2010 GHTA Agenda Highlights
Jazz Up Your Business in the Big Easy
November 18-20, 2010, The Ritz Carlton, New Orleans

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:

ARCHIE MANNING
Former NFL Pro Bowl Quarterback, League MVP, and New Orleans native, Archie Manning will present the keynote address at the GHTA's 8th Annual Conference. Manning, who has a rich business and entrepreneurial background, will share his thoughts on leadership, depending on others, flexibility and "playing the game." Manning current serves in public relations and consulting capacities for several local, regional and national companies including Reebok, Gatorade, Direct TV and CBS Sports. He is also active in a variety of charitable and civic causes. 

OTHER SPEAKERS:

DANA ENESS, STAY LOCAL
The Executive Director of the Urban Conservancy, Dana Eness is dedicated to creating a robust economy within New Orleans, based on strong, locally-owned businesses. She will welcome GHTA members to New Orleans, sharing valuable insight regarding the impact of Hurricane Katrina on the city and the rebirth of independent businesses.   

DEWEY SADKA, CRAFT PASSIONATE TEAMS
With intuitive people skills and motivational ability, Sadka created the world's most accurate personality evaluation system, ranking even higher than the respected Myers Briggs. Without relying on language, Sadka's color-based system predicts best occupations and all five global personality factors. Sadka has been featured in several high-profile news media outlets, including segments on the Discovery Channel and CNN. He will conduct a fun and interactive presentation at the conference which will teach attendees to empower their strengths and manage their weaknesses. 

HEATHER LUTZE, SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION, PAY PER CLICK, SOCIAL MEDIA
Heather Lutze is the owner of the Findability Group, a major Search Engine Optimization consulting and training firm. She is a nationally-recognized speaker, trainer and consultant in Search Engine Placement, Pay Per Click, Search Engine Optimization and social media, having trained advertisers at Yahoo! Search Marketing and other high-provide organizations and companies. Heather is the author of The Findability Formula: The Easy, Non-Technical Approach to Search Engine Marketing published by John Wiley & Sons -- delivering equal parts good information and good entertainment to audiences nationwide. 

MEG CADOUX HIRSHBERG, BALANCING WORK AND FAMILY
Meg Cadoux Hirshberg, a freelance writer and Inc. Magazine columnist, focuses her writing and speaking on work/life balance issues in an entrepreneurial setting. She is married to Gary Hirshberg, founder and current President and CEO of Stonyfield Yogurt, the largest organic yogurt company in the world. Having worked with Stonyfield Yogurt for several years in sales and yogurt production, she is well-suited to address the GHTA constituency.       

SUSAN K. JONES, INTERACTIVE MARKTING
An award-winning direct marketer, speaker, and professor, Susan Jones has been well-recognized for her accomplishments in direct mail, direct-response advertising, and targeted email. She is the author of Business-to-Business Internet Marketing: Seven Proven Strategies for Increasing Profits through Internet Direct Marketing and will hold one-on-one sessions with GHTA attendees regarding their past, current, or planned direct marketing promotions, providing specific ideas and advice for lists, offers and creative.    

JEFF MILCHEN, WHY BUY LOCAL WORKSHOP (AMIBA)
The Executive Director and Co-Founder of the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA), Jeff aims to help local business and communities by implementing "Buy Local" programs and strategies throughout the nation. He will conduct a workshop, Strength in Numbers, introducing the benefits and key principles for running effective "Buy Local" campaigns, as well as reviewing the readily avoidable reasons most campaigns fail. Whether attendees seek to instigate a local campaign or simply do effective message marketing on their own, participants in this workshop will leave with clear ideas and tools to act on.  

THURSDAY CONFERENCE EVENTS – ENJOY THE BIG EASY!

This year's conference is a three-day conference, beginning Thursday, November 18. Choose to participate in the following Thursday events and activities: 

ANNUAL GHTA GOLF OUTING
Enjoy golfing and networking at one of New Orleans' pristine golf courses! Contact Marc Rice at marcrice1@aol.com for more information and to sign up.

GUIDED NEW ORLEANS SHOPPING TOUR AND LUNCH
Visit some of the most popular independent retailers in the New Orleans area, gaining valuable retail insight.

CHARITY EVENT
Join the GHTA as it seeks to support St. Bernard's Parish, one of Hurricane Katrina's worst-hit parishes.  Have an entire day?  We have 25 spots on hold for GHTA members interested in a work day!

COCKTAIL RECEPTION
Share a drink and good conversation with other GHTA members during our outdoor patio cocktail reception.

GHTA SILENT AUCTION AND GALA

NEW ORLEANS FOOD, FARE AND FUN!
Join the GHTA for its annual cocktail reception, dinner, silent and live auction! The GHTA is arranging great, local entertainment that will impress all in attendance. Additionally, wonderful auction items --- items that are good for your business and good for you --- will be available for bidding. Come dressed in New Orleans fare and enjoy the evenings activities!