Detailed Agenda

NLOWE 2008 Annual Conference Detailed Agenda

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2008

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
INTENSIVE EDUCATION SESSIONS
(INLCUDED IN CONFERENCE REGISTRATION)

SUCCESSION PLANNING: SMART PLANNING FOR YOUR FUTURE
SIGNAL ROOM
KRISTA BUDDEN, Royal Bank of Canada
DANIELLE ANTLE, Royal Bank of Canada
KIMBERLEY WALSH, Stewart McKelvey
JEANNINE BUGDEN, Grant Thornton
This workshop is designed to help you understand how a life planning approach can help you better secure future success in your personal and business life. It raises questions for consideration with regards to successfully integrating both areas. The workshop delves into exit strategies for your business and touches on the technical aspects of business transition. At the end of this session you will understand the importance of early planning, your business succession options and the role professional advisors play in your success.

- OR -

READY, SET...GROW! TWENTY QUESTIONS FOR A STRONG START
SALON D
DENNIS HANLON, Memorial University of Newfoundland

This session will help you to think strategically about growing your business and clarify your role in growing your business proactively.  Topics will include setting priorities, assessing your readiness, strategies for growth, competing more effectively, and dealing with the challenges of growth.  Portions of the presentation will be interactive.


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HOW TO INCREASE YOUR E-BUSINESS
GARRISON ROOM
PERNILLE FISCHER BOULTER, Kisserup International Trade Roots
The objective of this module is to help companies increase their e-business. General information about the online buying, selling and marketing process will be outlined. E-business terminology and strategies will be discussed as well as the basic online marketing concepts like search engine optimization and conversion tools.

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM INFORMATION SESSION: ADVANCE PROGRAM

SIGNAL ROOM

TANYA PRISK, Centre for Women in Business

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM OPENING RECEPTION
SALON B

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2008

8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
CONFERENCE OPENING & KEYNOTE SPEAKER

THE STATE OF THE MARKETS
SALONS A & B
LINDA SIMS, Gemini Award-Winning Broadcaster

From SARS and Mad Cow, to trade wars and a soaring dollar - Canadian companies have been through a lot in the past year or so. What's ahead? CTV business editor Linda Sims draws on more than 20 years of covering the top business stories and talking with hundreds of business leaders and analysts to tell you what challenges Canadian businesses face now; and how smart companies are finding new opportunities.

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM NETWORKING BREAK
PRE-FUNCTION AREA

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
CONCURRENT SESSIONS

USING YOUR WEBSITE TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS: 15 COMMON ERRORS & HOW TO AVOID THEM
SIGNAL ROOM
BRENDA KELLEHER-FLIGHT, GDP Consulting Inc.

Visitors to a website spend an average of 2 seconds deciding whether they will interact with the site or whether they will move to the next site. There are 15 common errors which can change the fate of the business. Each of these will be discussed and practical suggestions provided.


- OR -

EMPLOYMENT LAW FOR MANAGERS: THE IMPORTANCE OF DOCUMENTATION

GARRISON ROOM
DARREN STRATTON, McInnes Cooper

Today it is becoming more and more important for employers to be aware of the increasingly complex work environment.  It is now more crucial than ever for individuals in management roles to have effective human resources policies and processes in place.  This workshop will focus on learning about your rights and responsibilities as an employer and the importance of developing effective documentation, especially in the areas of employment contracts, employee discipline, and termination.


- OR -

WOMEN AND LEADERSHIP PANEL DISCUSSION
SALON D
JOAN CLEARY, Mayor, Town of Come by Chance,

LINDA BARTLETT, Chair, Mountain Equipment Co-op

The goal of this panel discussion is to encourage women to take on leadership roles in business and in their community and explain the value of being a part of decision making processes and advocating for change.  Panelists will share how their personal experiences in leadership roles have helped other women to develop their own leadership skills.

12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

 

LUNCHEON SPEAKER
SALONS A & B

SPEAKER: CATHY BENNETT, Bennett Restaurants

Cathy Bennett, Owner/Operator of nine St. John’s-area McDonald’s Restaurants, started her career as a crewperson in 1981. Over the years, her dedication and determination to succeed has seen Bennett Restaurants grow to include a team of about 400 employees. Hear how Bennett’s love of the  business, relentless dedication and determination to succeed helped her climb the ladder of success and make her mark as part of a leading global foodservice company.

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM NLOWE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

SALONS A & B

3:00 PM – 3:30 PM NETWORKING BREAK
PRE-FUNCTION AREA

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
CONCURRENT SESSIONS

HUMAN RESOURCES PLANNING
SIGNAL ROOM
TBA

- OR -

GOING GLOBAL: AN INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL MARKETING
GARRISON ROOM
PERNILLE FISCHER BOULTER
on behalf of Forum For International Trade Training (FITT)

This workshop will introduce you to the role of marketing in the pursuit of international business opportunities. Learn the potential challenges and the various factors that could affect a successful outcome. You will be provided with the basic knowledge and skills to develop an international marketing plan – based on the International Marketing Plan Template presented at the end of this workshop. A real-life case study is included to demonstrate how international marketing is applied in a real-world situation.


- OR -

GROWING YOUR BUSINESS PANEL DISCUSSION
SALON D
DEBRA FELTHAM, FCGA, Feltham Atwood,

ELIZABETH BURRY, Owner, Elizabeth Burry Fine Art,
COLINDA GOSSE SHARPE, Owner, Capital Catering

The goal of this panel is to motivate delegates to recognize and employ various strategies for business development and growth. Panelists will share their stories of successful growth and will encourage delegates to capitalize on opportunities within their own businesses.

6:30 PM - 7:30 PM ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARDS NETWORKING RECEPTION
PRE-FUNCTION AREA

7:30 PM - 10:30 PM 2008 NLOWE ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARDS
FAIRMONT BALLROOM

10:30 PM - 12:00 AM AWARD WINNERS’ RECEPTION
COURT GARDEN