Bart Rademaker, who was in a medical team nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by the El Salvadoran Government, was among 40 international experts to speak at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
However, it was not during his talk on mental and physical wellness, but while watching his daughter Gabriela Rademaker (20) speak, that he became emotional.
"I really choked up a bit."
Miss Rademaker spoke about the challenges of playing college level soccer.
Had she not ignored the warnings of doctors, she would not be playing at college level, she said.
At present, she played for Van Der Bilt University, in Nashville, Tennessee.
Dr Rademaker held back tears as he spoke about his daughter.
"I’m very proud. She has been committed to soccer for the past 17 years."
Dr Rademaker was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his work as a surgeon in a team that operated on an El Salvadoran woman with a large head tumour for 16 hours.
"She was a Jehovah’s Witness and she couldn’t have blood transfusions or anaesthetics."
The team used a local anaesthetic to slowly remove the tumour, he said.
The father-daughter pair were joined by experts who spoke on topics ranging from Eastern medicine to personal growth.
The talks were similar to Ted Talks, a seminar event offering teachings by business, creative and technology experts.
Funds raised at the event would be donated to the Sophie Elliott Foundation.
The event was organised by Essence Charitable Trust, a group made up of Dunedin businesswomen.Trust member Carolyn Northover said the trust was disappointed more people did not attend the event.
Comments from attendees had been positive, she said.
Event organiser Sandra Spence said workshops offered by the speakers today would be held in the Forsyth Barr Stadium lounges.
