General Session Speakers
| Jack Welch | Bryan Silbermann | Torie Clarke | Ken Schmidt |
Jack Welch
Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of General Electric
Thoughts on Leadership, Management and Winning
Saturday, October 25
7:30 a.m. – 9:20 a.m.
During his forty-year career at General Electric, Jack Welch rose from chemical engineer to Chairman and CEO. He led the company to year-after-year success around the globe, making GE a household name in the U.S and around the world. Against brutal competition, he helped the corporate giant increase its market capitalization to more than $400 billion! His two books quickly have become best-sellers, making his honest, be-the-best-you-can-be style of management the gold standard in business.
Jack will tackle tough questions about leadership, management and what it takes to win today. Posing the questions will be special guest interviewer, Meryl Comer, an award-winning reporter, producer, moderator and talk show host.
See why Jack Welch is one of the most sought-after speakers in the country, and hear how his unique leadership strategies can pay off for your company.
Special Guest Interviewer
Meryl Comer
A business broadcasting pioneer and Emmy-winning journalist, Meryl Comer wrote and moderated It’s Your Business and co-anchored Nation’s Business Today on ESPN. She is also a successful author and Chief Executive Officer of the Geoffrey Beene Foundation, Alzheimer’s Initiative.
Bryan Silbermann
President, Produce Marketing Association
A Fresh Outlook on the State of the Industry
Friday, October 24
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
If there is an emerging trend that will impact the industry, or an issue that may affect any part of the supply chain, you can be sure that Bryan Silbermann will be well aware of it long before it is on most people’s radar screens. His position as President of PMA provides a unique perspective that few, if any, other people share. Bryan is constantly in touch with industry decision-makers from all aspects of the business, in all parts of the world.
In this insightful and informative session, Bryan will focus on the trends, challenges and issues that will directly affect your business in the immediate and long-term future. He’ll explore the problems, solutions and opportunities associated with such topics as sustainability, food safety, human resources, globalization, the economy and much more. Of course no one has a crystal ball, but no one is better positioned than Bryan to see, understand and explain the future of the industry.
Torie Clarke
Former Pentagon Spokeswoman (2001-2003) and ABC Commentator
Inside the U.S. Presidential Election & Behind the International Scene
Sunday, October 26
7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
From the White House to the Pentagon and the private sector, Torie Clarke has been at the center of some of the most historic events. She was at her desk in the Pentagon’s outer ring on September 11, 2001. From those first moments, she’s played a major role in shaping the public’s understanding of the war on terrorism.
As we approach one of the most critical presidential elections in history, Clarke will take you behind the scenes of Washington politics to reveal what it really takes to become the leader of the free world, and how this election is reshaping the political landscape. She’ll also explore the global implications of this election and how its outcome will affect relations between countries.
Don’t miss this opportunity to get an insightful overview of the affairs that will shape the future of our nation and the entire world … from a unique insider’s vantage point.
Ken Schmidt
Former Director of Communications for Harley-Davidson
Unconventional Ways to Achieve Extraordinary Things
Monday, October 27
8:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
One of the most in-demand speakers and communication consultants in the United States, Ken Schmidt has lived an unconventional life that most can only dream about. He has toured the world by motorcycle, met with presidents and royalty, socialized with movie legends, and played a major role in one of the most celebrated turnarounds in corporate history.
Since helping to orchestrate Harley-Davidson’s dramatic rebound, he has frequently been called upon by the business media and major corporations to share his insights on non-traditional communications and customer relations. “Whether I’m talking about how average people can do extraordinary things, how to build an entirely new corporate culture or reach out to new customers in completely untraditional ways,” he says, “I’m teaching people to throw conventional approaches out the window.”
You may never approach business or everyday life the same after hearing Ken’s philosophy: “Never do what’s expected, make yourself as noticeably different as possible, and have a lot more fun than you’re supposed to.”