Charting the Course - Focus on the Journey

An Annual Career Development Conference for Practitioners in Nova Scotia

Featuring

Keynote: Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, The Honourable Mayann E. Francis, O.N.S., DHumL

Special Guest Lecturer: Roberta Neault

May 27 - May 28, 2009

Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

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Accommodations · How to Find the Conference · Registration · NEW: Finalized Conference Program! · Generous Sponsors

Important Parking Notice

Convocation will be going on during our first morning, May 27th. Dalhousie has strongly suggested that you car pool, take one of two buses that go through the university, or arrive early to park. Parking passes are being supplied at no charge, and are available at the conference registration desk. Please allow time to register and return to your car to place the pass on the dash, before 9:00.

If you require a parking pass, please email Susan at susan@futureworx.ca by May 25th.

Special Guest Lecturer

Dr. Roberta Neault, PhD, CCC, RRP, GCDF, has over three decades of eclectic professional experiences, which include career counselling and coaching, corporate consulting, and counsellor education. Roberta’s strengths lie in her professionalism, infectious enthusiasm for empowering individuals and organizations, and “hands-on” experience working with diverse groups of people. Her pragmatic “can do” attitude ensures that customized solutions are innovative and affordable. Equally comfortable with leadership/executive teams and those just entering the workplace, Roberta has worked with individuals and groups from diverse cultures, educational levels, and employment experiences, across all stages of life. She brings vivid anecdotes, practical examples, and a wealth of resources to her workshops and consultations.

In 2002, Roberta was honoured to receive the Canadian Career Development Foundation’s prestigious Stu Conger Award for Leadership in Career Counselling and Career Development in Canada. Roberta is Co-Executive Coordinator of ENET (a professional association for career practitioners) and the editor of the Journal of Employment Counseling.

Navigating the Course: The Journey Evolves, will be Roberta's closing speech:

"Just as the field of career development has evolved from Parsons’ influential publication 100 years ago, so, too, your individual career journey evolves. Theories serve as navigational tools to help us understand how careers develop – most emerging theories acknowledge the need for flexibility and responsiveness in an increasingly unpredictable environment. You’ve spent the past day and a half engaging with the conference theme: “Charting the Course: Focus on the Journey.” Leave the conference equipped and inspired to continue the journey – navigating the course of your own career and also serving as a bright and clear beacon for your clients."

Roberta will be conducting a workshop during the conference and will be our Closing Speaker. She will also be doing a post-conference workshop, entitled The Ethics of Advocacy.

"How directive are we to be as counsellors, career practitioners, educators, and HR professionals? If we recognize injustice, is it our role to jump in and advocate for change? When we are entrusted with stories from vulnerable clients, what are we to do with them? Join this workshop to examine how our ethical codes and decision-making models can guide advocacy efforts. Learn how to use research to influence policy. Focus on the journey…leaving this workshop with ethical strategies to help your clients change the world!"

General Information

Dalhousie University has set aside a block of rooms for those who would like to stay on campus. Rooms are available in Fountain House and rates are $40.95 for a single room and $63.34 for a double, plus hst. For more information, visit www.ancillaries.dal.ca. Reservations are available by calling 494-8840; Toll Free: 1-888-271-9222.

A variety of hotels and inns are available in the Halifax area, as well. Visit www.halifax.ca/visitorinfo/VisitorGuide.html.

This year's conference will be held in the beautiful McCain Building, on the campus of Dalhousie University in Halifax. Details on parking arrangements will be posted before May, 2009.

If you have special needs and would like assistance while at the conference, please contact any one of the conference committee at the registration table or prior to the event.

Volunteers

Anyone interested in volunteering with the conference, please notify Susan Burke at susan@futureworx.ca.

Lunch on Day One is in the McInnis Room of the Student Union Building (across the street from the McCain Building) for all conference delegates. On Day Two, lunch is provided only for those attending the post conference with Roberta Neault.

A light breakfast will be provided for those who attend the AGM Thursday morning at 7:30 am. Please sign up for the AGM at the registration tables on Day One.

All the nutrition breaks at the conference and the Wine and Cheese Reception are included in conference registration. The Wine and Cheese takes place from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Join us for an opportunity to network with fellow career practitioners and presenters.

The registration desks are located on the main level of the McCain Building. There will be volunteers at the registration table during each day of the conference. Visit here to have questions answered or search for any lost and found items from the conference.

These sessions will take place in the Ondaatje Theatre located on the Main Floor and to your right as you walk through the main entrance of the McCain Building.