Keynote Speakers
Convention Program | Trade Show | Why You Should Attend
Keynote Speakers | Workshops | Power Up Labs | Round Tables
Mentoring Program | Young Professionals Initiative | Wine & Dine
SURGE AHEAD With High Voltage SPEAKERS — Our Keynote Presenters:
Chad Hymas To Inspire Convention Delegates
Chad Hymas' life changed instantly after a tragic farming accident left him a quadriplegic at 27 years old. His dreams, however, were not paralyzed. Hymas is the president of his own communications company and an Internet marketing company. Chad Hymas Communications, Inc., a professional speaking company, is designed to motivate businesses and corporations to "use their wings and reach seemingly impossible heights." Last year alone, Hymas traveled over 180,000 miles to 160 events. He has spoken to Wells Fargo, Blue Cross Blue Shield, VastFX, IHC, Coca-Cola, and the Utah Jazz. He is a member of the National Speakers Association and has earned the Certified Speaking Professional designation.Hymas will deliver a presentation titled "Who Needs Legs When You Have Wings?" Hymas will teach attendees to conquer emotional paralysis, turn obstacles into opportunities, and tap into unseen personal power to accomplish seemingly impossible dreams. This presentation's aim is to entertain, but also provide direction and solid answers.
Since the accident, Hymas has been recognized by the state of Utah as the Superior Citizen of the Year. The Wall Street Journal has called Hymas one of the 10 most inspirational people in the world.
Hymas manages a 5,100-acre elk preserve with his father Kelly. He is also an avid athlete. He participates in basketball, rugby, wheelchair racing, hang gliding and snow skiing. In July 2003, Hymas set a world record by wheeling a personal marathon of over 500 miles from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas. He has also authored the regionally best selling book Soaring to New Heights. Hymas' greatest accomplishment is devotion to his wife Shondell and three children, Christian, Kyler, and Gracee.
Kenneth Feld Will Tie It All Together
This will be a unique opportunity to hear Kenneth Feld, the chair and CEO of the largest live entertainment company in the world. He'll provide insight and unique perspective on orchestrating the thousands of people, props, and sets, which make up Feld Entertainment, Inc.Feld's father Irvin Feld, purchased Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey in 1967. After he graduated college with a degree in business management, Feld worked side-by-side with his father learning the live entertainment business. Feld became CEO after his father's death, and Feld Entertainment has grown exponentially under his watch.
Highlights of the Felds' innovations include creating a second touring unit of Ringling Bros., modernizing the creative and business practices of the shows, and launching Disney On Ice in 1981. This partnership with the Walt Disney Company marked the creation of a new genre, the art of telling a full-length story on ice. The Felds' expertise in staging large-scale productions led to the creation of a Las Vegas extravaganza, featuring master illusionists Siegfried & Roy at the Mirage Hotel, which has been credited for revolutionizing entertainment productions in Las Vegas.
Based in Vienna, Va., Feld Entertainment, Inc., produces a wide variety of live family spectaculars. In 2004, the company expanded its entertainment properties to include a third touring unit of Ringling Bros. and the inaugural live, stage production of Disney Live!, featuring Winnie the Pooh. Last fall brought further growth for the company with the creation of FeldMotor Sports, which presents motor sports spectaculars like Monster Jam, Supercross and IHRA drag racing events. Feld Entertainment's shows perform in more than 60 countries, covering six continents, and approximately 30 million people see the company's productions each year.
Making a Difference with Steve Gilliland
Steve Gilliland is the IAFE's highest rated, most demanded speaker ever, and he is returning. Gilliland will have an all-new presentation, which will help you make a difference and uncover a lifetime of motivation. Focusing in on purpose, passion, and pride — the greatest motivators of all—Steve will explore how you can rise to your calling of changing people's lives and making a difference. You'll learn the secrets to conquer your doubts, inadequacies, and fears. Steve’s motto is, "If you take care of people, the business will follow."Gilliland is one of only 7% of speakers in the International Federation of Professional Speakers to hold the designation of Certified Speaking Professional. He has also been recognized by Who's Who for Speakers and Business Professionals. He has shared the platform with such noted people as Dr. Warren Bennis, Governor Ann Richards, Rudolph Guliani, Bruce Jenner, Bob Eubanks, and Jack Canfield, creator and cofounder of Chicken Soup for the Soul.
His audiences and clients are a distinguished group of American business and nonprofit organizations. He speaks to more than 250,000 people annually and reaches millions through his seminars, books, CDs, and DVDs. His most recent book, Mum's the Word, identifies eight lessons in leadership.
Gilliland looks to renew his audience's sense of enthusiasm. He is a speaker who challenges people to change and motivates them to do so.
