Early bird deadline for the 2008 National CED Conference is April 18th!

April 9, 2008

EARLY BIRD DEADLINE IS APRIL 18TH!

Register now for Canada’s premier community economic development (CED) event to take advantage of our early bird discount!

Catch the Waves of Change with 400 other community practitioners, civil society representatives, academics, government partners, and citizens for over 40 learning sessions, action-oriented plenaries, exciting site tours and networking opportunities.

Saskatoon Shines! That’s the buzzword in this vibrant community. This is a university town with a laid-back charm that enhances its cosmopolitan hustle and bustle. Join us in building an inclusive movement dedicated to strengthening communities across Canada while enjoying the many scenic and cultural delights Saskatoon has to offer.

Workshop Sessions
Over 40 workshop and action sessions will explore best practices in poverty reduction; social enterprise; sustainable solutions; youth CED; women & CED; immigrant CED; policy; research; and much more!

Plenaries
Conference Opening Plenary – The Need to Build People-Centred Economies
Thursday May 22nd, 8:30am – 10:00am
The opening plenary will explore our conference theme of Waves of Change: Building People-Centred Economies. Its aim is to inspire participants with a vision of the possibilities of a fairer society and economy through CED. Paul Wilkinson will speak to this from a provincial viewpoint, and will be joined by Priscilla Settee, director of the Indigenous Peoples Program at the U of S from the Cree First Nations. This session will set the tone for the conference and provide an opportunity to make connections between local, regional, national and international issues and approaches.

Policy Plenaries – Influencing Policy in Order to Build People-Centred Economies
Friday May 23rd, 8:30am – 10:00am & 4:15pm – 5:30pm
Friday morning’s plenary session will focus on motivating participants to work together on a common policy agenda. It will set the tone for the day of action planning and policy discussion around building people-centred economies. Friday afternoon’s plenary will wrap up a day of engagement and action planning around key policy issues in CED. It will bring together the main issues and participant reflections on the day and look at moving forward with a policy agenda for building fairer and stronger people-centred economies.

Exciting Social Events
“Saskatchewan-ite Roots Roundup”
Thursday May 22nd, evening ($40 – includes snacks)
Come and celebrate the power and richness of local Aboriginal cultures through theatre, dance, music, storytelling, and poetry. Then kick up your heels and boogie down with the dynamic blues and folk performer, Wilma and her band.

“A Vibrant Prairie Night”
Friday May 23rd, evening (dinner provided – included in full conference fee)
Indulge in a delicious banquet and enjoy a diverse cultural array of dance performances. Taking place at the Western Development Museum, you will have the chance to walk the streets of Boomtown, the Western Development Museum’s representation of a typical Saskatchewan town at the turn of the 20th century.
*Sponsored by Affinity Credit Union

Already Registered?
A reminder to book your accommodation quickly to take advantage of the conference rate being offered by the Parktown Hotel and University of Saskatchewan dorms. We encourage you to stay at the university for the full conference community experience – dorm rooms are available at very reasonable rates (click here for more information). The Parktown Hotel, located on the South Saskatchewan riverbank, is just across the river from the University. Find out more about their services at: www.parktownhotel.com or contact them at 1-800-667-3999. Make sure to mention you’re with the “Canadian CED Conference” to get the reduced rate, and book early as there are a limited number of rooms being held!

Not Registered Yet?
Register by April 18th to take advantage of the early bird discount! Registration is easy; simply visit the conference website to register online! If you wish to register by fax, please download the registration form and fax the completed document to (250) 386-9984.

See you in Saskatoon!!