Matt Hill got the conference off to the races with an enthusiastic and inspirational talk entitled “Lighting Your Fire Within.” Hill shared stories about running 11 000 miles around the perimeter of America in 2008 with Run For One Planet co-founder Stephanie Tait. The duo raised more than $130,000 for their Legacy Fund for Kids.
Switching gears, Michael Campbell, host of CBC radio’s Money Talks, did not hold back any punches in terms of offering delegates practical business advice. “Maintaining the status quo is no way to maintain a sustainable business. Your business is changing and you have to see opportunity in those changes,” he said. Adding to Campbell’s point was Guy Blissett, a wholesale distribution specialist for Deloitte Consulting. Blissett highlighted key trends from his book Facing the Forces of Change. Blissett said the use of 3D printing, robotics, drones and driverless vehicles will become more widespread in the coming years.
Brand specialist Marc Stoiber shared ideas on how to “future proof your brand.” Stoiber said brands are a passion that is shared between a company and consumers, and the biggest problem occurs for brands when they lose their passion. Brands that have been successful, such as Apple and Nike, inspire customers and make them love their products.
Another impressive line up of speakers addressed delegates on the final day of the conference, beginning with Sean Aiken’s talk “The Search for Passion.” The Vancouver native shared stories and lessons learned from his One Week Job Project, which was a journey across North America where he worked 52 jobs in 52 weeks to find his passion.
The conference’s final speaker, Warren McDonald, spoke about overcoming the loss of his legs following a climbing accident in Australia. Despite his accident, he went on to accomplish several more impressive climbs, such as Africa’s Mount Kilimanjaro, America’s El Capitan cliff face, and Alberta’s 600-ft frozen waterfall “Weeping Wall.” McDonald’s presentation offered delegates an understanding of the power of purpose, how to see obstacles as stepping stones towards goals, and the importance of preparation towards achieving your goals.
In addition to its lineup of speakers and other regular matters of business, CIPH’s conference offered several optional social events, including an early bird golf tournament at Predator Ridge, a bike tour of Myra Canyon, an early morning jog around the Kelowna waterfront led by Matt Hill, the 3rd annual Ed Hardison Memorial Delegates golf tournament at The Harvest Golf Club, a reception at Mission Hill Winery, and an afternoon of volunteering at the Kelowna Community Food Bank.
CIPH will be holding its 83rd Annual Business Conference from June 14-16, 2015 at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Quebec City, QC.
