The 2012 Heartland Regional Conference will take place April 25-27 at the Marriott in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. Early bird registration ends on Feb. 29 ($295 for members; $395 for non-members), so visit the website to sign up soon, and let’s get a rockin’ turnout of Indiana members!

Background and benefits

The SMPS Northeast Ohio chapter is hosting this year’s conference, along with support from the other chapters in the Heartland Region: Wisconsin, Indiana, Columbus, Greater Cincinnati, Michigan, Kentucky, Pittsburgh and Chicago. Conference co-chairs are Brett Neff and Patrick Robbins.

Our regional conference, which took place first in Cincinnati in 2008 and then in Indianapolis in 2010—has a history of national caliber programming to help attendees improve their skills and knowledge. Another major benefit of attending HRC is the networking and relationship building aspect. Attendees often come from firms that might team up for pursuits or serve as advocates for one another on a regional level.

Keynoters taking the mic

Author and industry analyst Jack Plunkett will open the conference Wednesday evening, and attendees will receive a copy of his book, the Next Boom. Best-selling author and personal coach Brent Darnell is the closing keynote for the conference on Friday morning, covering the topic of “Emotional Intelligence.” Thursday’s lunch will feature a keynote panel.

Breakout session topics strike major chords

In honor of Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this year’s conference has a music theme that will add some fun to the conference. Breakout sessions include Business Development (Hip Hop); Marketing (Rhythm & Blues) and Management (Hard Rock). The 12 sessions will cover a range of topics, including interview preparation, career development, effective business development, finance for marketers, reputation management, branding, leadership and more.

As national chapter delegate, I’m honored to be speaking at HRC and excited to be part of this year’s conference. In addition, national board members Frank Lippert, FSMPS, CPSM (president) and Paula Ryan, FSMPS, CPSM will be presenting breakout sessions at HRC, and SMPS CEO Ron Worth, CAE, FSMPS, CPSM, will also be there!

Stay tuned

More details—including information about the Thursday night social—will be released in the coming weeks and months. Visit Heartland Regional Conference website and follow @smpshrc on Twitter for updates.

I hope to see you there!

I am the IUPUI student awarded the SMPS Scholarship from the Kelley School of Business in Indianapolis.  For my marketing strategy class, the class project involves organizing and coordinating the 2011 Homeward Bound Walk to End Homelessness.  The walk will raise funds for local non-profits that provide affordable housing, shelter, and supportive services to help temporarily displaced families and individuals get back on their feet. 

One small commitment of starting your own corporate team can result in big returns for everyone, including

·         Increased enthusiasm and unity in your company culture

·         Employees who are more responsive, aware, and willing to be socially responsible

·         Positive recognition for practicing good business

·         Help and hope for our community and neighbors in need

Join us for a one mile walk through Downtown Indianapolis on December 19^{th s} starting at 5:30pm.  Participation is free, however a $20 donation earns you a short sleeve t-shirt, and $25 earns you a long-sleeved t-shirt!  Your participation on this cold night is enough to provide hope for those less fortunate. 

We invite you to do something special with your employees and community to benefit others this Holiday.  For more information or to Register your Team visit our website at http://homewardboundindiana.org/central!

Please join our team and the community in supporting this worthy cause!

Thank you,

Daniela Klaz