Highlights of International Association of Speaker Bureau Convention - Part 1

Among the highlights of this Annual Convention were presentations by Steve Forbes, Suzy Welch, Tony Schwartz, Ben Stein and John Foley.

Steve Forbes turned a dry subject like the follies of the Federal Reserve into a timely, funny blueprint for a sound economic future. Examples: Imagine how your work behavior would change if the number of minutes per hour varied unpredictably every day (like the value of the dollar)? Spending is like moving a bucket of water from one end of the pool to the other. He predicts a relatively slow and jobless recovery unless the dollar recovers and stays stable and government spending declines.

Similarly, Jonathan Tisch and Ben Stein are concerned about the taxing of risk by our Federal Government and denounciations of Las Vegas for business meetings. Las Vegas remains a great bargain for them due to economies of scale. Ben Stein thought letting Lehman Brothers fail was the biggest government financial mistake since 1931. Tisch reminded us that tourism is among the top 3 employers in 35 states, an eye-opener.

Tony Schwartz provides tips everyone can use to make the most of their time: Getting more by demanding less, Working in bursts of about 90 minutes dictated by the body's natural rhythms, followed by breaks (and even naps) instead of straight through the morning, making a bigger priority of adequate sleep and exercise, as well as finding a higher purpose. Doing your most challenging tasks when you have the highest energy (typically in the morning).

I've tried this and it works!

Surprises: Connie Chung turns out to be the opposite of the boring anchorperson - a funny, vibrant, opinionated source on current events and the media and great at mingling with guests.

Lou Dobbs: Hinting at a run for President.

Suzy Welch concluded with a powerful keynote on 10-10-10. Every decision can be evaluated on its impact 10 minutes, 10 months and 10 years from now. Applicable to home and work life. Examples included whether to work late at expense of a family obligation, how much to stand your ground in a marital argument, etc.

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Do you know the surprising political parable behind The Wizard of Oz? This and other insights from the speakers showcased at this event will be shared in our next newsletter.