Dan Coughlin and Dean M. Brenner to Speak at "Growth Through Innovation" Sailing Industry Conference
Dan Coughlin, best-selling author of ACCELERATE: 20 Practical Lessons to Boost Business Momentum, is the keynote speaker at the inaugural annual “Growth Through Innovation” Conference presented by GE Capital Solutions and Sail America and Industry Regatta sponsored by West Marine from June 11-13 at the International Yacht Restoration School in Newport, RI.
Coughlin and presentations by US Olympic Sailing Program Chairman Dean M. Brenner and Wachovia Senior Economic Analyst Mark Vitner, who will review the current economic outlook and trends, are among the conference highlights. Over 100 industry owners, sales and marketing managers and sailing industry professionals are expected to attend this inaugural industry conference especially designed to help sailing-related businesses accelerate and grow during challenging times. Topics include: successful export strategies, generating sales in a soft market, the latest in e-marketing; key principles to effective marketing segmentation; targeted public relations strategies, and achieving success through product innovation.
The conference kicks off on the evening of June 11th with a SAIL Magazine-sponsored Welcome Reception at the Sunset Terrace of the Newport Yachting Center, featuring a presentation about the Volvo Ocean Race by PUMA Racing Skipper Ken Read. The Industry Conference moves into full gear June 12th with a jam-packed day filled with educational seminars, workshops, social networking and noteworthy presentations.
“You just don’t want to miss the biggest sailing industry conference of the year,” advises Jonathan Banks, executive director for Sail America. “Our keynote and featured speakers will offer fresh insights and strategies to help you map a course for future growth in today’s challenging market.”
Coughlin’s keynote speech is entitled, “Innovate to Accelerate: Practical Processes to Propel Business Momentum.” He believes business innovation means creating more value for customers that generates sustainable, profitable growth for your organization. In this fast-paced opening session, Coughlin will provide practical processes every attendee can apply on an individual and organizational basis to create more value for customers and improve profits and revenue growth.
Incorporating lessons from his consulting work with major brands such as Toyota, McDonald's, Marriott, and Coca-Cola, as well as with hundreds of small and medium-sized businesses, Coughlin will give every attendee valuable take-home advice. He has been quoted in USA Today, the New York Times, Investor’s Business Daily and The Journal of the American Management Association and his articles have been published in more than 100 trade association publications.
In his highly interactive afternoon workshop, entitled “Accelerate Your Impact as a Business Leader,” Coughlin will explain the details of great leadership and guide the group through a series of discussions on how to effectively influence the way other people think. Topics include effective communication, the leadership toolbox, coaching to improve performance, and learning from leaders in your past.
United States Olympic Sailing Program Chairman Dean Brenner is also another featured General Session speaker. As president of The Latimer Group, LLC, a communication coaching and training firm, Brenner helps a long list of Fortune 500 clients speak, present and communicate more effectively and persuasively. He has also recently published a book, “Move the World: Persuade Your Audience, Change Minds and Achieve Your Goals.”
As chairman and team leader for the United States Olympic Sailing Program, Brenner leads
the organization that supports the sailing athletes training for the 2008 Olympic Games and Paralymic Games in Beijing, China. In his presentation, entitled, “Pursuit of Excellence: Professional Lessons from the World of Olympic Sailing,” Brenner will discuss several important business concepts that will help every attendee lead, manage and grow their business, especially if a change of course is needed. He will draw directly upon his experiences leading the US Olympic Sailing Program over the last three years. During this time, Brenner has led a dramatic turnaround of the Olympic Sailing Program that includes a 300% increase in revenue, and more than 90 podium finishes since 2004 from the US Sailing Team.
The conference will wrap up with a panel discussion with industry leaders to assess “Future Trends for the Sailing Industry.” In the evening, attendees will enjoy The Sailing Company-sponsored Gala Dinner that includes live entertainment and a Gala Silent Auction that will raise funds for the Discover Sailing campaign. Sail America welcomes donations of items from members valued at $100 or more for the silent auction.
Sail America’s first inaugural conference has enjoyed the support of many leading industry companies including: Title Sponsor GE Capital Solutions; Presenting Sponsors, Gill® North America; Composites One®, Marsh Insurance and Yanmar®, Gala Dinner Sponsor, The Sailing Company; Speaker Sponsors, Blue Water Sailing and Harken®; Lunch Sponsor, Hunter® Marine; Welcome Reception Sponsors, SAIL Magazine and the Newport Boat Show; Photography Sponsors, Billy Black and Sabre Yachts; Official Web Provider, Caffeine. Inc.; and Official Marketing Partner, Kenton Smith Advertising & Public Relations.
Visit www.sailamerica.com for more information and to register.
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