Spring Conference 2011 "Charged up for Change" - Fredericton, New Brunswick
May 13th and 14th the IBEW Local 37 Training Trust Fund held a conference entitled “Charged up for Change!” at the Downtown Convention Center in Fredericton. The conference was the first event of it's kind for the Training Trust Fund and it turned out to be a really great event. We'd like to thank everyone who attended the event and helped make it a special weekend.
The banquet-style dinner Friday night was a delicious meal and Marshall Button, as "Lucien", did not disappoint. His poignant humour had the whole room in stitches from start to finish. On Saturday morning Jim Clemmer opened things up after the breakfast buffet with his keynote address "Growing @ the Speed of Change." His insightful and entertaining presentation gave people lots to think about and it was evident from the great group participation during his presentation that people were impacted by his message.
The breakout sessions before and after lunch got strong reviews and the lunch buffet was a hearty and delicious meal... especially the soup! Carol Lesbirel tied things up with a funny and engaging keynote address called "Choices Today Impact Tomorrow." Her energetic persona was on full display as she kept the room laughing while doling out many useful insights.... are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?
While all of this was going on the kids were having fun of their own. They started off the day at the Charlotte Street Arts Center making pop-up cards, drawing on shirts, making paper hats, playing games and lots more. After having pizza for lunch they went to Queen's Square park to play for a while before finishing off the day with a trip to Science East. The kids absolutely loved the entertaining and educational displays and games. All told, a person could be forgiven for thinking that this was a kid's conference with a few activities planned for the adults around the corner to keep them busy.
We at the Training Trust Fund learned a lot about hosting an event like this and we are already getting excited about offering up another event this fall. Details will be coming out on the website soon about the fall event.
Thanks again to all those who came out and had a great time with us!
Here's what some of you had to say about the conference:
"The presentations were very good, the location was perfect, topics were great, the whole atmosphere was perfect!"
"The organizing committee's choice of keynote speakers were excellent and their topics very inspirational and relevant in today's changing workplace. 'Lucien'was a hoot and his topics timely."
"The speakers, the entertainment, the facility and the accommodations were great."
"I was really impressed as to how well organized the whole weekend was and with the care taken with communication via E-mail. Even though I had no kids attending, I think the program set-up for them was a great idea! Great job by all!!"
