Tweedie and D'Alessio Invite Coaches to Orlando

More than 50 fresh educational breakout sessions will be offered in seven areas of focus-no repeated content from last year's event. A super session will anchor each day of conference with three diverse keynote speakers including author and consultant Peter Block (Thursday, December 3), humanitarian and entrepreneur Getrude Matshe (Friday, December 4) and Tal Ben-Shahar, a psychologist and New York Times bestselling author.

ICF member Barbara McAfee (USA) will be the master of ceremonies this year. McAfee, a gifted singer/songwriter, brings music and meaning to groups of people who are together to learn. Her songs explore the rich territory of change, community, vitality and balance. Last year's conference attendees will remember McAfee's powerful presence throughout the super sessions, during the closing Gala event and at her popular education session The Dog Park for Your Voice: Finding Freedom and Joy in Sound and Song. In addition to serving as the emcee of this year's conference, she will appear with keynote speaker Peter Block during Thursday's Super Session.

Thursday's opening session will be based on Block's newest book Community: The Structure of Belonging. Block will explain the exact way community can emerge from fragmentation. He will move attendees to think differently about their spaces/places that create an opening for authentic communities to exist and what each can do to make that happen. This will be a very experiential and connective session with attendees moving into small "communities" and discussion- a format very different than anything done at past conferences!

As a complement to the educational programming offered at conference, attendees will look forward to browsing the on-site Conference Bookstore for the best and latest books related to the coaching profession. The ICF looks to registered attendees to submit titles for consideration for the bookstore, which guarantees a diverse selection of books and other materials that have been written by experts in the field. All registered attendees can submit a title for the bookstore on the Conference Web site.

Another exciting aspect of this annual gathering is access to the latest coaching products, programsand services. The Coaches Exchange is expected to house more than 50 exhibitors who will be showcasing items to make your coaching business better.

If you or someone you know would like to participate as a conference exhibitor or sponsor, there are many opportunities to get your product or service in front of the largest captured audience of professional coaches at one time in one place. For more information about this once-a-year opportunity, visit the Conference Web site or contact ICF Sales Account Executive Josh Casey at josh.casey@coachfederation. org.

This year's event is built on the theme of Global Conversations. Everyone around the world has seen the impact made by the current global financial crisis. In this time of uncertainty, the ICF is taking great strides to make sure you will still benefit professionally and personally by attending this year's event. Here's how:

- All full conference registration rates (including alumni, early bird and regular) are $25 USD less than the 2008 rates.

- Room rates at the host hotel are as low as the 2007 conference rate: $179 USD for single/double occupancy.

-Conference will end with a keynote session on Saturday afternoon to allow for Saturday evening departures, thereby reducing hotel stays and other expenses.

-The event will still offer the same number of networking/social events as last year, but at a lower price!

- Airfare to and from Orlando continues to be more affordable than many other U.S. destinations.

- ICF is working with other local vendors to provide discounts on ground transportation to/from the Orlando International Airport; local attraction discounts; and Rosen Shingle Creek Golf and Spa packages.

Be sure to register early to take advantage of the early bird rate (available through August 31).

In Orlando, we'll engage in Global Conversations about the sustainability and future impact of the worldwide coaching community. Come be inspired, build community and impact your world. Join the conversation and let your voice be heard!