General Sessions, or Keynotes as their sometimes known, are 60-75 minute presentations given by well known speakers who are experts in their field. This year, as in years past, the Annual Meeting & Expo will have three General Sessions. However, the General Session on Tuesday is a luncheon and is dedicated recognizing the 2009-2010 boards and welcoming the incoming 2010-2011 boards.

We are proud to welcome the following General Session speakers to our stage this year:

Bill George, Sunday, August 22 | Marshall Goldsmith, Tuesday, August 24 |

Sunday, August 22, 8:30-9:45 a.m.

Seven Lessons for Leading in Crisis

The economic calamity of 2008-09 was not caused by subprime mortgages, credit default swaps, or even excessive greed. These are only symptoms of the real problem. The root cause of the problem was failed leadership from leaders who didn’t follow their internal compass of beliefs, values, and principles that guide each of us through life. Staying on course is much easier when things are going well. But will you do so under the enormous pressure that comes with a crisis? Can you stay focused on your authentic self in the face of temptations to bend the rules? Bill George will share seven lessons that when put into practice, leaders of all stripes—novice or seasoned—can develop the strength and vision to lead through any crisis that may come their way and emerge as winners.

Bill George is professor of management practice at Harvard Business School where he teaches leadership. He was formerly CEO of Medtronic from 1991 to 2001 and chairman from 1996 to 2002. Under his leadership, Medtronic's market capitalization grew from $1.1 billion to $60 billion, averaging 35 percent a year. He is the author of 7 Lessons for Leading in Crisis as well as True North: Discover Your Authentic Leadership, Finding Your True North: A Personal Guide, and Authentic Leadership: Rediscovering the Secrets of Creating Lasting Value.

He has been named one of the “Top 25 Business Leaders of the Past 25 Years” by PBS; “Executive of the Year–2001” by the Academy of Management; and “Director of the Year– 2001-02” by the National Association of Corporate Directors.

We will also take time to recognize:

• Leadership Academy
• Key Awards
• Professional Award

Monday, August 23, 3:00-4:15 p.m.

Celebration of Achievement Awards Presentation

• New Certified Association Executives (CAE)
• New Fellows
• DELP Class of 2010-2012

Tuesday, August 24, 12:15-2:15 p.m.

Mojo: How to Get it, How to Keep it, How to Get it Back if You Lose it

Mojo is that moment when we feel we’re ‘on a roll’, firing on all cylinders, and everyone around us senses it. Mojo is not an elusive feeling, but a source of strength, purpose, and meaning that can be tapped. In this session, Marshall Goldsmith will show us how, in a difficult economy, nothing could be more valuable than recapturing the momentum-building energy of tangible success.

Marshall will describe the new world of work and show why MOJO is more important than ever before. He will discuss the interaction of happiness and meaning—at work and at home—and share some amazing research from his MOJO Survey, a comprehensive survey with thousands of responses. Marshall will share his ideas on how our MOJO is impacted by identity, achievement, reputation and acceptance.

Marshall Goldsmith is corporate America’s preeminent executive coach, having worked with more than sixty CEOs at the world’s leading corporations. He was named one of the five most respected executive coaches by Forbes, a top-ten executive educator by The Wall Street Journal, one of the most credible thought leaders in the new era of business by The Economist, and one of the most influential practitioners in the history of leadership development by BusinessWeek.

Today’s General Session is a luncheon and is dedicated recognizing the 2009-2010 boards and welcoming the incoming 2010-2011 boards.