Editor’s Note: I just wanted to post this press release for the Beyond Pink 2010 conference for a couple of reasons. First, women in leadership is one of the most important conversations that Canadians need to have today. Second, Kurt and I think it’s really cool that people send us press releases. Like we’re a real media outlet or something. Amazing.
VANCOUVER, B.C. (November 4, 2010) – The Young Women in Business Society (YWiB) will hold its third annual Beyond Pink professional development conference on November 19th and 20th. The conference aims to connect young women with diverse backgrounds and inspire them to discover their personal brand. Up to 250 delegates are expected to attend.
This year will feature a unique addition to the conference program, the Power Couple Panel Session which brings together 3 of Vancouver’s ‘power couples’ to provide insight on the ups and downs of a successful dynamic duo. Two of the three power couples are Gayla and John DeHart, and Katie Dunsworth-Reiach and Nick Reiach. This will be Dunsworth-Reiach’s second appearance at Beyond Pink as the Smart Cookie was a keynote speaker at the Gala in 2009.
Other notable speakers who will share their insights and expertise over the weekend are Michelle Rupp (Principal and Founder, Lighthouse Leadership), Ken Sim (Co-Founder, Nurse Next Door), and Bob Elton (Retired CEO, BC Hydro). Last year’s sold out conference included speakers Chris Flett (Founder, GhostCEO), Dr. Penny Ballem (Manager, City of Vancouver), and Allison Mack (Actress, Smallville).
Lindsey Smith, Co-Chair of Beyond Pink, provides insight into the behind-the-scenes planning, “We underestimated the amount of support we would receive from men and women in the business community; it’s been phenomenal.” She adds, “It’s a great indication that you’re doing something right when the people you admire start calling to offer their time and their help.”
Accounting firm KPMG is one of several organizations sponsoring their employees to attend the conference. An Associate Partner explains, “We recognize the incredible value in providing our employees with the opportunity to connect and expand their networks. Beyond Pink is the best place for them to do that.”
Paulina Lipska, YWiB President, describes some changes to the conference format from the previous year. “We wanted it to be more accessible for young women in Vancouver to attend. Since majority of the delegates are local, we made the hotel stay optional and the Four Seasons is offering a discounted rate for girls attending the conference. “She comments, “This has allowed us to decrease the delegate price, making it more affordable for recent graduates and young professionals.”
More details are available at www.ywib.ca/beyondpink2010.