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Aboriginal Business, Community & Economic Development Conference features Three Keynotes, Ten Workshops, Business Advice, Gala Banquet, Movie Night & More

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                   

 Aboriginal Business, Community & Economic Development Conference features
Three Keynotes, Ten Workshops, Business Advice,
Gala Banquet, Movie Night & More

REGISTER BEFORE APRIL 11 TO SAVE $80 ON DELEGATE REGISTRATION AT
VISION QUEST CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW 

Winnipeg MB (April 7, 2014) — The 18th Vision Quest Conference & Trade Show is gearing up to take place at the RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg from May 13 to 15.The event prides itself on educating, enlightening, and entertaining – three things it does very well.

“Vision Quest has something for everyone,” says Kim Bullard, Chair of Vision Quest Conferences Inc. “We educate through our workshops and trade show, we enlighten through our dynamic speakers, and we entertain through our singers, dancers, and performers.”

More than 1000 Conference participants will come together from throughout Manitoba and across Canada to discuss and promote Aboriginal business, community, and economic development, during this dynamic three-day event. Each year, Vision Quest attracts a wide range of delegates including entrepreneurs, innovators, industry leaders, community organizations, and Aboriginal youth. It also attracts some very accomplished keynote presenters. 

THREE KEYNOTE PRESENTERS 

Michelle Thrush is a Gemini Award-winning actor who has been working professionally in film, television and theatre for over 20 years. Her current projects include Blackstone on APTN, and Arctic Air on CBC, and she was named Alberta Aboriginal Role Model of the Year in 2012.

Stefan Richard is a father, speaker, and former professional wrestler from Sagkeeng First Nation who lost everything and nearly his life to the horrors of drug addiction. Today he shares his experience, strength and hope through the story of his meteoric rise as a professional wrestler, incredible fall, and eventual redemption.

Don Burnstick is a comedian and motivational speaker who uses humour and performance to provide a holistic approach to healing and personal wellness. The youngest of 15 children, coupled with growing up on the reserve, taught Don a variety of means of defending himself, not the least of which became his use of humour. 

NEW ATTRACTION: ADVICE WITH BUSINESS EXPERTS 

Do you have a business idea? Are you thinking about starting a business? Or are you already in business? Advice with the Business Experts is a new attraction at Vision Quest that will allow delegates to reserve a free consultation time with representatives from Entrepreneurship Manitoba and the Canadian Youth Business Foundation. 

DRAGON’S QUEST BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION

Dragon’s Quest is a business plan competition in partnership with the Aboriginal Business Service Network. Six finalists in two categories will present their business plans to a panel of judges in front of the Conference delegation. Winners are announced at the closing night Gala Banquet. 

TRADE SHOW WITH FREE PUBLIC ADMISSION

More than 80 exhibitors will take part in the 2014 Vision Quest Trade Show, representing business suppliers, service providers, hospitality groups, career opportunities, economic organizations, educational institutions, information services, and a wide selection of artists and artisans with one-of-a-kind creations. The Trade Show offers free public admission on Wednesday, May 14 (8:30am to 4:30pm), and Thursday, May 15 (8:30am to 2:30pm). 

CONFERENCE KICK-OFF & CLOSING 

Vision Quest kicks off with new networking and cultural opportunities for delegates on Tuesday, May 13. Choices include an evening of gaming at South Beach Casino & Resort, or a movie night at RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg, presented by the Winnipeg Aboriginal Film Festival.

Then on Thursday, May 15, the Gala Banquet includes a three course dinner, entertainment by guitarist Jason Tuesday, cultural presentation by Plains Ojibway Singers and Dance Troupe, artistry by Victoria McIntosh, a fashion show by Cree-Ations, and a performance by featured comedian Ryan McMahon.

 HONOURARY CHAIR NAMED 

Each year, Vision Quest chooses a distinguished member from the Aboriginal community to be recognized as the Conference’s Honourary Chair. This year’s Honourary Chair is David McLeod, CEO of Native Communications Inc. (which broadcasts the NCI FM radio network and STREETZ FM radio station).   

DELEGATE REGISTRATION & EXHIBITOR/ SPONSOR APPLICATIONS

Registration for the 2014 Vision Quest Conference & Trade Show is available online at www.vqconference.com. Register by the Early Bird deadline of April 11 to save $80. Exhibitor and sponsor applications are also available online. 

ABOUT VISION QUEST 

Vision Quest Conferences Inc. is a community based charitable organization formed through partnerships with five Aboriginal Community Futures Development Corporations (Cedar Lake CFDC, Dakota Ojibway CFDC, Kitayan CFDC, North Central CFDC, Southeast CFDC).

Since inception, more than 12,000 participants have taken part in Vision Quest, and contributed to its ongoing success. Today, Vision Quest continues to garner a positive national profile and a highly respected reputation.

Vision Quest thanks the following Sponsors to date for their support: Aboriginal Affairs & Northern Development Canada, Enbridge Pipelines Inc., Manitoba Telecom Services, South Beach Casino & Resort, Aboriginal Business Service Network, City of Winnipeg Aboriginal Relations, Economic Development Winnipeg, Manitoba Hydro, and Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries. Thanks also to the many Media Partners, service providers, and other supporters.

www.vqconference.com

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CONTACT FOR MEDIA:
RoseAnna Schick, RAS Creative
Publicity & Communications Manager for 2014 Vision Quest Conference
204-783-7600 / rascreative@yahoo.ca
www.ras-creative.com

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