Keynote/General Session Presenters
Joe Theismann, Analyst for NFL Network and Former Washington Redskins Star Quarterback
Monday – 8:00 am–10:00 am: Challenge of Change
Joe Theismann is an entrepreneur and the former star quarterback for the Washington Redskins. Since retiring from the NFL, Theismann has become a staple of sports broadcasting. The former Washington Redskins quarterback joined ESPN in 1988 after spending two seasons as an NFL analyst for CBS Sports.
Theismann played football at the University of Notre Dame, where he received All-American honors for his efforts in leading the Fighting Irish to consecutive Cotton Bowls and was the runner up for the Heisman Trophy. As a pro, in addition to earning a Super Bowl Championship ring with the Washington Redskins Theismann, played in 163 consecutive games from 1974-1985, was a two-time Pro Bowl selection, and was named the NFL’s “Most Valuable Player” in 1983. Theismann’s playing career ended abruptly in 1985 after sustaining a leg injury against the New York Giants.
Today Theismann shares his experiences, insights, and expertise when it comes to high-level leadership and overcoming adversity. He engages his audiences with expert strategies for handling trying circumstances and unforeseen change. In addition to his accomplishments on the gridiron, Theismann is an inspiration and a role model, having participated in numerous philanthropic projects. In 1982, Theismann was awarded the NFL’s “Man of the Year” title for his efforts in improving his community and his dedication to the health and welfare of children, an inspiring and infectious mindset that he leaves with his audiences.
Sylvie di Giusto, International Keynote Speaker and Author
Tuesday – 8:30 am – 9:30 am: The Power of Choice
International keynote speaker, Sylvie di Giusto, brings her expertise from a successful corporate career in Europe to every presentation. Formerly the head of a management academy and innovation hub, she developed innovative programs for high-end education with never-before-used training methods. As the Chief of Staff for the Chief Human Resources Officer of Europe’s largest tourism and retail group, Sylvie also coordinated all group-wide human resources teams and activities. Prior to that, at a consultancy firm, she implemented online and in-person training and development initiatives for Fortune 100 companies. Well versed in the study of social and cultural norms, personal beliefs and values, as well as cognitive biases and thought patterns, her 20 years in learning and development leaves a deep understanding into how ‘The Power of Choice’ impacts an organization’s sales, leadership and growth.
Sam Richter, founder and CEO of SBR Worldwide/Know More
Tuesday – 11:15 am – 12:15 pm: Embrace It: Generative AI and Your Future
Tuesday – 1:15 pm – 2:30 pm (Workshop): You Just “Friended” a Thief: Simple Ways to Protect Your Data, Your Client’s Data, and Ultimately Your Business
Sam Richter is a distinguished Hall of Fame speaker renowned for his expertise in digital information. Sam is the only professional speaker who not only helps you discover the power of online intelligence, he also builds the AI and ChatGPT intel resources to ensure you experience immediate success. Throughout his career, he has crafted innovative programs and technology for both start-up companies and some of the world’s most recognized brands. Sam is the founder and CEO of SBR Worldwide/Know More. Through his in-person keynote presentations and online programs, Sam trains leading organizations and entertains tens of thousands of people around the world. Sam’s programs promise to be the highest-content, most take-home-value presentations attendees have ever experienced.
Brian Beaulieu, CEO and Chief Economist of ITR Economics™
Tuesday – 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm: Finishing 2024 and Looking Beyond
Since 1987 Brian researches the use of business cycle analysis and economic forecasting as tools for improving profitability. Brian has shared his highly valued research results via presentations, workshops, and seminars in numerous countries to hundreds of thousands of business owners and executives for the last 38 years.
Women in Industry Presenter
Princess Sarah Culberson
Monday – 11:15 am – 1:15 pm: Better Together: How To Build a Culture of Belonging
Raised in West Virginia by her adopted parents, Sarah Culberson had little knowledge of her ancestry. She grew up in a loving, white household, but she had questions about her identity and biracial roots that led her to hire a private investigator in 2004. When she began her unforgettable journey to find her family, she never imagined what she would discover or how it would change her life: she was related to African royalty. Her biological grandfather is the Paramount Chief of a village in Sierra Leone, West Africa and Sarah is considered a Mahaloi, with the status of a princess.
Workshop Session Presenters
Dr. Albert D. Bates
Tuesday – 9:45 am – 11:00 am: Making Higher Profit Permanent
Dr. Albert D. Bates is a Principal in the Distribution Performance Project, a research group devoted to distribution issues. He also serves as a strategic advisor to Benchmarking Analytics.Al makes approximately 50 presentations each year on topics such as Improving the Bottom Line, Getting Serious About Profit, Doing More with Less, and Pricing for Profit. He is also a featured speaker at the University of Innovative Distribution. He has written extensively in both the professional and trade press, including the Harvard Business Review, the California Management Review, Business Horizons and Modern Distribution Management.
Darin Boik
Tuesday – 9:45 am – 11:00 am: Automation Solutions: A Beginner’s Guide – Member Perspectives + Q&A
MHEDA Member Darin Boik holds a degree in Electrical Engineering and has pursued a dynamic career encompassing engineering, technical sales, and strategic leadership. With a foundation in programming, electrical design, and project management, Darin transitioned to a technical sales role at Advanced Equipment Company (AEC). Here he played a key role in designing automated conveyor solutions encompassing packaging line integration, ASRS, sortation, and more. As President of AEC, Darin’s commitment to innovation and customer collaboration has solidified the company’s position as a solutions provider. His role on the board of directors for the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) further highlights his dedication to industry growth.
Chris Czarnik
Monday – 2:15 pm – 3:30 pm: Recruiting, Retaining and Developing Great Employees
Chris Czarnik is an Award-Winning International Keynote Speaker and Author. He currently serves as the subject matter expert on recruiting and retaining talent for Vistage Worldwide, the world’s largest executive coaching and peer advisory organization bringing together leaders to learn and grow.He’s known across the globe as the creator of an innovative approach to job search known as “The Human Search Engine®” and for “Winning the War for Talent,” a transformative approach to hiring and team growth and development. He has spent 20 years figuring out why people leave certain jobs… and what makes them stay.
Jordan Frank
Tuesday – 9:45 am – 11:00 am: Automation Solutions: A Beginner’s Guide – Member Perspectives + Q&A
MHEDA Member Jordan Frank is the EVP and Co-Founder of Zion Solutions Group. He is a sales executive specializing in system design. Using his experience and background, he guides senior leaders on the right mix of technology to complement any facility. He has led projects ranging in size from $1M upwards of $85M. Areas of expertise include: robotics and technology, ROI and labor modeling, software design and integration, data analytics, high speed sortation, conveyor design and system development.
AmyK Hutchens
Tuesday – 1:15 pm – 2:30 pm: Leading through Change
AmyK Hutchens is an international award-winning speaker, Amazon #1 bestselling author of the books, The Secrets Leaders Keep and GET IT: Five Steps to the Sex, Salary and Success You Want, and has over twenty years’ experience training, coaching and consulting with clients such as Whole Foods, The Home Depot, Starbucks Canada, Comerica Bank, Expedia, Lockheed Martin, Securian Financial, Walmart, John Paul Mitchell Systems and hundreds more. As Founder of the global Self-leadership platform www.shegetsit.com, AmyK travels the world [physically & virtually] sharing with leaders and go-getters HOW to confidently & competently navigate their toughest conversations without saying something they regret, giving their power away or damaging their relationships. AmyK received her M.S. from Johns Hopkins University and has been a featured guest on numerous TV, radio & print networks including Bloomberg, Entrepreneur, USA Today, US News & World Report, NBC & ABC. She resides in San Diego, California with her favorite human, Scott, and their bulldog Moose.
Matthew Pollard
Tuesday – 9:45 am – 11:00 am: Rapid Growth in the Face of Uncertainty
Tuesday – 1:15 pm – 2:30 pm: The Invisible Sale: Mastering the Art of Persuasion Through Story
Matthew Pollard is an internationally-recognized consultant, speaker, blogger, author, mentor, coach, and serial entrepreneur with five multi-million dollar business success stories under his belt, all before the age of 30. He is the founder and CEO of Rapid Growth, LLC, dedicated to achieving maximum ROI for businesses of all sizes. Though his client list includes multiple Fortune 500 companies, his real passion is helping small business owners end the overwhelm, eliminate the stress and guesswork, and get on a clear path to Rapid Growth. Called “the real deal” by Forbes, his methods have transformed over 3500 businesses to date.
Paul Reilly
Monday – 2:15 pm – 3:30 pm: Selling Through Tough Times
Paul Reilly is a speaker, sales trainer, author of Selling Through Tough Times and host of The Q and A Sales Podcast. Paul Reilly began his training career by joining Tom Reilly Training. In 2020, Paul earned his CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) designation. He is a frequent contributor to a variety of online and trade magazines and also a faculty member of the University of Innovative Distribution—UID.
Mitch Smith
Tuesday – 9:45 am – 11:00 am: Automation Solutions: A Beginner’s Guide – Member Perspectives + Q&A
MHEDA Member Mitch Smith is the Chief Revenue Officer at Hytrol. He joined Hytrol in 2016 after being an integrator for 23 years, serving in capacities of Inside Sales Engineer, Design Engineer, Project Manager, Branch Manager, Regional Manager, and Vice President for Bastian Solutions, also serving on the Board of Directors for the company. At Hytrol, he oversees business development, central planning, and integrator services. Mitch is also an active participant with several industry organizations, such as the Council for Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), MHI, MHEDA, CEMA.