The CFPSA's motto: "Serving Those Who Serve" will be front and centre over the next month as the Agency prepares for its premier CFPSA conference. Delegates, including managers and staff representing CANEX, SISIP, PSP, Human Resources, Corporate Services, Internal Audit and Review and Finance, will come together for the first time to deal with issues vital to the Agency.

"The CFPSA conference provides the opportunity to learn,

network and step outside the boundaries of our respective jobs for a broader perspective of the CFPSA world," says CFPSA President and Chief Executive Officer John Geci. "CFPSA staff will gain a better understanding of how each division is interrelated in the successful delivery of programs and services to the Canadian Forces community."

Under the theme Working Together, conference organizers expect some 500 delegates from across Canada to attend the October 17th - 20th event in Ottawa. Participants will have many opportunities to enhance their skills and share information, including training sessions, briefings, workshops and team-building exercises. As well as providing an opportunity to learn about the most current news, views and practices specific to the CFPSA, delegates will also gain a better understanding of each division's role and how they contribute to the Agency's overall mission.

"Whether you're from CANEX, SISIP, PSP or one of the support divisions, customer service applies to all.aspects of our business," Gilles Archambault, Director Corporate Development Projects and chief conference organizer. "This conference will provide delegates with the chance to get caught up with what's happening in their own divisions and also broaden their knowledge base by taking part in activities and events with other staff they may not normally see in their day-to-day operations."

In addition to division-specific information, there will be a series of workshops, a "town hall" style session, John Geci's opening address, presentations from the support divisions and sessions with highly cele-brated motivational speaker Charlie (Happy Rhino) Tyrian and business expert Donald Cooper.

"This is a coup for the conference," says Archambault, "These two men are not only recognized as expert speakers with an impressive list of credentials, they are also leaders in the business community and speak to their audiences with experience."

Donald Cooper - of Cooper Sporting Equipment fame - has earned a reputation as a frank and compelling speaker. Drawing on his real-life experience as a world-class manufacturer and retailer, Cooper combines humour with wisdom and customer reality to help business leaders redefine their operations and add more value to their customers' lives. He will speak to CFPSA conference delegates on Thursday, October 18th.

Charlie Tyrian, known for his high-impact, fast-paced, motivational presentations, promises to help CFPSA managers achieve greater success in the jungle he calls life. Through humorous anecdotes and a highly visual and interactive format, this self-described rhinoceros motivates audiences to create a more "balanced" life at work and at home. Tyrian will close the conference on Saturday, October 20th.

Recognizing that all business and no pleasure makes for a dull conference, organizers are working on evening entertainment. There will be a meet and greet on the first night and both Corporate Services and Human Resources are coordinating "a night on the town" on both Thursday and Friday. The conference will wind up with a banquet and awards presentation on Saturday night.

No word yet on whether another CFPSA conference will be held for 2003, but organizers hope that the success of this year's conference will spark interest within the Agency to conference every two years.