Highlights of the Day see a photo montage...

Another year another fantastic event!  The 6th Annual It’s All About Women Conference and Exhibition was a resounding success.  Over 250 women attended the event which proudly raised over $8800 for the Shuswap Family Emergency Society (S.A.F.E.) Society.  

Highlights of the Day Doors opened at 7:30 am to a crowd of enthusiastic and energetic ladies. The day’s agenda was filled with interactive workshops; demonstrations; a motivational and inspirational key-note address and much more. Some ladies chose to start the day with the lively Latin inspired Zumba class run by Goldie Caldwell.  Others chose a softer more tranquil start in Nancy Whitticase’s yoga room. Still others had breakfast with friends and socialized in the main ballroom and got acquainted with the more than 20 exhibitors.

Later Jan Seelinger ran back to back self-defense workshops where participants learned simple and effective kicking and punching techniques that got our energy soaring!  For a different pace many women participated with Sheila Dunbar’s workshop on Creative Decision Making. Sheila challenged us to actually look at how we make decisions and look at the light side.

Participants looking for help with their Financial Well-being attended workshops hosted by Financial Advisor Coralie Tolley and Lawyer Kathryn Vennard. These workshops offered practical advice on Investing and Estate planning.  Colleen Making from the S.A.F.E. Society presented an enlightening workshop on domestic violence entitled “In Her Shoes”. Women entrepreneurs were treated to a workshop by Heather Martin of Womens Enterprise Centre called Taking the Stage. This workshop enabled participants to learn and practice important leadership skills.

Following lunch attendees were treated to a brand new event called the Reinvention Convention. One lucky woman Erin was chosen to receive an “armload” of rewards donated by local businesses. We watched a video of Erin as she attended businesses throughout the Shuswap and received her gifts.  Following the video we met Erin in person and participants were able to buy raffle tickets to receive the same products and services. All the proceeds from this raffle went to the S.A.F.E. Society. Following the reinvention convention, Nancy Whitticase brought us back to center with a brief meditation session. 

The afternoon continued with more terrific workshops. Linda Whitaker, a home decorating expert showed us how to Makeover our Home with design and colour. Nanike Allbricht treated us to a whimsical and fun filled work shop that allowed us to collage and move to music.

The afternoon was capped off with renowned keynote speaker Dr Rose Backman. Dr Rose inspired and empowered us to become “Unstoppable Women". She challenged our thinking; and there was much laughter some tears and brought the crowd to its feet at the conclusion.

Take Back the Night Gala

What a night! Zumba dancers took to the floor to “get this party started”. The room erupted in applause and the sold out crowd was ready to celebrate. Patrick Ryley from EZ Rock reprised his role as DJ and host Coralie Tolley welcomed the audience which included women and men.

Coralie turned the podium over to S.A.F.E. Society representative Jan Seelinger who shared information about the S.A.F.E. Society and shared some stunning statistics on the magnitude of domestic violence in Canada. Following Jan’s address guests were treated to a delicious buffet dinner and dessert.  

Following dinner we met a survivor of domestic violence whose uplifting message gave hope to victims of domestic violence. Then we broke for intermission and door prizes. Later the group was watched members of Interior Dance Academy treat us to a beautiful waltz, and lively Latin dances.

The evening was capped off with the Presentation of the Shuswap Women of Distinction Awards. This year the awards were revamped with three separate awards presented. Louise Wallace was awarded the Outstanding Woman in Business award; Charmaine Chard received the Young Woman of Excellence and June Griswold was awarded the Kay Braby Community Spirit Award. What an amazing group of Women!

Following the Awards we drew the winners of our fabulous raffles which included a $4600 travel voucher courtesy of Westjet.

The evening was then turned over to Patrick Ryley who kept us dancing til the wee hours. Wow! Can’t wait until 2012 to do it all again.

Cheers

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