Ron Insana
Senior Analyst for CNBC and Managing Director of
Insana Capital Partners
Session: Opening General Session and Annual Business Meeting

During these challenging times, industry participants are keenly looking for ideas, suggestions and information that will allow them to evaluate their current business plans and evaluate whether a need exists to modify, add or change their plans to achieve desired results. In addition, companies are seeking insight as to what the near term and longer range outlook for the industry might be and how they should set longer term strategy. The Opening General Session will feature the well known and respected business commentator Ron Insana who is a Senior Analyst for CNBC and Managing Director of Insana Capital Partners moderating a session with a number of industry leaders. The discussion will provide an opportunity for convention participants to gain further perspective about industry challenges and opportunities that always exist in any market condition.

Chris Gardner
Self-made Millionaire, CEO,
Author and Motivational Speaker
Session: Chairman's Luncheon

Attend the Chairman's Luncheon as Chris Gardner tells his extraordinary life story thru struggling as a homeless, single-parent and becoming the founder and president of a successful Chicago-based brokerage firm, Gardner, Rich & Company. It is a powerful illustration about the value of perseverance in the face of difficulty. His story has captured everyone's attention, including Hollywood. Look for a film about his life, starring Will Smith and don't miss his corresponding book, The Pursuit of Happyness.

Sponsored by:

Steve Preston
Secretary
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Session: Third General Session: The Political Landscape

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary, Steve Preston, oversees HUD’s mission of providing affordable housing free from discrimination, helping families purchase and stay in their homes and promoting economic development. In this session Preston shares his ideas for helping struggling Americans keep their homes, obtain affordable mortgages, as well as help ensure they have access to safe, decent, affordable housing.

Karl Rove
Deputy Chief of Staff and
Senior Advisor to President George W. Bush, 2000-2007
Session: Third General Session: The Political Landscape

With the election within two weeks of the annual convention, this session is sure to offer an interesting perspective on the November 4th election. These political leaders will address domestic issues facing America today and in the future.

Karl Rove served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to President George W. Bush. Mr. Rove oversaw the strategic planning, political affairs, public liaison, and intergovernmental affairs efforts of the White House. He was also Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, coordinating the White House policymaking process. Rove has been called “The greatest political mind of his generation and probably of any generation… He knows history, understands the moods of the public, and is a visionary on matters of public policy.”

John Edwards
Former US Senator and
2004 Democratic Vice-Presidential Nominee
Session: Third General Session: The Political Landscape

John Edwards, former US Senator (D-NC) and 2004 Democratic Vice-Presidential Nominee, is a champion for American families.  During the 2004 presidential primaries he spoke about the two Americas that exist in our country today: one for people at the top who have everything they need and one for everybody else who struggle to get by. This powerful message resonated with voters all across America. During the 2008 campaign for the Democratic nomination for President, Senator Edwards ran an energetic and visionary campaign. He continues to be an advocate for change as a strong voice of the Democratic Party.

Steve Young
Pro Football Hall of Famer (Class of 2005), Former San Francisco 49ers Quarterback, and
Co-founder and Managing Director, Sorenson Capital
Session: Sports Luncheon

Attend the Sports Luncheon to hear from Steve Young, pro football Hall of Famer (class of 2005), former San Francisco 49ers quarterback, and co-founder and managing director for Sorenson Capital. Young has shown his leadership abilities both on and off the football field. He made his mark in the NFL history books as the all-time highest rated quarterback. Since his days with the San Francisco 49ers, Young dedicated himself to numerous charitable causes and building an impressive business resume. Currently, he is co-founder and managing director for Sorenson Capital, a new private equity investment firm headquartered in Utah, aimed at making small- to middle-market buyouts and growth equity investments. Attend this session and be inspired by Young’s experiences as a professional athlete and business leader.

Sponsored by: