Register Now
Location & Lodging: Blue Chip Casino & Resort - room rate of $95 per night. Reservations available by phone (888-879-7711) or on-line (www.bluechipcasino.com/groups and use group code GIC0807). Deadline is July 31.
Summer Conference Agenda:
Wednesday, August 22
11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. (Central Time)
Welcome & Opening Luncheon
12:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Opening Keynote - Strong Chambers For The Future, Chuck Ewart
Gone is the day when a business joins the local Chamber because it is the community right thing to do. Businesses are looking for a return on their investment. Unfortunately, far too many chambers take a ‘cookie cutter’ approach to developing their program of work and strategic plan. Chuck Ewart is a highly-regarded expert addressing chamber-related issues with organizations across the U.S.
1:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. – Break – Sign Up For Valpo Night Networking Dinners
1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. – Peer Roundtables
Four roundtables divide the group by number of members. Conquer topics related to your chamber size.
3:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Peer Roundtables
Four topics will divide the group, including membership, events, advocacy and administration will be discussed. Choose the topic that best relates to your interests.
4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. – Break / Freshen Up For Valpo Night Networking Dinners
5:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. – Load busses and depart for Valparaiso
6:15 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Cocktail reception at Valpo Chamber office
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Valpo Night Networking Dinners
9:00 p.m. – 9:15 p.m. – Load busses and depart for Blue Chip Casino & Hotel
Thursday, August 23
7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. – Hot Breakfast Buffet
8:15 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. – Working With Boards, Committees and Volunteers – Chuck Ewart
Critical to the success of a chamber professional is the ability to work closely with volunteers. This session offers tips and techniques for dealing effectively with the volunteers who are so important to the goals and objectives outlined in your annual ‘program of work’ and, more importantly, your strategic plan.
9:15 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. – Conference Exhibitor Table Visits
10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Breakout Sessions (choose 1)
1.) Tooting Your Own Horn, Heather Ennis – Chesterton/Duneland Chamber
Getting the media and the community to notice your chamber isn’t always the easiest task. Get tips and tricks on how to help.
2.) Keep $$$ Local With Chamber Gift Certificates, Julie Gaskell – Valpo Chamber
Chamber gift certificate programs are a great way to keep local dollars local and not hard to manage. Learn the ins and outs of starting and maintaining a successful gift certificate program.
3.) Non-Event Member Benefits
Many members can’t attend events, so you have to offer benefits that don’t always center around them. Get some ideas on what you can do.
11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. – Breakout Sessions (choose 1)
1.) Cloud Computing, Joe Grossbauer – GGNet Technologies
Are you confused by “Cloud Computing” – or maybe just a little intimidated? No need to fear! Learn how to save time and money for your chamber using cloud computing.
2.) Conflict Management, Desila Rosetti – Organizational Development Solutions
We all have had our fair share of workplace conflict. Learn some helpful hints about dealing with those difficult members, volunteers, board members, even staff.
3.) Young Professionals Groups
Successful YP Groups are everywhere, but not always easy to begin. Hearing how a chamber successfully started theirs might get you on the right track.
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Hot Buffet Lunch
2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Annual Membership Meeting
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Managing Yourself & Leading Others, Chuck Ewart
Developing leadership skills will allow you to be recognized for advancement within your chamber. However, leadership connotes having followers and you will never be able to lead others unless you can first manage yourself.
4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. – Explore Michigan City – Details TBA
6:30 p.m. – ICEA Summer Beach Party
Friday, August 24
7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. – Continental Breakfast with Omelette Station
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. – The Value of the State Chamber, Kevin Brinegar
Hear how the Indiana State Chamber can be of service to you and your members.
9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. – Breakout Session (choose 1)
1.) E-Mail Marketing, Steve Robinson with Constant Contact
2.) Member Retention That Works
Signing a new member is one thing, keeping them is often completely more challenging. Increase your retention rate with many helpful tips from this session.
3.) What They Expect
Join this panel discussion and hear what small business members expect from their chamber membership. Have you ever asked your members what do they expect from their investment?
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – ICEA iDea Exchange
Get the scoop on what your fellow Hoosier Chambers are doing. What works? What doesn’t? Come prepared and willing to share.
11:30 a.m. – Conference Adjourned
Mark your calendar for the 2013 Winter Conference & Awards Luncheon scheduled for March 13-15 in Downtown Indianapolis.
