2015: Culture that Rocks

2015: Culture that Rocks

April 18-22, 2015

JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
San Antonio, Texas

1955. Young people were looking for a voice and they found it in the rebellious music of Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard. There was political unrest and a Cold War. Television was an emerging technology giving the world a new place to gather. Celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe, Marlon Brando and James Dean became influencers on how people view the world.  Leaders from the material handling industry gathered for MHEDA’s 1st Annual Convention.

The world was a different place. Or was it?

2015. Young people are looking for a voice and they are finding it through social media. Unsettled governments and troubling world events dominate the headlines. Fascination with celebrities has never been higher (ever hear of Kim Kardashian?). Leaders from the material handling industry will come together for MHEDA’s 60th Annual Convention.

As much as the world has changed, it has stayed the same.

For material handling business success, it is essential to pay attention to timeless factors: connecting with the next generation of employees and customers, adapting to new technology, keeping your pulse on world events and gathering with your industry peers.  MHEDA invites you to join us April 18-22 in San Antonio, Texas for our 2015 Annual Convention, “Culture that Rocks.”

What is the culture at your company? Are your people excited to come to work? Are they pumped up to serve customers, make deals and generate revenue? Is there energy in the halls? Smiles on face? A feeling of enthusiasm?

To help our members create this winning culture, MHEDA has designed a convention agenda of forward looking speakers who can help you recruit new employees, better manage your current team and gain an understanding of new technology tools to help you get more done. Beyond the presentations, this event includes an exhibitors’ showcase featuring over 80 companies who have the products and services you need to serve your customers. Most essential of all is the crucial networking you will achieve with over 500 of your peers in just a few short days away from the office.

So make plans today to be part of this powerful industry event….we promise you a rockin’ good time!  Outlined below is a list of convention presentations. For more event details, read reviews from your peers about last year’s convention, and to see who is already registered, visit – www.mheda.org/convention or call 847-680-3500.

Keynote presentation: Culture that Rocks, How to Amp Up Your Company’s Culture
If you’re a fan of unpredictability and thinking about things differently, come hear what all the noise is about! MHEDA is excited to welcome Jim Knight, former head of Training & Development for Hard Rock International, as our 2014 keynote speaker. This high energy session is designed to revolutionize your company’s culture…all told through the spirit of Rock ‘n’ Roll. 

What in the world is going on?
In order to manage effectively, you must know what trends are happening, how they will impact the economy, and what opportunities they may generate. Presenter Herb Meyer, former Special Assistant to the Director of Central Intelligence and Vice Chairman of the CIA’s National Intelligence Council, will discuss key trends in politics, economics and culture.

Rock Star Selling: Selling Value in the New Economy
An entirely new set of sales competencies are required to win business. Discover how the best sales organizations are meeting the expectations of sophisticated customers; explore proven habits of today’s top producers and learn practical ideas you can immediately leverage to drive growth. Presenter Ryan Estis, former chief strategy officer for McCann Worldgroup advertising agency NAS, brings a fresh perspective to the world of selling. 

Building Next Gen Enterprises for a Next Gen Workforce
Many of our organizations still operate from an industrial age management model. Presenter Seth Mattison, Founder and Chief Movement Officer of FutureSight Labs, advises many of the world’s leading brand and organizations on the key shifts happening around talent management.  In this session, you will gain a road map for anticipating the management challenges that will demand fundamentally new thinking.

Roundtable discussions
Discuss the challenges and opportunities that matter most to you and learn how others in the industry are handling the same issues.

How DO They Do That? Secret Tech Weapons
Discover how to use free and bargain technology tools you never knew existed to create professional quality graphics, help your office run smoothly and wow your customers. Presented by Beth Ziesenis, Author and Speaker, Your Nerdy Best Friend

Workforce Planning
Review the challenges companies face in hiring and the importance and effectiveness of Workforce Planning. We’ll also review what the recruitment landscape will look like for Forklift Technicians and Sales Engineers over the next five years. Presented by Jason Bartusch and Brendan O’Neill, CareerBuilder and EMSI, Economic Modeling Specialists Intl.

Growth as Strategy – Member Perspective
Hear from a MHEDA Member who will share insight based on personal experience in managing growth.  Learn tips on how to successfully navigate growth as a core strategy.  Presented by Jerry Weidmann, President of Wisconsin Lift Truck

Engaging the Next Generation of Customers
We’re witnessing the greatest fundamental shift the world has ever seen in the way we organize, collaborate and contribute. Learn actionable tools to foster loyalty amongst the next generation of customers. Presented by Seth Mattison, Founder and Chief Movement Officer of FutureSight Labs

Workplace Violence:  Recognition & Prevention
Workplace violence takes its toll – physically, emotionally, and monetarily.  We must train employees to recognize pre-incident indicators and report them BEFORE something occurs.  Gain a clear understanding of the existing problem and best methods of prevention. Presented by Carol Dodgen, Owner, Dodgen Security Consulting, LLC

Social Media & Search Engines
Asking yourself why your company should have a Social Media presence?  Learn why it is important to boost your search engine ranking and gain tools to help assess where you are now and how to improve. Presented by Brian Bluff, President, Site Seeker, Inc.

Unique Dynamics of a Family Owned Business – Member Perspective
Working with family members presents some interesting challenges.  A fellow MHEDA Member shares his insights and lessons learned while working alongside his family.  We’ll also discuss transitioning the business from one generation to the next. Presented by Buddy Smith, CEO, Carolina Material Handling Services.

Tech Tool and App Exchange
Many professionals have their favorite time-saving, productivity-increasing technology secrets. This interactive session gives you the opportunity to introduce your favorite technology tools to your colleagues. Presented by Beth Ziesenis, Author and Speaker, Your Nerdy Best Friend

Culture: The Key to Performance – Member Perspective
A dealership’s culture is essentially how the people in the company think, how they feel and how they operate. A fellow MHEDA Member will present his perspective on culture and provide you with insights to improve employee performance by enhancing culture.  Presented by Bill Ryan, President, LiftOne

CRM 101: What You Need to Know
CRM can help wholesaler-distributors drive business results, improve sales experience and deliver a high-impact customer experience, but only if it is implemented with forethought and discipline. CRM is also one digital tool among others, and the best results are often gained when designed to work with strategies for distributor e-commerce, social media, data and analytics, mobility and multichannel sales and marketing. Presented by Mark Dancer, Author and Vice President of Global Channel Management at Henkel Corporation

MHEDA grows material handling distributors into industry leaders through exclusive networking, educational and business development opportunities. See how at www.mheda.org or call 847-680-3500 today!