UWAC 2009 | Turning the Tide
This year’s conference partnered with Better Place, a global provider of electric vehicle services exploring further expansion into Canada, specifically in Ontario, in the midst of a recession. While the theme, “Turning the Tide”, examined how the downturn in the economy would affect the accounting profession, it also considered the effects of a recession on consultants, entrepreneurs and industry leading professionals, all of which are closely linked to accounting. UWAC 2009 aimed to emphasize the importance of accounting and finance in all facets of the business world, whether during an economic boom or an economic bust.
Keynote Speakers
James Hunter
MBA, FCA, CEO, NexGen Financial LP
James Hunter is the Chairman & CEO of NexGen Financial LP. Jim is the former President and CEO of Mackenzie Financial Corporation. During his 13 year tenure at Mackenzie, Jim led the development of many of the top innovations in Canada’s mutual fund industry. Under Jim’s strategic direction and management, Mackenzie grew from just under $8 billion to $46 billion in assets under management and evolved to the multi-faceted investment management and financial services corporation it is today. Prior to his tenure at Mackenzie, Jim was a partner in Deloitte & Touche’s financial services practice in Toronto.
Larry Smith
Professor, University of Waterloo
Larry Smith teaches Economics to students at the University of Waterloo. His unique teaching style, tying in Economic theory to real-world examples, has made him a favourite of students, earning him the Distinguished Teacher Award. Over the years, Larry has released a number of publications, and he has recently written a book called “Beyond the Internet.” At UWAC, Larry Smith had the opportunity to share his insights on innovation and growth, and how Canadians can use these tools to stay ahead of the competition.
Kevin Morris
Motivational Speaker
Kevin Morris is a Toronto-based consultant, working with companies and helping them adapt to and embrace change. He uses various methods to promote the exchange of knowledge and social capital throughout organizations, helping them develop and utilize their strongest assets to the fullest extent. Currently, Kevin blogs on “Wikinomics: How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything.” Kevin is also on the Advisory Panel for LOKU30, a social network for young leaders and influences who are the futures of their industries. At UWAC 2009, Kevin talked about the value of inexperience: how students, with little to no expertise in industry or practical accounting, can make a large difference to a company and to a workplace.