I am delighted to invite you to attend CO3’s biennial conference for leaders in the third sector -‘Dealers in Hope’.  As we work to rebalance the economy and create new structures for communities and services in Northern Ireland, the capacity of third sector leadership is critical. We have taken as our conference theme the concept that, as leaders we are ‘dealers in hope’.  The financial challenges we face are well understood and being felt across the sector.   This conference provides space to consider what we, as leaders in our sector, can do to progress our work in this climate.  This conference will focus on leadership and provide some challenge to current thinking and perspectives impacting the sector.  The conference includes contributions from two international keynote speakers bringing expertise in non profit leadership, the life cycle of organisations and how to make the most from moments of change in leadership.  The conference also includes 3 Master Classes on hot topics identified by CO3 members, which are

• Collaboration –frank leadership reflections of the experience.
• Advocacy and campaigning – has the sector lost its voice?
• Innovation and social finance – what is the role for social finance and does government get off the funding hook?

Alongside these will be a lively question time panel and an active workshop exploring the development and impact of Derry’s Peace Bridge.   We will be incorporating the Voyager Awards for Third Sector Leadership, to celebrate great leadership in our sector and acknowledging those making a contribution as chairpersons and partners to the sector.   The conference and awards websites will keep you up to date with the programme as it develops and provide a space to share information and photographs after the event.  Go to www.conference.co3.bz or www.awards.co3.bz

I look forward to seeing you for Dealers in Hope 2012.

Majella McCloskey
Chief Executive

Who should attend the Conference?

Community sector leaders; charity chief executives; NI Directors of UK and Ireland charities; senior staff and trustees in the third sector; those interested in the third sector from within government, political parties, local government and the private sector.

Why should you attend?

• The early bird conference rate is held at the 2010 rate making it great value for money.
• There are bursary places for leaders of smaller organisations.
• The 2010 conference was fully booked and received fantastic feedback from participants. 
• Data shows that the majority of those attending the CO3 conference are the most senior staff in community, voluntary, faith based, social enterprise or charitable organisations.
• This conference is a unique space for leaders in the third sector to network, share views and consider future trends and developments.  
• The conference can contribute towards your personal and professional development with a rich opportunity for learning and relationship building.  
• This conference happens every two years and therefore makes good sense in terms of time and resources.