Midwest Regional Conference
November 10-11, 2010

Speakers Thursday, November 11, 2010 Saint Paul RiverCentre 175 West Kellogg Boulevard, Suite 501 St. Paul, MN   55102-1299 Featured Keynote: Bruce MacMillan President and CEO of Meeting Professionals International Thinking Outside the Room... After a year of economic shift in which our industry was focused primarily on survival, exciting shifts are now taking place that will get us back into THRIVE-mode. Here about the most recent update on future business levels in our industry and also big opportunities for meeting professionals to consider in their own career development strategies. Bio: Bruce MacMillan is currently president and CEO of Meeting Professionals International, the largest global community of meeting professionals with 24,000 members in 80 countries and 71 chapters around the world. Throughout his career in the hospitality industry, he has held a wide spectrum of positions, most recently as president and CEO of the Toronto Convention and Visitors Association from 2003-2006 where he lead the Toronto tourism industry’s post-SARS recovery, growing the CVB’s from less than 700 members and $8 million to almost 1,100 members and $30 million. He has also worked for Tourism Vancouver - the Greater Vancouver Convention and Visitors Bureau for 11 years as vice president, sales and market development, leading a team of 22 professionals responsible for convention and corporate meetings, tour, and travel and incentive sales marketing. In 1998, Bruce completed a sixteen-month engagement with the Vancouver Whistler 2010 Bid Society where he served as the event’s executive director, responsible for developing the Bid and securing the Canadian 2010 Olympic Winter Games rights after an intense competition with Calgary and Quebec City. He serves on several industry boards including the Advisory Board for the University of Guelph (Ontario), School of Tourism and Hospitality and the Convention Industry Council. Born in Vancouver, Bruce graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1982 with a Bachelor of Commerce degree and received designation as a Chartered Accountant with Arthur Andersen in 1985. He attended Cornell University in Ithaca, New York for post-graduate study in 1996-97. Bruce has also worked in international financial management consulting and has spent time in a special events capacity at Expo 88 in Brisbane, Australia. His wife, Judy, a Ryerson University hotel management graduate, and two daughters enjoy traveling and exploring new destinations and cultures around the world.

Opening Keynote

Bryan Dodge
How to Build a Better You

Professional speaker, author, and radio show personality Bryan Dodge will open your mind and heart to help you focus on the most essential aspects of life. Most importantly, he will inspire you to reach your full potential with your family and career. To accomplish this goal, Bryan teaches a stair-step method on how top producers and effective leaders keep on the cutting edge and achieve excellence. Bryan’s message on professional growth and personal development focuses on three key areas. First, he will show you how to have your best year ever. Second, he will coach you on how to create consistent upward growth in your life. Third, he will train you on how to harness the power of personal energy and tap its unlimited supply. Bryan touches his audiences through his own gift of inspiration and encouragement that helps give a clearer vision to make right choices. The best part of his message is that his delivery style makes learning fun and memorable!

Bio:
Professional speaker, radio personality, and author Bryan Dodge probably holds the record of being the busiest communicator in America. For over 20 years, he has been a popular choice for corporate events, conferences, and conventions. Last year alone he made well over 250 speaking appearances all across the United States and Canada. His inspirational keynotes are on the subjects of personal and professional development, success habits of the wealthy, and leadership principles. The underlying thesis of all of Bryan Dodge’s teachings is that “Life is too short not to be happy, and life is too long not to do well.” His programs are designed to accelerate your personal and professional growth and produce the favorable results you’re looking for in life.

The Good Life Rules: Eight Keys to Being Your Best at Work and at Play is his latest book, and is published by McGraw-Hill. He is also the author of three professional development audio programs, How to Build a Better You, How to Build a Complete Sales Person, and How to Build a Purpose Guided Life as well as being the co-author of the book Becoming the Obvious Choice which has sold over 200,000 copies. Bryan is also the host of the “Build a Better You” Radio Show on Dallas/Fort Worth’s premier Radio Station, WBAP 820 AM.

At all of his events, he continually stresses the importance of keeping your professional life and personal life in balance. Bryan practices what he teaches when he says that he goes home to his most important job: being an involved and dedicated husband and father. Bryan and his wife Margaret have three children: Nicole, Johnathan, and Zachary.

Breakout Sessions

Session 1A: Supplier Confidential - Keys to Successful Negotiation & Communication Skills
Bryan Dodge

It is extremely important to develop a climate and attitude of “win-win” while negotiating. One party can win more than the other, but neither would see themselves as having lost because negotiation is primarily an exchange of satisfactions. Like all skills, good negotiating can be developed and no one can help you comprehend the benefits of this skill like Bryan. This special session will cover a segment on “how-to” information you need to know so you can promote productive communication with not only with those you are negotiation with, but also with co-workers. Good communication leads to increased trust, understanding and productivity. Bryan will also cover some important elements of the tools of our profession. You will be both pleased and surprised at the amount of knowledge you will receive in this exciting and fast-paced teaching.

Session 1B: Collaboration Nation: How to Make Meetings Work for the Interactive Generation
Seth Mattison

In today’s meeting environment, “interactive” is key. Participants are no longer content to sit back and learn but want to be an active part of the process. But, what does that mean to the different generations? This presentation explores how meeting planners can engage everyone from the formal traditionalist CEO down to the fickle Millennial intern.  How can planners create more collaborative meetings by incorporating a variety of strategies from new room layouts to interactive technology? Join Millennial Seth Mattison as he helps you put this force to work while executing your next meeting.

Attendees of this session will:

• Develop an understanding of how “collaboration” and “interaction” can mean very different things to each of the four generations of meeting attendees.
• Gain insights from presented case studies of how top notch planners are harnessing the power of interactive engagement tools.
• Learn “take-home” techniques to create more collaborative meeting environments                     

Bio:
Seth Mattison is a young writer and newcomer to the speaking circuit. His primary interest is in workforce trends and his generation—the Millennials. His presentations focus on the generational divide between younger and older generations and how bridging the gaps can infuse new ideas and energy into organizations everywhere. Seth works with executives across the country to help them understand how they can best maximize their young talent, as well as maintain connections with their experienced workforce, to drive innovation and sustainability.

As one of the millions of Millennials/Gen Yers around the world trying to make an impact in their communities and companies, Seth helps organizations deal with the challenges of effectively recruiting, managing, and retaining top young talent. His success is driven by his unique ability to communicate and connect with all four generations to help them better understand not only their differences, but their commonalities, thus creating engaging environments for employees, customers and members.

Seth successfully launched his first company during his senior year at the University of Wisconsin–Stout, where he majored in Business and was captain of the football team. He recently joined forces with BridgeWorks, LLC—a company dedicated to bridging generation gaps at work - where he will be a featured speaker. In this role, he will continue to help organizations narrow generational divides through use of BridgeWorks’ suite of services which includes keynotes speeches, workshops and seminars, trainer certification, and TimesFour, a corporate entertainment show that unites comedy with education.

Currently, Seth is collaborating with BridgeWorks’ principals on their new book, The M-Factor (working title) about how the older generations can understand and engage Millennials. Published by HarperCollins, it is expected out by spring of 2010.

Seth currently resides in Minneapolis where he spends his free time enjoying the outdoors, traveling, and volunteering with the local Big Brothers Program.

Session 1C: Stars of Stage and Screen: Enhancing Meetings with Media
Tom Graybill & Michelle Johnson

Light, Camera, Impact!  Amplify your event with the use of multimedia!  From start to finish,  by  integrating video into your meetings you can increase attendance, keep your audience actively involved and keep your message top-of-mind after they leave!

This session will focus on the use of multimedia throughout the course of your event or meeting.

Learner Outcomes:

• How to use media to promote your event and increase attendance
• How to use media during your event to keep your attendees invested and attentive
• How to incorporate media into your events (stage design, live show direction, etc)
• How to use media after the event is over

Bio:
Tom Graybill is the Director of Sales for Tri-Marq Communications, Inc., a media production company with offices in Milwaukee, Naperville, IL, and Los Angeles. Tri-Marq provides show production for a vast array of clients in the Midwest and throughout the country, offering everything from live show direction and staging to video production, special effects, breakout support, candids modules, and the occasional on-stage gun fight! Tom has been serving clients at Tri-Marq for 15 years, and previously was a TV news producer for stations in Miami and Milwaukee.

Michelle Johnson is Director of Business Development for NorthCoast Productions, a full service multimedia production company that partners with companies of all sizes to create amazing live shows and engaging advertising, marketing, and corporate communication experiences.  Michelle’s brings with her a diverse background that consists of sales, marketing, photography and over 10 years in the hospitality/meeting industry.  Michelle is a founding member and co-chair of the Green Bay Film Festival and currently serves on several marketing committees for various non-profit organizations including the Brown County United Way. 

Session 1D: The Power of Positive Leadership
Rob Bell

Meeting professionals know that most people don’t quit companies; they quit supervisors.  To realize remarkable service that results in long-term success, we must treat our team members as our very best customers.

What you will learn:

• The difference between Management and Leadership
• 4 Characteristics of Excellent Leaders
• The importance of developing & communicating your non-negotiables
• 10 items people want from their jobs

Strive for perfection.  Excellence will be tolerated.

Bio:
Rob Bell began teaching his customer service and communication techniques early in his tenure as Personnel Development and Education & Training Director for Dick’s Supermarkets, Inc. Drawing on 25+ years of experience in leadership roles, customer service, and training, Rob makes it simple, clear and FUN to improve customer service and gain leadership skills.

Before becoming Dick’s Supermarkets’ go-to-guy for training, as a recovering CPA, Rob worked as the accounting manager for a large trucking company, an auditor, and an adjunct instructor at the University of Wisconsin - Platteville. Rob now tours the country teaching the principles that have helped hundreds of companies and organizations improve their communication strategies.

Rob’s warmth and humor shine through in each presentation, allowing participants to gain insight into numerous aspects of corporate communication while giving them the tools to bring that insight into action.

Now Rob brings his high power message to companies world-wide. Rob’s presentations are high-energy and feature real-life anecdotes that are as fun as they are meaningful. Participants leave Rob’s presentations “fired up” and supplied with the techniques they need to meet and exceed company goals and expectations.

Session 2A: Planner Confidential - Keys to Successful Negotiation & Communication Skills
Bryan Dodge

It is extremely important to develop a climate and attitude of “win-win” while negotiating. One party can win more than the other, but neither would see themselves as having lost because negotiation is primarily an exchange of satisfactions. Like all skills, good negotiating can be developed and no one can help you comprehend the benefits of this skill like Bryan. This special session will cover a segment on “how-to” information you need to know so you can promote productive communication with not only with those you are negotiation with, but also with co-workers. Good communication leads to increased trust, understanding and productivity. Bryan will also cover some important elements of the tools of our profession. You will be both pleased and surprised at the amount of knowledge you will receive in this exciting and fast-paced teaching.

Session 2B: Collaboration Nation: How to Make Meetings Work for the Interactive Generation
Seth Mattison

In today’s meeting environment, “interactive” is key. Participants are no longer content to sit back and learn but want to be an active part of the process. But, what does that mean to the different generations? This presentation explores how meeting planners can engage everyone from the formal traditionalist CEO down to the fickle Millennial intern.  How can planners create more collaborative meetings by incorporating a variety of strategies from new room layouts to interactive technology? Join Millennial Seth Mattison as he helps you put this force to work while executing your next meeting.

Attendees of this session will:

• Develop an understanding of how “collaboration” and “interaction” can mean very different things to each of the four generations of meeting attendees.
• Gain insights from presented case studies of how top notch planners are harnessing the power of interactive engagement tools.
• Learn “take-home” techniques to create more collaborative meeting environments                     

Bio:
Seth Mattison is a young writer and newcomer to the speaking circuit. His primary interest is in workforce trends and his generation—the Millennials. His presentations focus on the generational divide between younger and older generations and how bridging the gaps can infuse new ideas and energy into organizations everywhere. Seth works with executives across the country to help them understand how they can best maximize their young talent, as well as maintain connections with their experienced workforce, to drive innovation and sustainability.

As one of the millions of Millennials/Gen Yers around the world trying to make an impact in their communities and companies, Seth helps organizations deal with the challenges of effectively recruiting, managing, and retaining top young talent. His success is driven by his unique ability to communicate and connect with all four generations to help them better understand not only their differences, but their commonalities, thus creating engaging environments for employees, customers and members.

Seth successfully launched his first company during his senior year at the University of Wisconsin–Stout, where he majored in Business and was captain of the football team. He recently joined forces with BridgeWorks, LLC—a company dedicated to bridging generation gaps at work - where he will be a featured speaker. In this role, he will continue to help organizations narrow generational divides through use of BridgeWorks’ suite of services which includes keynotes speeches, workshops and seminars, trainer certification, and TimesFour, a corporate entertainment show that unites comedy with education.

Currently, Seth is collaborating with BridgeWorks’ principals on their new book, The M-Factor (working title) about how the older generations can understand and engage Millennials. Published by HarperCollins, it is expected out by spring of 2010.

Seth currently resides in Minneapolis where he spends his free time enjoying the outdoors, traveling, and volunteering with the local Big Brothers Program.

Session 2C: Security Panel Discussion
Security Panel: Wayne Johnstone, Joe Foster, Ron Mitchell and Rick Nyquist

What security professionals want you (Event Planners and Suppliers) to know when planning your event!
This is your opportunity to ask Hotel Security Professionals specific questions that impact your group business.
Come join in the discussion and learn important security measures and tactics to think about when planning your event

Bios:

Session 2D: Team Building
Rob Bell

Teamwork makes the dream work.  The teams that sweat the “small stuff” stand out from the competition.  High-performance teams consistently perform the basics at a high-level.

What you will learn:

• Effective communication
• Techniques to energize your team to use their discretionary effort to go the extra mile
• Effective communication
  • Body language
  • Listening
  • Choosing positive words
  • Turn service breakdowns into loyalty building opportunities

Average happens by accident.  Excellence happens on purpose.

Bio:
Rob Bell began teaching his customer service and communication techniques early in his tenure as Personnel Development and Education & Training Director for Dick’s Supermarkets, Inc. Drawing on 25+ years of experience in leadership roles, customer service, and training, Rob makes it simple, clear and FUN to improve customer service and gain leadership skills.

Before becoming Dick’s Supermarkets’ go-to-guy for training, as a recovering CPA, Rob worked as the accounting manager for a large trucking company, an auditor, and an adjunct instructor at the University of Wisconsin - Platteville. Rob now tours the country teaching the principles that have helped hundreds of companies and organizations improve their communication strategies.

Rob’s warmth and humor shine through in each presentation, allowing participants to gain insight into numerous aspects of corporate communication while giving them the tools to bring that insight into action.