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1. Q: What is the best way to register for the Conference?
A: The quickest  and easiest way to register for the IWF World Leadership Conference is through the secure online process at: https://baskowsecure.com/ei/getdemo.ei?id=394&s=_0RO0RP0BF 

This convenient link will take you directly to the registration page for IWF Canada members, where you are accorded  a reduced Conference registration rate as a member of the host Forum.

Alternatively, you can phone Baskow and Associates at 1-702-547-5103 and ask to speak with Dianne Adkins; IWFConference@baskow.com. Baskow is handling the registration process on behalf of the organization.  

2. Q: What is the cost of the Conference?
A: The full registration for Canada Forum members is $670.00 vs. the regular cost of $825.00. Members of the Canada Forum receive a reduced registration rate in recognition of their collective contributions to the organization of the Conference. Please note the Conference fee is in US$.

3. Q: What does the Conference fee cover?
A: The Conference registration includes the Opening Reception, all Conference sessions, Thursday and Friday Lunches and the Closing Gala.  The Dine-Arounds are a supplementary $65.00. Please note all prices are quoted in US$. 

4. Q: I cannot attend the full conference. Can I buy a day pass?
A: Yes there are several options:

Full Programme Options

• Full Programme Attendee with Gala: $670.00
• Full Programme Attendee, No Gala: $520.00

Individual Options

• Opening Reception, October 13: $75.00
• Thursday Programme, October 14, Full Day : $275.00
• Thursday Lunch Only : $60.00
• Member Dine-Around, October 14 : $65.00
• Friday Programme, October 15, Full Day : $275.00
• Friday Lunch Only : $60.00
• Gala Only (per ticket) $250.00

Please note all prices are in US$.

5. Q: I plan to attend the Conference; I am also invited to sit at a sponsored table at the Closing Gala. Do I need to buy a Gala ticket?
A: If you are attending the Closing Gala as a guest of a Conference Sponsor, you do not need to buy a Closing Gala ticket. You can pay only $520.00 instead of $670.00.

6. Q: What is an IWF World Leadership Conference (WLC) & Gala?
A: Through uniquely designed events such as the World Leadership Conference (WLC) & Gala and the Cornerstone Conferences, IWF members are able to come together, exchange ideas and share insights with other leaders whose decisions move industries, shape economies and define government policies.

Each year in October, IWF conducts its WLC in a major North American city. These conferences are large-scale events that integrate the IWF members with the top political, economic cultural, scientific and religious leaders for conversations around a theme that is timely, and globally focused.

7. Q: What is the difference between this World Leadership Conference in October and the Cornerstone Conference in Ecuador?
A: IWF International conducts two conferences annually and both provide an opportunity to network and focus on global issues; however the format of each is quite different. The Cornerstones are held in various international locations and naturally take on a more cultural focus and provide inside perspectives on the creative side of leadership. Previous Cornerstones have taken place in Hong Kong, Buenos Aries, Madrid, Jordan and many other locations around the world.

8. Q: Why should I attend this conference in Montreal?
A: This conference will offer attendees the opportunity to:

• Meet as many as 1,000 female leaders from across Canada, the U. S. and around the world in a collegial forum which promotes knowledge sharing and relationship-building
• Learn about an issue that is shaping world enterprise – the role and future of water and its impact on the biosphere and social sphere. Thought leaders from five continents will explore water as a highly valued resource and its impact on world trade and commerce, politics, the environment, our food supply, health, the arts and humanity.
• Experience the beauty and fun of Montreal with unique access and opportunities.
• Celebrate the success of the Canada Forum and demonstrate our pride in our fellow Canadian IWF members

9. Q: Why were IWF Canada and the Montreal chapter chosen to host this conference?
A: Canada Forum is one of the largest Forums and it is a tribute to our Forum and the active role that our Canada Forum members play on the International Board that we should be invited to host our second World Leadership Conference.

Our first Conference in 2003 was co-chaired by Ann Medina and the late Alison Youngman and took place in Toronto with the theme, Generations. This thematic vision continues to resonate with International through new programs to recognize tomorrow's women leaders.

Montreal was chosen as the 2010 host city and host Chapter because as a pace-setting waterfront city, it has a lot to offer: bi-cultural, international flair, entertainment, fashion, cuisine, safety and autumn beauty.

10. Q: What makes attending this IWF WLC special?
A: In addition to providing members with a rare insight into a topical theme through program-rich content, members will have a unique opportunity to travel to the private homes of leading women who reside in the host city of Montreal to attend an evening Dine Around and to an invitation to explore the unique aspects of the city through the privileged access provided by the Montreal members during an afternoon 'Behind the Scenes' program.

These unique cultural experiences provides a rich setting for networking and relationship building. See members' comments below.

11. Q: For how long is the Conference?
A: Two and half days – from Wednesday evening, October 13 to the Gala on Friday evening, October 15, so plan to depart on Saturday.

12. Q: Where is the location of the October IWF Conference?
A: The Sheraton Hotel / Le Centre Sheraton on René Levesque Blvd in downtown Montreal. Click here to view map.

13. Q: What arrangements have been made for accommodations?
A: The primary hotel is the Le Centre Sheraton / Centre Sheraton and a block of rooms have been reserved for IWF members To reserve a room, please contact:

Toll Free: 1-800-325-3535
Tel. in Montreal: 514-878-2000
Website: http://www.starwoodmeeting.com/StarGroupsWeb/booking/reservation?id=0912306945&key=52FB6

14. Q: Can I bring a Guest?
A: Yes, up to three. Our members bring women who are leaders and young women who are aspiring leaders.

15. Q: Can my spouse be a Guest?
A: Yes, your spouse can attend all parts of the program except for the Dine Around, which is a Members-Only event. However, there is a separate dinner event for Guests and they have been reported to be great successes.

16. Q: What are the highlights of the IWF World Leadership Conference?
A: Here is a brief overview:

• Opening Reception in a historical building commencing at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday October 13
• Plenary Sessions and Break-out sessions: Thurs and Friday October 13 and14 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. WLC brings together the thought leaders in business, invention, creativity, science and technology and artistic expression for a rare and informative insight at a global level on this year's theme: Water and its impact on all aspects of our society.
• "Behind the Scenes": Thursday and Friday October 14, 15, 2:30 p.m.– 4:30 p.m. offers an opportunity for a visit to some of Montreal's most interesting cultural, artistic, entertainment and fashion spots, including a visit to the home the internationally-renowned Cirque du Soleil.
• The Dine-Around: Thursday, October 14, 7:00 p.m. - this is the signature event of the IWF, where members will have the opportunity to dine in some of the leading private homes in Montreal.
• The Gala on Friday, October 15 is the culmination of the Conference with the presentation of three new inductees into the International Hall of Fame Awards.

17. Q: Who are some of the women who have been inducted into the IWF Hall of Fame?
A: Each year, IWF recognizes two or three exceptional Honorees include: 2009 WLC in Miami saw inductees, The Honorable Donna Shalala, former U. S. Secretary of Health and President, the University of Miami, The Honorable Tzipi Livni, Opposition Leader, and former Foreign Minister, Israel, Sylvia Earle, Oceanographer, Explorer and Author.  This year in Montreal, IWF will induct The Right Honourable Justice Beverley McLachlin, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada into the Hall of Fame.

Some Canadians who have been inducted include:

• Dr. Roberta Bondar, Canada's First Woman Astronaut
• Louise Arbour, Chief Prosecutor, International War Crimes Tribunal, The Hague;
• Rt. Hon. Kim Campbell, former Prime Minister of Canada.

Go to the IWF website for a full list. www.iwforum.org

17. Q: I am satisfied with the networking that I experience within my local Chapter. What is the Value or Benefit to attend this Conference?
A:  Please click  'Testimonials' to read the rich anecdotes and experiences of IWF Canada members who have attended past conferences.

18. Q: What does the IWF do?
A: Through this global organization, IWF members come together across national and international boundaries to share knowledge and ideas, to enrich each other's lives, to provide a network of support and to exert influence. Through the Leadership Foundation, IWF helps prepare future generations of women leaders.

19. About the IWF
Founded in 1982 in the United States, the International Women's Forum has grown across five continents into 23 nations and 64 affiliated forum locations. Now, nearly 30 years later, there are over 4,500 women leader-members participating in North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia, the Pacific Basin, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. With forums throughout the world, the IWF facilitates networking among women of achievement and promotes opportunities for women in leadership.

The Canada Forum was founded in 1995 in Montreal and has grown into seven Chapters from Atlantic to Alberta and 15 years later there are over 375 women leader-members.

20. Q: How is the IWF a 'source of learning'?
A: Through international programming, two annual Conferences, galas, symposia, communications, publications and special functions, women leaders are able to meet, experience and exchange ideas and goals with others whose decisions move industries, shape economies and define government policies worldwide.

21. Q: Who is leading this important initiative on behalf of Canada Forum?
A: Co-Chairs for the event are Monette Malewski (Montreal) and Kathy Sendall (Calgary) with members from across Canada Forum participating on each Sub-Committee.

Sponsorship - Shirley Dawe
Financial controller - Ani Hotoyan-Joli
Opening Reception & Hospitality - Francoise Lyon, Marissa Nuss
Behind the Scenes – Deborah Trudeau
Gala – Mary Ann Bell and Brigitte Simard
Dine-Arounds – Barbara Shore and Nan de Gaspe Beaubien