One of the fallouts from the Great Recession is that most companies are forced to do more with less. That means most of us are working harder than we ever have, with fewer resources and staff at our sides.
We're so busy working the day-to-day grind in our jobs that we seldom take the time to think about how we do what we do or ponder the creative process that could transform our companies and grow market share.
Stop! Time out! This is your chance to catch your breath and rekindle that creative flame.
I invite you to attend the BizTech Conference & Expo, the largest business-to-business networking event in the state. BizTimes Media LLC will present the annual event May 11-12 at Wisconsin State Fair Park.
General admission to the Expo is free with pre-registration online.
The BizTech Conference & Expo will feature a series of free business seminars, providing insights from experts in sales, human resources, accounting, web site development, social media, time management and more.
Other attractions at the conference include the Cyber Café presented by Stamm Technologies, the Executive Life Pavilion presented by OnMilwaukee.com and the BizTimes Development Forum.
In addition to the booths on the Expo floor, the two-day conference will include several premium events (fees apply), including:
- The Executive Strategies Breakfast, featuring best-selling author Josh Linkner, who will discuss the importance of creativity in business.
- The Women in Business Conference, with a panel discussion featuring Deborah Ford, chancellor at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside; Kimberly Kane, president of Tempo Milwaukee and director of client solutions at The Novo Group in Milwaukee; Michelle Mason, managing director at the American Society for Quality in Milwaukee; Christine Specht, president and chief operating officer of Cousins Subs in Menomonee Falls; and Kim Marotta, vice president of corporate responsibility at MillerCoors in Milwaukee. The discussion will be moderated by BizTimes reporter Alysha Schertz. Cynthia LaConte, chief executive officer of Dohmen, will receive the BizTimes Woman Executive of the Year Award.
- The Expo After Hours reception, featuring refreshments and networking.
- The Corporate Growth Summit, featuring a panel of company leaders, including Mary Isbister, president of GenMet; Mike Malatesta, founder and president of Advanced Waste Services Inc.; Susan Marks, founder and CEO of Pinstripe Inc.; and Craig Schiefelbein, president and CEO of Paragon Development Systems (PDS). BizTimes reporter Eric Decker will moderate the discussion, and opening remarks will be provided by Tim Sheehy, president of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce.
- The BizTimes Bravo! Entrepreneur and IQ Awards Luncheon, honoring some of southeastern Wisconsin's most dynamic company leaders and innovative companies.
Mary Scheibel will receive the Regional Spirit Award, and the Usinger family will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. The program will be emceed by BizTimes managing editor Andrew Weiland.
For additional information about reserving booths at or attending the BizTech Conference & Expo, visit the Expo's Web site.
Steve Jagler is executive editor of BizTimes in Milwaukee and is past president of the Milwaukee Press Club. BizTimes provides news and operational insight for the owners and managers of privately held companies throughout southeastern Wisconsin.
Steve has won several journalism awards as a reporter, a columnist and an editor. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
When he is not pursuing the news, Steve enjoys spending time with his wife, Kristi, and their two sons, Justin and James. Steve can be reached at steve.jagler@biztimes.com.
