Our speakers

Vadim Sloutsky is a serial entrepreneur applying his skills in various interesting ventures. After graduating from York University, Toronto in 1999 majoring in Computer Science Vadim started his IT career in Software Quality Assurance Automation field and worked in major Canadian companies such as LavaLife, Amdocs, Bell Mobility, TD Bank, CIBC, BMO and JDEdwards. An exposure and an opportunity to be involved in such a wide range of industries has led to a broader and deeper understanding of various business models and technical aspects of the business that was later successfully applied in ViaNetTV where Vadim was a co-founder. Company later transformed into VMedia, a successful Canadian telecom company offering services in Internet, TV, Phone and Home Security across Canada. Vadim made an exit from VMedia in 2018 concentrating on ethnic market. Vadim consults and invests into IT start-ups, participates in industry conferences and various events across the globe. <br /> <br />Vadim's social involvement includes a vast contribution to online presence of Russian-speaking Toronto through Torontovka.com - very popular web portal with a monthly traffic of 100K unique visitors.

Kirill Kanevsky is a distinguished licensed real estate salesperson with Sutton Group–Admiral Realty Inc. in Thornhill, Ontario. With an impressive array of credentials, including designations as an Accredited Commercial Professional and Accredited Luxury Home Specialist, Kirill brings nearly two decades of expertise to the real estate industry. Fluent in English, Ukrainian, Russian, and Hebrew, he excels in serving a diverse, multicultural clientele. His specialties encompass residential brokerage, investment and leasing, relocation services, and handling retail, industrial, office, and recreational properties.<br /><br />As a seasoned land developer and cross-border relations specialist, Kirill leads a powerhouse team dedicated to seamless Canadian-to-Florida relocations. His firm offers a one-stop solution, combining the expertise of licensed Canadian and U.S. immigration lawyers, a cross-border CPA specializing in tax planning, and Kirill’s own deep knowledge of real estate and land development. Whether you’re navigating investor visas, property investments, or a stress-free move to Florida, Kirill and his team provide tailored legal, financial, and strategic guidance to make your transition effortless. Join us as Kirill shares his insights on real estate, cross-border relocation, and achieving your property goals with confidence.

Yulia Druzhnikova is the Co-founder and CEO of PioneerIP, a pioneering AI-powered platform focused on automating patent infringement searches. Leveraging over a decade of experience in the tech and venture capital industries, Yulia is leading PioneerIP’s mission to revolutionize intellectual property protection through cutting-edge AI technology.<br /><br />Previously, Yulia was the Co-founder and Global Expansion Director at FIXAR, a leading developer of Fixed-Wing VTOL UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems). During her tenure at FIXAR, she successfully raised $7M in funding and expanded the company's presence across North America, Europe, and Asia. Under her leadership, FIXAR's innovative drone design received approval from Transport Canada for advanced flights and BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) missions.<br /><br />Yulia is also a Board Member of the Aerial Evolution Association of Canada, where she oversees the international agenda for advocating for drone technologies and pushing industry boundaries.<br /><br />With a strong background in technology, marketing, business development, and global expansion, Yulia has consistently brought technology startups to the global market.<br /><br />In 2013, Yulia was selected as a winner of the US Government-sponsored Professional Fellows Program and was awarded an internship at the MassChallenge business accelerator in Boston, MA.<br /><br />Yulia’s expertise spans across robotics, AI, retail, and e-commerce sectors, making her a versatile leader in driving innovative tech solutions to the global stage.<br />

Entrepreneurship is not just business for Alex Plotkin, it’s a way of life. PioneerIP is his fifth startup. His previous FinTech startup was sold to a private equity fund in California, USA, in 2023. Alex’s first exit was in 2009. <br /><br />Alex is an accomplished business and technology leader with 25 years of extensive experience and knowledge in different business and technology areas and a proven track record of successful, complex, and large-scale projects. He has held various roles, from founding technology start-ups to leading the technology revolution in big corporations.<br /><br />Mr. Plotkin possesses a Master of Science (MSc.) in Technology Management from the Polytechnic School of NY University and a Certificate from the Entrepreneurship Development Program at Schulich School of Business - York University, as well as a number of technical certifications, including Project Management Professional (PMP(PMI), Certified Information Systems Security Professional - CISSP (ISC2) - the highest cybersecurity certification.<br /><br />Mr. Plotkin is also the Founder and CEO of Cyberwall Inc., a cybersecurity consulting and managed services provider in Canada and the USA. This unique experience allows him to provide advice and insight to a broad audience, such as start-up founders and the board of directors, by guiding them on several different cybersecurity and privacy-related subjects.<br /><br />Alex is well-known in the industry for his effective and simplified communications with various stakeholders (C-level executives, board members, and regulators), helping them understand security and risk in business terms to enable a faster decision-making process.<br />

Alex Levin is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in intellectual property (IP) management, consulting, and strategic planning. Holding the title of Practical Engineer and boasting an MBA with a specialization in Marketing and Strategic Management, along with an LLM in Intellectual Property, Alex has established himself as a respected figure in the field.<br /><br />Serving as the Director of IP at TAG Medical since 2013, Alex collaborates closely with the C-level team to devise and execute comprehensive IP strategies. His role involves providing invaluable guidance on IP prosecution and enforcement, in addition to overseeing local and international IP matters. With a meticulous approach, he manages a substantial IP budget.<br /><br />In parallel, Alex is the Founder and Managing Partner of Levin Consulting Group, a distinguished boutique consulting firm headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Since its establishment in 2007, the firm has been dedicated to offering tailored IP management services to a diverse clientele, ranging from start-ups to established enterprises. Leveraging his extensive expertise, Levin leads the firm in developing and implementing IP strategies for clients worldwide while also managing patent licensing discussions and overseeing patent prosecution activities.<br /><br />Alex’s academic journey has been equally impressive, culminating in an LLM in Intellectual Property from Osgoode Hall Law School, York University. His educational background also includes a B.A. in Psychology and a Practical Engineering degree in Computers and Electronics.<br />Beyond his professional and academic pursuits, Alex is a sought-after lecturer on IP portfolio management. He has shared his insights with audiences across Canada, Russia, and Israel, offering invaluable guidance to seminar attendees and C-level executives alike.<br /><br />Fluent in English, Russian, and Hebrew, Alex possesses a global perspective that enriches his approach to IP management and consulting. As a Canadian Permanent Resident since 2009, he continues to contribute significantly to the advancement of intellectual property strategies on an international scale.<br />In his spare time, Alex enjoys exploring new technologies and staying abreast of the latest developments in the ever-evolving field of intellectual property.<br />

Evgenii Kleimenov is a professional actor, director, producer, and business trainer with acting and directing education. He is the founder of several companies, including the film company "Artande," where he also led a film school. Evgenii has over 10 years of experience in management and sales, including in real estate, and more than 7 years of practical experience in employee training. He has trained over 1500 managers, line directors, and call-center workers using a unique preparation system that combines the basics of acting, public speaking, psychology, and modern sales techniques.<br /><br />Evgenii has played more than 30 roles in films, and his movies have won international festivals. He conducts trainings on motivation, oratory, emotional intelligence, handling objections, and sales, as well as master-classes like "How to Speak So That They Listen to You." Recently, he held the premiere of his short film "Best Shot" in Canada and is opening the ArtNaction film school here. His approach is based on practice, coaching, and the use of video, audio, and presentation materials for groups of 10 to 20 people.

Fima Sitsker is the President of Zakuson Inc., a leading Ontario-based food distribution company serving diverse communities across North America. With decades of experience in the food industry, he has built a reputation for bringing high-quality European and specialty products to market while fostering strong partnerships with retailers and suppliers. Under his leadership, Zakuson has grown into a trusted name in the distribution sector, recognized for reliability, innovation, and customer-focused service. Zakuson's products are in every Russian-speaking family's fridge across North America. <br /><br />As a business leader and community contributor, Fima combines entrepreneurial vision with a deep understanding of cultural food traditions, making him a valued voice in both the business and community spheres.

Marat Ressin has led an incredible 20+ year career as an internationally successful businessman in business and real estate development. Having completed his PhD in Economics with a specialization in “small business crisis management,” Marat Ressin has extensive expertise in growing small businesses that attract investment, and has successfully reinvented and rehabilitated over 30 businesses from a variety of industries. Marat personally believes in the importance of social impact and has volunteered his knowledge to many not-for-profit organizations to help them become more efficient and achieve their goals.