Billed as an epic breakfast session, Unique Speaker Bureau (USB) delivered once again by not only fielding two outstanding presenters but also advising of the innovations on the 2016 horizon.
Epic was indeed the word, starting with Justin Cohen on the subject of What’s Your Story? Justin has clearly researched his subject well – as observed in his book The Astonishing Power of Story and the manner in which he conveyed the importance of telling a story rather than merely creating (say) a checklist of a product’s benefits was thought-provoking information. As echoed by Rod Cameron in the Meetings magazine Nov/Dec edition, “As emotional creatures, we respond best to messages we can relate to in terms of our own concerns and interest’.
Investec’s HR and Organisational Development guru Marc Kahn illustrated that successful companies are those who recognise people as human beings not merely numbers. Stemming from the industrial revolution in the early part of the 20th century, the advent of the designation line manager was enough to commence a chain reaction of conveyor belt personnel. “Let’s get back to the business of communicating, motivating and guiding human beings in the company – leave aside the computer assessments that are very far from accurate”. Wise words, Mr Kahn.
Paul Mc Connon, USB’s erudite MD, also informed a packed room of the three tiers of presenters scheduled to be rolled-out in 2016 by the company:
- 1. Associate
- 2. Celebrity / Entertainment
- 3. Industry.
Paul also reminded the meeting planners to book their space or a table for the USB Annual Speaker Showcase at Meetings Africa on 24February 2016. Exciting times ahead for USB.
Crowne Plaza Johannesburg – The Rosebank, provided a stunning breakfast while Barry Snyman did a solo musical turn. Cyrus Rogers as MC, provided excellent continuity throughout.
