Debbie Wildrick
Director of Marketing, Equa Water
Chair of the 2009 NEW Summit

Q. Tell us about the theme of this year's Summit – “Smart, Fast and Flexible: How to win in the new economy." How is that expressed in the program?

 

A.  Shelley Broader, CEO of Michael's Stores spoke recently at our Executive Leadership Forum, she says that what’s happened recently is a major shift from immediate gratification or opulence back to nesting and values. It’s almost like the ’60s, Broader said, and she believes it will last beyond this economy. While our theme this year is right on target with economic issues that we haven't experienced in a long time, we cannot look at this as a “passing event.” We must learn to adjust to the changes in our environment that could last several years. Driven by the theme, our selection of speakers and their topics will speak to challenges and opportunities -- both personal and business -- that have helped our speakers succeed. 

 

Q. What personal takeaways will people leave with?

 

A. While every individual has a different plan or agenda for what they would like to learn, the Summit will stay focused on its theme. Whether you are an emerging leader or a senior leader, we reach all levels. The keynotes are leaders who have reached it to the top of their organizations. Their personal experiences can be evaluated and duplicated in our own careers and work-life situations after we leave the conference. In addition, the breakouts provide deeper dives into areas of career development, core competencies, and the changing workforce. Attendees will get tools and takeaways for resiliency, building successful presentations for the boardroom, and reaching and engaging with your employees.

 

Q. How does this year's Summit compare to other Summits?

 

A. Better than ever. I believe this year's Summit is right on target with the trends of the economy and the industry. It's at the forefront of giving our attendees the tools to succeed going forward (and they will be different than in the past). In addition, we've expanded our breakouts to include three tracks, so whether you are looking for personal growth, career development or business strategies for your organization, they are available from our leading breakout speakers. We've added an event before the opening reception on Monday, October 12 that will provide tools to attendees to help enhance the learning experience and take it to a new level. This is especially important as you leave the Summit and go back to your workplace and your life and put these strategies into motion.

 

Q. What make the Summit different from other industry events?

 

A.  The Summit is specifically geared towards the consumer products and retail industry but we strive to provide content that you will not find at other industry events. We won't share additional facts on market share or consumer trends that you've already seen and heard. We're all about providing tools that expand attendees personal and career development. This individual approach ensures that our sponsoring companies benefit from sending their employees to the conference because the growth of their employees drives greater results for our organizations.

 

Q. Who should attend the Summit?

 

A. Unlike some of our other events that are catered towards a specific audience, this event is our largest and well attended. We strive to provide content that reaches mid- to senior-level managers in all facets of the business.