Faculty of Management students will get a head start on their professional development by hearing from top-notch speakers during a two-day conference Thursday and Friday at the University of Lethbridge.

In addition to attending a networking dinner on Thursday evening with Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey, co-founders of Barefoot Cellars, students will have a full day of sessions Friday.

“We host this conference and other professional development events to provide our students with opportunities to hear from and interact with leaders in business and management,” says Bob Ellis, dean of the Faculty of Management. “These opportunities are invaluable and give our students an edge both personally and professionally.”

The day begins with a keynote speech from Stuart Knight, a graduate of the School of Business and Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University. Now an entrepreneur, author, producer and motivational speaker, Knight will talk about the ‘Four Conversations for Success’ that inspire people to change the conversations in their mind so that they can overcome challenges.

In Session 1, Mark Slomp, the University of Lethbridge’s Counselling Services manager, presents ‘The High Five of Career Development – Putting the YOU into your career.’ In Session 2, Greg Stonehocker, a local ActionCOACH, will talk about personal brand management.

The day closes with a public talk by Bob Garner, an entrepreneur who took a dream and turned it into reality. Garner created two successful companies and achieved financial security before the age of 40. Garner will deliver a unique presentation that combines useful information with amazing demonstrations of mind reading and humour. Garner speaks from 3 to 4:15 p.m. Friday in the Students’ Union Ballroom. Anyone interested in attending is asked to register at the Faculty of Management website.