Prior to the start of Spring Conference,
sixty-one Representatives and guests were captivated by Lori Giovannoni’s energy and passion during the Academy of Leadership The Power of Relationships module. The energy level in the room was so high that we had several Chicago guests inquire about EWI membership!
Spring Conference began with attendees participating in a “Who Am I?” networking activity during the opening reception Thursday evening. As guests caught up with each other, traditional Chicago-style jazz filled the room, along with conversation and laughter… and had attendees running to the “Fantasy Trips” raffle table for their chance to win one of three fantastic get-away trips the Chicago W&M Committee organized.
Friday morning started bright and early with a fun banter between Chicago Chapter Life Member Fran David and the breakfast speaker Marjorie Tarplee, Past Corporate President and Indianapolis Chapter Life Member. Marge and Fran recanted a few stories of their friendship and their years serving on the Corporate Board. Marge shared her experiences working with communities to get things done, such as getting lights installed at a neighborhood park. As Marge stated, “If someone asks you how they can help, don’t let them go!” Building relationships and networks in your community will help get things accomplished.
Following breakfast, attendees learned about the ways we can help our environment in our every day personal as well as professional lives from Joe Shacter(1). Attendees were so engaged in the “Being Green” session that we had to call a stop to the questions for lunch. During lunch, we were entertained and amazed at the ability of psychic performer and mentalist Ross Johnson. Friday afternoon the attendees attended two professional development sessions: “The Truth About Balance” facilitated by Colette Carlson and “The Creative Process” facilitated by Ross Johnson. The day concluded with an open Q&A update session with the Corporate Board.
Friday evening attendees had a “free night.” Many chapters planned chapter dinners and did things like see Wicked, attend Looptopia, or shopped the Mag Mile.
Our Saturday breakfast speaker, Navistar Vice President Greg Elliott applied corporate branding principles to creating a “personal brand” for ourselves (1). Our final professional development session for the conference was the choice of attending one of two Second City Communications sessions: “Collaborative Leadership” or “Communicating with Confidence.” Attendees experienced an interactive session full of fun exercises. Joan Routh from the Indianapolis stated, “… they transformed a room full of adult women into playing like five-year olds for several hours… and with the awesome participation from all the EWI members, I have ever been in.”
The 2008 Spring Conference was a huge success!
(1) Presentation slides from Joe Shacter and Greg Elliott are available on our chapter website @ www.ewichicago.org
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