ATHABASCA – It's going to be an amazing time; you can tell by the keynote speaker.
Things are falling into place for the 2022 Power Up North conference, which will be hosted at the Athabasca Regional Multiplex Sept. 20-22, as the schedule for speakers, workshops and break-out sessions comes into clearer view for the entrepreneurial gathering focused on helping rural entrepreneurs and businesses that are vital to economies and communities and introducing them to supports and tools while providing some inspiration and an opportunity to network with those who have been there and done that.
Olympic champion and Amazing Race Canada host Jon Montgomery is the keynote speaker for the event bringing tales of his gold medal victory at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics in the skeleton event showcasing his passion, spirit and sense of humour. Montgomery reminds audiences that the goals we set for ourselves are only as achievable as we believe they are, a great mantra for entrepreneurs of all experience levels.
He will be speaking at the gala dinner which starts Sept. 21 at 7 p.m.
But there is a whole lot more going on before and after that, which organizers hope will bring entrepreneurs and anyone who may be interested in the variety of workshops and breakout sessions out to the Multiplex.
On Sept. 20, Brews and Chews will welcome attendees with some inspirational words from Ian Hill who will be talking about being a renaissance catalyst from noon – 4 p.m., staying with the theme, and will speak again at 6:45 p.m. to deliver the welcoming address.
Kelly Harris-Martin, general manager of Community Futures Tawatinaw, which covers the Athabasca, Boyle and Westlock areas, said last week the organization and the community are looking forward to providing these opportunities to residents after more than two long years of gathering restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which is why “the new normal”, is one of several themes for the conference.
Harris-Martin herself will provide an overview of Community Futures and SuperHost training, focused on customer service, Sept. 20 at noon - 4 p.m. at the conference.
Wednesday will start with a buffet breakfast and a tipi raising with Brian Cardinal who will also speak later on Indigenous storytelling as well. Gil Williams from the Amber Valley Historical Society will also talk about the historic settlement east of Athabasca.
Athabasca’s internationally known puppeteers and builders Jonathan and Dusty Hawkey will speak about the rural advantage and share some of their insights as to how they started their arts-focused business right in Athabasca.
David Bayda, a business strategist with Business Link will talk about becoming self-employed as an independent contractor; entrepreneur Diana Noble will deliver an inspirational discussion about persevering against all odds and setting yourself up for success by focusing on high return on investment activities that move your business forward; and Amy Pilat will talk on the topic of strategic planning.
Dozens of others will be in Athabasca for the three-day event as well, and more information can be found on the website at https://www.powerupnorth.com.
