Daily keynote speakers set to inspire at 2017 IAHCSMM Annual Conference
For the first time, the IAHCSMM Annual Conference will feature an inspiring and insightful keynote speaker for each day of the conference. These four speakers possess unique backgrounds and skill sets, and were carefully chosen for their ability to engage attendees in unique, uplifting and meaningful ways. Put simply, these individuals will inject attendees with positive energy and inspiring messages, and start each day of the conference off with a bang.
What follows is a brief summary of the keynote speakers set to take the stage in Nashville, TN, at the IAHCSMM Annual Conference & Expo. For more information on the Conference & Expo, including session descriptions, events and other offerings, visit www.iahcsmm.org/events/annual-conference-expo.html.
Sunday, May 7: Derreck Kayongo
Kayongo is the founder of the Global Soap Project, which recycles partially used and discarded bars of soap from thousands of hotels and redistributes it to disadvantaged populations around the world. Since its founding in 2009, the Project has distributed soap to more than 90 countries where nearly two million lives are claimed each year due to lack of proper hygiene.
Kayongo’s experience as a human rights activist, combined with his lifelong commitment to his work and notable rhetorical skills earned him his current role as the CEO at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Called a “living embodiment of the Center’s mission,” Kayongo is elevating the visibility of the Center and expanding its vision beyond its geography.
Recognized with a range of honors and awards for his activism, including as one of CNN’s Top 10 Heroes award in 2011, most recently Kayongo was selected by President Jimmy Carter to interview him as part of the National Archives’ Amending America Initiative.
Monday, May 8: Shari Harley
Shari Harley, MA, and Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), is the founder and president of Candid Culture, an international training and consulting firm that brings candor back to the workplace to create a safe haven for employees, managers and clients to speak honestly. Candid Culture helps corporations, associations, government agencies, schools and not-for-profits get and keep the right customers and employees by creating better business relationships.
Harley is a business person. Her previous experience includes selling and facilitating for Dale Carnegie Training, conducting customer service training for American Century Investments, leading leadership training and successful planning for OppenheimerFunds, and managing operations across 21 nationwide locations, with 200 matrixed employees.
Harley is known globally as an engaging, fun, content-rich business speaker and trainer. Her practical approach to improving business relationships has led her to speak and train throughout the United States and in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, India, Dubai and Australia. She is the author of the book “How to Say Anything to Anyone.” She has an undergraduate degree from Washington University in St. Louis and a Master’s degree in Applied Communication from the University of Denver, where she served as an adjunct faculty member and taught business leadership development courses.
Tuesday, May 9: Brad Montgomery
Through Montgomery’s interactive and lively session, attendees will gain a better understanding of the time, profits and productivity their facilities lose because they are not performing to their fullest potential. They will also learn some valuable tools to boost employee value and engagement, and create company-wide commitment for improved productivity, quality and efficacy.
Wednesday, May 10: Vivian Watson
Watson recently published the book “A Passionate Journey — Overcoming Adversity, Realizing a Dream,” which describes her life’s many struggles and victories. Watson, who has presented at previous IAHCSMM Annual Conferences, is a passionate and powerful speaker — an attendee favorite who never disappoints and regularly draws standing ovations.
