When it comes to Peterborough’s International Women’s Day Conference, the aphorism “what goes around, comes around” definitely applies.
A limited number of early bird tickets go on sale today (October 16) at www.iwdptbo.ca for the third annual conference, which takes place on Friday, March 8, 2019 at Ashburnham Reception Centre in Peterborough.
Back in 2016, Louise Racine — owner of the Thirteen Moons Wellness retreat in Norwood for women — received the Judy Heffernan Award at the Women in Business awards. The monetary award was created in honour of the much-respected member of Peterborough’s business community, who died in 2013 from brain cancer.
The previous year, Racine had travelled to Guelph to attend an International Women’s Day conference and wondered why Peterborough didn’t have its own conference. So she approached the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough and used the funds from the Judy Heffernan Award to help organize Peterborough’s first International Women’s Day Conference in 2017. The conference was so successful that a second event was held in 2018.
For the 2019 conference, which is hosted by Thirteen Moons Wellness, the circle is now complete: a portion of proceeds from the event will be donated to the 2019 Judy Heffernan Award.
The theme of next year’s conference — “Connecting women, inspiring action” — was selected to clearly represent what this annual gathering is about: for women to create meaningful connections with each other, engage in learning opportunities to reach their personal and professional goals, and to feel inspired and empowered to spread awareness and break down barriers that women currently face.
“The conference program is designed with the intention that the speakers and workshops equip attendees with the skills, knowledge and connections to carry on with hope and determination,” says Racine, who is the 2019 conference committee chair.
“While we may not see the positive changes we aspire to immediately, especially during our current political climate, it’s important for women to remain diligent and steadfast for the generations to come.”
The 2019 conference features keynote speakers Rebecca Thomas, a Mi’kmaw poet, scholar, and activist, and Deborah Kimmett, a Toronto-based comedian, speaker, author, instructor, and director.
Attendees will also get to participate in two 75-minute workshops from six available sessions in between speaker presentations. Workshop topics will include personal finance, women in leadership, creativity and mental wellness, a song and drum circle, managing stress, and building community connections.
A limited number of early bird tickets are available now for $125 + HST — a $20 discount off regular price tickets. Once the early bird tickets have sold out, tickets will be available for $145 + HST. The ticket price includes the two keynote speakers, two 75-minute workshop sessions, lunch, and refreshments during the conference.
To order tickets, and for complete conference details including session descriptions and a schedule, visit www.iwdptbo.ca.
The 2018 conference is sponsored by kawarthaNOW.com (media sponsor), Black Cap Design (connectivity sponsor), Red Rock Communications (connectivity sponsor), Community Futures Peterborough (community builder sponsor), and the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (program sponsor). Sponsorships levels from $2,000 to $250 are still available.
