Entrepreneurship Conference '09 April 18, 2009

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Abstract

In the goal of offering an even better event to our participants, this years conference seeks to be innovative and pioneering. The conference will offer a keynote address by Tatiana Londono and personalized roundtable workshops on a variety of topics ranging from e-marketing to small business management. A handful of entrepreneurs will also have the chance to win a year of business advice from some of Montreals premier business owners by presenting their business idea and having the audience vote electronically for the winner.

Agenda

9:30 am-10:00 am Registration

10:00 am-10:15 am Welcome and Introductory Remarks

10:15 am-11:00 amOpening Keynote
Tatiana Londono, Londono Realty Group

11:00 am-11:45 amRound-table with the Experts (1)

11:45 am-12:30 pm Round-table with Experts (2)

12:30 pm- 1:30 pm Networking Lunch
Announcement of la Fondation du Maire de Montreal Business Plan Start-up Contest Winners

1:30 pm- 3:00 pm "E-Ship Idol"

3:00 pm-3:30 pmCoffee & Networking

Round-tables

Please note that asround-tables fill up quickly, we cannot guarantee your selection.Theround-tablesare on a first-come, first-served basis.

1. What's NEXT in Selling
Successful sales practices keep a business in operation. The global sales landscape continues to change with the development of new technology. This round-table will allow you to discuss what strategies are working now and which ones will work in the future. Host: Peter E.H. Palmer - Vice President, Dale Carnegie Business Group

2. Guerilla Marketing
Smart marketing can create traffic for your business without costing a lot of extra money. Speak with experts on topics such as marketing strategies for start-ups and small to mid-sized businesses.Host: Robert Soroka, MBA - Juris Doctor, Lecturer at JMSB -Concordia University and McGill University, Professor, Dawson College

3. Net Impact: Creating Digital Consumers
The internet has revolutionized the way consumers buy products and services. This interactive discussion will allow you to explore ways to drive traffic to your website and develop strategies to turn traffic into customers. Host: Warren Wilansky, Co-Founder, Plank Multimedia Inc

4. Creating your Company Brand and Image
Having the right brand and image sets your business apart from the competition. A great brand can foster a sense of consumer confidence and create a loyal following. The right brand can make a consumer's decisioneasy whenfaced withso many choices on the market. You'll discuss at this roundtable the proper marketing and communication strategies to develop a strong brand and a positive image in the marketplace. Host: Franco Rocchi - Senior Vice President, Sales and Operations, Le Chteau Inc.

5. Franchising
Do you have aspirationsof turning your business into a franchise operation? Discusswith professionals what questions to ask andwhat stepsto take before you get started. This interactive round-table discussion will help you discover the do's and don'ts ofoperating a franchise. Host: Pino Di Ioia, Co-Founder moozoo juices and CEO BeaverTails, and Tina Serrao, moozoo juices and BeaverTails

6. Import & Exporting: Beyond Boundaries
Are you interested in expanding your business into international markets? Investigate what you need to know to help make your transition into foreign markets easier, faster and less risky. Aquire the necessary tools that will point you in the right direction such as how to conduct market research and different market trade regulations. Host: Steve Letovsky, Senior Partner, LBC Consulting Services

7. Accounting and Tax Essentials
Crunching numbers, keeping updated books and taxes are essential to running a successful business. Share and discover tips on record keeping, filing your taxes, and what expenses you can write-off. Host: Heidi Minkoff, CA, Manager & Sam Lackman, CA, Tax Manager -Nexia Friedman

8. Ideation
Do you have a great idea but don't know where to start? During this interactive round-table discussion you will discover great tips and strategies on how to develop you idea from a concept into something concrete. Host: Mitch Joel, President, Twist Image

9. Power PR and Media
Getting media attention for your business is very important. It can help bring public awareness to your business at crucial times. Discover how to properly approach different media and get your name in the public the right way. Host: Carol Levine, APR, Co-Founder, Communications MECA

10. The Money Tree: Financing your Biz
This round-table will let you explore the type of financing best suited to you and how to maximize your chance of getting the dollars you need. Also, ask about the major financing programs offered by the government, private sector and non-government organizations to help Quebec entrepreneurs begin and grow their businesses. Host: Tina Screnci, RBC Manager for Small Entreprises, Royal Bank of Canada & Erik Yeargan, Business Coach, YES Montreal

11. Legal-ease
There are a lot of legal aspects to take into consideration when starting and running your own business. Discuss legal structures, Canadian regulations and more. Get the right advice froman experienced lawyer that will keep you on the right side of the law. Host: Nancy Cleman - Lawyer, Sternthal Katznelson Montigny

12. Social entrepreneurship: Making a Difference
Get insight into adapting your business to address the growing public concerns about the community and the environment. Investigate how your business can integrate social and financial goalsand make money while making a difference. Host: Danny Laureno, Founder, Rien Cacher

13. The Perfect Pitch
Even a great business idea without a convincing pitch will go nowhere. Discover the essentials of pitching effectively and presenting your ideas. Host: Ben Yoskovitz, CEO and Founder, Standout Jobs

14. Expanding your Business
Have you dreamt of seeing your existing business develop from its infancy into a full grown operation? Seek advice from someone who has taken a basement operation and transformed it into a global multi-national. (NOTE: This session is intended for those who wish to expand a business already in operation.) Host: Ariel Shlien - Chief Executive Officer, The Mad Science Group

15. Women in Business
Discover the specific challenges facing a female entrepreneur during this interactive round-table discussion. Get practical advice and successful strategies to starting your own venture, overcoming its challenges and making it profitable. Host: Carol A. Fitzwilliam, President, Fitzwilliam Legal Recruitment

16. Mentorship for Business
Learning from someone else's experiences can be tremendously helpful. A mentor can guide you in the right direction and share personal invaluable experience. Find out how and where to find the right mentor for your business. Host: Michael Eskenazi, President, Felix & Norton International Inc.

17. Trend Spotting 2009
Explore the changing world of business and the latest trends. Discover ways of staying ahead of the wavy byidentifying sectors that will prosper in the future. Host: Angela Burlton, Adjunct Professor, Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies, McGill University

18. Networking: Spinning your Social Web
Networking is an essential skill all entrepreneurs must master to be successful, but unfortunately is very misunderstood. Good networking is both and art and a science. Discuss proven techniques and the latest trends with networking pros. Host: Robert Gervais, President and CEO,Zerofail

19. Newcomers Guide to Canadian Business
This round-table is intended for immigrants and newcomers who plan to establish a business in Canada or who intend to be self-employed. Discuss the fundamentals of how to start-up, operate and maintain a business as a new Canadian. Host: Elvira Winkler - Advisor, Government Programs and Services, Info Entrepreneur

20. Home Biz: Business in a Bathrobe
Do you have aspirationsof expanding your business from home? Discover the pros and cons of growing a home-based business and tips to get you started. Host: Michael J. Glazer, M.B.A., LL.B., C.E.O., Premier Service Inc

Organized by YES Montreal
As a not-for-profit organization, YES Montreal (Youth Employment Services) enriches the community by providing English-language support services to help Quebecers find employment and start businesses.

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Ticket Info:  Entrepreneurship Conference '09, C$49.99

Official Website: http://entrepreneurshipconference-upcoming.eventbrite.com