Conference Agenda

Session 1: Sponsored by Sisters Winery, Panel of Business Experts Facilitated by Tina Dezsi of Jewlery by T & Life Lessons and a Personal Workshop with Lianne Snow, MC Jenny McKee of Organizing Solutions.

Break: Sponsored by SAAB of Pickering

Session 2: Sponsored by Diamond Tree

Panel of Experts: Facilitated by Lia Bandola and Business Workshop with Deborah MacDonald MC: Donna Anderson

Break sponsored by C&C Motors

Session 3: Personal Workshop with Denise Altenburg and MC Kristy Gorny as well as a Business Workshop KPMG -Sophia Tsui & Paul Wooflorsd with MC Yvetter Maxwell.

Lunch, and time for Shopping was Sponsored by Cruise Holidays with entertainment by singer songwriter, Natalie Hughes.

Founders Tina Dezsi and Lia Bandola opened the afternoon full conference program and introduced VIP Guest, Miss Canada Intl. 2008 Alesia Fieldberg.

Laura Creavalle, former, Ms. International and Ms. Extravaganza Championships, and Pro Championship MS. OLYMPIA - Fun & Fitness Break. Laura has just finished her new cookbook, Laura's Light & Luscous Cuisine, Meals for the Busy and Health Conscious.

Ann Harwood of A Web Savvy, and her team organized reception and handed out goodie bags to attendees.

Keynote Speakers were Marianne Ford, KPMG, Tricia Hasenclever, Melanie Warren-Smith, of Warren's Printing Place Inc.and Glenda Brindle.

Business Panel Speakers were, Rose-Anne Kumpunen of 'Pure & Simple, who had also made sure women were pampered by leaving samples on a bed of roses in the ladies cloakroom.

Also participating in speaking in panel discussions were, Sharon Ireland of Hurley Financial Services Inc., Faelyne Templer: trainer and communicator, Karla Idems, mortgage consultant, Lianne Snow of Piece of Mind,
Dr. Erika Buckley, Naturopath, Nicole Risman, Nutrition and Wellness Specialist, Nancy Dranitsaris, Psychotherapist and Consultant at Mindeful Therapies, Leslie Traill, Author/Speaker, Deborah MacDonald of Whitedogz Coaching & Consulting, Denise Altenburg, Holistic Nutritionist.

 

You can find out more about POWE Women Entrepreneures and business women on their website.

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In celebration of International Women's Day 2008, Durham Region was the site chosen for the prestigious 6th Annual Power of Women Conference on March 8. In spite of the snow storm that day, almost 200 business women attended the conference filled with special panels, workshops and shopping. The afternoon keynote speakers gave insights in managing a successful business to how to enjoy life as an entrepreneurial woman.

The highlight of the day was having Miss Canada Intl. 2008, Alesia Fieldberg, attend the conference. True to form, POWE women made a surprise gesture for Miss Canada's project this year, The Teddy Bears of Hope Campaign. POWE women filled an entire table with Teddy Bears and collected Toonies so they can be taken and given to children in Afghanistan.

Above Miss Canada, Alesia Fieldberg, poses with POWE Executive, holding some of the donated teddy bears. From left to right,
Marlene Marco, Tina Dezsi and Lia Bandola.

Alesia, Miss Canada Intl. 2008, mingled with many of the conference attendees. In her speech she referred to the many women she had talked to and said many of the women there had demonstrated the best ideals of womanhood and success in business and are role models for other young women. "I hope to continue contributing as you have throughout my life."

“The upbeat energy and true desire to help each other both professionally and personally is what makes The Power of Women Conference so contagiously successful." says co-founder and CEOD Lia Bandola, who together with co-founder and CEO of Power of Women Exchange, Tina Dezsi, were pleased in another great conference success!  Power of Women Exchange Website

Tina Dezsi, Marlene Marco, and Lia Bandola are pictured above in an area near the board room of the new POWE offices in Whitby, Ontario. They are really happy with the growth POWE is making, several new chapters have opened up in the last 4 months alone!

The Annual POWE Conference attracts more women entrepreneurs every year and is usually sold out well in advance. Read on for more about this year's event.

Marlene Marco, Executive Director of Training & Development, & Director for the Durham West Chapter of POWE introduced many of the speakers for the day along with Tina Dezsi, & Lia Bandola. They thanked their entire committee, sponsors and attendees for all their contributions making the conference an outstanding success.

 

Marianne Ford. As well as words of wisdom, women were treated to tongue in cheek humour by Keynote Speaker Marianne Ford. She talked about Stepping Through your Fears and making your Dreams come True! Her talk was inspiring. Marianne's experience as Director of Sales for two highly successful multi-million dollar Corporations has helped her understand and bring the empathy needed to bridge the gap between having dreams, and then making them a reality.

Tricia Hasenclever, Speaker and Humorist, made the audience laugh with side splitting humour. Tricia's seminars entitled 'Learn with Laughter'  have been featured in the Toronto Star. She writes her own column and is co-author of 'Expert Women Speak Out' 

Let me tell you, her talk was a refreshing interlude and gave us all a real lift! It was encouraging as she touched lightly on many issues facing women in business. As she said,'things often go better with laughter'.

Glenda Brindle's story, which she shared with an audience for the first time was heartwarming. Her experience could inspire anyone that you can be successful, no matter the odds, you just have to pick yourself up and keep on going. He motto, If it is to be, it is up to me" has furthered her own career through hard work and connecting with supportive friends and mentors. Glenda, successful as a realtor, Real Estate Broker since 2005 has attained The Director's Platinum Award (2005-2006)

Laura Creavalle, former, Ms. International and Ms. Extravaganza Championships, and Pro Championship MS. OLYMPIA, and now personal trainer, diet specialist and cookbook author, led the entire body of almost 200 women in a 'Fun & Fitness' Break between the afternoon Keynote speakers.

Melanie Warren-Smith  of Warren's Printing talked about new ideas in the printing industry and marketing.

Women were treated to breakfast and a fabulous luncheon served buffet style at the Tosca Banquet & Conference Centre, 800 Champlain Ave. Oshawa, Ontario. Everyone was entertained during the lunch break by singer songwriter, Natalie Hughes.

And just because it was International Women's Day, and we all deserved a treat, everyone was treated to Afternoon Tea, with delicious cakes provided especially for the occasion by Ruth's Cakes & Pastries.

The hall was beautifully decorated, every table as well as the podium was decorated with floral centrepieces especially designed by Yvonne of Apple Blossom Flowers

The centrepiece motif, with wonderful Birds of Paradise flowers were really representative of the theme, "Fearless Power to Fly Higher".

Between attending panel discussions, listening to keynote speakers, and enjoying the food, many members had set up booths so a great deal of POWEr Shopping went on as well. Just what we women love!

... So warm and cozy and fun, we hardly noticed the snow storm outside. As much fun as we were having, all things come to an end and everyone packed themselves into cars, and headed home, ready to take on the world another day!

Article and photographs by Trina Astor-Stewart, Creative Director, Astoria Magazine & Gluten Free Goodies author.