This issue of GetAheadLines features new roster additions, the GSA Scandal Re-Framed, a quick look back at a winter memory, a short story about how I get inspired and a big thank you to some of our recent customers. As the weather warms up and you start to plan your summer and fall events the Get Ahead Pro Team would like to ask you to consider making us a part of your conference, meeting or event success plan. A recent customer said it best: : "What do I say? Thank you could never be enough. You kicked off our program with a bang! You made me look good, but most importantly....opened eyes." The Get Ahead Team is looking forward to earning your business, engaging your audience and opening eyes.

Why we like Joel: Joel passes the ultimate speaker test! When ever we book Joel he always get's asked back for a repeat performance. Joel is excellent and our customers know they can count on him for a uplifting program that get's results for their organization.

The GSA story re-framed. A quick note on the GSA conference scandal. Meetings are part of the solution to our world's challenges and problems. Real honest connections and experiences lead to great ideas and the changes our society needs to thrive and prosper. As a conference organizer and meeting professional working to empower your members or associates you are part of the solution. I applaud your work and know that the vast majority of conferences and meetings deliver a substantial return on investment for the organizations that plan them properly with specific goals and objectives in mind. The United States General Services Administration needs new strong leadership and professional meeting planners with the training to develop appropriate conference goals and objectives that will deliver a solid return on the tax payer's investment. Canceling or limiting conferences and training programs is not the answer. Speak up about this issue and let others know how professional's in our industry do what's right and create great events, conferences and meetings that deliver positive results for every stakeholder.

The Family Support Conference is a once a year opportunity to share, learn and be rejuvinated in an environment that truly understands the "work" of supporting and loving a family member with challenges. Over the years I've been lucky to go the conference, work a little, share some laughs with the staff and attendees while making a small positive impact for these families. Last year I found out about the struggles the team was having in raising the money to be able to produce the conference. So, on the spot I offered to provide a keynote speaker for them. I was hoping the offer would give the team a lift and lighten the burden that you all know is a part of producing and running a 700 plus person event! After careful consideration and a quick look at the balance sheet the conference team accepted my offer. This year I'm fortunate to be able to help provide them with keynote speaker, Tom Hayes, a person who knows perfectly well that a disability can actually become an ability maker. Tom's personal life story of losing a leg to a very aggressive form of cancer at age 12 and moving on to business and life success is truly inspiring. Tom's inspirational keynotes, Cancer Survivor Day programs, comedy and trainings have touched thousands of people. A big THANK YOU to Tom Hayes and the entire conference team that puts together the NH Family Support Conference. You folks inspire me and the Get Ahead Pro Team is grateful to play a small part in the success of this year's conference. All of us in the meetings industry give back and inspire families, attendees and business associates.
Please take a moment today to acknowledge the great work you do and how as a meeting professional you make the world a little brighter every day. Meetings, conferences and events are part of the solution not part of the problem. "There is nothing so powerful as truth, and often nothing so strange." Daniel Webster

Really under the gun? Limited budget? No time? Hit our PANIC BUTTON REQUEST link and get solutions to your meeting dilemma fast.

A big thank you to some of our recent Get Ahead Pro customers: The Social Security Administration, Securian Financial, LeadingAge Rhode Island, The Concord Regional Visiting Nurses Association, Department of Child Services State of Florida, NH Primex and the Infusion Nurses Society.

Get Ahead Pro Speakers Bureau is ready to help you make your meetings and events less stressful and more successful while delivering the ROI you need. Please let me know the next best step our team can take to turn your next meeting, sales training, conference or retreat into the most memorable event your attendees have ever experienced! We can work with any budget to help you and your team develop a fabulous program that will insure that your 2012 events are standing ovation successes.

All the best,