Phoenix Phiesta XXXVI: “Ph⨀⨀lin' with Phriends”
Speaker Profiles
This is likely our final cut at the speaker list of 28 speakers for 32 time slots. Click on a name in the list to view their profile and program description. This schedule is subject to change. The official times and room locations are the ones found in the Agenda to the right. Those in the Speaker Profiles may not have caught up to any last minute changes.
Hotel meeting room map is HERE.
Speaker Presentation System Information is HERE.
Hotel meeting room map is HERE.
Speaker Presentation System Information is HERE.
Got an Idea for a Speaker?
Contact our Programs Coordinator with a speaker's name and contact info who would be interested in speaking or tell us about your own idea in the Call for Speaker's form.
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Lisa Benson
Currently, Lisa is at the helm of a highly regarded nonprofit organization, The Queen Esther Project www.TheQueenEstherProject.org researching, publishing, providing commentary and analysis in print and broadcast platforms. Her focus is educating on geo-political crisis and conflict that leads to the population displacement of innocent lives in harm’s way of conflict.
In addition, Lisa Benson works with the U.S. Intelligence Sector, the former Director of the CIA, Amb. R. James Woolsey in particular, on issues of electric grid protection and Russian interference in the U.S. Judiciary, among many topics of national security concern.
Lisa Benson is a compelling public speaker having traveled extensively during 2013, 2014, 2015 lecturing on issues of foreign policy and national security and Middle East affairs.
Lisa is the mother of two grown sons. She received her B.A. with honors at the State University of New York, Albany and graduate studies at The Rockefeller College of Public Policy, State University of New York. Lisa is also a professional photographer, artist, and avid hiker.How To Survive 2018 Family Holiday Dinner In A Trump America
10:00 AM to 10:50 AM Saturday, November 24th in Prescott RmProgram Description TBD-
Patrick Brennan
Breaking Down Barriers to Affordable Housing and Neighborhood Opportunity: Market Dynamics
3:00 PM to 3:50 PM Friday, November 23rd in Prescott RmToo often, we focus on big challenges facing affordable housing and economic opportunity from a top-down perspective. We struggle to balance market dynamics with public need, popular sentiment, and historical inertia. But maybe a few simple and pragmatic nudges could help us reframe the discussion around affordable housing and how we can build more. We need integrative/innovative solutions to our housing shortage, and this starts with a review of the facts. Together we can strengthen neighborhoods, promote opportunity, and make less work of the process by enabling better problem solving.-
Steve Broe
Three Success Strategies for Introverted Leaders
11:00 AM to 11:50 AM Friday, November 23rd in Prescott RmExtroverts tend to get noticed, however about half of us are introverts and many of us are excellent contributors and leaders. Want to enhance your skills of influence at work or for pleasure? Steve will discuss leadership skills and the special opportunity that introverts offer their organizations. The loudest person in the room shouldn't always win - introverts offer a great deal.-
Kebba Buckley Button
8 Symptoms You Are a Creative Soul (or Can Be)
11:00 AM to 11:50 AM Saturday, November 24th in Pinetop RmCreativity is more than those public school art class experiences, cutting and gluing paper bits or shaping clay. We have the right to shape our very lives, and how consciously we do that affects what we experience. If you don't like what you're getting in your life, you can create something else. How can you resist this session?-
Charles Chesser
Not Your Old Man's Straw Hat (Usually)- Barbershop Harmony Today
4:00 PM to 4:50 PM Friday, November 23rd in Pinetop RmThe term "barbershop quartet" often brings to mind four mustachio'd middle-aged men in stripes and straw hats singing about the Old Mill Stream. However, over the past 80 years, the Barbershop Harmony art style has evolved into so much more. I will share with you my experiences in singing barbershop, with a touch of the history and physics behind what makes it barbershop for flavor. Additionally, there will be videos and in-person demonstrations of what barbershop is today as compared to its early years, with an emphasis on tag-singing.-
Stephen Davidson, DO, MD (h)
Confessions of a Body Mechanic: How An Osteopath Looks at Health and Disease
2:00 PM to 2:50 PM Friday, November 23rd in Payson RmWhere does disease come from?
One place is structural malalignment in the human framework.
The presentation begins with a review of the osteopathic principles used in tuning the human machine.
Through lecture, anatomical slides and pictures of actual “before and after”cases, Dr. Davidson demonstrates the thought process he uses to reason from anatomical discord to physiological resolution.
Cases include:
arthritis of hips and hands
severe scoliosis
hearing loss
muscular inccordination (running)
psoas spasms
If there is time, he will demonstrate an actual analysis and treatment approach on a willing audience member.-
Chuck Field - Banquet Entertainment
Chuck Field and his stage partners, Ziggy, Nick and Dr. Sol, have been wowing audiences for the past 30 years. Their fast-paced, hysterical humor and superb ventriloquism are truly delightful! Audiences from all walks of life are falling prey to the charms of Chuck Field and his cast of characters.
Chuck's ability to entertain audiences of all ages has given him a reputation as a consummate professional. Chuck has entertained for big names such as: Rockwell International, Dillards Department Stores, Wrigley Corp., International Paper, Georgia Pacific and Carnival Cruise Lines.
Chuck's flexibility and very quick wit give him an edge over other stage performers. His ability to create impromptu material is always greeted with unexpected hilarity and infectious laughter. Whether it's a corporate event, trade show, cruise, festival, awards presentation, concert, family gathering, or as master of ceremonies, Chuck's tailored approach and uncompromising quality always delivers a performance to remember. His goal is for the audience members to walk away with a smile and to say, "That was so much fun, where did you ever find that guy?"Comedy Ventriloquist Chuck Field
During the Banquet Saturday, November 24th in Phoenix BallroomStage show for Saturday Night Banquet-
Stephen Dale Floyd
Black, White & Grey: Magic in Medieval Spain
4:00 PM to 4:50 PM Friday, November 23rd in Prescott RmDespite popular perception, medieval Spain’s tolerance of the Old Religion was greater than that of her northern neighbors, where ten to fifteen times as many deaths occurred during the Great Witch Hunt, mostly at the hands of secular authorities. Sex, magic, and science were codified in Spain, resulting in more religious controls over their interplay in social behavior. This presentation explores XIII historical factors responsible for increased religious conflict, and how Spanish society differed from that of northern Europe.-
Deeann Jo Griebel
She is licensed as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) but does not practice accounting. Retention of this license requires a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education annually. As an educational speaker she gives presentations annually on such topics as how to read prospectuses, fraudulent investments, economic events, and investment concepts.
*Criteria for the Barron's Top 100 Women Financial Advisors was based on quantitative and qualitative criteria and by examining regulatory records, talking with peers, supervisors, clients and the advisors themselves. Portfolio performance is not a criterion because most advisors do not have audited track records.An Overview of the Current US Economy and What This May Mean to Investors
11:00 AM to 11:50 AM Friday, November 23rd in Pinetop RmI Zombies (ten or more year old corporations that need to borrow money to pay interest payments)
II Accounting Standard 2014-09 and its impact on zombies
III Capitalizing all leases in 2019 and its impact on zombies
IV US Corporate Fixed Income Securities
Investment Grade status
Non-investment Grade status
Shadow Lenders
Who owns this debt
Why you may want to avoid all corporate debt securities
V Current Stock Market Discussion
S & P 500-------
Russell 2000
Illustration
AMZN
TSLA
NFLX
GLYE
AZ real estate--? 1989 repeat
VI Question and Answers
This speech will review the current state of excessive corporate debt and how new accounting rules such as Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 could pressure corporate zombies into Bankruptcy. “How” this excessive debt could trigger a recession by late 2019 /early 2020 will be detailed. Finally, how the ‘next’ recession may be different than the 2008-2009 recession.Facts, Projections, and Potential Consequences of Social Security
2:00 PM to 2:50 PM Friday, November 23rd in Piinetop RmI Where the money comes from:
A What is in the Social Security Trust fund
B Interest Received by the General fund of USA
C Withholding from Wages and Self Employment Taxes etc
II Where the money goes:
A Expenses
B To retirees
C Excess money is saved
III Projections by SS Trust Funds Trustees
A Impact of depletion of IOUs
B SS Assumptions vs alternative projections
C 25% reduction or 35% reduction or 70% reduction? Discussion!
D Planning considerations for wealthier individuals !
IV The other 82 Government Sponsored Pension Trust funds !
V. Multiple Employer Pension funds !
VI. Teachers and First Responders’ Pension funds
The presentation will do a deep dive in the numbers to explain exactly how Social Security is funded, how the depletion of its IOUs may impact retirees in 10 to 15 years, and the resulting impact on society. Then, the pending depletion of the other 82 government sponsored pension funds will be explored and the resulting negative impact on society as a whole will be reviewed. Finally, the ‘other’ pension plans’ pending depletions and the cumulative problems this could generate will be explored.-
Will Hepburn
Will began his career in the investment business in 1987. He has managed two mutual funds and is a past-president of the National Association of Active Investment Managers and conducts training courses for other money managers. Will is also a college instructor having taught classes on investing at Yavapai College in Prescott, AZ, since 1990.Why Bad Things Happen to Good Investments
9:00 AM to 9:50 AM Friday, November 23rd in Payson RmThis presentation, will be the Cliffs Notes version of the popular book Why Bad Things Happen to Good Investments. This may sound a little strange, but investors rarely buy bad investments. They all start out fine, but then markets change and the economy changes and investments must be able to change with the times, too. Discussion will include the primary flaw in many investment plans and how you can better protect your savings from heading south during bear markets. We will discuss why diversification is often so ineffective in preventing losses and how a better understanding of diversification can help. The book looks at buy low, sell high as a two-part goal in which one must sell at some point to be successful, which oddly is also the one thing Wall Street discourages investors from ever doing.-
Sarah Jansen
Bikepacking the Arizona Trail from Mexico to Utah
11:00 AM to 11:50 AM Friday, November 23rd in Payson RmIn April 2016 Philosophy Professor Sarah Jansen won the Arizona Trail Race (AZTR). The world's longest trail bike race, the AZTR runs 750 rugged miles along the Arizona Trail from Mexico to Utah. Enduring complete bike failure (which ends Sarah’s shot at the women's course record) and the death of a family member, Sarah finds a way to make it to the Grand Canyon. There she faces the greatest challenge yet: a marathon trek through the canyon with her mountain bike strapped to her back, all while coming to terms with what it means to be home. In this presentation Sarah will share details about the Arizona Trail and her experience on the trail. She will also discuss how she sees intellectual adventures and outdoor adventures fitting together in a well-lived life.-
Stan Jones
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Presentation
10:00 AM to 10:50 AM Friday, November 23rd in Prescott RmThe purpose of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) personality inventory is to make the theory of psychological types described by C. G. Jung understandable and useful in people's lives. The essence of the theory is that much seemingly random variation in that behavior is actually quite orderly and consistent, being due to basic differences in the ways individuals prefer to use their perception and judgment.: When you decide on your preference in each category, you have your own personality type, which can be expressed as a code with four letters.-
Kylie Kilian
Lo Que Aprendí en Perú (What I learned in Perú)
3:00 PM to 3:50 PM Friday, November 23rd in Pinetop RmIn this presentation, I will discuss my experience as a volunteer with the Vive Peru program in the summer of 2016. I will talk about how I, an overly-cautious human being, learned how to throw caution to the wind through weekend travel, poor translations, and medical volunteering.-
Al Krever
Aikido: Not just dressing funny and throwing your friends around.
3:00 PM to 3:50 PM Saturday, November 24th in Pinetop RmAikido is a non-offensive, non-violent martial art. It is relatively recent in its development and incorporates both physical and metaphysical components. I'll discuss some of the more interesting aspects of the origins of Aikido, its relationship to a few key Japanese spiritual concepts, how it is practiced and the biomechanical basis for how it works. This will include some interesting participatory examples for the lecture attendees to try for themselves at various times during the talk.-
Cindy McDonald & Jeni Grossman
Jeni Grossman is an award-winning journalist and the author of six books, including her memoir, Graduating from Religion. Jeni earned two master’s degrees from Fuller Theological Seminary, and is currently working toward a third in Religious Studies from ASU where she teaches religion. Jeni’s son was born with spina bifida and, at age 37, is one of the oldest Americans living with this disability. Her experiences with disability, advocacy, and medical interventions made Jeni a natural ally to help Cindy tell her own life story.MMJ – Why It’s High Time to Remove Medical Marijuana from Schedule 1
2:00 PM to 2:50 AM Saturday, November 24th in Pinetop RmChances are, you know someone suffering with a chronic or life-threatening illness. Seizures, anxiety, glaucoma, MS, IBS – and the Big C – to name just a few. Perhaps you have a friend or family member facing one of these health challenges. You may or may not be aware that medical marijuana is being successfully used to treat all these illnesses, and many others. The problem is that this natural drug remains illegal in 20+ states – and in the places where its use is legal, its legal status remains in jeopardy because it’s still classified a Schedule 1 drug by the federal government, implying it has high abuse potential; has no accepted medical use; and is unsafe, even under medical supervision. Anyone using MMJ to treat a chronic or life-threatening illness will tell you otherwise. Cindy McDonald was forced to become a repeat criminal to obtain cannabis to treat her son’s severe brain injury. She and Jeni Grossman, the co-author of her new book, The Least Likely Criminal, will discuss the challenges parents like Cindy continue to face, and why it’s imperative that our culture overcome its programmed resistance to this natural and incredibly effective treatment alternative and make medical marijuana legal.-
Richard Morris - GPM LocSec
Shooting Gallery: What’s Wrong…or Maybe (gasp!) Right about GPM
4:00 PM to 4:50 PM Friday, November 23rd in Payson RmYour LocSec and such other ExCom members aren’t otherwise occupied and want to will take questions, suggestions, criticism and dodge rotten tomatoes from all who want to lob them. This exercise is intended to find out how ExCom can serve you better.
No guarantees on results, but if we don’t know where the itch is we won’t know where to scratch. And don’t be surprised it we ask for volunteers to put suggestions (demands?) into effect.-
Charis Ober
Mrs. Ober is a graduate of the University of Arizona and worked in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry for over 28 years. Her career background includes working for Fortune 500 companies: McNeil Pharmaceuticals, Schering Plough / Merck Pharmaceuticals.
Mrs. Ober lives in Tucson, Arizona, is married to Dr. Richard Ober and has two children, Jillian and RJ.Current Research and Use of Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells
11:00 AM to 11:50 AM Saturday, November 24th in Payson RmHistory of cord blood stem cells, diseases treated with donated umbilical cord blood, how cord blood is collected, current cord blood research and advances, , economic impact on the state, the next generation of students and STEM careers.-
Laura Orsini
With a BA in Nonfiction Writing from the University of Arizona, Laura is the author of many books, including Publish Your Book Already!, The Author’s Media Tool Kit, Practical Philanthropy, and the award-winning 1,001 Real-Life Questions for Women. She will publish her first novel in Spring 2019.
Laura began her public speaking career presenting on the topic of creativity for such groups as American Express and the Scottsdale Library. When she’s away from the computer, she enjoys movies, music, the outdoors, chatting over chai latte at a local coffeehouse, and spending time with her husband and her pets.Is It Time to Write Your Book?
11:00 AM to 11:50 PM Saturday, November 24th in Prescott RmMany people say they have a book in them – but even though it’s easier than it’s ever been, most people never write that book. And unfortunately, most of those who do write bad ones. There are many ways to write a book: dictate it, type it by hand, hire a ghost writer. But how do you write a book you can be proud of? How do you get started when you’re not sure what the first step is? How can you tell if you’ve got a great story or idea on your hands? During this fun and inspiring session, we’ll ask some questions, do some brainstorming, and uncover the best way for you to finally get that book out of your head and into print.-
Dave Pivin
After service in the US Navy during the Vietnam era, he obtained a BS in Engineering from UC Irvine, followed a few years later by a Master's Degree in Engineering Management from Northeastern University, Boston.
All along the way, he became interested in personal computing, getting his first computer in 1980. He jumped at the chance to get on the internet with his own web site in 1996 and continues to maintain a presence HERE today, where he exposes his primary interests: family, genealogy and photography.
Dave took the Mensa test here in Phoenix in 1989 and became more active after he retired, stepping up to become Webmaster for the GPM site. A Life Member of Mensa, he has served on the ExCom as Member at Large, LocSec, and Editor and participated in Communication, RG and Marketing Committees. He also joined Triple Nine Society, using the results of his Mensa qualifying test as prior evidence.
Dave has been accompanied on his journey by his wife, Lovina for the past 50 years. She has been a Registered Nurse, but more recently worked in her second career as a behavioral health counselor after receiving a Master of Counseling degree from ASU. She has recently joined him in retirement. They have two sons, 39 and 48 and four grandchildren close-by here in Phoenix.Casa Grande and the Corona Project
4:00 PM to 4:50 PM Friday, November 24th in Prescott RmScattered in a 16-mile square grid in the southern part of Casa Grand lies a collection of over 250 concrete markers, resembling a Maltese Cross, that were installed in the ground the Cold War 1960s. Although they were in plain sight, their purpose was not publicly disclosed as they were part of a top secret reconnaissance program run by a government agency whose very existence was not revealed until 1992. The whole story of this program reveals that the US was committed develop the technology necessary to learn everything about the location of ballistic missile launch sites, nuclear submarines and bombers capable of reaching us. Today we can just look at Google Earth.My Adventures in Genealogy
9:00 AM to 9:50 AM Friday, November 23rd in Prescott RmEveryone who looks into their family history has adventures in the process. Getting started whets an appetite that leads to brick walls followed by rewarding discoveries (or not) and a better understanding of who they are. Those discoveries have revealed to me that it is important to look in the right place, talk to the right people, and use the internet to its best advantage. These adventures are presented to help enable you to have similar success in finding your roots.-
Mary Prior
Everything you ever wanted to know about RGs/AGs - but were afraid to ask
4:00 PM to 4:50 PM Saturday, November 24th in Payson RmThis will be a slide show of various things Mensa, and specifically, about RGs and AGs. I hope to be able to answer any of your questions, but from my point of view, RGs and AGs (and the Scholarship and Gifted Kids Programs) are the best things in Mensa! I've heard so many WOW! speakers, from Isaac Asimov, to the real "Sybil," to Dr. Dimento, to Nikki Wenger (one of the "Teachers in Space"). In fact, when i was in the Navy reserve, I planned my annual 2-week duty to coincide with Mensa gatherings! My friends Wanda Wolfe and Jeannette Blumenthal and I started not just the Fishbowl in Mensa, but also the Bawdy Broads SIG, which we eventually disbanded. If you want to learn skills, working on RGs and AGs is one way to do so. From negotiating with the hotels, planning the program, handling hospitality, and planning tours, there are so many ways you can improve yourself (and your resume!). I hope you'll find some of the slide show amusing as well as informative.-
Wes Putnam
Leadership and the Power of Listening
2:00 PM to 2:50 PM Friday, November 23rd in Prescott RmLEADERSHIP
The Power of Listening
AN INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP
THAT REVEALS THE CONNECTION
BETWEEN LISTENING AND LEADERSHIP
A lot has been written about what has people be extraordinary leaders and there is a lot of interest in the qualities that leaders possess. This presentation will focus on an often overlooked but important aspect of leadership available to everyone.
Participants in this workshop will:
• Discover hidden preconceptions about leadership that limit your capacity to lead effectively (blind spots).
• Participate in exercises that allow you and your colleagues to experience the power of listening, and explore the vital role it plays in effective leadership.
• Regardless of your position within the organization, you will receive valuable insights that are immediately relevant both at work as well as in your personal life.
Whether you participate in a work team, professional association, civic group, or any other community organization, how you listen can cause breakthrough results.-
Andrew Robertson
Andrew has always enjoyed coffee and cooking. A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, he is not afraid of unique flavors, experiences, or challenges. Before coming to Press in 2016, he worked with the city of Phoenix to oversee the home delivered meal program for the elderly, and has held nearly every food service job imaginable—from fast food to fine dining.
His previous endeavors include growing and processing tea, creating unique coffee roasting techniques at home, and extensive travel throughout the Middle East.
Driven by a passion to bring awareness about specialty coffee to the masses, Andrew is delighted to share his knowledge and experience with the Mensans of the Greater Phoenix area.What's So "Special" About Specialty Coffee?
10:00 AM to 10:50 AM Saturday, November 24th in Pinetop RmWhat is good coffee? Why are some coffees so expensive, while others are given away complimentarily? We will dive into this and other complex questions—exploring the history and evolutions of coffee and its relation to people and cultures throughout the world. We will cover growing, processing, roasting, and brewing. There will be plenty of opportunities for questions throughout the presentation, such as "how do you brew the perfect cup of coffee?"-
Susan Sackett
In August 1974, she began an association with Gene Roddenberry, creator of Star Trek, serving as his personal executive assistant for 17 years until his death in October, 1991. She also served as his production assistant on the first Star Trek film and worked closely with him on the next five Star Trek movies. In addition, she served as Production Associate during the first five seasons of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Susan and her writing partner, Fred Bronson, sold several stories and a teleplay to that series, including the popular episodes “Ménage à Troi” and “The Game.”
Susan is the author of 12 non-fiction books about the entertainment industry. She is a member of the TV Academy, the Writers Guild of America, and Mensa.Humanism in "Star Trek"
3:00 PM to 3:50 PM Friday, November 23rd in Pinetop RmMy presentation covers the Humanist philosophy of "Star Trek" creator Gene Roddenberry. Humanism is a non-theistic world view -- a positive, secular, scientific, evolutionary, naturalistic philosophy and concept of humanity and the universe. Through the use of slides, I will give several examples of this philosophy as expressed in various episodes of "Star Trek - The Original Series" and "Star Trek: The Next Generation.-
Steve Schumacher
Steve developed his interest in Phoenix history over 10 years ago and has written several research papers on various aspects of Phoenix history. His most recent paper is entitled Building the Future of Phoenix History. He has spoken to the Mayor and City Council of Phoenix on Phoenix history and has been interviewed on KAET, Channel 8 on the same subject. He has also worked closely with Pueblo Grande on historic issues.
Steve is an accomplished long distance runner who has traveled throughout North America running races. He has two adult children who live in California and Tempe.
Steve holds Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Business from Arizona State University and a Doctorate in Education from Pepperdine University. He has been a member of MENSA International for 30 years and served on the faculty of the University of California, Irvine Gifted Students Academy. He resides in Chandler, ArizonaPhoenix History As Seen By the Mayor In 1885
2:00 PM to 2:50 PM Saturday, November 24th in Prescott RmThis Phoenix History presentation is focused on a colorful lithograph showing a Bird's Eye View of Phoenix in 1885. It was drawn by one-time Mayor of Phoenix, C.J. Dyer. The presenter will point out numerous points of interest on the lithograph, including the City Limits, the first irrigation canal, the first schoolhouse, county courthouse, and several buildings that are still standing.
Using the lithograph as a base for discussion, the presenter will highlight some fascinating stories about early Phoenix and the colorful founders who saw the future prosperity available. In addition, any and all questions about the history of Phoenix will be gladly entertained and responded to.
This lithograph was drawn and distributed nationally in an effort to draw attention to Phoenix and draw investors and future residents. I think participants will be surprised and delighted in hearing some interesting and entertaining facts about the city we call home.3 Keys to Being Socially Adept
4:00 PM to 4:50 PM Saturday, November 24th in Piinetop RmHave you ever felt left out at parties or gatherings?
Are you hesitant to attend MENSA events because you don’t feel confident meeting new people?
In our world of social media, it is very easy to create a very likeable persona online that shows all of our good sides. Inevitably, we need to come out from behind that façade and meet people face-to-face. If that thought makes you nervous, or if you just struggle with building interpersonal relationships, this seminar is for you.
In this high impact, interactive seminar you will learn the most important skills in becoming more socially adept. These skills include being aware of body language, listening skills, first impressions, and speaking with confidence.
If you want to be less of a wallflower, or just want to sharpen your skills, this seminar will be an hour well spent.-
Frank Sasso & Barbara Hofmann
Sensei Barbara Hofmann is a 2nd degree Black Belt in Goju Shorei Karate and a Certified Instructor of Western Tai Chi. Ms. Hofmann was a school teacher for many years. She also traveled much of North America: every US state except Alaska, southeastern Canada, and various locations in Mexico. However, she always maintained her interest in martial arts. After moving to Arizona and finding Master Sasso, she studied Karate and Tai Chi seriously, and received her first Black Belt the day before her 70th birthday.Western Tai Chi
9:00 AM to 9:50 AM Saturday, November 24th in Prescott RmWe will be presenting a short lecture on the history of tai chi and its health benefits.
Our Western tai chi is Master Sasso’s modern version of the traditional Eastern style, adapted to appeal more to Americans. We accompany the exercise with modern music known to Americans. However, the health benefits remain. We will demonstrate a pattern or two.
After introducing tai chi and its benefits, we invite the participants to join us performing tai chi, a gentle, low impact exercise.-
Dave Sherman
He is the founder and president of Dave Sherman Speaks, a speaking, training, and coaching organization that teaches people how to mix, mingle and schmooze.
Before becoming a speaker and trainer, Dave was an award winning retail business owner. He was named a Top Small Business Person of the Year by the Phoenix and Tempe Chambers of Commerce, as well as receiving the Mass Mutual Blue Chip Award for Small Business Excellence.
Dave is the author of three best-selling books on the topic of networking and has had the pleasure of working with companies such as American Express, Southwest Airlines, Toyota, Raytheon, Northwestern Mutual, Wells Fargo, and many many more.
Dave is the father to Lyndsi and Mathew and lives in beautiful Scottsdale, AZ. He loves golf, any kind of travel, all types of movies and his only real vices these days are Diet Mountain Dew, a good bottle of red wine and a great cigar.Elevator Speech Hot Seat
10:00 AM to 10:50 AM Saturday, November 24th in Payson RmWhen somebody asks you what you do for a living, how do you answer? Do you babble out the first answer that comes to your mind or do you have an engaging response that will encourage people to ask for more information?
If you don't have a great answer to the question, "what do you do," this 100% interactive workshop will show you how to create and deliver an unforgettable elevator speech.
Here’s how it works. 12 or more people will volunteer to stand up and give their 30 second elevator speech. When these people are finished, each of the presenters will be provided with suggestions, tips and tools to help them make their elevator speech grab the attention of the listener, engage the listener in conversation and encourage the listener to want to know more!-
Sean Sweat
Maximum Destruction with Minimum Parking
10:00 AM to 10:50 AM Friday, November 23rd in Pinetop RmOur drug-like addiction to excessive car storage has exacerbated the housing crisis, led to some of the worst architecture in the history of the world, and thrown many cities into insolvency. If you've never thought much about how ridiculous it is that the City of Phoenix requires a 1000-sqft bar to have a 5000-sqft parking lot, then you'll want to come hear about how parking has shaped our entire lives without us even realizing it. And eventually, autonomous vehicles will radically alter the landscape of parking, but will it be in time?-
Donna Tucker
Because a resume is so much more than a history of your career, Donna creates a dynamic presentation that highlights your value and accomplishments to generate further interest in you. Whether corporate executive, career changer, or entry-level, she can help you stand out in the crowd.
Giving back to the community is extremely important to Donna, helping get the homeless back to work as a volunteer résumé writer at the nonprofit St. Joseph the Worker.MAKEOVER YOUR RÉSUMÉ FOR 2019
9:00 AM to 9:50 AM Friday, November 23th in Pinetop RmA boring, dusty resume will never get a reader's attention―today you must be precise, be visible, be digital. Even in a tight job market, employers are still receiving a lot of resumes, and they can be picky about who they choose.
The burden is squarely on the jobseeker to demonstrate the right match. Ask yourself:
What benefit or contribution do I add?
What key accomplishments or successes have I delivered time and time again?
What can I say is unique about myself and how I do what I do?
What are my greatest strengths?
Learn how to improve your resume―connect your brand to the value that will get you noticed by both the online bots and the human decision makers.-
Michael Wong - RVC9
Meet RVC-9
3:00 PM to 3:50 PM Saturday, November 24th in Pinetop RmMeet RVC-9, our go-between with the national organization. Your chance to look under the hood of a varied and complex organization intended to serve more than 50,000 people, each of whom is the smartest person in the room.Cheese Tasting - Dutch Cheeses
4:00 PM to 4:45 PM Saturday, November 24th in PinetopIf you have been to any GLAAM RGs for the last 10 years (or the San Diego RG 2018), you may have seen my cheese presentations listed on the programs. I have started doing cheeses from a single specific country with French cheeses at GLAAM and Spanish cheeses at San Diego, for Phoenix I will be doing Dutch cheese. We will be sampling between 12 to 15 very interesting cheeses from the Netherlands and talk about how some of these special cheeses are made. $6 per person. Gouda you like this cheese??: I discovered my love for fine cheeses after le fromagier extraordinaire Andrew Steiner introduced his ambitious cheese program to the Patina restaurant in Los Angeles. A regular patron of the restaurant, the intriguing cheese cart which often featured over 40 different cheeses immediately caught my fancy and a plate was ordered on the whim, thus starting a lifetime obsession with sampling different cheeses from all over the world. I first shared my love for fine and exotic cheeses at the GLAAM RG with cheese tastings, and have started also presenting cheeses at other Region 9 RGs the last couple of years since becoming the Regional Vice Chair for the Region. The country specific themed cheese presentation is something that started 2 years ago, we will be sampling the fantastic Dutch cheeses from the Netherlands, including the famous Gouda (pronounced HOW-da) and the delightful chocolate like Gjetost.-
David Zapatka and Diane Zimmerman
Eight Adventurous Days on the Amazon
10:00 AM to 11:50 AM Friday, November 23rd in Payson RmDianne and David spent eight adventurous days beginning at the mouth of the Amazon then 900 miles upstream to Manaus as part of a 35-day Oceania Sirena luxury cruise from San Diego to Rio de Janeiro this year. They teach bridge while at sea but when in port, they love the adventure of touring countries around the world. They will share pictures, video and stories of their Amazon adventures.-
More to Come
Program TBD
11:00 AM to 11:50 AM Saturday, November 24th in Pinetop RmProgram Description
Like minds who like minds