*Co-op Conference & Awards Gala
- Submit 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
CO-OP SHOWCASE AND TRADESHOW NEWEST FEATURE OF 2010 CONFERENCE AND GALA
For the first time ever, the Co-op Conference and Gala will include a Co-op Showcase and Tradeshow. The Showcase, which will be held in the brand new Atrium of the Royal Botanical Gardens, will be a key element in Conference - held Wednesday October 20, 2010 - and forms the basis of one of the afternoon workshops.
Co-operatives of all sizes, ages and types are invited to take part in the Showcawse, enabling them to promote themselves to more than 250 sector representatives from over 60 organizations across Ontario.
Special rates are available for new or emerging co-ops, and discounts are available for On Co-op members. Limited display spaces are available and Showcase registration closes September 1, or when capacity is reached. Showcase admittance includes all‐day registration to the Conference for one person, lunch, participation in most conference sessions, and attendance at the afternoon Cocktail Reception and Networking Event. Download the brochure and application form here.
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
Theme: Co‑ops Work - Exceptional solutions for exceptional times
KEY EVENTS
- Registration: Doors open at 8.15 am.
- Morning Plenary begins at 9 am sharp and sets the tone for the day. New for 2010, is a special morning plenary session with four components.
- Workshops: 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.
- Dragon's Den, Co-op Style: Exciting, entertaining and informative. Watch for news about this co-op funding opportunity!!!
- 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