WORKSHOP: Innovation highlighted during CIM

VANCOUVER - Anyone planning to attend the annual general meeting of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) the first week of May has the opportunity to learn from experts about what its takes to create an innovation culture within a company.

The Canada Mining Innovation Council (CMIC) is presenting an interactive workshop in Vancouver on Sunday, May 9. Leaders from industry will present case studies and discuss how their companies overcome barriers to innovation, followed by a dialogue with the audience. The presenters include Alicia Blancarte of the CMIC, William Westgate of 3M, Peter Kondos of Barrick Gold and John Thompson of Teck Resources.

Workshop participants will be invited to share their views as the presenters discuss what is innovation, what barriers to innovation are encountered in organizations, and the challenges of technology transfer. Presenters will offer case studies and examples of how their companies have fostered innovation cultures.

"The innovation opportunity is about creating intentional futures," said Blancarte. "Innovation is a driving force that needs to be harnessed, to deliver on the sustainability promise."

For more information and to register for the half-day-long event, please go to
www.CIM.org/vancouver2010/conference/Workshops.cfm.