Plenary Speakers

Opening Plenary

Tuesday, November 13, 9:00 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Rona Maynard

Former Editor-in-Chief, Chatelaine and Author, My Mother's Daughter

Unlock Your Powers:

How to Find the Key and Pass It On

There's no one right way to be a leader. But there's one highly personal secret that all leaders know, whatever their leadership style. They know their greatest gifts and how to apply them. Join author and former Chatelaine Editor-in-chief Rona Maynard for a no-holds-barred conversation that maps the leadership journey from the first strides in the path of a mentor to the life-changing stage when we grow by mentoring others. Drawing on stories from her own life, Rona will share what no one ever told her about the intimate bond between leading and mentoring. Rona's unconventional wisdom will cover:

• Why mentors turn up in unlikely places and where to look for them
• The little-known advantage women have in the search for mentors
• The most important step in achieving a big, bold goal (it's not a five-year plan)
• What career-minded baby boomers need to know in order to motivate the family-first generation
• How to ace the toughest test in the life of every mentor
• A new way to think about balance. new way to think about balance

Rona Maynard found her true calling as editor of Chatelaine magazine, where she played a pivotal role in the lives of thousands of Canadian women for more than 10 years. Through Chatelaine, Maynard formed a unique bond with her audience, sharing dreams, frustrations and inspirational stories. Her leadership earned both her and the magazine a number of distinguished awards.

Life has not always been so rosy for Maynard. To reach her personal and professional goals, she overcame some overwhelming obstacles. Through determination, therapy and commitment, she was able to turn her life around and help others. In tune with the needs of women across the country, Maynard shares her own path to success, providing audiences with the inspiration and lessons to achieve personal and professional breakthroughs.

Luncheon Planery

Tuesday, November 13, 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Tony Elischer, FInstF (Cert)

Managing Director, THINK Consulting Solutions, UK

Trends That Will Shape Your Future Success

The world is on speed, and you need to step aside and take stock. Tony Elischer will share his latest thinking on key things that will influence, shape, and direct your future fundraising. Trends, observations, and predictions are central to this plenary that will provide you with vital insights for change, survival, and success. Fast-moving, original, humorous, and extremely challenging are just some of the qualities you can expect from this unique presentation that will stay with you for the year ahead. A conference must… don’t miss it!

Tony Elischer is the founder of THINK Consulting Solutions. He has over 25 years of practical and consultancy experience in the sector. Tony has held key fundraising positions with a number of UK charities, and his consultancy work has covered all areas of fundraising, management, and strategy for a range of organizations worldwide.

Breakfast Plenary

Wednesday, November 14, 8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

Jon Duschinsky

Director, Ressources non profit (TBWA Group), France

Get Up and Go World Tour

Welcome to Congress 2007’s Get Up and Go World Tour. Your captain this morning is Jon Duschinsky, who will be flying you to some of the hottest fundraising destinations on the planet!

Along the way, you’ll make some thought-provoking discoveries such as what’s wrong with saving whales, how hugs can prevent AIDS, and why people in France are getting hypersensitive about snails.

Please enjoy some refreshments from our morning in-flight service and get ready to visit some of the most exciting and challenging fundraising scenes in the world today. To complete our tour on time, “Captain Jon” will be flying at top speed, so buckle up!

Luncheon Plenary

Wednesday, November 14, 12:30pm – 2:00pm

David B. Posen, M.D.

The Work-Life Balancing Act: You Have More Control Than You Think

The work world is getting busier, faster, and more competitive. It’s easy to feel a loss of balance and control. This entertaining presentation will focus on areas in which we can take more control of our lives. Learn about the causes of overload, how to monitor your stress and pace yourself, how to make time for leisure – especially when there seems to be no time for leisure – and how to keep your work in perspective.

Dr. David Posen of Oakville, Ontario has devoted much of his professional life to helping people reduce stress, balance their lives, and manage change. More than a decade into a highly successful family practice, David changed his game plan in the mid 1980s to focus on stress management and lifestyle counselling. Along the way, his buoyant approach to life’s challenges has helped countless people stay afloat! David is the author of three best-selling books, Always Change a Losing Game, Staying Afloat When the Water Gets Rough, and The Little Book of Stress Relief.