LAKELAND - The sixth annual Power Up North conference, a three-day event designed to bring together regional non-profit organizations, businesses and governments, will be taking place Oct. 3-5 at the Hotel Dene and Conference Centre in Cold Lake.
The 2023 edition of Power Up North is being sponsored by Community Futures Lakeland, the Cold Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce, and several other organizations. Lisa Ford, general manager for Community Futures Lakeland, said the theme of this year’s event is focused on the future of tourism, business finances, and employment in northeastern Alberta.
“Power Up North has always been about supporting rural economic developers, entrepreneurs, and businesses throughout northeastern Alberta who are vital to our economies and communities,” Ford stated. “Those who attend this conference will be provided with many helpful tools, inspiration, and will also have a fantastic opportunity to network.”
In addition to highlighting tourism opportunities in the region, Power Up North will also provide training to attendees focused on real financial topics designed to help them better understand business finances.
“It is imperative that businesses understand their current financial situation to better support sustainability and growth,” she explained.
There will also be presentations about the future workforce, including working with members of different generations.
While Power Up North 2023 features various workshops and local Indigenous cultural experiences, the highlight of the three-day event are the guest speakers who will be addressing the audience.
Among the speakers is Michael Kerr, who is giving an entrepreneurship-based speech titled ‘Leaders Leading Leaders’, where he will discuss how Great Cultures Begin with Intentional Leadership From the Top and the Humour Advantage: Putting Humour to Work for Less Stress and More Success.
Also speaking is Ian Hill from The Changing Point, who will propose a new way of attracting and keeping employees through his presentation, Job Carving.
Taunya Woods Richardson will educate entrepreneurs about business strategies and profits, with additional presentations on the various Alberta Business and Tourism grants available and how to apply, is also part of the conference.
Day three of the conference concludes with an in-depth discussion by keynote speaker Roger Brooks, a world-renowned author, entrepreneur, business executive, and podcaster.
“The inspiring Roger Brooks will enlighten the audience with a presentation directed at enhancing local economic development through tourism, and how to revitalize our downtowns and regions to become hot business destinations,” Ford explained. “Alongside Roger Brooks, the conference also features presentations geared towards small business on various topics such as market research, funding, and management.”
Visit the Power Up North website to register for the conference. Early bird pricing is in effect until Aug. 31 at $250, after which the cost will increase to $299.
“For the full conference, however, and to encourage attendance by our small businesses, we have created a reimbursement plan whereby if a business has five or fewer employees and attends for the entire three days, they will receive $100 cash back,” Ford added.
