Jul 9, 2011

New York Times Bestselling Author and Chief Economist Headline 2011 GHTA Conference

Grand Rapids, MI – The Gift and Home Trade Association, the industry’s leading non-profit trade association, has confirmed its slate of speakers for the 9th Annual GHTA Conference, Playing to Win: Strategies for Success. The experienced and nationally-recognized speakers, with varying expertise, knowledge and backgrounds, will address a variety of topics during the marquis event, including the effect of global economics on business and the four secrets of a successful leader.

The 2011 GHTA keynote Conference speakers are outlined below:

Lt. Col. Rob “Waldo” Waldman, Flight Lead 101 – Together You Can Change the Future

Revenue is the fuel of every business. However, your business has partners, and you all need fuel to survive and stay competitive. Effective leadership, according to Lt. Col. Rob “Waldo” Waldman, New York Times bestselling author of Never Fly Solo: Lead with Courage, Build Trusting Relationships, and Reach New Heights in Business, is crucial to guiding your industry and company to the right direction, maximizing revenues, and keeping it on target with its strategic goals. Flight Lead 101 reveals the “four secrets of a successful leader.” These secrets have been tried and tested in real life combat, and they will work for your company as well. When you combine a highly trained force of professional salespersons with expert leadership, the results are unbeatable.

Roger Arnold, The ABC’s of Global Economics – What is the Effect on my Business?

Have you ever wondered what Dante’s Inferno has to do with economics?  How does your business relate to the value of your house?  We all would like to be the person who can listen to the headlines and use that information to create solid predictions about future sales and profits.  The headlines also give us clues about sourcing and what innovations are laying around the corner.  Roger Arnold, chief economist with ALM Advisors, Inc., will start with the “ABCs” of economics and have you ready to make solid forecasts through an entertaining discussion on economics (Yes, you will also think economics is fun at the end of his lecture).

Maureen Boyt, Playing to Win – The Seven Strata of Strategy

A business owner three times over and a business geek, Maureen Boyt has spent her career helping organizations think and plan strategically and develop their human resources to implement those plans. She is the bold, fun, and direct  “Head Moxie” at The Moxie Exchange, a national women’s business organization where authentic, wicked-smart women share business savvy.

Dave Baney, Time Equals Money – Small Changes Can Make BIG Profits

Dave Baney, CEO at 55 Questions LLC, has more than 30 years of leadership and management experience. He is a multi-disciplined executive with extensive work experience in the United States, Latin America, and Europe. He has been a senior executive at two Fortune 500 companies in marketing, sales, operations, and new product development.

The 2011 GHTA Conference, which will be held at the Red Rock Casino and Resort, Las Vegas, Nevada, November 17-19, invites sales representatives, manufacturers, retailers, and other industry resource suppliers to network and share best business practices, while learning from national keynote speakers and various breakout sessions. Conference agenda highlights are available online at http://giftandhome.org/2011GHTAAnnualConference.aspx#agenda.

For more information on the 9th Annual GHTA Conference please visit the GHTA website at http://giftandhome.org/2011GHTAAnnualConference.aspx, or contact the GHTA office via phone at (877) 600-4872 or via email at info@giftandhome.org.

About the GIFT AND HOME Trade Association
GHTA is the gift and home industry’s non-profit professional trade association formed to help vendors, sales agencies, retailers and industry affiliates who are involved in an industry that is fast changing, with the expectation of making it better together.  GHTA’s mission is to lead and transform the gift and home industry to ensure its long-term health and viability.  GHTA has four major initiatives:  to educate sales professionals;  to understand and educate the industry on opportunities for technological efficiencies;  to support and cultivate the industry’s independent retailers; and to understand and educate the industry on showroom/trade show costs, statistics, schedules, opportunities and preferences.  GHTA can be reached by email at info@giftandhome.org. For more information on the GIFT AND HOME Trade Association visit www.giftandhome.org.