General Session Speakers

| Condoleezza Rice | Bryan Silbermann | David Plouffe | Kevin Carroll |

Condoleezza Rice

Condoleezza Rice

United States Secretary of State (2005-2009)

One-On-One with Condoleezza Rice

Friday, October 2

1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

As U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor, Condoleezza Rice played a critical role in creating and implementing policies and programs that shaped the world. This session provides a unique opportunity to gain insight from one of the most powerful and influential people in the world. In her 20-minute presentation followed by a 30-minute interview session with Frank Sesno, Rice will provide an insider’s viewpoint on a variety of topics, from international relations in unprecedented tumultuous times to leadership, innovation, education and much more. She will share compelling stories of her rich experiences with global leaders and take you behind the scenes of events that changed the world.

Frank Sesno
Special Guest Interviewer

Frank Sesno

An internationally recognized journalist with more 30 years of experience, Frank Sesno has been a news anchor, White House correspondent and talk show host with CNN.  He has interviewed business and government leaders from around the world, including U.S. Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, as well as Margaret Thatcher, Yasser Arafat, and more.

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Bryan Silbermann, CAE

Bryan Silbermann

President and CEO, Produce Marketing Association

A Fresh Outlook on the State of the Industry

Saturday, October 3

7:30 a.m. – 9:20 a.m.

The success of any industry hinges on the ability of its members to identify opportunities in the face of many obstacles. The produce and floral industries are not any different. At this year’s State of the Industry Address, Bryan Silbermann will make you look at these uncertain and unprecedented times in a new way.

Silbermann will discuss the topic on everyone’s mind: how current economic conditions will continue to impact the industry and what are the unique opportunities that an uncertain global economy presents? In addition, he will shed some light on key issues such as private labeling, the ROI of sustainability, the potential global water crisis, food safety, locally grown and much more.

This insightful State of the Industry Address will help you plot your course as you navigate your business through these turbulent times.

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David Plouffe

David Plouffe

2008 Obama Presidential Campaign Manager

The Art of the Possible: Online Branding Strategies and Tactics

Sunday, October 4

7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

David Plouffe is the renowned communications strategist who fueled President Barack Obama’s meteoric rise and record-breaking fundraising. Under his leadership, the Obama campaign created an online “brand loyalty” program that is arguably the most successful grassroots movement in history. President Obama cited Plouffe as “the unsung hero of the campaign.”

During this time of economic uncertainty, companies need innovative ways to build brand loyalty. In this timely and electrifying presentation, you’ll learn how your business can adopt the tactics of the Obama campaign to attract and engage consumers. Plouffe will breathe new life into your marketing strategy by sharing his methods from a tried and true success story.

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Kevin Carroll

Kevin Carroll

Author and Founder of Katalyst Consultancy

Bringing Fun and Passion to Your Work

Monday, October 5

8:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

Kevin Carroll has helped turn creative ideas into powerful & profitable programs for organizations such as Nike, The National Hockey League, ESPN, Starbucks, The Walt Disney Company, Mattel, Hasbro, Paramount Television, Proctor & Gamble, The Discovery Channel, and many others.

In 2005 he addressed the United Nations, where he spoke about using play and childlike creativity to reawaken the drive and ambition that propels you toward achieving higher goals.

In this entertaining and enlightening session, Kevin will discuss how a fun and stimulating work environment can unleash our passion and creative genius … leading to new creative ways of thinking and problem-solving that result in stronger, more successful companies.

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