Get your game on – MHEDA Convention May 4-8, 2013

What do the World Series, Super Bowl and the Stanley Cup finals have in common? Hard work, dedication and a commitment to professional excellence powered by elite athletes who believe in themselves and their teammates. These champions passionately work toward a common goal, put in the necessary training time and make personal connections with their peers as they travel down the same road. Is everyone at your company on the same team? Do they believe in the common goals developed by management? Do they allow one another to share the spotlight? Are they challenging themselves daily? Are you?

MHEDA’s 58th Annual Convention is just around the corner. Join hundreds of your material handling industry peers as we gather in Palm Desert, California, May 4-8, for a value-filled industry learning and networking event. This year’s theme is “Get Your Game On!” We have a strong line-up of programs that are designed to inspire you to be your personal and professional best. The sharpest minds in the business are preparing to lead discussions to bring out the champion spirit in your team.  We will practice thinking differently to tackle problems we all face. We will learn how to attract and motivate young recruits and most importantly, we will gain leadership insight, because a positive tone set by the coach is often the first step a team needs to start their quest towards success.

MHEDA’s 2013 Convention will help you “Get Your Game On!”  Here’s what you can look forward to….

Motivation
Carnegie Hall musician Mike Rayburn will open MHEDA’s convention with his musical talent and inspiring message: “What If?” Mike will challenge you to leap beyond your perceived limitations with three powerful tools you can apply to your life immediately.

Education
We have 16 (yes, 16!) sessions that will help you manage your material handling business. These programs include a variety of timely topics, such as: social media, benchmarking analysis, economic insight, sales training and more.  

Team Work
An important part of MHEDA’s Convention is our Exhibitors’ Showcase. The Showcase includes over 80 exhibitors who are suppliers of material handling equipment and services. These suppliers are your partners who will help you better serve your customers’ needs. Also featured at the 2013 Convention is a Manufacturer-Distributor Member panel discussion giving you insight and ideas on how you can work with your own suppliers together as a team.

Coaches Who Care

Featured presenters on this year’s convention program are 12 MHEDA Members who work in the trenches daily. These individuals are serious about the material handling world and are willing to share their personal experiences about what works and what does not in their business. You will also have the opportunity to participate in roundtable discussions led by industry leaders from across the country. 

Love of the Game

If you have a passion for your business and want to bring out the best in yourself and your employees, then make plans now to attend the material handling industry’s most valuable springtime event!  To learn more, visit www.mheda.org/convention2013  or call 847-680-3500. 

Make attending MHEDA’s Convention part of your 2013 Game Plan. You will enjoy access to 16 inspiring sessions to help you “Get Your Game On!”

  1. What If? Everyone says, “We need to think outside the box.” Yet no one teaches you how! Carnegie Hall musician and entertainer Mike Rayburn uses guitar and comedy to help you think in a new way. Keynote presentation by CSP Mike Rayburn, musician and author.
  2. Leadership Success: What the Top 1% Do Differently and Why They Won’t Tell You

Standout success often comes from personal advantage, whether it’s perceived value, personality, abundant resources, or access to privileged information. This session takes a realistic look at the influence you’ll need to make sure your hard work delivers the results you want. Presented by Garrison Wynn, author and speaker

  1. Reviving Work Ethic. If your organization is struggling with attracting, motivating, and retaining young talent, and you want to know how to increase the productivity and performance of your front line workforce and future leaders, you need to experience this powerful presentation. Presented by CSP Eric Chester, author and speaker.
  2. Guiding Principles of Leadership. Hear about key leadership principles in Lowe’s distribution network and how Lowe’s outreach program helps leaders focus on what each individual can contribute to serving the customer. This program has been a powerful catalyst for developing a high performing culture. Presented by Steve Szilagyi, SR VP of Distribution, Lowes Companies Inc.
  3. The Next Economic Cycle. The fear and uncertainty about the global markets are enough to cause any business leader to wonder if the recovery is durable or not. Learn how long the good news will last, the dangers from coming inflationary pressures, and what strategies should be undertaken now if businesses are to maximize their profit potential.  Presented by Alan Beaulieu, President, Institute for Trend Research
  4. Make My Life Easier: What The 21st Century Client Really Wants. In order to be successful in today’s marketplace you need to be an expert, advisor, resource and single point of contact to your clients.  Learn the specific attitudes and skills you need to differentiate yourself from the competition, create the kind of value your client is looking for and succeed in a global economy.  Presented by Warren Greshes, President of Speaking of Success
  5. Teaching the Emerging Workforce How to Bring Their A Game to Work. Learn solid, actionable ideas and tools for developing the emerging workforce and restoring the pride of a job well done; instilling within them the desire to exceed the expectations of their coworkers, managers, and customers. Presented by Eric Chester, Hall-of-Fame Speaker and Author
  6. Social Media and Search Engine Marketing – A Strategy For Success. Explore how B2B companies can use social media to deliver powerful cost effective results; what you can measure and what you should expect in return and more. Presented by Brian Bluff, President and Co-Founder of Site-Seeker, and Eddie Bluff, Vice President, Key Accounts, Site-Seeker
  7. How Seasoned Leaders Keep their Edge. Leaders often fall into ruts or can get burned out. In this highly energetic and interactive presentation you’ll learn ways to stay sharp, energetic and on top of things.  Presented by Doug Cartland, Speaker and Author
  8. DiSC Report – What the Results are Telling Storage & Handling and Engineered Systems Distributors . Examine the results of the Distributor Statistical Comparison Report for Storage & Handling and Engineered Systems Distributors. Learn key benchmarks and discover areas for improvement. Presented by Matt Hicks, Senior Consultant, Currie Management Consultants
  9. Technology Panel: Real World, MHEDA Members. Hear what fellow MHEDA Members are doing to bring technology to life to help their customers, employees and bottom line. Facilitated by Brian and Eddie Bluff, Site Seeker, Inc.  MHEDA Member Panelists: Mark Juelich, Chairman/CEO, American Warehouse Systems; Scott Stone,  Advertising Manager, Cisco-Eagle; Al Boston, CEO, AK Material Handling Systems; Milt Tandy, Director of Sales and Marketing, Wirecrafters, LLC.
  10. Engaging Customers and Prospects: Effective Questioning and Listening Techniques. Learn how to engage a customer or prospect in such a way that they feel comfortable. The session includes: how to structure questions; effective listening techniques and more! Presented by Norm Clark, Senior Lecturer, Industrial Distribution Program at Texas A & M
  11. DiSC Report – What the Results are Telling Industrial Truck Distributors. Examine the results of the Distributor Statistical Comparison Report for Industrial Truck Distributors. Learn key benchmarks and areas for improvement. Presented by Matt Hicks, Senior Consultant, Currie Management Consultants
  12. How to Keep Honest People from Stealing. MHEDA Members will share real life experiences about dealing with fraud within their respective organizations and the steps you can take for prevention. Presented by MHEDA Members Duncan Murphy, President, Riekes Equipment Company and Jeff Bublitz, CEO Operations, Bublitz Material Handling
  13. Working with Distributors to Be Solutions Providers – Member Panel Discussion. Members will engage in a lively panel discussion about how distributors and manufacturers can work together to best serve the customer and achieve their respective goals. Presented by MHEDA Members: Kevin O’Neil, Vice President, Steele Solutions, Inc.; Steve Johnson, VP Sales, Nashville Wire Products; Bryan Carey, President, Starrco Company; Mark Nelson, President, Nelson Equipment Company; Scott Larsen, President, R.H. Brown Co.; Mike Wall, President, Container Systems, Inc.
  14. Your Sales People are Your Clients. Learn nine tips you can use immediately to create self-motivated salespeople and start moving them to the next level.  Also learn how to manage activity rather than sales with a unique system that will not only increase sales, but save you the most precious commodity: time. Presented by Warren Greshes, President of Speaking of Success

2013 MHEDA Convention Schedule At-A-Glance

Saturday, May 4

8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  Registration

8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  WiFi and Networking Lounge

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Humm-Dinger of an Adventure

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.  Palm Springs Air Museum

Sunday, May 5

6:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  Golf Tournament

8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  Registration

8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  WiFi and Networking Lounge

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Bike Tour

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Celebrity Home Tour

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  Exhibitors’ Showcase Set-Up

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.  Newcomers Orientation

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.  Opening Party

Monday, May 6

6:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.   Breakfast

7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  Registration

8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  WiFi and Networking Lounge

8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.   Membership Business Meeting

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.   Keynote Presentation

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Exhibitors’ Showcase

11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Spouse Event – Fashion Show

12:30 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Networking Lunch

1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.  General Session

2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.  Roundtable Discussions

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Happy Hour Reception

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.  Exhibitor Tear Down

Tuesday, May 7

6:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.   Breakfast

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.   General Session

8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  WiFi and Networking Lounge

9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Speed Track Sessions

9:30 a.m. – 10:20 a.m. Spouse Event – Pilates Class

11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Spouse Event – Spa Day

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. General Session

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Lunch

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Speed Track Sessions

1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.  General Sessions

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.  Speed Track Sessions

7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Closing Party: Club MHEDA

Wednesday, May 8

6:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.   Farewell Breakfast