Having fun with like-minded women, enjoying a day packed full of interesting sessions and listening to an inspirational keynote speaker were all part of this year’s Rimbey annual women’s conference.
This year marked the twenty-ninth women’s conference and, once again, a full day of enjoyment including shopping opportunities from a variety of vendors, a catered lunch and prizes were on the agenda.
The theme for this year’s conference, attended by 184 women, which was held Feb. 5 at the Peter Lougheed Centre, was Expanding Your Horizons.
Irene Steeves, president of the women’s conference committee was pleased with the conference.
“I thought it was fantastic,” she said. The evaluations were all positive.”
Committee member Carol Hannesson agreed.
“It was a real success. Everybody seemed to quite enjoy it.”
Keynote speaker Zaheen Nanji opened and closed the conference with inspirational presentations.
No stranger to challenges, Nanji, who is originally from Kenya, learned to live in a new country at the age of 15, all the while struggling with weight and a speech impediment.
During her presentation, Embracing Change she spoke about the seven steps and one specific crucial step necessary for accepting change.
“We are always going through the cycle of change,” she said. “Embrace change, don’t run from it or complain. Look for the good side.”
For those interested in expanding their creative side, Chelsea Datema of Jerzi’z Skye Designz offered a hands-on workshop on the art of repurposing old furniture to create unique one of a kind pieces.
Nathan Zukiwski and his assistant provided the ladies with a cooking demonstration including a mushroom risotto and a rum peach flambé.
For those ladies who wanted to ensure they could defend themselves if necessary, Tom Grbich, an international speaker, trainer and coach offered some pointers in self-defence.
Top Travel Trends presenter Sandy McLary provided new ideas for travelers. McLary has received the Rising Star Platinum Award for best overall agent.
Alena Dubieleu from Blooms, Rimbey’s original flower shop offered a session on creating Fairy Gardens and Cheryl Jackson offered the ladies several new creative ideas in her session on scarf tying.
After lunch, participants enjoyed comedians Steve Mazan (Emmy award winner) and James Uloth.