While Vancouver is set to host to 2010 Olympics, Western staff members will themselves Go for GOLD (Grow, Offer, Learn, Develop) at the 8th annual Western Staff and Leaders’ Conference, Feb. 16-19.
The opportunity to learn some ‘gold nuggets’ of knowledge includes talks from world-renowned speakers; participation in concurrent sessions to help polish your talents; and on site tours to open your eyes to the treasures of Western’s campus.
Conference Co-ordinator Anne-Marie Fischer says the annual event is an opportunity for staff and leaders to “unite as one community for a collective purpose, regardless of role, department or faculty.”
“The diversity of sessions provides something for everyone, and participants often walk out of the conference with a new or renewed interest or passion for a specific issue, topic or activity,” says Fischer. “The selection of sessions provides participants not only with tools for professional development, but provides ‘food for thought’ for many aspects of their personal lives.”
Keynote speakers for the conference include:
David Chilton: As author of The Wealthy Barber – Canada’s all-time bestselling book – Chilton’s unique combination of knowledge and humour helps take the intimidation and dryness out of financial planning.
Mark Kelley: From living homeless on the streets, to working as a teacher in one of British Columbia’s toughest schools, Kelley has learned many life lessons about being better. Kelley has made his name connecting with Canadians as host of CBC News Network’s Connect.
Debbie Travis: The producer of a multi-million dollar product line and author of eight bestselling books on decoration, join Travis as she describes her life journey to becoming a decorating icon, successful business woman, TV producer, designer, and columnist, while balancing the demands of being a wife and mother.
Barbara Coloroso: An internationally recognized speaker and author in the areas of parenting, teaching, school discipline, non-violent conflict resolution and reconciliatory justice. Coloroso – in her humorous, heartfelt, and immensely practical way – will help us all learn how relationships at home can affect relationships at work and how relationships at work can affect relationships at home.
Andrew Lockie: Take a tour of London and the surrounding community through the eyes of Lockie, CEO of United Way of London & Middlesex. He will describe his path to United Way, the importance and personal benefits of making a difference in your community, and the many ways that you can do so.
Western Researchers’ Spotlight: Join some of Western’s top researchers as they pursue crucial questions in making Western one of Canada’s leading research-intensive universities. Each session features four diverse researchers who will share their work and what they hope to achieve.
Accessibility at Western: The University of Western Ontario is committed to achieving barrier free accessibility for persons with disabilities who study, visit, or work at Western. In November and December 2009, more than 500 leaders and 2,500 staff attended learning sessions about accessibility and the university’s obligations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. This special keynote session is offered for those staff and leaders who did not attend a session.
The four-day conference, hosted by Western’s Staff Development Steering Team, kicks-off Feb. 16 with the Western Award of Excellence ceremony at the Great Hall. These awards celebrate the highest level of campus-wide recognition for the exceptional performance of Western staff.
A number of concurrent sessions will be held through the conference, from photography lessons and off-the-wall team building skills to Zumba dance aerobics and horticultural hints.
As well, tours of some of campus’s unique locations will include the Western Archives, the Advanced Facility for Avian Research, a glass blowing demonstration and more.
Registration for the conference begins Jan. 20 at 9 a.m.