May 2007 ISSUE
PD SPOTLIGHT
Conference Debrief:
A Review of Our 2007 Offerings
BY Nancy Toth, MA CHRP
Manager, Professional Development & Human Resources
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THROUGH THE DOOR |
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SLIDE LIT - Dr. Nick Lavingia, PE, from Chevron in California, presents during a technical stream in the Annual Conference Professional Development Program. |
Each year, I like to review highlights of the PD events at our most recent conference. Our selection of events in Calgary attracted more than 600 registrations, this year, which is down from 2006 but gratifying nonetheless, given the boom times members are enjoying.
For a number of our sessions, walk-in registrations swelled attendance.
We were pleased to have Dr. George Jergeas, P.Eng., of the University of Calgary develop a high-level roster of speakers on managing megaprojects. Although day one focused on oil sands projects, the principles applied to members practicing in other fields, too.
Dr. Jergeas brought in experts in engineering-procurement-construction who have worked internationally or are working in other parts of North America, among them Dr. Nick Lavingia, PE, from Chevron in California, and a host of experts from closer to home, including Jose Herrero, P.Eng., a Calgary member hailing from Madrid.
With the boom in the economy and particularly in oil and gas, the large number of delegates in the stream were very interested in updates in this exciting and challenging economic environment.
Across the hall the buzz was all about sustainable oil sands development and alternative energy sources. Topics ranged from long-term feasibility and land reclamation, to wind power and biodiesels. Particularly interesting to many delegates were presentations on the Drake Landing Solar Community in Okotoks and a second solar case study.
As with the other technical stream, the room was full to capacity. Some Council and staff members were among the delegates. We can thank APEGGA’s Environmental Committee for developing this top-notch stream.
On the soft-skills side we had two choices in the Executive Track pre-conference seminars and two more for delegates in the conference-proper.
Dr. Michael Canic, back by popular demand after his Executive Track success
in Edmonton in 2006, spoke on the power of strategy. He once again galvanized
participants in the first half of the day.
“There were universal truths in this session,” one delegate commented.
Said another: “What a tremendous opportunity – to have someone help
attendees ‘make it happen.’ ”
Dr. Larry Ohlhauser, MD, an APEGGA Council public member, presented on The Healthy CEO – which is also the title and subject of his recently published book. Delegates to this part of the Executive Track continued to speak positively about his presentation through the rest of the conference. He is a compelling speaker with a life-saving message to deliver.
“Very worthwhile,” commented an attendee. “The speaker is excellent proof of what he preaches,” said another.
Within the main conference seminars, a soft skills choice was Transforming Mistrust, Cynicism and Conflict, with Anna Maravelas, a Minnesota psychologist with a number of books to her credit. She has a unique way of coaching people to transform negative feelings in the workplace into more productive attitudes.
Dr. Gabor Maté, a physician and psychotherapist from Vancouver, presented for the second conference in a row. Like Dr. Canic, the international speaker and author generated lots of buzz last year, so we were compelled to bring him back. He did not disappoint.
Dr. Maté spoke the first morning on the mind-body connection, referencing his excellent book When the Body Says No. He taught delegates a better understanding of stress management. In the afternoon, Dr. Maté spoke about work-family balance, this time referencing his book Hold Onto Your Kids.
On day two, Dr. Maté spoke about the addiction-prone personality in the
workplace. Drug and alcohol addiction jump to mind, but researchers have discovered
that the brain chemistry for workaholics and those addicted to power – or
even shopping, for that matter – is identical to that of the heroin addict.
The presentation was fascinating, with the latest information about the brain
and behaviour, and with insights for everyone in the room.
On one hand, Dr. Maté explained that brain circuitry and brain chemistry develop very early in life. On the other hand, he provided a five-step approach that people have used to successfully “rewire” their brain and change their behaviours.
Council and staff members who attended found the session valuable. One professional member exclaimed, “I did not know that APEGGA offers seminars like this.”
The more well-balanced and the more whole our members are, the better professionals and team members they will make in the workplace. Dr. Maté made a valuable contribution to our membership in that direction.
Delegate comments on Dr. Maté’s presentations gave high praise. “Highly recommended – a must for everyone.” “Amazing – and essential.” “Bring Dr. Maté back.” “Very engaging and easy to understand – he really addressed our concerns.”
As our lunch speaker on the first day of our PD program, Dr. Elizabeth Cannon, P.Eng., dean of the U of C’s Schulich School of Engineering, provided a high-energy overview of the innovative programs at the school. One of the school programs she discussed encourages students to study the arts and leadership, in order to become well-rounded professional engineers. Evaluations lauded Dr. Cannon for a top-notch and upbeat presentation.
Dr. George Roter, co-founder of Engineers Without Borders, spoke during our day two lunch. His presentation was an impassioned description of the good work being done by the organization all over the world, as it helps eliminate poverty and improve standards of living.
Next time, I’ll recap topics from our conference PD sessions of the
last four years. This should help give readers a fuller picture of the breadth
of professional development opportunities we now offer.
What you have missed may surprise you – and perhaps even encourage you
to look to APEGGA for your PD needs, down the road.