Date:  October 19, 2011
Location:  Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington, ON
Theme:  Gearing Up.  Activities also support the International Year of Co-operative, IYC 2012.

DOWNLOAD THE CONFERENCE AND GALA BROCHURE AND THE EVENT PROGRAM FROM THE 'RELATED DOCUMENTS' AREA AT RIGHT.

FIRST GEAR: THE HIGHLIGHTS

• Co‑op Knowledge
  Whether you could benefit from our Co‑ops 101 session (or teach it!), this is the place to share, learn and debate.  Check out the list of workshops from the links at right.
• Professional Development
  Managers, staff and board members will sharpen their co‑op skills through plenaries and targeted workshop sessions held throughout the day.
• Discuss & Debate
  Formal and informal sessions facilitate networking and sharing. Take this unique opportunity to discuss sector issues and challenges with peers, sector leaders and stakeholders.
• Celebrate
  We are a strong, proud and diverse movement. Join us for a day filled with celebration, and recharge your co‑operative batteries.
• IYC 2012
  Help us launch the International Year of Co‑operatives in Ontario — part of a year-long opportunity to celebrate and promote co‑ops.  Drop by the IYC Ontario booth – share your ideas for promoting the International Year, tell us what plans you've made for your co-operative, or pick up a tip or two.
• Innovative Co-operatives
  Celebrate diversity and creativity in Ontario’s co-op sectors through Innovative Co-operative displays located inside the RBG and outside the front doors. 
  - The excitement starts with the Gay Lea Heritage Dairy Museum display trailer and feature by Hamilton CarShare outside the front door, and continues inside the RBG's atrium with displays by The CUMIS Group, TREC&SolarShare Co-ops, Zooshare Co-op and many more.
  - Want to learn about the Co-operative Management Certificate Program, the Rural and Co-operatives Secretariat, Co-operative Young Leaders, the International Year of Co-operatives, and the Ontario Credit Union Charitable Foundation -- check out their displays, too and be sure to browse our literature and information tables.

 

SECOND GEAR: THE DAY AT A GLANCE

Check out the list of presenters, workshops and sessions from the link at right.

• 8:15 am - Doors open
• 8:15–9 am - Networking
• 9:00 am – 12:00 noon - Large group sessions
• 10:45–11:00 am - Break
• 11:45 am – 5:15 pm - Silent auction
• 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm - Lunch
• 2:00–4:00 pm - Concurrent workshops
• 4:15–5:45 pm - Cocktail reception (cash bar)
• 5:15 pm Silent Auction closes
• 6:00–9:00 pm - Dinner, entertainment, live auction & awards gala

 

THIRD GEAR: SPIRIT AWARDS BANQUET AND GALA

The highlight of the Co-op Conference is the Co-operative Spirit Recognition Award dinner and Gala Awards ceremony.  In 2011, the evening is bigger, better and more entertaining than ever!

• Following the cocktail reception, join us for the Gala banquet, complete with awards presentations and entertainment.
• 99 awards have been presented to date, celebrating the contributions of Ontario co‑operators and recognizing the innovations and best practices in Ontario co‑operatives. How many of this year’s award recipients will you know?

 

FOURTH GEAR:  SUPPORTING THE CO-OPERATIVE YOUNG LEADERS PROGRAM

SILENT AND LIVE AUCTIONS
Bring your cheque book and credit card! Proceeds support Co‑operative Young Leaders, a unique summer program that engages young people in co‑ops and credit unions and develops our leaders of tomorrow.

• Begin your holiday shopping or find something for yourself! During the day, bid on the wide variety of silent auction items donated by Ontario co‑operatives. During the evening, participate in the Live Auction.
• The auctions add an exciting element to the conference day as we raise funds and awareness for the Co-operative Young Leaders Program. To donate a silent or live auction item, your professional service, or to provide a cash donation, contact Audrey Aczel, aaczel@ontario.coop 1.888.745.5521 x24 by October 3 or indicate this when you register.

50-50 DRAWS
Volunteers from the Ontario Credit Union Charitable Foundation will be paired up with CYL alumni to sell 50-50 tickets during the day. One lucky gala attendee could take home half of the funds raised. Plus, the Foundation will match the remaining amount and donate it to CYL, doubling your investment! Your funds support a very worthy cause.

• The Ontario Credit Union Charitable Foundation, a sustaining sponsor and long-time partner of the CYL program, partners with Ontario credit unions and co‑operatives in the support of education, healthcare and poverty relief. The Foundation also provides international development and disaster relief.

 

GEARING DOWN: Networking and Entertainment

LUNCH,  NETWORKING AND ENTERTAINMENT: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Hear for yourself how James Gordon, musician and composer, can turn a fresh-baked, collaborative collection of songs into a live concert. When not on the road or planting himself in a school or community for a week at a time, James is involved in social justice, environmental, arts and other community-based grassroots organizations.
(James will also be leading the most unique workshop at this year's event - check it out.)
Relax, enjoy and network!

EATING AND CONNECTING
More than four hours have been set aside for you to network, share best practices and discover a new co‑op or two. A list of registrants, sponsors and exhibitors will be included with your registration kit.  Be sure to bring your business cards and be prepared to network!

GEARING UP!