We are excited to help promote the upcoming Product4Good Conference – a remarkable event that brings together the tech community for a noble cause. Set to take place on October 3rd at the iconic Rialto Theatre in Montreal, this conference promises to be a landmark gathering for product management professionals, entrepreneurs, innovators, and thought leaders.
We sat down with Laura Di Costanzo, a key figure behind the conference, to learn more about this exciting event. Laura Di Costanzo is a passionate advocate for the tech community and an experienced product management professional. With a background in organizing community events and a commitment to fostering innovation, Laura has been instrumental in bringing the Product4Good Conference to life and creating learning, networking, and growth opportunities for Montreal product professionals.
Can you tell us about the Product4Good Conference?
The Product4Good Conference is organized by Techaide, an organization dedicated to uniting the tech community through various events to raise funds for Centraide (United Way) in Montreal. Founded about eight years ago, Techaide has successfully orchestrated numerous events, including soccer and volleyball tournaments, AI conferences, and gaming conferences.
My partner, Laurent Maisonnave, and I have been passionate about organizing a product conference in Montreal for years. Given my active involvement in the community through Product Tank monthly meetups, APM Montreal training programs, Quebec Product Awards, and, most recently, starting the Women In Product Montreal chapter, this conference is the perfect addition to our community’s initiatives.
What is the mission and vision of this event?
Our mission for the Product4Good conference is to gather product management professionals, entrepreneurs, innovators, and thought leaders to share their experiences and insights around this year’s theme. We aim to raise awareness of Centraide’s mission to fight social poverty, leveraging the power of collaboration and knowledge sharing to make a meaningful impact in our community.
Our vision is to create a vibrant and inclusive platform where industry leaders and visionaries can converge to exchange ideas and foster innovation. We aspire to advance professional growth and thought leadership through our annual gatherings while championing social equity and poverty alleviation, aligning with Centraide’s mission. We envision our conferences as beacons of positive change, inspiring collective action toward a more just and compassionate society.
Who benefits from this conference?
The primary beneficiary of the Product4Good Conference is Centraide du Grand Montreal. Centraide’s mission is to address critical social issues such as poverty and exclusion and provide everyone with the means to build inclusive communities and improve the quality of life for the most vulnerable.
The agencies supported by Centraide tackle various dimensions of poverty, including youth success, meeting basic needs, inclusion of vulnerable and marginalized communities, and the development of inclusive living environments. These interconnected aspects contribute to making Montreal a better place to live.
Who should attend the Product4Good Conference?
It is ideal for product management professionals, tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, innovators, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology and social good. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn from industry leaders, network with like-minded individuals, and contribute to a meaningful cause.
Can you share some highlights from last year’s inaugural conference?
Last year’s inaugural conference was a resounding success, raising $50,000 through generous contributions from sponsors and ticket sales, with all proceeds going to Centraide. The funds raised resulted in:
- 500 dinners for Montreal families in need
- 200 mental health services delivered
- 300 volunteer-hour sign-ups
The community response was overwhelmingly positive:
“Product4Good set a high bar for the very first product conference in Montreal. I was truly amazed by the quality of the speeches and the overall event organization. I cannot wait for the next one!” — Michel Ferry, Previous Attendee
“After moving back to Montreal, my goal was to connect with fellow tech professionals, and the Product4Good conference was the perfect opportunity! The speakers were fantastic, and as a Designer, I really enjoyed hearing firsthand from leaders in some of the industry’s top companies about how they were approaching the creation of new products using cutting-edge tech.” — Tom Kinnear, Previous Attendee
“Attending and speaking at Product4Good was a blast! The speakers were really engaging, and hearing from product managers in Montreal and around the world was super insightful. Plus, the networking event was a great opportunity to meet and connect with people working across various industries in and around Montreal, making it a fantastic learning experience all around.” — Alessandra Willsher, Previous Speaker
How can others get involved or help support this important conference?
There are several ways to get involved and support the Product4Good Conference:
- Volunteer: Help with event organization and logistics.
- Speak: Share your insights and experiences with the community.
- Sponsor: Support the conference through sponsorship opportunities.
- Attend: Purchase tickets and attend the event.
Join us at the Product4Good Conference on October 3rd and be part of a movement that leverages the power of the tech community to make a significant social impact. We look forward to seeing you there!