Explore, Engage, Excel: 2017 GLC Opens in Vancouver

With the theme, “Explore. Engage. Excel.” the 2017 Global Leadership Conference hosted by YPO opened in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

The annual GLC focuses on peer-to-peer collaboration and leadership education for its “leaders of leaders,” incoming YPO chapter, regional and network officers.

“Learning is the cornerstone of our YPO experience,” said YPO Chairman McKeel Hagerty in his opening address. “What we learn influences how we grow. And how amazing is it that all 1,500 of us from 83 countries can come together, here in Vancouver, with the sole intent of listening to each other so that we all can become better leaders. We are leading that charge a time when it is so dearly needed. Be the leaders who create context where people can find themselves to be successful in an age of exponential growth and accelerations.”

Host City Chair Paolo Kalaw extended a warm Canadian welcome to his peers and hoped they would all experience the vibrancy of Vancouver and understand why he is proud to call it home.

“I am thrilled to be hosting you for the 2017 Global Leadership Conference,” said Kalaw. “Vancouver, as well as being an incredibly beautiful city, has so much to offer: world-class restaurants, a booming tech and film industry, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and several enviable ski hills and hiking trails right on our backdoor.”

The high-energy opening ceremony featured World Drum Jam, one of Vancouver’s best cultural percussion groups. Hagerty, Kalaw, GLC Officer Education Chair Duane Zobrist and YPO EDGE 2017 Chair Larry Bond joined the group on stage to close out the set.

Members are spending two-and-a-half days in Vancouver networking, building relationships with fellow leaders from around the globe, and exchanging ideas in interactive workshops designed to inspire them as they begin to lay the groundwork for their leadership year.

In addition to workshops, Tuesday will feature Member-led Conversations, which will provide open discussions on subjects including creating a great workplace, influential leadership, measure what matters and the power of mentoring. On Wednesday, last year’s popular program YPO LAB (Leaders Across Borders) returns highlighting members who will share their inspiring, personal stories of overcoming extraordinary challenges.