For the first time in several decades, Ponoka will be host to its own Woman’s Conference, similar to the one that annually takes place at the other end of the county in Rimbey.
The conference is being organized by the Ponoka’ Agricultural Society. “The reason that we’re doing it, first and foremost, is women in the community asked about having one,” said society president Lauraine Weir.
The April 12 event is taking place at the Wolf Creek Golf Resort and runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“We had a look at what Rimbey does, Camrose, Lloydminster also does a women’s conference,” said Weir.
The conference features four sessions for women to choose from, which run concurrently twice throughout the day, once in the morning and again in the afternoon.
The sessions revolve around optimal skin care, an education in lingerie and how it’s the ‘perfect start to a great look,’ dressing for your body type and mindfulness, which focuses on spiritual health, balance and yoga.
The keynote speaker, Jody Urquhart, is one the Agricultural Society sought specifically for the event. Weir saw her speak in February at the Association of Alberta Agriculture Societies conference. “We were so impressed with her and her presentation and her message.”
Urquhart speaks on the ideas of having fun at work and injecting joy back into everyday life. “I think, in particular, her one theme is say hello to humor and goodbye to burnout. Her message is to roll with the flow and not take life too seriously,” said Weir.
Weir feels the number one benefit to women attending the conference is information, next is the relaxation aspect. “It’s a time to take a day for themselves, do something enjoyable in a nice venue.”
“It’s an opportunity to laugh, an opportunity to spend time with friends, just disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life women are faced with,” she added.
One woman at the conference will also win a $600 makeover, including makeup, a trip to a hair salon and clothing from “various local stores.”
Registration forms are available at a variety of businesses around town and they must be mailed to the ag society or dropped off at the FCSS office by April 3.