Report to: Development Services Committee Date: September 8, 2009

SUBJECT: IBM Smarter Cities Conference, New York City, October 1 and 2, 2009

PREPARED BY: S. Chait, ext. 4871

RECOMMENDATION:

That the report entitled “IBM Smarter Cities Conference, New York City, October 1 and 2, 2009” be received;

That the Town be represented by the Mayor and by the Chief Administrative Officer,

And that the cost of participating in the conference not exceed $3,500.00 and be expensed from within the approved 2009 Economic Development Business Travel budget 610-9985201,

And that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

DISCUSSION:

On October 1-2, 2009 Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Markham Chief Administrative Officer John Livey are invited by IBM Corporation to attend the “Smarter Cities Forum” in New York City. Hosted by IBM Chairman, President and CEO Samuel Palmisano, the Smarter Cities Forum will explore best practices within education, public safety, transportation, the environment and other systems to shape new blueprints for cities. In collaboration with co-sponsors The Partnership for New York City, City University of New York, and the National Governor’s Association, IBM will provide a peer-to-peer exchange for governors, mayors, federal officials, non-profit organizations, thought leaders, and academics to discuss new partnerships, identify roadblocks, and evaluate frameworks for investment to make cities work better. This is an integral part of IBM’s “smarter planet agenda” to bolster economic vitality and the quality of life in cities. In addition to the New York City event in October, a similar event will be held in Shanghai in May 2010.

The New York City event will begin at midday on October 1^st with keynote presentations, followed by a special reception and dinner that evening. The Forum will continue on October 2^nd with more keynotes, peer collaboration and networking, concluding in the late afternoon.

This is a by-invitation-only event. Markham’s Mayor and CAO are among a small number of Canadian officials invited by IBM to attend. IBM will be making arrangements for the Markham representatives to meet with their peers from among the leading U.S. municipalities who will also be in attendance, as well as with senior corporate executives.

FINANCIAL TEMPLATE

The cost for the Mayor and CAO to attend the “Smarter Cities Forum” is $3,500.00

Return airfare ($700 x 2) $1,400.00

One night hotel ($450 x 2) 900.00

Meals and reception ($500 x 2) 1,000.00

Ground transportation 200.00

$3,500.00

The cost of participating in the conference will not exceed $3,500.00 and will be expensed from within the approved 2009 Economic Development Business Travel budget 610-9985201.

ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:

This conference is aligned with Markham’s targeted economic sectors and with Council’s strategic priorities. It will raise awareness of Markham among leading government and business leaders, and provide opportunities for Markham to learn about best practices and state-of-the-art city-building methodologies.

DEPARTMENTS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

N/A.

RECOMMENDED BY:

___________________________ ________________________________

Stephen A. Chait, Ec.D., CMC Jim Baird, M.C.I.P., R.P.P.

Director, Economic Development Commissioner of Development Services