Rimbey’s 27th annual Women’s Conference presented a diverse selection of sessions and seminars this year, perfectly matching the theme of Exploring Our Diversity.
Brenda Verheire, chairperson of the Rimbey Women’s Committee, says this year, as it’s been in the past, the conference was a success in both attendance and reception.
“All together, with the vendors, we had about 164 women. We usually have right around that number. I would call is a definite success,” said Verheire.
This year’s theme of diversity started out with wanting to bring an ethnic vibe to the conference. The drumming circle, keynote speaker Noreen Olson and some of the different cooking and food sessions echoed that.
In the past the event has had a problem with guests being cold, and they’ve had to loan out every shawl provided. Verheire was relieved that didn’t happen this year. “Nobody was cold this year, that was a wonderful thing for us. It’s a worry, we don’t want somebody cold all day long.”
During the conference the women in attendance fill out evaluations on the conference, that’s how Verheire knows it was a success. “Summarizing those gives us a total picture — it was a success.”
Based on the evaluations she says one of the highlights this year was the food. This year the conference used a new caterer, Starkist Catering, out of Rimbey. “We were totally pleased with them.”
Verheire plans on sticking to the idea of using Rimbey caterers for next year’s conference.
Another highlight was the presenters, most of which were closely related to the theme. “We love every part of our conference, but I think the drumming circle was a highlight with the women,” said Verheire.
“They like interactive sessions like that.” Verheire was asked if the Health-RHYTHMS Heart Songs session could be brought back another year.
Maybe the biggest highlight was the fact that the women were able to experience the conference together. “I think always one of the favorite things about it is just getting together with old friends and getting to make new ones.”
The conference, which has become a tradition in Rimbey, is something that’s looked forward to year round. “They come to it and go home feeling great. That’s why we keep doing it,” said Verheire.