Click to enlarge
If you are in the Metro Portland area on Nov. 12, you have an opportunity to hear me speak at no cost to you. I’ll be at the WIRED Northwest Engineering Employment Symposium, keynoting from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. at the Embassy Suites Washington Square, 9000 SW Washington Square Rd Tigard, OR 97223. The speech title is “A life Worth Living is a Life Put on the Line.” Here’s a content abstract:
Where did we learn that hard work, dedication, education and thrift lead to virtue, happiness and security? In this highly personal, intimate exploration, attendees will explore one of many uncontested life models we call “truth”, models which may keep us living mediocre lives. A life worth living emerges from models that inspire us to put our lives on the line. That sounds scary. The paradox is, when we do, we live our dreams. Through intimate, personal stories and encouraging, real-life models, this keynote inspires listeners to confront their fears now, and begin moving towards their goals.
Note that all my speeches presentations and events are created from scratch and as such are original and tailored specifically for each audience. This event especially demands such an approach. “Cynicism will be high [among attendees],” Bent Dahl told me. “So you’ll have your work cut out for you.” Brent should know; he’s the event organizer. He’s also a professional speaker. So he knows that as the keynote speaker, I own setting the context, pace and mood for the event.Fortunately, cynicism is my speciality 
. I expect to earn my fee on this one.
To reach the audience, I’m going to do something I don’t often do in my keynotes: I’m going to share my personal experiences over the last 11 months, some of my own struggles, challenges and how I am using my conscious awareness to overcome them. So, more than ever before, this speech will be a personal look at how I am using what I talk about to create opportunity in the face of my own cynicism, fear and personal weaknesses. Yes, just like everyone else, I have these in my life.
Brent expects up to four hundred downsized or displaced engineers to attend the up to six hours of plenary sessions, breakouts and panel discussions plus tabletop exhibits and networking opportunities focused on Education & Training, Entrepreneurship, Job Search Skills.
So, if you’re in the Tigard/Beaverton area and are available, make a point of visiting. Registering is highly recommended (call SWWDC at (360) 567.1070 or email info@swwdc.org) And if you do, come up and say high afterwards.
A word about the sponsors: The event is made possible by a Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. Regional partners include Worksystems Inc., Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council, Workforce Investment Council of Clackamas County, MTC Works, and Enterprise for Employment & Education. Brent’s company is Altitude Essentials. If you need an event planned, look him up!