ACE CONFERENCE PREVIEW: UNDERSTANDING A WORLD IN MOTION

This April, the Automotive Industries Association will host its annual Automotive Conference, with this year’s theme, “Leadership Strategies for Today’s Executives.”

Scheduled for April 22 and 23 at the Hilton Lac-Leamy in Gatineau, Que., the conference offers a list of speakers headlined by former Alberta premier Ralph Klein.

As a key political figure for many years, Klein will provide his unique perspective on the Canadian political outlook and the changing face of the West.

Klein was an outspoken Alberta premier from 1992 to 2006. He will focus on how Canadian politics have changed since Jean Chrtien left the Prime Minister’s office, and what he sees as the primary issues in the current political landscape. He will delve into the major challenges facing the main parties and what impact the economic shifts in the West will have on the outcome of the next election. His presentation promises to be an invigorating one.

Also on the agenda is human resources and communications expert Mark Jeffries. His presentation, entitled “Using strategic communication to retain your best people: What can you do and say that will make them stay?” will provide guidance to executives who strive to attract and maintain key people.

According to Jeffries, it is not about what you pay, but about how you communicate that can get real employee loyalty.

On the more regimental front, Canadian Forces General R. J. Hillier, chief of defence staff, National Defence, will discuss what it takes to be a leader in the Canadian Forces given the dangers that the troops face on a daily basis. Under extreme conditions, when the landscape can change rapidly, how do you create a solid team? How do you communicate effectively? And how do you reach your objectives? Hillier will provide a unique perspective on leadership in today’s rapidly changing world.

Moving from the battlefield to the trading floor, Peter Hall, vice-president and deputy chief economist, corporate affairs, Export Development Corporation, will take on the global economy and Canada’s prospects. Will Canada continue in high gear, or is a downshift in store? Hall will present his latest insights on global, Canadian, and regional economies, and prospects for Canadian manufacturers.

Following in the pattern set by the 2007 event, the presentations will be interspersed with brief, inspirational talks. This year, author Dr. John Izzo will recount the important keys to a fulfilling life, learned in more than 200 interviews with subjects from 60 to 106 that were used to create his work “The 5 Secrets You Must Discover Before You Die.”

In this inspiring, entertaining, and thought-provoking program, Dr. Izzo shares the five themes that emerged from his research: Reflect More, Risk More, Love More, Enjoy More, and Return More. In this program, Dr. Izzo will also feature segments from interviews with wise seniors, as they talk about their lives and what they learned.

For more information, or to register, visit www.aiacanada.com, or call Therese Santostefano at 1-800-808-2920 ext. 225.