Each year MPI MidAmerica is an extraordinary educational opportunity for industry professionals, as well as a wonderful networking opportunity. During these tough times it is now more important than ever for meeting professionals to stick together, and benefit from the great relationships we have built over the years. The featured Conference Hotel and Meeting facility was the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa in beautiful Lexington, Kentucky, just a couple miles away from the world renowned Kentucky Horse Park.
The opening right reception was hosted by the Hyatt Regency Lexington which is conveniently attached to the Lexington Convention Center. Various food stations scattered the reception space, including a hearty roast carving station and a desert which seemed to be the most popular. Local bourbon samples were available at the open bar as attendees networked to the sound of live jazz saxophone.
There were many memorable speakers throughout the weekend, but most notable were the gentlemen included in the speaker showcase, featuring Scott Sheperd, PhD and Steve Gilliland, CSP. Dr. Sheperd has over thirty years of experience in the field of stress counseling and speaking including his presentation “Staying Sane When Things Get Crazy”. Dr. Sheperd is a very passionate and unorthodox speaker, as he spoke in a very aggressive tone, which was able to hold the attention of the audience so early in the morning. His style of informative stand up comedy had attendees laughing right from the start. Dr. Sheperd challenged people to open their minds, and “see the world with new eyes”. He wants people to realize that stress is only how one chooses to deal with any given situation. He reminded attendees that “we define our own reality”; too often people act as if the world is out to get them. Stress certainly was a topic that all attendees could relate too.
Steve Gilliland, CSP followed Dr. Sheperd with his presentation “Enjoy the Ride”. Mr. Gilliland is a Certified Speaking Professional, and one of the most in demand and top rated speakers in the country. Mr. Gilliland began his presentation by asking, “If every job in the world paid $2 an hour, would you still be doing what you’re doing?” People seem to forget why they get up and go to work every day besides just pay day. Mr. Gilliland challenged people to “love what you do, and never forget why you do it.” He continued to give various examples of his personal experiences with great customer service, and the reasons why these experiences stuck out in his mind. Mr. Gilliland’s final short story of a burley insensitive construction manager and his rejuvenated passion with his wife left many attendees close to tears of happiness as the audience broke into an exuberant round of applause.
If you are interested in attending MPI Ohio Chapter events please visit the website or feel free to Contact Wendy Nicodemus or Alec Windle in the sales office for more information.
***Full length article featured in MPI Define Newsletter***
