January 2008 Issue
are you ready to rock?
BY KIRSTEN MILNER
Public Relations Coordinator
What better way to mark International Year of Planet Earth than to connect with colleagues and celebrate the contributions APEGGA members make in building and shaping our province, nation and world.
From April 17-19, the 2008 Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting takes place in Edmonton, at the Shaw Conference Centre and Westin Hotel. This year’s theme, Rock Solid Professionalism, highlights the strong foundation for the commitment APEGGA members bring to public safety and well-being.
Join us for three days filled with opportunities to contribute to your professional Association. Network, socialize and build your career.
Professional development seminars are one cornerstone of the conference, and this year’s technical streams address a variety of topical issues, including infrastructure security and water management. Business-related streams include seminars on leadership and creative approaches to strategic planning.
In addition to the five, two-day streams, an Executive Track seminar will again be offered, this time featuring Alan Lightman. An astrophysicist and professor at MIT, Dr. Lightman is also an international bestselling author.
“Our aim is to offer potentially transformational experiences within the PD segment of the Annual Conference. Dr. Lightman has a reputation for having this effect on his audiences,” says Nancy Toth, MA, CHRP, Manager, Professional Development, and Manager, Human Resources.
Each day of professional development is followed by a social event, providing you with the opportunity to unwind and network further with colleagues. For the first time in a number of years, the Summit Awards Gala will be held on the Thursday evening, April 17.
At the gala, individuals and corporate members will be honoured for their outstanding professional, technical and community service achievements. Gala guests will also be treated to the creative talents of members and their families at the seventh annual APEGGA Art Show, held prior to the awards celebration.
Another highlight of the social program will be Friday’s Rock Around the Clock Fun Night. Participants are invited to twist the night away to the rhythm of Rock’n Robin at the Westin Hotel. Here is your opportunity to rejoice retro-style, by slapping on saddle shoes, latching onto leather, pulling out the poodle skirts and backcombing the beehive, then vie for prizes and praise.
The next day, members will have the opportunity to become directly involved in the business of the Association at the Annual General Meeting. The AGM is the pivotal event of the conference, and members are encouraged to attend on Saturday, April 19, to vote on matters that are brought before Council, hear about issues of importance relating to APEGGA and the professions, and present motions for Council to consider. The AGM luncheon follows the meeting.
Opportunities to participate abound at the conference, both on individual and corporate levels. Businesses are invited to consider partnering with APEGGA to sponsor the event. Not only does sponsorship provide a high profile for organizations, but it also assists APEGGA in staging an exceptional Annual Conference.
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