Lunchtime Conversation: Smart cities explained

City of Sydney Library Lunchtime Conversations is a fortnightly series of free online talks with authors, artists and experts.

What is a smart city and what does it look like? Waste bins that empty themselves? Street lighting that only comes on when needed? Apps that let us know where we’ll find a park for our car? Or better, public transport that is more in tune with demand?

Join expert Johanna Pitman to explore these world-changing technologies. In just 1 hour you’ll get a better understanding of the opportunities and risks of emerging technology in city life, including:

• how it’s already improving people’s lives in thousands of cities worldwide by reducing energy consumption, improving water management and cutting traffic congestion and pollution.

• how we can continue to create liveable environments in growing urban centres where people and businesses can both thrive.

• streamlining communications between you and the people who run your city.

• risks of surveillance, diminished privacy and cyber-crime.

• emerging impacts of the global pandemic on city life and urban trends.

Also find out where and how you can experience smart cities technology right here in the City of Sydney area.

Johanna Pitman

Johanna led BlueChilli’s CityConnect smart cities accelerator program, working with entrepreneurs to address challenges faced by urban communities. Before that she was Deputy CEO for the Committee for Sydney, an independent think-tank advocating for global best practice in city-making.

Johanna has a deep understanding of innovation, urban issues and economic development. She holds a Masters in Regional Studies from Harvard University and is passionate about connecting the right players to create cities that are prosperous, inclusive and liveable for all.

This is a free event however bookings are essential

Please read your booking confirmation carefully for instructions on how to join the event on Zoom. You’ll need to install the free Zoom software on your own or computer or device to participate.

You don’t need any technical knowledge to enjoy this free event. The guest speaker’s presentation will be followed by the opportunity to join smaller group discussions before a final Q&A session.

This event will be Auslan interpreted.

Explore other events in the series.