By Barb McKay

The Women in Nuclear (WiN) Canada annual conference was held in Kincardine for the first time ever last week.

Amber MacArthur spoke about digital profiles at one of last week's workshops in Kincardine. (Barb McKay photo)

The three-day conference drew 175 delegates from across the country to Kincardine to network and take in career development workshops. The purpose of the annual conference is to provide support for women in the nuclear industry.

The conference was historically held in Ottawa, but three years ago WiN Canada decided to hold the annual event in WiN branch communities to allow members to travel and see different sites. This year, Kincardine had the honour.

“It’s huge for us, from a WiN Bruce perspective,” said Cheryl Cottrill, executive director of WiN Canada. “We did a lot to show off the community.”

Members arrived in Kincardine last Wednesday and attended an opening reception at the Walker House, with food provided by the Hawg’s Breath and Pink Llama Catering. Cottrill said Carrick Winery provided wines with special labels made up just for the event. Following the conference Thursday the group had dinner provided by the Bruce Steakhouse and on Friday evening the delegates dined at the Best Western Governor’s Inn.

“We spread the business around Kincardine,” Cottrill said. “We got great feedback. People were thrilled by the sites and the food and the conference.”

The conference ran throughout the day Thursday with an impressive lineup of guest speakers, including author and former broadcaster Donna Messer, who spoke about the art of networking. Delegates who attended the conference also had to the opportunity to speak.

“Women make up less than 20 per cent of the industry,” Cottrill said. “We don’t often get a chance to speak at conferences. One thing that holds women back in the industry is a lack of presentation experience.”

The highlight of the day, for Cottrill at least, was hearing social media expert and author Amber MacArthur.

“It’s important to keep you digital profile in good shape,” Cottrill said. “It’s as important as a resume these days.”

MacArthur stressed that in a world where technology is advancing and changing rapidly, it’s important for business professionals to keep up with the latest social media networks and also to use them responsibly. Posting inappropriate and personal information can damage a reputation and hurt business connections. But, she stressed, social media can be very useful for networking and for promoting businesses.