By Tracey Campbell

Building Tomorrow Today 2007: The Journey Continues…
Turn on Your GPS…

Building Tomorrow Today (BTT) was held in Edmonton, Alberta at the Mayfield Inn & Suites from May 2-4, 2007. This event gathered together stakeholders working in the areas of career development, education and training, human resources, and research from across the province. Approximately 840 delegates, speakers and volunteers attended this consultation this year. There was representation from six provinces and the Northwest Territories.

This year’s Consultation encouraged the participants to utilize the GPS of their life journey to the best of their capability, while exploring a variety of directions and dimensions. The seminars were organized into three streams: Grasp the Present, Plan for the Future and Stay Powered. The intention of BTT is to create an annual event that provides a variety of opportunities for sharing and gathering current and future developments in research, information and resources, programs and services and effective practices.

Delegates were treated to a new and exciting keynote speaker each day of the Consultation. Dave Redekopp, a Principal of the Life-Role Development Group opened the Consultation with an introduction to a new career development model intended to help career practitioners better understand the real challenges faced by their clients. Robin Sharma, a leadership development expert, motivated and thrilled delegates on May 3, 2007 with his leadership philosophy and stories of success and triumph. On the third day of the consultation Lori-Ann Muenzer, 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist in cycling, brought many delegates to tears with her story of courage and self discovery. This year’s BTT Consultation also included the 3rd Annual “Chapter Challenge” and open stage night sponsored by the Career Development Association of Alberta.

Building Tomorrow Today 2007 was funded in partnership with Alberta Employment, Immigration and Industry; Alberta Advanced Education and Technology; Alberta Education; Oteenow Employment and Training Society; and the Career Development Association of Alberta. To experience the event next year, please join us on April 30, May 1, and 2nd, 2008. For more information, go to: www.careerdevelopment.ab.ca/

Tracey Campbell is a Career & Employment Consultant with Alberta Employment, Immigration and Industry. Tracey has been a career practitioner for approximately 10 years in both urban and rural communities in Alberta.