Keynote Presentations

Everest-Level Resilience: Overcoming Adversity and Reaching High Goals

Jim Davidson, Resilience Expert & Everest Expedition Climber

Monday, November 13, 4:00pm – 5:00pm | Grand Caribbean Ballroom

Work and life always include change, challenge, and uncertainty. Those realities became quite clear to climber Jim Davidson when he was trapped high on Mount Everest by massive earthquakes and avalanches. That terrible day became the deadliest ever on Mount Everest.

In this inspiring keynote, Jim will share epic stories and reveal hard-won lessons about:

• Cultivating a resilient mindset
• Sparking resilience in your team
• Benefitting from post-traumatic growth

About the Speaker

During his 41 years as a climber, Jim has ascended high mountains from Argentina to Tibet, and he’s led expeditions from Bolivia to Nepal. His amazing survival stories have been featured in major documentaries by National Geographic, Smithsonian Channel, Discovery, and Netflix. Jim is a New York Times best-selling author, and his latest book, The Next Everest, has been published in six international editions.

Innovation & Convergence in The 21st Century

Kian Gohar, Founder of Geolab, Author, Futurist

Tuesday, November 14, 8:30am – 10:00am | Grand Caribbean Ballroom

What will the world look like in 10 years, and how will technology change the future of your organization? Kian’s keynote highlights the major technology trends that are changing every major industry, including the convergence of AI, robotics, sensors, human computer interfaces, 3D printing, and digital medicine, all of which will inspire you to prepare for a future of exponential growth.

About the Speaker

Kian Gohar is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and futurist, and inspires organizations to build exponential teams to thrive in a world of hybrid work. He is founder of Geolab, an innovation research and leadership development firm focused on coaching, strategy, and design. A former executive director of the XPRIZE Foundation and Singularity University, Kian has coached the leadership teams of dozens of Fortune 500 companies, unicorns and startups on disruptive innovation, exponential technologies, leadership and the future of work.

Navigating the ITSM Landscape: Finding the Right Fit for Your Organization

Michael Fuson, Vice President, Senior Solutions Architect of Excalibur Data Systems, a Halo ITSM Partner

Tuesday, November 14, 8:30am – 10:00am | Grand Caribbean Ballroom

Join Mike Fuson with Excalibur Data Systems, a Halo ITSM Partner, for an exciting ride into the heart of ITSM toolsets. Are they different? The same? How do you choose the toolset that best suits your organization? He will cover these considerations from a high level and discuss some of the decision points customers have shared with him over the years. Let’s unwind the mystery and have fun while doing it.

About the Speaker

Mike Fuson of Excalibur Data Systems is a veteran of multiple IT Service Management (ITSM)/Enterprise Service Management (ESM) toolsets and associated IT technologies. He has spent 25+ years working with customers to leverage their toolsets and technology to improve their processes. Mike has served in all roles in IT, from a Service Tech Technician to CIO. When Mike isn’t thinking about IT, you will find him camping, rock climbing, or SCUBA diving with his family and the scouts from his Boy Scout Troop.

Sponsored By:

The Journey of Innovation: 5 Tracks for Your Playlist to Drive Growth, Creativity, and Transformation

Sara Frasca, Global Innovation Expert, Leader, Award-Winning Entrepreneur

Wednesday, November 15, 8:30am – 10:00am | Grand Caribbean Ballroom

Innovation is a never-ending journey that requires determination, adaptability, and a willingness to explore new horizons. This keynote will delve into five tracks that serve as inspiring reminders of the power of imagination, empowerment, resilience, and belief in the face of challenge.

• Track 1: "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" No obstacle is insurmountable when met with a big dose of imagination and inspiration!
• Track 2: "The Times They Are A'Changin" In a world of constant evolution, staying ahead necessitates embracing what lies ahead. Don’t fear transformative change; get after it!
• Track 3: "Light My Fire" Igniting growth requires fostering an empowered and energized team. Learn the principles that convert your team from going through the motions to being super-charged, creative problem-solvers.
• Track 4: "On the Road Again" Unleashing the full potential of creativity often involves venturing beyond familiar boundaries. Access the simple tools for breakthrough ideas that help us build the muscle of inventive thinking.
• Track 5: "Don't Stop Believing" Resilience is a key attribute of successful innovators. Even in the face of adversity and setbacks, they bounce back with heightened creativity. Learn how to build a culture that celebrates fresh thinking and embraces new ideas.

Embark on "The Journey of Innovation" and let these five tracks serve as a playlist to drive growth, foster creativity, and spark transformation in your own endeavors.

About the Speaker

With the curiosity of Galileo and the tenacity of a street fighter, Sara Frasca is an innovation and business growth expert. Honing her skills at senior leadership roles in both Corporate America and the world of startups, Sara now serves as Chief Operating Officer for POINT Northeast, a global business coaching firm. She helps leading organizations cultivate human imagination, build a culture of accountability, and solve complex problems to drive business growth. Sara is the go-to resource for leaders seeking a competitive advantage and sustainable success by harnessing alignment, marketing and data.