*Co-op Conference & Awards Gala
- Suubmit a Topic or Speaker for the Conference and Gala
- General overview of the Conference and Gala
- Use the FastLinks at right for past conference information
Future dates - mark your calendars NOW
2010: October 20, 2010, Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington
2011: October 19, 2011. Location: TBA
Submit a speaker or workshop suggestion for the Co-op Conference.
On Co-op is seeking YOUR input into topics and themes that could be presented during the 10th annual Co-op Conference, October 20, 2010 , including your suggestions on what type of delivery methods should be used.Organizations/individuals that would like to organize a session, or would like to present on a topic of interest/benefit to co-operatives are encouraged to download the 2010 Conference Request-for-Proposal available here.
Deadline to submit a presenter or workshop topic RFP is Friday February 26, 2010. This will be the 10th annual Co-op Conference, and will once again be held at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington ON. Please feel free to distribute widely.
9th Annual Co‑op Conference + Spirit Awards Gala
Did you attend any part of the Co-op Conference and Gala? Please take a moment and tell us about your experiences. Click here to fill out an online evaluation form.
Date: Wednesday October 14, 2009
Location: Royal Botanical Gardens · 680 Plains Road West · Burlington
Hours: Co‑op conference 9 am – 5:30 pm · Co-op Spirit Awards Gala 5:30 – 9 pm
Theme: Co‑ops Work - Exceptional solutions for exceptional times
- Download the Conference brochure & Registration form here (contains a form you can fax, mail or scan/email).
- Wish to sponsor part of the day? Click here to learn how.
- Want a colour poster to display in your office? Click here for a PDF file you can download and print.
The Co‑operative Conference [2009 INFORMATION]
October 14 · 9 am – 5:30 pm
• Provides an Introduction to Co‑operation for staff, board and volunteers
• Presents sector issues and challenges for discussion and feedback
• Provides practical knowledge through workshops and group sessions
• Facilitates networking between co‑operators, sector stakeholders and others
The Spirit Recognition Awards Gala [RECIPIENTS] [LEARN MORE]
October 14 · 5:30 – 9 pm
• Recognizes best practices and innovation in Ontario co‑operatives
• Highlights the importance of youth leadership and mentorship
• Acknowledges the contributions made by Ontario co‑operators
KEY EVENTS
- Registration: Doors open at 8.15 am.
- Keynote: How co-operatives work in extraordinary times. The kick-off to the conference begins at 9 am sharp and sets the tone for the day.
- Workshops: Morning and afternoon workshops provide practical
knowledge with ample time for discussion. - Lunch: Whether you register for the full day, or a morning or afternoon half-day, lunch is included in your registration.
- Afternoon Plenary: The co-op business model is more than 160
years old. How has it survived, and where could it take us? - Networking Opportunities: More than three hours of unstructured
time to meet with and learn from other co‑operators. - Cocktail Reception: A relaxed networking event that bridges the
Conference day and the Gala evening. - Silent and Live Auctions: Add an exciting element to the day as we raise funds and awareness for the Co‑operative Young Leaders program.
- Spirit Recognition Awards Gala: A dinner and awards banquet
that celebrates the commitment and achievements of Ontario’s
co‑operators.
REGISTRATION FEES
- Registration closes 4.30pm on Friday October 9
- Everyone who attends any part of the day must register (includes board, staff, volunteers, presenters, award recipients, committee members, etc)
- Conference: 9 am – 5:30 pm: $200 ($175 for On Co‑op members)
- Half-day morning or afternoon: $150 ($125 for On Co‑op members
- Awards Gala: 5:30 pm – 9 pm: $65 ($55 for On Co‑op members)
Co‑ops may apply for a subsidy to reduce their conference registration fees. Details are included in the registration package.
GETTING THERE
Royal Botanical Gardens (main RBG Centre building)
680 Plains Road West, Burlington
Canada’s largest botanical garden, featuring over 1,100 hectares of gardens and nature sanctuaries.
- By car: Near Hwy 403 & 6. Free parking.
- By bus: Hamilton and Burlington city busses stop directly in front of the RBG Centre. Take the Route 1 Plains/Fairview bus.
- By train: Take VIA Rail or GO Transit to Aldershot Station. Take the Route 1 Plains/Fairview bus to the RBG Centre.
- By air: Fly into Hamilton International (YHM) or Toronto’s Pearson International (YYZ) airports.
Click here for suggested accommodations.
General overview of the Conference and Gala:
The annual Co-op Conference Gala and Spirit Awards ceremony is one of the Ontario co-operative sector's premier events. It is a time for co-op and credit union leaders, sector volunteers, and stakeholders and friends to come together for training and education, networking and celebration.
Co-ops, credit unions and sector stakeholders use the Co-op Conference and Gala to network, learn, renew inspiration and celebrate co-operative spirit.
In 2008, 270 people attended the Co-operative Gala, (up from 225 in 2007)including co-op leaders, managers and members; co-op and CED stakeholders and champions; and MPPs and government staff.
THE CO-OP CONFERENCE AND GALA... Highlights the successes of Ontario co-operatives, credit unions and caisses populaires
Informs participants through workshops and plenary sessions
Facilitates networking and information-sharing among
co-operatives, co-op supporters, funders and developers
Showcases the achievements of distinguished co-operators and organizations