Three-part digital conference aims to match industry recruiters with tech students Last Modified: 11:11 AM CST Friday, Feb. 19, 2021 | Updates Jason Halstead / Winnipeg Free Press files Tech Manitoba hosted its conference in-person (above) last year, but Feb. 22 will be the first of its three-part online event series, with technology and innovation sector recruiters from around the province. Even before the pandemic took hold, the tech industry was a driving force to sustain and grow Manitoba’s local economy. Even before the pandemic took hold, the tech industry was a driving force to sustain and grow Manitoba’s local economy. But amid lockdowns and restrictions, the burgeoning sector is one of few that stands out against the tides of COVID-19, while hundreds of businesses reliant on in-person operations are at the risk of permanently disappearing.