Another year – another great conference!

Well over 80 members of the Insights community gathered December 5th at the Pan Pacific Hotel in downtown Vancouver for the 11th annual Insights Regional Conference.

After opening remarks by Ken Blosser, Director of Operations at Insights Vancouver, and a ‘get acquainted’ scavenger hunt led by Kim White, Insights Vancouver Senior Consultant, Spencer Gillman, Marketing Manager for Insights Learning and Development Global delivered the keynote address “Immediate Impact-Endless Possibilities”.

Eleven different Cracker Barrel sessions were offered, and attendees had the opportunity to participate in 3 different fifteen-minute sessions and take part in fast-paced learning to review resources they can use for strengthening application of the Insights Discovery system within their organizations.   Deborah Edwards, Activing AVP, HR and Organizational Development for Coastal Community along with Joyce Gwilliam, President of Insights Vancouver treated guests to their presentation “Engage, Empower & Enrich”, showcasing how leaders applied best practices in change, innovative technology and a balanced approach to building engagement on a major change initiative at Coastal Community.

The networking luncheon was followed by the Executive Roundtable, featuring client stories about Insights in Action.  Speakers included Denise Buchanan, VP Human Resources at White Spot; David Walker, Director, Resource Development with the Alzheimer Society of BC; and Loree Gray, Vice President Retail Banking, Envision Financial.   This was followed by extended break-out sessions featuring Best Practices in Action, focused on Healthy Workplaces, Team Effectiveness, Performance Management, and Leadership.

After a stretch break and coffee top-up, Cathy Anderson, Portfolio Education Manager with Insights Global led guests through a 30 minute session to consider ways they currently deliver Insights within their organizations, and explore new opportunities and resources available to them.

The afternoon closed with Poetry by Sue McIntyre, City of Burnaby, who treated attendees to poetry created during the conference.  Her two works \”the colour of possibility\” and \”A Day Like AnyOther\” are available by following the links.

Networking, wine and appetizers followed closing remarks by Joyce Gwilliam, President of Insights Vancouver.  Conference evaluations are still coming in but it’s clear to see attendees ranked this conference the best ever, with many indicating the cracker barrel sessions in the morning and the new-this-year extended learning break-out sessions in the afternoon as their favorite part of the day.  Oh, and the networking!  So many noted the opportunity to visit with other members of the Insights Community of Practice, share ideas – borrow ideas – reconnect with fellow practitioners, and learn new and exciting ways to deepen the Insights Discovery learning within their own places of business.

Many thanks to our speakers, cracker barrel facilitators and guests in attendance.  You all contributed to a highly successful day.  We look forward to seeing you at the 12th Annual Vancouver Regional Conference scheduled for Monday, December 3, 2012.

The Insights Global Leadership Meetings wrapped up in Miami, Fl last week, and Insights Vancouver’s  Joyce Gwilliam and Ken Blosser joined 55 global leaders representing over 350 Insights team members from 19 regions around the world to share learning and best practices for continuing to grow and enhance the Insights experience.

Exciting discussions about new , global consistency and ‘living the brand’ will be shared at the December 5^th Regional Conference in Vancouver.  If you haven’t yet registered, don’t wait.  There are only a couple seats left, and you won’t want to miss hearing the review from the Global Conference as well as all the other keynote speakers, break-out Cracker Barrel sessions, and Insights in Action updates from industry leaders in our community.

To register immediately, click HERE.

Leaders from Insights Canadian offices proudly display their ‘Insights Brand’ at the Global Leaders Conference which wrapped up recently in Miami.  The theme of their regional photograph was to capture the strength, solidarity and diversity of the Insights brand while the touching hands symbolized the personal touch each office applies with their clients.  

Sharyn, Linda & Manjeet Celebrate their Walk

Eight years ago, Insights Vancouver’s Executive Assistant Sharyn Skalnik  founded the ‘Everyone’s Daughter Team’ and started walking in the Weekend to End Women’s Cancers Walk in Vancouver.   That first year, she was joined by Joyce Gwilliam and Manjeet Gill, and over the years others from Insights Vancouver have taken part in the event with her.

This year, it was personal and Sharyn, who walked in honour of her courageous best friend Tracey in celebration of her winning the fight against breast cancer, was joined by Manjeet and cancer survivor Linda Knowlton.  Sharyn’s goal this year was to raise $2000 and supporters, friends and co-workers helped her exceed that goal by almost 25%!

Here’s what she said after the August 13-14 event:

“What can I say about a weekend that not only helps to save lives, but makes me so happy and proud to have such awesome supporters.  The Weekend to End Women’s Cancers went off without a hitch this weekend.  The weather co-operated fully (no rain – yippee), and the woman that walked, 9 months along in her pregnancy, managed to finish it without going into labour! The food was great and the company was amazing.  I personally can say that I finished blister-free, which is not an easy feat/feet!  Many of my co-walkers were not so lucky.

Whatever the reason was that made you donate to my walk; please know that I really appreciate every penny.  “You make a living by what you get;  you make a life by what you give.”  Thank you all for helping me to give.

Sincerely,
Sharyn Skalnik
“Everyone’s Daughter” proud team member since 2004

In total, Sharyn has now walked over 480 kilometers and raised over $18,000 for this important cause.  Insights Vancouver is proud to support your extraordinary efforts.

Congratulations Sharyn and all the other walkers, volunteers and supporters of this year’s event.  Your continued commitment is vital to the ongoing successful research to find a cure for cancer in our lifetime.

To learn more about the Weekend to End Women’s Cancers walk in Vancouver, visit their website.