Building Games in Alberta: Fireside Chat with NAIT & Industry Leaders
Join us for an in-person fireside chat during Edmonton Startup Week 2026, bringing together NAIT instructors who are also active founders in Alberta's game industry, alongside leaders from local studios. This session digs into what it really takes to build and grow game companies in Alberta, from early-stage entrepreneurship and funding pathways to production realities, talent development, and the future of interactive digital media in the province.
Whether you're a student, emerging developer, founder, or part of Edmonton's broader tech community, this conversation offers practical insight, candid stories, and a chance to connect with people who are building Alberta-made IP every day.
Hosted by NAIT's game development and interactive media community in partnership with Edmonton Startup Week.
Confirmed Speakers
NAIT Representatives
Clinton Bowman – Casual Instructor, NAIT; Director & Chief Creative Officer, GHOAT LABORATORIES Inc.
Kyle Kulyk – Instructor, NAIT; Managing Director, Itzy Interactive
Jennifer LaFace – Instructor, NAIT; Producer, Only By Midnight
Industry Representatives
Caghan Bonnough – Director, EmberSails
Kaelin Lavallee – Co-Founder, Studio Reset
Gaian Helmers – President, Genome Studios Inc.
Ronnie Villanueva – Digital Media & Technology Specialist, Edmonton Screen
Moderator
Cory Sellar – Good Games Edmonton
Special Guest Speakers (Pending Confirmation)
Additional Alberta game industry leaders are currently being invited and may join the discussion as special surprise guests. Depending on scheduling and availability, attendees may hear from additional founders, studio executives, creative directors, and industry veterans from Alberta's interactive digital media sector.
What We'll Cover
Building and scaling game studios in Alberta
Entrepreneurship and founder lessons learned
Funding pathways, grants, publishing, and commercialization
Talent development and workforce growth
The role of post-secondary institutions in supporting industry
Emerging technologies and AI in game development
Building Alberta-made intellectual property
The future of Alberta's digital entertainment sector
Event Details
Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026
Doors Open: 5:30 PM
Program: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: NAIT Main Campus, Room X107
Capacity: Approximately 100 attendees
Admission: Free
Registration is required, as seating is limited.
Getting to the Event
The event will be held in Room X107, located near the Book Store.
If you have trouble locating the room, simply ask any NAIT staff member, front service representative, or campus security officer for directions to:
"Room X107 X-Wing Building"
They will be able to point you in the right direction.
Parking & Transit
Campus Parking
Paid visitor parking is available throughout NAIT Main Campus.
Street Parking
Additional street parking may be available in nearby areas surrounding campus. In many locations, street parking becomes free after 6:00 PM, subject to posted City of Edmonton parking regulations and signage.
Transit & LRT
NAIT Main Campus is accessible by ETS transit and the NAIT/Blatchford Market LRT Station, which is within walking distance of campus.
Networking
Doors open at 5:30 PM to allow time for informal networking before the discussion begins. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and stay afterward to connect with speakers, founders, developers, students, entrepreneurs, and members of Alberta's growing game development community.
About Edmonton Startup Week
This event is part of Edmonton Startup Week 2026, a week-long celebration of innovation, entrepreneurship, technology, and community collaboration across the city. Join us for an evening of conversation, insight, and connection with the people helping build Alberta's next generation of game studios and digital entertainment companies.