice and at formalizing a network of professionals who are interested in innovation, doctrine development and defence planning. The secondary aim is to leverage this network to envision ambitious practical deliverables for defence practitioners as well as research deliverables. In what follows, prospective participating individuals or organizations will find all information required. You are fully encouraged to invite interested parties from your own networks and organizations. Further information will be circulated as we get closer to the conference.
4. Context
To face complexity in the current global environment, CAF are looking for ways to develop and mobilise innovation capabilities and ensure agility. An abundant choice of innovation methodologies — such as design thinking, system thinking, scenario planning, strategic foresight, visual driven innovation and tacit methodologies — is now available to do so. Despite this, several obstacles lay ahead in adapting these methodologies and, more broadly, to foster a culture of innovation in CAF and allied organisations. Among these obstacles, the limited connections between innovation methodologies and concrete approaches to put them into practice hinder the realization of the Canadian Defence Policy Strong, Secure and Engaged (SSE)’s objectives in defence education, planning and operations to name a few. While the literature overlooked practicalities, several successful innovators developed their own practical approaches after years of experience around the world. The conference will enable making available this practical knowledge to participants and to a broader audience with deliverable projects.
Key questions that will be discussed at the conference focus on how to move from innovation methodologies to concrete implementation strategies. More specifically, this conference will seek to find ways to reconcile innovation with planning methodologies in practice, and to teach innovation methodologies in defense organizations, and to institutionalize them. The conference will also invite presenters to share what they believe is the cutting edge in innovation methodologies and how to increase their practical effectiveness.
5. Active Participation
Each participant (i.e. attendee) will have the chance to take part actively in the conference by co-developing recommendations to tackle one of their most complex organizational challenges and to share them with the audience. Participants will be able to tap into one of the richest pools of resources gathered on the subject including 3 keynote series (Generals, Designers, and Scholars), 8 panel discussions, 7 innovation methods & skills workshops, 2 masterclasses, one-on-one meetings with experts in addition to four social activities. Please do bring a drawing sketch book as some facilitators will ask you to use it.
William Simonds, the coordinator of this activity, will rely on submitted registration forms to assemble dream teams. You may contact him at w_simonds@yahoo.com for further information.
6. Social Activities
Four social activities are offered to both presenters and participants — (1) Officers’ mess reception, (2) skating on the Rideau Canal as part of Ben Zweibelson’s keynote, (3) Fine Dining, and (4) Day Skiing at Mont-Tremblant (QC). Attendees showing interest by ticking the relevant boxes on the registration form will be contacted by the organization team with more information in due course.
7. Accommodation
For non-Ottawa residents, the best value and localization option are 2 closed bedrooms suites at the Conference and Residence Centre, 200 meters from the conference site (150 Hazel St, K1S 5T8 Ottawa, Canada).
Please contact Melissa Sinfield mesinfield@gmail.com to confirm your dates and a suggested suite’s partner.
For more comfortable options, we recommend the Novotel (33 Nicholas St, Ottawa) or the Alt Hotel (185 Slater St, Ottawa) in the city centre, both at a 10 minutes taxi ride from the conference site.
8. Chapel Service
Saint-Paul University has a chapel available at all time with mass at lunchtime every day.
9. Address
Guigues Hall
Saint-Paul University
223 Main Street
Ottawa, ON
10. Registration no later than January 22
Registration must be done on the online form for all attendees including presenters (above) and on Eventbrite (above) for regular participants. There are no registration fees for special participants including students, staff, organizers and presenters.
There will be no on-site registration available.
Participant Registration Fee: $25.00
11. Point of contact
Your point of contact for further information is Melissa Sinfield mesinfield@gmail.com
Many thanks for participating to, we are sure, will be a high impact and memorable event for years to come.
The Organization Team
Philippe Dufort | Lead Conference Organizer
Assistant professor, School of Conflict Studies | Saint Paul University
Philippe Beaulieu-Brossard | Lead Conference Organizer
Assistant professor, Department of Defence Studies | Canadian Forces College
Ben Zweibelson | Conference Ambassador
Design Program Director | Joint Special Operations University
Partners and Sponsors
Centre for National Security Studies (CNSS), Canadian Forces College (CFC)
Centre for International Policy Studies (CIPS)
Mapping and Charting Establishment (MCE), Canadian Forces Intelligence Command
The Military Training & Cooperation Program (MTCP)
International Centre for the Study of the Profession of Arms (ICSPA), Collège militaire royale de Saint-Jean (CMR Saint-Jean)
Saint Paul University (SPU)