2017 Annual Convention Highlights
Opening General Session
Keynote: Andy Papathanassiou
Andy Papathanassiou, Keynote Speaker
Andy Papathananassiou
NASCAR Visionary and Motorsports Industry Innovator
When Andy Papathanassiou talks about being in the fast lane, he’s referring to something other than his life experiences. Starting in 1992 as the “pit crew coach” for Hendrick Motorsports, DuPont, Sprint Cup Race Team, Papathanassiou has been an integral part of the team building and communication talents that have led to many victories on the NASCAR Circuit.
He always had an interest in racing and believed his degree in organizational behavior combined with his athleticism could benefit the sport. Papathanassiou explains, “A pit crew is just like any high performance team or business unit–you need the right perspective, dedicated players and a good system. Without all the components you will never achieve your potential.”
Education Sessions
Millennials: Engage, Recruit and Retain!
The Millennial generation packs power in numbers alone – 2 billion Millennials account for 27% of the global population
No longer the new kids on the block, with 21% of Millennials in the workplace in formal leadership roles as business leaders, managers, public office holders, parents, entrepreneurs, and board members. As a generation, Millennial leaders are serious, valued contributors filling our talent pipelines.
Is your company equipped with the tools and resources to Engage, Recruit and Retain Millennials? With unemployment at 4.4%, the war for talent in the workplace is heating up. You asked for more, a sequel to last year’s presentation and the Millennial panel discussion, and we are bringing it to you.
Diane Thielfoldt of The Learning Café provided a very brief introduction to Millennial leaders and how to
Diane Thielfoldt
prepare our organizations to welcome, engage and retain current and future Millennial leaders. Diane also facilitated a panel as they shared their views and perspectives (the inside scoop) on the Millennials and the Millwork Industry.
The Panel offered a Millennial perspective on practical and relevant business issues including:
- What’s new? What’s changing?
- What attracts Millennials to the Millwork Industry? (or Not!)
- Engaging and retaining Millennials
- Today’s flexible work environment
The session included Q&A from the audience.
Taking the Economic Pulse
One of the country’s most informed economists, Dr. Alan Beaulieu is a principal at ITR Economics where he serves as President. Since 1990, he has been consulting with companies throughout the US, Europe, and Asia on how to forecast, plan, and increase their profits based on business cycle trend analysis. Alan is also the Senior Economic Advisor to NAW and the Chief Economist for HARDI.
Alan is co-author, along with Brian Beaulieu, of books Make Your Move, Prosperity in the Age of Decline, and But I Want It. He has also penned numerous articles on economic analysis. He makes up to 90 appearances each year, and his keynotes and seminars have helped thousands of business owners and executives capitalize on emerging trends.
Dr. Alan Beaulieu’s presentation updated attendee on the domestic and global economics, trends, manufacturing and distribution industry, the housing market and forecasting.
Dr. Alan Beaulieu
For any questions about or comments on this presentation, please email Alan at alan@itreconomics.com.
The Power of Product Certification
Product Certification – Certify? Not Certify? What’s the Benefit?
This session got right to the point! What is the value to certifying your product in the marketplace, today, and how important is it to your business? Will certifying your product boost sales and give your company an edge over your competitor?
Industry pre-hangers found out the relevance of WMA 100 to their businesses and how to meet performance requirements in residential building codes. They were also updated on what’s new and the changes to the WMA Certification Program.
Attendees got the Right Answers to these and other questions about certifying products and the certification process from Jessica Ferris, WMA’s Director of Codes and Standards, and Tracy Rogers, VP of Sales and Marketing at Keystone Certifications.
The Solution is Easy when you have the Right Answers.
Events
4th Annual Speed Networking Event
WMA’s Speed Networking presented the opportunity for new exhibitors to meet face-to-face with distributors in a prearranged time. Distributors and exhibitors alike found the event enlightening and fun, making it a favored event.
