While going through our photos archive, I came across this team photo from 2008 Impact National Conference and it made me smile. It reminded me of the feeling of euphoria, having put on one of our most successful conferences in Impact history. Also reminds me of all the blood, sweat and tears that went into organizing the two day conference. Definitely one of the best experiences I’ve ever had as the 2008 Gala Director.

Join us this year for yet another amazing conference! You won’t believe what we have in store for you.

Today is the absolute last day to still qualify for the early bird registration fee of only $200! Make sure you sign up and fully send in your registration before 11:59pm EST in order to be eligible for the price.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity – it may very well change your life. I know it did for me

Cheers,

Christine

Director of Communications

Impact Connect is proud to present the second annual Yahoo!’s HackU competition kicking off today at the University of Waterloo and University of Toronto!

For event schedule, registration and general info: www.hacku.impact.org or check us out on Facebook.

Getting ready to be wined and dined by the Westin staff!

Wining and dining is fun, especially when you have the head chef and staff of the Westin waiting on you! Today Ashok and I had the opportunity to sample four different 3 course meals ranging from roasted butternut squash soup to fire grilled top sirloin and chocolate silk. Ashok will personally tell you that the vegetarian options really gave the meat options a run for their money. To take a sneak peak at this year’s conference menu, check out our Photo Section found at the top of the blog.

Hope to see you at the dinner table on November 20 – 21st, 2009!

Kunal, founder of Impact (at right) chatting with a few Impact team members

This past Friday, October 2nd, 2009 marked the night of our Impact Team Launch Party. It’s not very often we’re privileged to get everyone together in one room as we’re spread out across Canada, so we cherish every opportunity we have to see one another! It was great night featuring delicious appetizers and to-die-for cheesecake made by our very own, Tian Man, Director of People Development. Who knew that along with the ability to pick out the absolute best talent to join our team, we also have a chef in house! There was some mixing and mingling with Impact alumni, current team members, and new members that are interested in joining the team. The night finished off with announcements made by Kunal, Sarah and Shanak, and a few leaders on our team to let everyone know of what’s to come in the next few months. This is certainly the most exciting season of our year and this was the perfect way to kick it off.

Thank you to everyone that came out! For more photos, check out our Photo Section found at the top of the blog.

Till the next one!

Dave Wilkin talking with Justin Trudeau about youth entrepreneurship and the importance of innovation.

It’s not often we get to chat with one of Canada’s most famous Prime minister’s sons, but on Tuesday I was fortunate to see Justin Trudeau at the University of Waterloo while he addressed many political issues relevant to youth. I was reminded of how powerful a united voice of young entrepreneurs could be – we are the pilots of tomorrow’s economy and the power behind change that can happen right now. I hope that you too are reminded of this after reading this post.

What does it mean when an Impact’er chats with Justin Trudeau? Well Justin just so happened to say that he wants to come to talk to 500 of Canada’s top youth entrepreneurs at the Impact National Conference. This is not 100% just yet as we’re confirming scheduling, but things are looking strong and we’re hoping Justin can attend so that YOU can see how we have the power to influence policy and make for a more supportive entrepreneurial environment, and Justin had a lot to say about that!

There are always politicians, renowned researchers and interesting advocates coming to campus to chat up the students, but I was particularly interested in hearing from Justin Trudeau who is not only Canada’s youngest member of parliament but who is also “dedicated to youth engagement” – I wondered what such a ‘youth focused’ politician has to say about youth entrepreneurship and innovation, especially in an economic time like this… so I asked!

So often politicians make us feel great and relax our concerns by using promising words and a vision that is sure to please us as potential voters – but I think Justin is different, I think he has something we should all open our ears to. Justin had a strong vision for engaging more young people in entrepreneurial projects and helping young Canadians think INNOVATIVE!

Justin brought up many actionable ideas to help Angels invest in our ideas so that we as young entrepreneurs can have the funds to act on our innovations and become entrepreneurs. Justin consistently touched on the importance of getting involved in our communities and being the force of change – as teens and young adults, I think we all forget just how important our opinions, views and ideas are. I encourage everyone to reach out to politicians, academia, NGOs, and anyone who will listen to let them know what you think is important….especially if it’s about helping young Canadians to THINK INNOVATIVE and ACT ENTREPRENEURIAL.