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October 23, 2008 - Eau Claire, Wisconsin
| Gen-Con is an innovative conference seeking to build respect among the different generations in the workplace. Businesses and organizations that sponsor and attend Gen-Con want to attract and retain the best employees. This event teaches employers how to do that, and helps employees and employers of all generations learn how to work together more effectively so that their companies and their careers will prosper. |
Who’s speaking?
Why is Gen-Con important?
How did Gen-Con begin?
Sponsors are...
When and Where
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Build the Vibe
The Image
Spike Jones, Brains on Fire 
“Image drives everything. From the way you answer the phone to the services you provide
to the words that come out of your mouth. Image is the main attractor for people applying and staying with your company. People want
to be a part of something bigger than themselves, and it begins with your identity.”
- Spike Jones, Brains on Fire
| What Spike says to Gen-Con 2008: Build the Vibe attendees: “If you’re listening, you’ll learn how to Fascinate, Inspire, Reward and Engage kindred spirits, turning them into loyal fans/employee. And that word of mouth is more powerful than any recruiting technique and any ad in the paper/online space. An image can help your company become a movement. And people want to be a part of movements more than they do companies.” |
The People
Susan Zukowski, National Presto Industries
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“A team approach in today’s world requires understanding the people as well as the organization to overcome differences and reach compromises that will support the bottom line. Today’s business world is a mix of talent from those that are green behind the ears to those who are experienced professionals who have been supporting the needs of the company for decades.; The challenge: each group wants different things from life as well as business. Our goal is to learn how to overcome the challenges that people present us so we can continue to help companies grow.”
- Susan Zukowski, National Presto Industries
| What Susan says to Gen-Con 2008: Build the Vibe attendees: “Understand the differences between the generations so you can recruit, train, and maintain talented teams from all generations to propel your company forward!” |
The Space
Mike McBrady, ImageTrend Inc.
Erin McBrady, ImageTrend Inc.
“The space we work in is reflective of the culture of where we work. The idea of the corner office or the maze of cubicles is giving way to the green work environment with open flexible and creative space. Attracting and keeping quality workers is done with good planning of good space with attention paid to both public and private spaces that are
bright, green and fun to work in.”
- Mike McBrady, ImageTrend Inc.
| What Mike and Erin say to Gen-Con 2008: Build the Vibe attendees: “Gen-Con attendees will learn how space can facilitate or hinder inter-generational interactions. We will address what each generation prizes in their work environment.” |
Why is Gen-Con important?
Gen-Con’s mission is helping organizations turn generational differences into competitive advantage. And with the cost of employee turnover estimated at $19,700 for a customer service representative and $57,500 for a mid-level manager, organizations can directly affect their bottom line by finding ways to retain great employees.
Overlooking how generational differences may be playing out in the workplace is a common mistake. Organizations may think “all is well” and miss a critical opportunity to be proactive and to set themselves up for ongoing competitive advantage. The results of building respect between generations in the workplace and of tapping into generational diversity can be the secret to an organization’s sustainability and long-term success.
How did Gen-Con begin?
The Gen-Con conference began with a conversation at a regional economic development conference (Synergy)... A Baby Boomer was asking a Gen Xer what she thought of the event, and the Gen Xer pointed out that there were mostly Baby Boomers in attendance... So the Baby Boomer asked the Gen Xer what a conference – that Gen Xers may actually want to attend – would look like. After a brief discussion that day, and a later discussion by phone, the Boomer invited a small group of people to a brainstorming session at UW-Eau Claire Continuing Education.
The brainstorming session resulted in the birth of Gen-Con 2007: Bridge the Gap conference. It was held on May 9, at Action City in Eau Claire, with about 75 people attending, representing various industries and organizations.Kassia Dellabough, from the LERN organization, spoke on “Generations Working and Learning Together.” There were mixed generation small group exercises and discussions, including participation in an Action City attraction, such as go-carting or mini-golfing.
The event was directed by Gen Xers and Gen Yers. The Boomer facilitator deferred to them on most everything – from venue, to promotional materials, to event flow. The Boomer says that the end result was far more impressive than if she had run the planning herself, or done things “the way they are almost always done around here.” The conference planning actually underscored the belief that organizations need to tap into generational diversity to be most effective. And with extremely positive event feedback, Gen-Con 2008 planning began...
When and Where
Florian Gardens
2340 Lorch Ave
Eau Claire, WI 54701
Phone: 715.832.8836
Date and Time
Thursday, Oct. 23, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Fee
Participant fee: $79.00
2 from same organization registering at the same time: $69.00
Includes continental breakfast, lunch and Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
Questions?
715- 836-3636 or
toll free 1- 866-893-2423
E-mail: ce@uwec.edu
Cancellation/Refund
To receive a full refund, you must cancel no later than five (5) business days prior to the start of the program. Cancellations after this time will receive a refund, less a $25 administrative fee. Please note, if you no-show or cancel the day of the program, you are responsible for the full program fee. Substitutes are welcome and may register in your absence. Just call the Continuing Education office (715-836-5811 or toll-free 800-582-5182) and we will assist you.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Continuing Education offers excellence in lifelong learning. If you're not completely satisfied with your learning experience after attending our program we will refund your registration fee.
