QUICK LINKS

Jim Carroll

Futurist, Trends and Innovation Expert

"Where Do We Go From Here? Why Innovators Will Rule in the Post-Recession Economy - And How You Can Join Them!"

General Session on Monday, April 19

Jim Carroll has been providing insight to organizations about trends, the future, innovation and creativity for fifteen years.

Since the economic meltdown began last year, Jim has been keynoting events worldwide, rapidly adjusting the theme to one of "how you can innovate during a recession?" He's had the opportunity of seeing first hand quite a few very innovative strategies from CEO's and others in a client list that includes Ingersoll Rand, Rockwell Collins, Northrop Grumman, the Walt Disney Organization, Lincoln Financial, Burger King, VISA and Nestle. Through this, Jim has studied what it is that organizations are doing to position themselves for post-recession growth.

One thing they are certainly doing is positioning themselves for innovative solutions to complex problems. When it comes to retail store maintenance there is no doubt that we are in the era of a lot of fast-paced solutions, whether its related to intelligent building management solutions, the rapid evolution of in-store layout and design principles; innovative environmental and green technology solutions; or new in-store customer engagement methodologies, all of which impact in-store maintenance professionals in new and dramatic ways.

In his keynote, Jim will share his insight into the key trends impacting the retail sector, and how maintenance professionals can take a seat at the "strategy table," providing unique solutions and guidance to the management team by adapting to fast paced trends.

Jim Carroll is a futurist, trends & innovation expert, recently named by Business Week as one of four leading sources for insight on innovation and creativity, and was a featured expert on the CNBC prime time show, The Business of Innovation, hosted by Maria Bariatoromo.

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Blake Mycoskie

Founder and Chief Shoe Giver of TOMS Shoes, Inc.

"Social Responsibility - The "Sole" of Business"

General Session on Tuesday, April 20

How does a company succeed in a new era of relentless competition and heightened social awareness? How do you make money and do good simultaneously? How are the two acts intertwined? At TOMS -- a self-sustaining, for-profit company -- the act of giving is the cornerstone of its business model, integral to its financial success. Learn how hundreds of thousands of customers that joined the TOMS Movement by buying a pair of shoes. Inspired, inspiring and most of all practical, Blake presents a new direction for business. After hearing him speak, you too will know why giving just makes sense.

Blake Mycoskie is the Founder and Chief Shoe Giver of TOMS Shoes, Inc. TOMS' simple promise to give a pair of new shoes to children in need around the world with every pair sold is revolutionizing the way consumers shop. The One for One business model has encouraged conscientious consumers to purchase and give more than 140,000 pairs of new shoes to children in need in just 3 years. By the end of 2009, TOMS will give an additional 300,000 pairs of new shoes to children in need all around the world, including at home in the US. The One for One business model is redefining social entrepreneurship for a new generation.

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Blake Mycoskie was featured Sunday, February 28 on CBS Sunday Morning!

Below is the link to the segment.

TOM TERRIFIC: Tom's Shoes
Becoming a successful entrepreneur isn't just about making a profit; it can also be about making a difference. Daniel Sieberg went to Ethiopia to see that philosophy in action.

To watch the video click here.

Linda Larsen

International Keynote Speaker & Author

"Understanding Generational Differences and Making Them Work For You"

Tuesday, April 20 - 9:45 am - 11:00 am

Each of the four generations possess unique characteristics, attitudes, expectations and communication styles, and the more you know about each one, the more successful you will be at accomplishing your professional and personal objectives and creating a mutually satisfying and rewarding working environment. In this action packed, funny and enlightening presentation participants will not only learn how to quickly recognize the people with whom they work (or live), but they will also walk away with a tool-box filled with techniques to help them get what they need and want from others. They will also learn:.

1. The number one tool to help them truly understand the perspective of someone from a different generation
2. Seven "judgment calls" that will set them up disaster every time
3. What we all share in common - no matter which generation we're from - and how to use that commonality to your advantage
4. Very specific "Words That Work" with people from all four generations
5. How to communicate for connection and understanding

"Staying Right Side Up When Everything's Upside Down"

Tuesday, April 20 - 1:45 pm - 3:00 pm

It is absolutely possible to achieve excellence when the world around you seems to be falling apart - IF you know the secrets. In this fast paced, fun program, Linda will give participants practical ways to light their own fire of excellence and motivate themselves to take positive, consistent action when they just want to give up. Attendees will learn what the most successful, effective people throughout history have all known and consciously applied. They will leave knowing:

1. How to acknowledge and enhance skills they already have.
2. How to recognize, own and change behaviors that don't serve them.
3. How to stay level, calm and professional when their instincts make them want to scream.
4. How to communicate effectively to resolve differences.
5. How to take 100% responsibility for the interpretations they place on situations, circumstances and other people's actions.

Linda Larsen, international keynote speaker and author, is passionately committed to helping people upgrade their thinking, improve their communication and increase their bottom line. But more than that, she is willing to do whatever it takes to get her message across and make it stick. She's been accurately described as "Lucille Ball meets Dr. Phil" - creative and funny with very useful information.

Linda's passion and spontaneous humor stem from over 20 years as a professional film, television and stage actress. Her experience and training (a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Fine Arts) give her the unique ability to combine the entertaining, dynamic aspects of live theater with practical, high value content to produce lasting, positive changes.

Her critically acclaimed book, True Power, is the riveting and true story of how she was kidnapped and held at gunpoint by an escaped convict for over 5 hours. Her escape, and the positive, practical strategies she used to rise above one of life's most potent challenges led Investor's Business Daily to feature her in its Leaders &Success column. 

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Kai Rambow

Rockhurst University

"Fundamentals of Project Management"

Tuesday, April 20 - 1:45 pm - 3:00 pm

Strap yourself in. In this highly interactive session, you will learn key concepts about project management, and more importantly, be able to apply ideas and tools immediately. You'll enjoy the small group interactions and exercises.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn the difference between what is and isn't a project
• The triple constraints effecting every project and why you need to know them
• The two biggest problem areas in project management and what to do about them 

One of just 50 speakers worldwide to earn the prestigious Accredited Speaker award from Toastmasters International, Kai Rambow has delivered over 2,000 presentations in organizations around the world. He has inspired meaningful change and instilled career-boosting skills in individuals in Australia, Europe, North America and South America.

Since earning his B.A. in communications, Kai has written over 100 articles that have been published in professional publications. He has also earned more than 40 awards for his outstanding accomplishments,including Employee of the Year, Team Leader of the Year, High Single Seminar Score award and the Road Warrior Award.

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