Highlights of the Day see a photo montage...

Doors opened at 7:30 am to a sold out crowd of enthusiastic ladies. This years conference had lots of choices for the 125 participants. Many ladies had breakfast and took in the exhibitors booths when they opened at 8:00am. Others got energized and pumped up for the day when they joined Goldie Caldwells' lively and fun-filled bellydance class. The Kix 4 Chix gals, Kisa Bomstad and Nicole Neuart ran an energetic and hands-on self-defence workshops to a capacity crowd. In an adjacent room, facilitators from the SAFE Society, Colleen Making and Jan Seelinger ran 2 very personal and interactive seminars on the "Art of Saying No!"

Lets not forget the "Drumming Workshop" hosted by Dianne Parnell and Sky Stevens. This crowd pleaser brought the roof down so to speak as eager participants learned the magic of drumming. Before lunch Keynote speaker Cindy Bertrand took to the stage in the Main Ballroom and took the room on a deeply personal journey inside themselves. This introspective and thought provoking session proved to be one of the most popular sessions of the day.

During lunch ladies chose to stay in the ballroom and enjoy the the over 20 exhibitors booths or learn about the Mentorship programs offered by the Womens Enterprise Centre. This workshop was facilitated by WEC, coach Heather Martin and featured Sheri Reynard, local businesswoman.

In the afternoon, there was a repeat of Self-Defence and "Art of Saying No" workshops. These were followed by back to back Dog and Lifestyle workshops led by Terry Downs, founder of Pink Dogs and a former dog handler with the RCMP.

In an adjacent room, the ever popular Angela Wright from MacKenzie Financial facilitated a lively session entitled "Women Wealth and Wisdom". Angela's presentation was followed by "Wills and Estates" led by lawyer Kathryn Vennard. The day ended with keynote speaker and life coach JoAnne Ward who gave a heart felt presentation on self-discovery and life/work balance.

Take Back the Night Gala

The gala kicked off with host Coralie Tolley inviting the room to "Dance for their supper!" the room erupted in dance to the tune of "I've Got a Feeling" by the Black Eyed Peas. Over 150 women and men attended the sold out Gala. There were lots of door prizes and raffles given out that evening including a $4600 Travel Voucher courtesy of WestJet airlines. The crowd was treated to a beautiful sit down dinner with entertainment provided by singers, Carly Caughlin and Amie Laws.

After dinner, keynote speaker Terri Knox energized and motivated the audience and reminded us that "We truly are Enough"! Then came the Jamila Mai belly dancers led by Rachael Mooney. The troupe brought the crowd to their feet with their amazing dancing.

Finally it was time to celebrate The Woman of the Year. 15 amazing women were brought on stage one by one by EZ Rocks afternoon host, Rich Daniels as their nomination was read aloud to the crowd. Last years, Woman of the Year, Mary Scheidegger was on stage to congratulate all the nominees and handed over her 'crown' to Dorothy Argent, This year's Woman of the Year.

Following the Woman of the Year presentation it was time to dance the night away. Local singer and guitarist Sasha Lewis got the dancing started followed by EZ Rock's morning host, Patrick Ryley who 'spun the platters' and had the place rocking until 1:00 am.

A great time was had by all!

Many thanks to all our sponsors; exhibitors; business who donated raffle items and door prizes and especially to the dedicated team of volunteers who made this outstanding event possible.

See you next year!

Cheers

Coralie Tolley
Founder and Chair
Its All About Women Conference and Exhibition