Young Entrepreneurs Are Coming to Halifax
The best, brightest -- and youngest -- business minds in Atlantic Canada will gather in Halifax from April 29 to May 1 to learn, network and showcase their talents at the fifth annual Young Entrepreneurs Going Places Conference.
"The bottom line is that this event will be jam-packed with information, ideas and fun," said Shelley Hessian, conference co-ordinator.
The event, hosted by the Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development, or CEED, is the largest of its kind in North America. It is expected to draw more than 500 young entrepreneurs from around the region and beyond, including a delegation of students from Finland and possibly one from Northern Ireland. The conference will be held at the World Trade and Convention Centre.
The keynote speaker is acclaimed young entrepreneur Dennis Campbell, part owner of Atlantic Tours Ltd. of Halifax, the largest tour company in Atlantic Canada. In addition to his business, he continuously fosters entrepreneurship within the Atlantic region through involvement in various programs and as a mentor to young entrepreneurs.
The conference is designed to motivate students to explore entrepreneurship as a way of life, to share ideas with other entrepreneurs and to provide networking opportunities. Seminars, workshops and forum discussions, led by 60 business people, professionals and successful entrepreneurs, will show young people the ropes of the business world from startup to sustaining success.
"Young entrepreneurs can hone their skills, share strategies and develop new relationships and apply this knowledge to create a strong entrepreneurial climate and improve the economy now and in the future," said Ms. Hessian.
An awards banquet, on Friday, April 30, will honour the achievements of young entrepreneurs across the Atlantic provinces in various categories, including Student Entrepreneur of the Year. The awards presentation will be followed by a dance --the Crave. Massive Music, a company of young entrepreneurs, will produce the event and deliver a laser light show and a driving dance beat.
The conference will also include a trade show Saturday, May 1, at Mic Mac Mall in Dartmouth. Participants will showcase their talents and gain valuable hands-on experience in marketing and selling strategies.
Canadian delegates pay $100 each to take part in the conference. The charge includes transportation within Nova Scotia, meals, entertainment, and all conference sessions. Major supporters of the event have provided the funds for the majority of conference expenses, allowing many people from all over the province the opportunity to attend at a reduced cost. Registration information is available by calling 1-800-590-8481 or visiting www.ceed.ednet.ns.ca on the Internet.
The conference is funded by Nova Scotia Economic Development and Tourism, Nova Scotia Department of Education and Culture, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Human Resources Development Canada, the Royal Bank, Sable Offshore Energy Inc., CBC-TV and MT&T.
The Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development has a broad mandate covering many facets of entrepreneurship. It is a joint venture funded by the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Culture and the Canada/Nova Scotia COOPERATION Agreement on Economic Diversification. The agreement is managed by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Nova Scotia Economic Development and Tourism.