Kenneth W. Gronbach is predicting that the United States and the Americas, because of their superior demographics over any other continent, will excel culturally and economically in the post corona era. Ken is president of KGC Direct, LLC and is an internationally respected demographer who has been able to forecast societal, commercial, economic, cultural and political phenomena with uncanny accuracy. Ken’s unusual blend of marketing savvy and common-sense demography, based on over twenty years of proprietary demographic study, set him apart. Ken keynotes all over the United States and the world. His company does high value customized demographic research. You will find that Ken’s steadfast position, that the United States is the best nation on earth and his firm belief that the country’s best days are ahead, season his spirited presentations with an unmistakable pro-American enthusiasm. Ken is the author of the current best-selling book The Age Curve: How To Profit from the Coming Demographic Storm. His first book, Common Census, the Counter-Intuitive Guide to Generational Marketing, was released in 2005. Ken’s 2011 book Decades of Differences: Making it Work is a comprehensive guide to coping with three generations in the workforce. Ken’s newest book, Upside: Profiting from the Profound Demographic Shifts Ahead, was published in April of 2017.

Chris Cosper is a former CEO who understands first-hand the challenges and complexities of leading a mid-market company in times of growth and change. She has a reputation for creating win-win solutions, driving innovation, and empowering her teams. Today, as Head of Consulting at Rhythm Systems, she not only continues to work directly with clients but also leads and mentors a staff of highly sought after consultants who have facilitated thousands of consulting sessions around the world and across a wide spectrum of industries. With an extensive background in manufacturing and retail, Chris worked her way up to CEO of The Warren Featherbone Company, a U.S. based children’s apparel manufacturer. Prior to accepting her current role at Rhythm Systems, she served as principal at Change Partners, LLC, a consulting company focused on corporate culture as a driving force behind company success. Chris holds a BS in Management from Georgia Tech and an MBA in Leadership from Brenau University. Chris is a co-author of Amazon best-seller Predictable Results: How Successful Companies Tackle Growth Challenges and Win.

Rob Simopoulos is a co-founder of Defendify, the award-winning, all-in-one cybersecurity solution that makes cybersecurity possible for small and midsize organizations. Rob has been in the Security industry for over 25 years, helping organizations worldwide to asses and continuously improve their security posture. Rob has received various accolades including Top 20 under 40 by Security System News and Top 40 under 40 by Commercial Integrator Magazine. You can reach Rob at moc.yfidnefed@soluopomisr.

Steve Searl is the Home Office Marketing Manager – Property & Casualty at Federated Insurance. With over 30 years of experience in customer service, sales leadership and product development, he is the primary specialist on cyber insurance coverage and risk management for Federated Insurance.

Steve and his wife Alane reside in Owatonna and enjoy spending time at their cabin with their children and 13 grandchildren.

Melanie Webber is a partner in the firm’s Cleveland office and serves as chair for the firm’s Women’s Initiative and Leadership Council. She represents and advises clients in all aspects of employment law, including harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and leave-related complaints.  

Over her career, she has represented employers on traditional labor issues—such as union organizing campaigns, unfair labor practice charges and labor arbitrations—before administrative agencies that include the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC). 

Melanie believes in developing positive, proactive employee relations programs (including employee opinion surveys) with her clients and can guide them through employment practice, human resource and wage-hour audits.  

Connor has been delivering economic keynotes, workshops, and webinars across North America since he joined ITR economics in 2014. Using his quick wit and knack for
storytelling, he leverages his youthful appearance to upend expectations and successfully captivate and educate audiences. Thousands of business leaders have enjoyed
his dynamic approach to speaking engagements; Connor emphasizes the applicability of economic intelligence and calls his audience to action.

When he is not on stage, Connor consults directly with the management teams of businesses large and small, delivering his economic expertise in the role of trusted
advisor. ITR’s clients meet with Connor at critical planning junctures to ensure that their strategic plans, goals, and internal initiatives are in alignment with their tailored
forecasts, built specifically for them through ITR’s Executive Vantage Point™ program.

Connor specializes in construction but consults and presents to businesses across all industries, helping them grow revenue and remain profitable through an everchanging
business cycle.

With increasing complexity, most people are tasked with doing more than they can successfully execute. Eric Papp helps audiences clarify their thinking on what’s most important. So they can achieve greater impact and feel in control again.

He earned his B.A. from the University of Notre Dame and founded Agape leadership, LLC, an intellectual capital firm focusing on leadership and sales for business performance, with the sole purpose of driving leaders and their teams to success.

As a successful author and public speaker since 2010, he has worked with thousands of managers to aid teams toward success.

Eric Papp has been evaluated as one of the top management trainers in North America for his expertise in leadership effectiveness. Leadership By Choice and 3 Values of Being An Effective Person — published by John Wiley and Sons — are both top sellers and recognized for their unique impact in the business world.

Eric now lives in Tampa, FL with his wife Brieann and their daughter Elliana. He frequents his local church, engages in the community, and practices the kettlebell in his spare time.

Chris Czarnik is an international speaker, trainer and author on the subjects of job search, recruitment and employee development/engagement. He is recognized as an SME for Pearson Publishing, Vistage and several industry associations. His newest book is being re-published in 2020 as an Ignite book by Sourcebooks. 

Chris has over 20 years of experience helping thousands of individuals – face to face and in groups – find jobs they love at companies where they are appreciated.