We are pleased to welcome Dr. Rob McMahon as our keynote speaker. Dr. McMahon is an Associate Professor in the Media & Technology Studies Unit and the Department of Political Science at the University of Alberta. His transdisciplinary, community-engaged research focuses on the development, adoption, and use of broadband and internet technologies by rural, Northern, and Indigenous communities. His approach involves working with communities to ensure that their voices are heard in all stages of research, from ideation to outcomes. He and his partners regularly contribute to digital policy and regulation, and are involved in codesigning digital technologies and teaching/learning resources in ways that meet the desires and interests of involved communities. 

Prior to joining the University of Alberta in 2015, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher with the First Nations Innovation Project at the University of New Brunswick and co-founded the First Mile Connectivity Consortium, a national nonprofit association of Indigenous technology organizations that is actively engaged in government policy and regulatory consultations.  In 2020, he received the Killam Accelerator Research award, which is granted to early career faculty members for their research output and the impact of their scholarly activity.

The conference is located at the University of Calgary in the Hunter Student Commons (HNSC). Click here to access a campus map.

We have secured a CMF Conference booking rate at the Alt Hotel located in the University District, approximately a 14–minute walk from the conference location. Click here to book a room and receive the CMF Grad Conference discounted rate. Please note: to obtain the rate, book by April 10, 2026.

Between Calgary’s food and arts scene to epic hiking and culinary arts in Banff and Kananaskis, there are many places to explore! Our team has put together a list of a few of our favourite places within walking distance of the U of C or are accessible via C-Train.

University District favourites:

• Best coffee: Monogram
• Best breakfast: OEB
• Best Mexican food: Native Tongues

Accessible by C-Train:

• For book worms: Fair’s Fair Bookstore
• For book & architect enthusiasts: Calgary Central Library
• For stationary fanatics: Reid’s: The Stationary Store
• For theatre aficionados: Theatre Calgary
• For orchestral music lovers: Calgary Philharmonic
• For live music fans: The King Eddy

Visit Tourism Calgary for extensive information on other activities, including transportation to world-renown places outside of Calgary, such as Banff National Park.