Conference encourages employees to grow with McMaster

default-hero-image

BY Rebecca Clifford

March 3, 2009

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/InspiringfromWithin09.jpg” caption=”McMaster employees attending this year’s Inspiring from Within Conference, themed Ready, Set, Grow. Photo by Brad Coburn.”]More than 325 employees attended this year's Inspiring from Within employee conference at the Sheraton Hamilton Hotel. Presented by the 2009 Inspiring from Within Organizing Committee in partnership with the Working at McMaster Steering Committee, this year's conference focused on the theme “Ready, Set, Grow.”

This was the seventh consecutive year that employees were able to enjoy a “made for McMaster” opportunity that included professional development sessions, networking with colleagues, and a welcome retreat from the long days of our Canadian winter.

This year, Christina Tellier chaired the conference, and with a team of dedicated and forward-thinking volunteers brought together an eclectic group of presenters who all emphasized different ways in which we can grow.

Sessions featured a variety of topics including “Work-Life Balance,” “Finding your Inner Om,” “Plant-People Connections,” “Hot Skills for Today, Trends for Tomorrow,” financial cautionary tales from the Smart Cookies, a cooking demonstration by the Sheraton's executive chef and an interactive workshop with Amanda McKinney, local painter and facilitator from the Art Gallery of Hamilton.

Feedback from conference delegates indicates that this year's conference hit the mark again:

  • “I get to be creative and no one judges me!”
  • “Inspiring opening keynote! Dr. Marla is a role model for us all!”
  • “Fabulous – I'm going to take up yoga!”
  • “Fun, relaxing, and motivating. ”
  • “Attended previous conferences and it gets better every year.”

    • The Inspiring From Within conference is a high point for many employees at McMaster and has been informally referred to as “the most sought-after event on campus” by many who have had the pleasure of attending. Each and every year it continues to provide that well-needed boost to the psyche of an eager group of attendees.

    Photo galleries will be posted as they become available.

    The 2009 Organizing Committee members included Christina Tellier (chair), Brad Coburn, Julie Cruickshank, Meghan Forbes, Alana Harris, Elvia Horvath, Candy Hui, Domenica Mazepa, Ann Philbrook, Kim Raskob, Doreen Reeve, Michelle Roloson, Norma Stewart, Tracy Stojanovic, Anita Toth and facilitator Carole Stevens.

    For more information on the confernece, please contact inspiring@mcmaster.ca.