Hilary Taylor is the co-founder of NewAE Technology Inc., a Halifax-based firm specializing in cryptographic security tools. In 2024, she led the successful bid to bring CHES 2024 — the Conference on Cryptographic Hardware and Embedded Systems — to Halifax.
CHES, organized by the International Association for Cryptologic Research (IACR), is recognized globally as the premier academic conference on cryptographic hardware and embedded systems research, bridging foundational theory with real-world applications. The event took place at the Halifax Convention Centre and attracted international researchers and professionals from around the world to our city.
Why She Did It
CHES was the very first conference that NewAE Technology Inc. participated as a sponsor and exhibitor, when she and her husband, Colin, founded the company more than a decade ago. The CHES community welcomed and supported NewAE during its early growth, helping to build confidence in its tools within the academic security world. Over time, the conference became both a professional network and a personal community that Hilary deeply values.
When the opportunity arose to bring CHES to Canada, Hilary saw a chance to give back to the community that had supported her business. “You get to know these people and you want to show them your home … A lot of people when they think of Canada they just think of Toronto or Montreal. You’re missing the whole Atlantic Coast!” she said, emphasizing how hosting in Halifax allowed delegates from Europe, Asia, and North America to experience a part of the country they might not otherwise visit.
Leading the bid was a first for Hilary and her team. IACR conferences are typically organized by academics, backed by student volunteers. From the outset, support from Discover Halifax was essential. “We didn’t have experience hosting events and we didn’t have a team of volunteers behind us, so Discover Halifax made it possible and helped make it the success it was,” she reflects, noting that guidance from proposal development through contracts and partner connections made all the difference.
Outcomes
CHES 2024 brought approximately 350 international attendees to Halifax, primarily from Europe, Asia, and North America. Most delegates had never been to Nova Scotia before, and a large share extended their stays to explore Halifax and the broader Atlantic region, with visits to nearby New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland.
The combination of cutting-edge research, a highly engaged global community, and a unique host city experience made the event a standout success. Attendees praised Halifax’s vibrant, walkable urban core, distinctive venues, and welcoming atmosphere, which offered a refreshing alternative to traditional convention centers near airports or industrial parks.
The conference is estimated to have generated more than $1 million in economic impact for the city, highlighting its value to Halifax’s broader business events ecosystem.
Hilary describes the experience as deeply rewarding: “Seeing how much attendees appreciated Halifax and Atlantic Canada … made the experience truly rewarding,” and she confirms she would gladly lead another bid in the future. Her leadership not only brought a top-tier international conference to Halifax but also helped showcase that part of Canada that can be easily overlooked by global research communities.
