Daily keynote speakers set to inspire at 2017 IAHCSMM Annual Conference

Jan. 25, 2017

For the first time, the IAHCSMM Annual Conference will feature an inspiring and insightful keynote speaker for each day of the conference. These four speakers possess unique backgrounds and skill sets, and were carefully chosen for their ability to engage attendees in unique, uplifting and meaningful ways. Put simply, these individuals will inject attendees with positive energy and inspiring messages, and start each day of the conference off with a bang.

What follows is a brief summary of the keynote speakers set to take the stage in Nashville, TN, at the IAHCSMM Annual Conference & Expo. For more information on the Conference & Expo, including session descriptions, events and other offerings, visit www.iahcsmm.org/events/annual-conference-expo.html.

Sunday, May 7: Derreck Kayongo

From a young Ugandan refugee to a successful entrepreneur, human rights activist and renowned global health expert, Derreck Kayongo will have attendees seizing the power of observation to identify issues and effectively solve any challenge. With his charm, passion and wit, Kayongo brings his story and guiding principles, coined as S.E.L.F. (service, education, leadership and faith), to life in his emotionally-packed presentation that is sure to stay with attendees long after his closing remarks.

Kayongo is the founder of the Global Soap Project, which recycles partially used and discarded bars of soap from thousands of hotels and redistributes it to disadvantaged populations around the world. Since its founding in 2009, the Project has distributed soap to more than 90 countries where nearly two million lives are claimed each year due to lack of proper hygiene.

Kayongo’s experience as a human rights activist, combined with his lifelong commitment to his work and notable rhetorical skills earned him his current role as the CEO at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Called a “living embodiment of the Center’s mission,” Kayongo is elevating the visibility of the Center and expanding its vision beyond its geography.

Recognized with a range of honors and awards for his activism, including as one of CNN’s Top 10 Heroes award in 2011, most recently Kayongo was selected by President Jimmy Carter to interview him as part of the National Archives’ Amending America Initiative.

Monday, May 8: Shari Harley

Shari Harley, MA, and Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), is the founder and president of Candid Culture, an international training and consulting firm that brings candor back to the workplace to create a safe haven for employees, managers and clients to speak honestly. Candid Culture helps corporations, associations, government agencies, schools and not-for-profits get and keep the right customers and employees by creating better business relationships.

Harley is a business person. Her previous experience includes selling and facilitating for Dale Carnegie Training, conducting customer service training for American Century Investments, leading leadership training and successful planning for OppenheimerFunds, and managing operations across 21 nationwide locations, with 200 matrixed employees.

Harley is known globally as an engaging, fun, content-rich business speaker and trainer. Her practical approach to improving business relationships has led her to speak and train throughout the United States and in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, India, Dubai and Australia. She is the author of the book “How to Say Anything to Anyone.” She has an undergraduate degree from Washington University in St. Louis and a Master’s degree in Applied Communication from the University of Denver, where she served as an adjunct faculty member and taught business leadership development courses.

Tuesday, May 9: Brad Montgomery

Brad Montgomery is a keynote speaker who uses his unique insight and positive energy to teach people and organizations how to harness happiness as a strategy to improve performance and results. His clients include Microsoft, Kenneth Cole Designs, John Deere Landscapes, Verizon, Kraft, the Mayo Clinic, dozens of state governments, as well as the Central Intelligence Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigations, and Internal Revenue Service.

Through Montgomery’s interactive and lively session, attendees will gain a better understanding of the time, profits and productivity their facilities lose because they are not performing to their fullest potential. They will also learn some valuable tools to boost employee value and engagement, and create company-wide commitment for improved productivity, quality and efficacy.

Wednesday, May 10: Vivian Watson

Vivian C. Watson, RN, CNOR, is a retired registered nurse who spent over 50 years in nursing practice, including emergency nursing, critical care and perioperative nursing. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) and, for many years, and has served as the AORN Ombudsman. She received the “National Mentorship Award” from AORN and in 2008, received the “Jerry G. Peers Distinguished Award.”

Watson recently published the book “A Passionate Journey — Overcoming Adversity, Realizing a Dream,” which describes her life’s many struggles and victories. Watson, who has presented at previous IAHCSMM Annual Conferences, is a passionate and powerful speaker — an attendee favorite who never disappoints and regularly draws standing ovations.

About the Author

Julie E. Williamson

Julie Williamson is the  IAHCSMM Communications Director.