Conference Sketch

By The CANNEXUS Staff

CANNEXUS 2008, National Career Development Conference

The second annual CANNEXUS National Career Development Conference took place this past Spring. The setting was beautiful downtown Montreal at the Delta Centre-Ville Hotel, April 14 through 16, 2008. The event boasted more than 500 delegates and, as the conference enters its third year, has established itself as the “go to event” for professionals interested in or working within the field of career counselling and career development.

CANNEXUS 2008 offered four riveting Keynote addresses featuring renowned speakers — Nicole Beaudoin, Norman Amundson, John Kim Bell and Ruben Nelson. Delegates had a choice of at least 80 sessions, a panel discussion and a career exposition that was accessible across the entire three day conference. This year, in partnership with Global Vision/Junior Team Canada, a National Youth Forum on Leadership and Entrepreneurship was imbedded in the CANNEXUS 2008 conference. Over 100 youth from across Canada joined the CANNEXUS delegates over the three days.

The energy and appreciation shared by the delegates was infectious and the feedback we received confirmed this: “In 26 years of my work for settlement agencies, it is the first time that I thoroughly learned, enjoyed and practiced real work. The conference was well organized up to the last detail. Presenters imparted current and topical knowledge with an enthusiasm that showed that they were enjoying the experience. Again this was a successful learning and memorable conference, thanks to all of you for the great work. It will be a great experience seeing you at CANNEXUS 2009!” stated Sonja Katic (Ontario). Keynote speaker Norman E. Amundson, added “Thank you for the opportunity to present at the CANNEXUS conference. I think you really put on a great event and I heard nothing but positive remarks from delegates.”

CANNEXUS delegates had the opportunity to participate in either French or English. All plenary addresses and approximately thirty-five per cent of the sessions had simultaneous interpretation. Delegates and presenters alike enjoyed the programming and the ability to share and learn. Many presenters reported that delegate exchange and participation in their sessions was high and that many participants said that they had gained valuable information. Lesley A.Candler, an employment consultant and session presenter from York Region, Ontario pointed out that:“This was my first visit to the conference and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The accommodations were excellent, the meals were very good and conference materials were excellent. I was able to sit in on a couple of workshops and enjoyed the information shared there. My own presentation went well, we had standing room only in our workshop….Overall, I thought it was an amazing experience. I can only imagine the work that went into the CANNEXUS conference and would like to tell you that it was a job well done. Thank you once again. I will be sure to attend this conference again.” Five refreshment breaks were served in the conference foyer directly outside the main plenary so Exhibitors received a steady flow of traffic. Delegates had many opportunities to network including sharing the good food at the three breakfasts, the three plated lunches and the sumptuous cocktail reception. The exhibitor showcase gave delegates exposure to a broad range of exhibitors, their wares and information. “I attended my first CANNEXUS Conference in April 2008 in Montreal. Our goal was to influence a wide range of Career Counsellors and have a chance to distribute information and answer questions. The Exhibitors area provided a casual atmosphere where interested counsellors could drop by and learn more about massage therapy and the opportunities that exist for their clients. We definitely plan to attend CANNEXUS 2009!” said Michael Nurse, Director of Admissions, Sutherland-Chan School and Teaching Clinic [Toronto]. “CANNEXUS is an event that helped me stay connected to old friends and offered me the opportunity to meet new people,” added Trina Bucko, Exhibitor for the Aboriginal Human Resource Council.