The business, the backers and the next big things are coming to Calgary June 6 - 8, 2018.Calgary, Alberta, Canada - Arlene Dickinson, renowned entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and television personality from the CBC program, Dragons' Den, has joined the INVENTURE$ innovation experience as a keynote speaker.The self-made CEO of Venture Communications and General Partner for investment fund District Ventures Capital has published two books on entrepreneurship and is recognized as one of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women."The entrepreneurial lifestyle requires passion, purpose, and focus and I think, an iron will. But for all the tenacity and persistence we have as start-ups, we also need advice and connections. Global events like INVENTURE$ create important opportunities for people to converge, network and make deals," said Dickinson.Her recent book All in shares a personal story of success and speaks to the mindset required to build and grow a business. Through the power of storytelling, Dickinson also explores highs and lows with some of Canada's top entrepreneurs in her seven-part podcast on CBC Radio, Venturing Out."Growing a business, especially beyond Canada's borders requires capital access and resource. We all have a dream, an idea or a desire to build something, but we can't do it alone."Venture capitalists, angel investors, startups, entrepreneurs, service providers and thought leaders will converge in Calgary for INVENTURE$ June 6-8. More than 150 speakers are expected to contribute expertise in research, innovation, commercialization, capital access, and entrepreneurship.INVENTURE$ 2018INVENTURE$ will bring research, innovation, capital access, commercialization, experiential learning and entrepreneurial communities together. The unique conference experience will attract venture capitalists, angel investors, early adopters, startups, business educators, service providers and more from Alberta and around the world. Themes for INVENTURE$ include: health, clean energy (emissions reductions, water), food and fiber (forestry, agriculture, biotech), sensor technology, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), Green building and construction technology, autonomous vehicles, gaming/software/ICT, nanotechnology and omics (genomics, etc.).The Main Stage component will feature high-profile keynotes, executive panel discussions and major announcements. Interactive Break-out Sessions will provide opportunities to connect one-on-one and collaborate with like-minded influencers. An Innovator Showcase will host live pitch events and a Youth Entrepreneurs Showcase will display the best in student innovation, technology and business success.Media inquiries may be directed to:Bruce MarpoleCommunications and MarketingAlberta Innovates780.490.8907bruce.marpole[at]albertainnovates.caALBERTA INNOVATESAlberta Innovates is a provincially-funded Corporation with a mandate to deliver 21st century solutions for the most compelling challenges facing Albertans. We do this by building on our province's research and technology development strengths in the core sectors of health, environment, energy, food and fibre and platforms such as artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and omics. We are working with our partners to diversify Alberta's economy, improve our environmental performance and enhance our well-being through research and innovation.