Character Conference 2020 | Program Details | A Life of Character

THE INAUGURAL CHARACTER CONFERENCE

Performing Arts Center

September 22-23, 2022
Burlington, Vermont

The unpredictable nature of the world today takes energy and fortitude to manage. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed in a sea of tasks and information. 

The day-to-day can seem out of balance: the more you hit the gas, the slower you seem to go; the more you juggle, the fewer things get done; the more you sprint, the less distance you cover.

You remember that there was a time when this did not feel so intense — and that’s disorienting and it’s disheartening. And it doesn’t have to feel this way.

Your have more resources at your disposal than you know.  

In September 2022, business leaders, entrepreneurs, academics and creatives will gather in Burlington, Vermont for the INAUGURAL CHARACTER CONFERENCE..

LEARN MORE & REGISTER HERE

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

Over two immersive days, attendees will dig into keynotes, hands-on sessions, and playful exploration, taking stock of how we can — collectively and individually — tap into our qualities of character and, from there, get unstuck and move forward well.

Through keynotes, breakout sessions, and individual reflection, we’ll ask and answer deep questions, challenge convention, and learn to trust our own confidence and capabilities. Expect diverse, dynamic content designed to help you dig deep, explore the core elements of your character, and gain the perspective and confidence to fold it into your life on new ways.

Programming will focus on:

  • Asking — and answering — what it means to live a life of character, and how we can use our character to both navigate and build a satisfying life
  • Building self-confidence so you can deeply trust and capitalize on your capabilities
  • Bringing your character to any circumstance and saying “yes” to opportunity – even when the deck seems stacked
  • Being more present for yourself so you can power your relationships, your community, your career, and your joie de vivre
  • Challenging conventional wisdom around topics like productivity, work, and the plague of busy-ness
Main Street Landing Performance Arts Center

Over two immersive days, attendees will dig into keynotes, hands-on sessions, and playful exploration, taking stock of how we can — collectively and individually — tap into our qualities of character and, from there, get unstuck and move forward well.

Through keynotes, breakout sessions, and individual reflection, we’ll ask and answer deep questions, challenge convention, and learn to trust our own confidence and capabilities. Expect diverse, dynamic content designed to help you dig deep, define what you are leaping toward in 2020, and gain the calm courage to march toward it in the year ahead.

Programming will focus on:

  • Asking — and answering — what it means to live a life of character, and how we can use our character to both navigate and build a satisfying life
  • Building self-confidence so you can deeply trust and capitalize on your capabilities
  • Bringing your character to any circumstance and saying “yes” to opportunity – even when the deck seems stacked
  • Being more present for yourself so you can power your relationships, your community, your career, and your joie de vivre
  • Challenging conventional wisdom around topics like productivity, work, and the plague of busy-ness
LEARN MORE & REGISTER HERE »

START YOUR MARCH FORTH CHALLENGE

March 4th is the only date of the year that’s also a command: we can MARCH FORTH to toward goals and adventures big and small!

No matter the date on the calendar, our FREE four-week challenge will help you recognize your goals, recalibrate how you want to move toward them, and reconnect to the person you are and want to be.
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WHY CHARACTER?

Qualities of character are the foundation for good decisions, clear thinking, good relationships and plans for the future.

Character can be a rudder or a litmus test in every action. This conference explores how, when and where character comes into play and makes life better.

CHARACTER IS WHAT GETS US THROUGH.

THE SESSIONS + BREAKOUTS

Character + Our Planet 
Climate, Energy, and 21st Century Leadership

Character + Work
Improvisational Leadership Techniques

Character + the Unknown
Harnessing the Power of the Sacred — and Secular

Character + Wellness
Preventing Burnout and Supporting Total Body Wellness

Character + Emotional Well-Being
The Mental Health/Emotional Connection

Character + Community Building
Overcoming Polarization to Find Peace — and Build Community

SEE THE DETAILS »
FRESH CONTENT ALERT!

GET ON THE LIST

There’s so much to learn, do, and experience.
Sign up now and stay in-the-know about all things character.  

OUR PRESENTERS

FRANK BARRETT

Frank Barrett, PhD, is a professor of management at the Naval Postgraduate School, is a member of the doctoral faculty in the School of Leadership Studies at Fielding Graduate University, and is currently a visiting scholar at Harvard Business School. Frank is also an active jazz pianist. In addition to leading his own trios and quartets, he has traveled extensively in the United States, England, and Mexico with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra.

AHNNA LAKE

Ahnna Lake, MD, works both at the community and national level to help educate and empower people in preventing illness and restoring health. Dr. Lake currently operates four leading-edge preventive medicine clinics in New England, guiding participants through a nutrition protocol that significantly improves health while producing fat loss. Dr. Lake makes frequent appearances across the United States on the topic of professional well-being and burnout, including as a faculty member for the National Judicial College. Dr. Lake served for eight years on the Board of Directors of the National Wellness Institute and has spoken on a wide range of wellness topics throughout the U.S. and Canada, and at the Montreux International Congress on Stress Medicine in Switzerland.

TOUFIC HAKIM

Toufic Hakim, PhD is currently Senior Founding Principal of Group i&i Consultancy, a firm dedicated to enhancing organizational effectiveness through capacity building, assessments, and funding. His former contributions were in the domain of higher education, where he served as Professor of Physics and Engineering, Assistant to the President, and Senior Research and Grants Officer. He also led two large professional societies as elected president and full-time executive officer. Toufic helped establish and lead the Foundation for Self Leadership, a nonprofit promoting emotional healing and wellbeing. He is continually fascinated with systems and interactions, intrigued by language and imagery, and deeply committed to peacemaking. His latest project with Group i&i, which he hopes will be a significant contribution to a more peaceful world, is the creation of an organizational framework to help organizations build their more humanistic and community-focused character.

LAURA CRANDALL

Laura Crandall is a workplace communication expert and management strategist who helps organizations and their leadership teams use all of their data – even the emotional and interpersonal stuff – to create better successes at work. Laura has over 30 years of experience working in industries that include manufacturing, hospitality and academia. Fifteen of those years were spent managing work teams. Her specialty titles have included Frozen Fish Flinger and Co-Princess of Fun. Laura earned her Ed.M. from Harvard Graduate School of Education where she studied cognitive neuroscience and organizational behavior. She owns Slate Communication and is an instructor at Harvard Extension School where she teaches about workplace communication and intergenerational management.

a-life-of-character-roel-uleners

ROEL ULENERS

Roel Uleners is a seasoned design partner, strategist, and facilitator. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Strategic Design at Chehade & Company, a strategy & engagement consultancy, working toward a trusted digital economy and society. There Roel engaged leaders and their teams in complex problem-solving, strategy design, and the co-creation of lucid communication tools for and with key stakeholders. In this capacity, he was an advisor on strategic design to the World Economic Forum’s Collaborative Networks on the Digital Economy and Society.

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ACCOMMODATIONS

HOTEL VERMONT

Coming from out of town? A discounted group rate is available at Hotel Vermont, Burlington’s independent hotel, offering an authentic local experience in the heart of downtown and just steps away from Main Street Landing Performance Center.

Access the group block for the Character Conference using the button below.

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PARKING

If you are staying at the hotel, no need to move your car. You are one block from the entrance to the Main Street Performing Center. If you are driving into town, parking is available in the Main Street Landing Lot ($10/day) or the Pease Lot ($3/hour). Parking is free on Sundays in Burlington.

ABOUT BURLINGTON, VERMONT

bvt

Things to see and do in the area:
Church Street Marketplace: Downtown Burlington, Vermont’s award-winning open air mall is a hub of activity where you’ll find over 100 places to shop and dine, historic architecture, year-round festivals, street entertainers, live music and more!

The Soda Plant and the South End: Head into the South End of Burlington to the bustling Pine Street. Here you will find the eccentric Soda Plant hosting an eclectic mix of shops and tasting rooms. Keep going down Pine Street to find fun, local creators such as Citizen Cider, Arts Riot, Zero Gravity Brewery, and Queen City Brewery.

CURIOUS ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER?

Download "Connecting to Character" and get to know your character: how to better understand yourself, your motivations, and how to channel your strengths.
GET STARTED »
FREE PDF
FRESH CONTENT ALERT!

GET ON THE LIST

There’s so much to learn, do, and experience.
Sign up now and stay in-the-know about all things character.  

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