The diversity of workshop topics and quality of presenters certainly provided educational options. Although the theme of the conference was Pathways to the Future, the range of interpretations of the theme translated into workshops was amazing. I assume this diversity demonstrates the eclectic nature of ABE itself and the creative means through which practitioners ply their trade. I attended four very different workshops. Despite the disappointingly small numbers of participants, (between 3 – 7) the facilitators were polished, enthusiastic, well prepared, and for the most part, engaging. The small groups afforded a very close encounter with the facilitator and interaction with all the participants. I came away from each workshop very satisfied with not only information but also a sense of connection with other conference delegates. However, I did question why so few members chose to attend the conference. It is an annual event, clearly planned with fun in mind, and a fertile networking opportunity for people from all areas of ABE. It is a chance for people to share their expertise, knowledge and skill as well as their workplace issues, frustrations and solutions; something usually hungered for in this time of perpetual change. When so few members attend, it may cause one to wonder if the benefits are outweighed by the energy or resources required to organize such an event.

Several elements of the conference updated members on current issues. It appeared the Keynote presentation and the Ministry Updates primarily afforded a look at ABE issues provincially, through the lens of people other than ABE practitioners. Although I didn't attend these sessions, I did hear people chewing on the issues and carving out opinions about them. I wondered if more organized opportunities to wrestle with these issues, such as working group sessions or a literary café model, would be helpful in not only updating members on the issues, but also developing responses or positions on these issues. I'm not sure who takes on the job of communicating the association's stand on issues, but I'm sure they would welcome help in developing a strong rationale which would be representative of the membership. The conference seems like the ideal venue from which to do this.

Renewal of leadership, to me, has always been a critical purpose of an annual conference, if the association chooses to have the conference and AGM together. The ABE AGM was unlike any I have attended. I'm not sure why it was held during lunch in the eating area. I had great difficulty hearing what was going on and had to leave it early to head to a workshop. In my experience the AGM is the heart of an annual gathering, where the operating core of the organization is revealed and crucial business takes place. It is a time where thanks for the past work of stewards of the organization are followed by encouragement to those willing to take up the reins. It also seems a time to articulate the shared purpose and the shared struggles the organization faces in pursuing its goals. It can be a time to herald the troops and rally the crowd to take on contemporary challenges with renewed vigour and determination, knowing they are amongst allies. It is a time to draw in new members, revisit the organization's raison d'etre and reinforce the direction ahead. This AGM seemed to lack the importance of an AGM and its value seemed diminished by the venue and lack of enthusiasm. Although I have no doubt the leadership is committed to pursuing the association goals, I did wonder what impact this kind of AGM would have on encouraging leadership participation.

Networking and socialization seemed to be the most widely celebrated purpose of the conference. Right from registration and the opening wine and cheese there was a sense of celebration evident. It felt like a gathering of cherished comrades who had been working in the trenches all year and were here to share their struggles and their joys in an atmosphere of reprieve from the work. There was a bubbling undercurrent of laughter in most social venues during the conference. From the anticipation of what seemed like endless door prizes, to the standup comedy at lunch, to the volley of witty quips between participants, to the eager recruiter looking for dance buddies to tear up Chilliwack on Thursday night, to the diverse choices of after hours Fraser Valley experiences, it appeared people were excited to be there and were having a very good time indeed. I was also delighted with the facility, the food and the overall organization of the conference. It was obvious to me a tremendous amount of time, energy and skill had been poured into every aspect of the planning and it was all executed flawlessly from the perspective of the passive observer.

Overall it was a wonderful experience from which I gained a deeper understanding of the ABE Association. I believe the conference provided members with education, exposure to current issues, leadership options and social opportunities. Why so few attended to take advantage of these opportunities could be a question for the leadership, to open dialogue with the membership, in preparation for the next annual conference.

Submitted by: Sheila Wallace, Program Assistant

Networking and socialization seemed to be the most widely celebrated purpose of the conference.	A string quartet led by Chilliwack Academy of Music's Gwyneth Jones provided music for the banquet, including such diverse selections as “A Long and Winding Road” and “Pachelbel Canon.”