Vancouver Post-Event Report 2017
VANCOUVER, CANADA – DECEMBER 1, 2017 - “Excellent value” and “mind-blowing”—these were among the descriptions of the 12th ELO Forum & Awards Gala was held on Nov 29th at the iconic Vancouver Convention Centre. There were about 200 attendees during the afternoon session and about 300 for the evening keynote, drawn from throughout Canada, the US and beyond—including as far away as New Zealand. The Forum featured a wide range of speakers and a dynamic keynote address, interspersed with various video segments.
There was extensive positive feedback. One attendee said, “I really appreciated the theme I heard around purpose, calling and making a difference in life and the marketplace. Excellent value!” Another commented, “I can’t thank you enough for another great conference! This came at the perfect time for me, as I am stepping back into the entrepreneurial world. The inspiration and wisdom from all the speakers was mind-blowing.”
Other feedback highlighted different aspects of the programme: “The speakers and networking opportunities were great.” “Inspirational, helpful, useful and encouraging.” “Well done, excellent event.” “I learned a ton from the speakers. It was exactly what I needed to hear.” “Informative and uplifting.” “It was a really well put together event in terms of quality of venue and speakers, well-kept agenda, well organized, good theme and attitude.” “Very unique and practical.”
The Forum featured six different presenters and perspectives. Misty Lown, Founder, More Than Just Great Dancing, Onalaska, WI spoke on “One Small ‘Yes’: Small Decisions that Lead to Big Results.” Michael Lloyd, Principal, Wycliffe Hall, University of Oxford, addressed the “Nine Essential Qualities of Biblical Leadership.” Terry Smith, Chairman, Smith Gardens, Bellingham, WA was interviewed on, “Building A 100 Year Old Company.” Carlos Vargas, Founder, Hope of Life, Guatemala, was interviewed on, “God-Inspired Innovation. Rick Goossen interviewed Gary Lindblad, Dean, Crowell School of Business, Biola University, Los Angeles, CA on “the entrepreneurial mindset.”
The event is a “forum” and is highlighted by dialogue and interaction with all the speakers after their presentations and throughout the day. The evening keynote was masterfully delivered by Dr. John Izzo on “The Purpose Revolution: How Purpose Can Transform Your Business & Leadership.” The Entrepreneurial Leaders Award was presented to Terry Smith. The purpose of the Award is to recognize the track record of a person who can serve as an inspiration to others to pursue Christian entrepreneurial leadership and to be an effective difference-maker in their spheres of influence.
Here is a representative sample of additional feedback:
“Very well done! A great balance of business and theology. Michael Lloyd [Wycliffe Hall, Oxford] and John Izzo [evening keynote] were great!” – Kurtis Kube, Director of Development, Columbia Bible College, Abbotsford, BC
“We [with husband and business partner, Wolfgang] have attended for 5 years. It is always encouraging and inspiring. I always leave with 1 or 2 things I feel we need to implement. In the past, we have brought friends and they have found it very relevant.” – Faye Dombrowski, Can-Am Tools Corp, Edmonton, AB
“I would absolutely recommend this event—it was a very valuable day! Thank you for all the organization and attention to detail. Good format, too.” –Catherine Robertson, President, Eaglecom Marketing, White Rock, BC
“I found this a great opportunity to reflect on my role as a Christian leader and I met a number of great Christian leaders. This was my first ELO Forum and I will definitely be back.” – John Veldkamp, CEO, Christian Credit Union, Edmonton, AB
“Great event. Inspiring and beneficial.” – Robert Thiessen, BC Conference Minister, BC Mennonite Brethren Conference, Abbotsford, BC
“Dr. Izzo’s simple yet impactful presentation was awakening and purposeful. I would recommend this event!” – Rick Kim, Owner, Olive & Anchor Restaurant, Horseshoe Bay, BC
“A great opportunity to meet with Christian industry leaders and learn together on growing faith in business.” – Tyler Scott, Avisar Chartered Professional Accountants, Langley, BC
“I would recommend this event. It will help me to change the core focus on the attitude in the way we do things.” – Garry Reimer, Team Leader, The Reimer Group ReMax, Fraser Valley, BC
In short, the ELO Forum achieved a number of important purposes. The Forum connected leaders from throughout the community, in BC and beyond. It provided equipping through great instruction. There was celebration through the presentation of the Entrepreneurial Leaders Award. Attendees included experienced leaders in business, nonprofit organizations, parachurch organizations and pastors and students from institutions in BC and AB. The Forum was supported by numerous sponsors, exhibitors, table hosts and volunteers who all contributed to a highly successful outcome.