7th Annual GHTA Conference Testimonials
Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa, Phoenix, Arizona

"I attended my first GHTA conference in November.  Being a 25-year veteran of trade association meetings, I know the difference between a worthwhile one and one that's a waste of time. This GHTA meeting in Phoenix was one of the best industry events I have ever attended. 

Most notable was the way it was organized to make the most of my time.  While the networking was important and beneficial, the organizers made available a program during every minute. Even lunch provided the opportunity for education and brainstorming.

The speakers and programs were on target for today's issues and challenges.  Keith McFarland, author of Bounce, is a world-class speaker and business consultant.  His speech and book are still resonating with me and have given me much to think about it today's business environment. 

The conference gave me the opportunity to meet with competitors, customers and associates on a completely different level.  Nobody had their own agenda other than camaraderie, sharing of thoughts and ideas, and education."

      Douglas Lauer, President/COO
      Transpac Imports, Inc.

"The GHTA and the GHTA Conference are spectacular examples of all facets of an industry putting differences aside, and coming together for the betterment of all."

        David Moses, CEO
        Lazy Susan USA

"I have been a member of the GHTA for 3 years and feel the GHTA conference has been an essential resource for understanding the industry. It is a great source for networking and speaking with folks about the issues they are facing.
 
The content of this year's keynote speakers were very helpful. McFarland (Bounce) was meaningful in providing good strategies to deal with issues. Additionally, the Google and Social Media presentations offered valuable information I was not expecting from the conference.
 
I believe if someone is interested in knowing our industry better....or truly wants a venue to improve it...the GHTA would be of value to them."

Greg Hardin, Rep Principal
      Diverse Marketing—Dallas

"I have been a member of GHTA for two years and this was the first conference I attended. The conference greatly exceeded my expectations for two reasons:

1. Our industry is a fractured one and having seen the GHTA in action, it can be the mortar that holds it together.  This is accomplished by providing information and communication channels previously unavailable. 
2.  Over a few days, I got to meet, one on one and without agenda, many professionals who are helping to shape the future of the gift and home industry. 

Simply put, Annalee Dolls, and companies like us, need to be a part of GHTA."

      Bob Watson, Jr., Director of Marketing and Sales
      Annalee Dolls

"I got more out of this conference than the previous 3 conferences. The content was so relevant to the issues facing all of us. The McFarland (Bounce) keynote was incredibly meaningful in providing approaches to tough times in business...and the Gest (EQ vs IQ) was helpful in making me more effective.
 
I loved the 'unconference' because all of the participants shared problems/issues and offered perspectives." The kind of content offered this year and the interactions is a big step showing how the GHTA can better serve the industry."

      Joanne Rackow, Principal
      Joanne & Company, Inc.

"My membership lapsed and I was thrilled to  see the changes in the organization and the conference. The GHTA is really  doing some great things to help the industry and make it more universally  benefitting to everyone.  The "unconference--conference" was a  spontaneous "no holds barred" discussion focused on how to make both the  GHTA and our gift industry better.  This was a great way to start the  conference, networking with people you aren't familiar with in a small  environment.

The breakout session had much more of a  broad-based appeal.....and to my surprise, topics such as "web applications  and how to use Google to benefit our businesses were incredible...and  subjects I would not have pursued on my own.  We had the opportunity to  learn things that we didn't know we didn't know.

I came back to the Denver Mart and  immediately put things in action that will make my organization more  relevant, my customers businesses more relevant and my vendors more  effective.

The GHTA is a great organization that  brings our whole industry together in an atmosphere where we are all  equals.  I especially want to recognize the spirit that the GHTA  Director, Diane Carnevale Jones brings to the  organization.  

I can't wait for New Orleans this year!"  

Sande Womack, Principal
New Era Sales