Schedule: TechServe Executive Summit 2024

TechServe Workshop

Is this the Right Time to Sell?
Unpacking the M&A Landscape with the TechServe M&A Index

Presenters:

John Larson - Lead Consultant, TechServe Alliance M&A Marketplace
Steve Norris - Consultant, TechServe Alliance M&A Marketplace
Martin Borosko - Managing Member, Becker LLC

Curious about the value of your company and whether now is the right time to sell? This in-depth 3-hour workshop offers insights based on real-world transactions involving over 45 sellers and more than 100 buyers in the IT and Engineering Staffing industry. This workshop will explore crucial topics such as how to prepare your company for buyer scrutiny and why waiting for "the perfect time" may come with significant costs.

Led by TechServe’s M&A Marketplace experts, this session will equip you with tangible nuggets of information helping you decide the best time to exit for you, your family, and your business. Attendees will walk away with actionable takeaways, including:

The all-new TechServe M&A Index, a scorecard showing how your company stacks up.
The top 7 "must-haves" from Marketplace Buyers.
An inside look at today's market multiples.
Insights on post-election impacts and what they mean for selling or buying a company.

Advance Registration is Required

TechServe Workshop

Supercharge Your Staffing Firm with AI: Unlock Efficiency and Growth

Speaker: Lauren Jones - President, Leap Advisory Partners

In today's fast-evolving landscape, technology offers staffing firms the chance to harness the power of automation, bots, and AI to drive efficiency and scale. Yet, many firms remain hesitant to fully integrate these tools, held back by concerns around privacy, consistency, and the complexities of change management. These challenges often result in missed opportunities for innovation and growth.

Join us for this interactive workshop where we’ll demystify generative AI and explore its tangible benefits—like automating repetitive tasks and accelerating the talent discovery process with greater precision. Importantly, we’ll focus on how AI enhances human interaction rather than replacing it, allowing your recruiters and sales teams to shift their focus to relationship-building and high-value activities. By embracing new AI-driven tools and strategies, you can supercharge productivity across your firm.

By the end of this workshop, you'll not only understand the practical applications of generative AI in your staffing firm but also gain hands-on experience in prompt engineering. Bring your laptops so we can prompt engineer together!

Advance Registration is Required

Speed Networking with Staffing Firm Leaders & Suppliers

The perfect event to kick off your 2024 TechServe Alliance Executive Summit!

The 2024 Technology Leaders Speed Networking session is a dynamic event that brings together attendees of the TechServe Alliance Executive Summit for targeted networking opportunities. A pre event survey about business interests and needs will match attendees with others that meet their business profile. Participants will switch tables throughout the networking event allowing them to expand their professional network in a casual and fun atmosphere.

Invited participants will include IT & Engineering Staffing leaders and suppliers of IT & Engineering products & services.

Advance registration is required.

App Link: app.speednetworking.com
Event Key: TECHSERVE-1118

TechServe Executive Summit & SIM TechExec: Keynote

Princess Ballroom

Leveling Up: Empowering Leadership for Personal and Professional Growth

Ryan Leak - Best Selling Author, Executive Coach

Unleash your leadership potential with insights from Ryan Leak's bestselling book Leveling Up. This keynote is crafted for those aiming to excel as leaders in their careers and personal lives. Ryan outlines a transformative roadmap centered on mindset, discipline, and perseverance, specifically designed to empower leaders to inspire and drive their teams to success.

Attendees will gain practical tools to set ambitious goals and lead with clarity and purpose, making this session essential for leadership development, high-performance teams, and organizational success. Ryan's proven approach has been sought after by Fortune 500 companies and professional sports franchises, offering a wealth of experience in cultivating leadership excellence.

With humor, wisdom, and actionable insights, this keynote will inspire attendees to become dynamic, self-aware leaders who can elevate their teams and organizations to new heights.

Large Firm Forum

Ironwood

The Large Firm Forum is specifically designed for executives of large technology staffing and solutions firms. A unique opportunity to engage with leaders of other large firms in an interactive facilitated discussion. Hear how others are responding to the opportunities and challenges presented by a dynamic market. Networking will continue during lunch.

Limited to Executives of Firms with Annual Revenue of $100 Million or More. Advanced Registration Required (No Additional Fee).

Breakout 1 (Castile 1)

Legal Minefields and Ticking Time Bombs: Compliance in an Age of Uncertainty

Moderator: Robert Brown , Chief Executive & Legal Officer, Carlton National Resources

Panelists:

Martin L. Borosko, Managing Member, Becker
Mike Hammond, Attorney, Immigration Partners
Bill Josey, Attorney, William S. Josey, LLC

Litigation and Compliance and Regulations, Oh My! Operating a business in today’s litigious climate is fraught with potential liability. Statutes, case law, and regulations aren’t always clear and these muddied waters can leave owners and executives exposed.

This information-packed session brings together leading industry attorneys who will provide updates on some of the key developments in employment, AI, finance and immigration law and offer practical advice on how to reasonably balance a firm’s need to compete with corresponding risks. Topics to include: AEDT and AI Regulation; Updates on IRS and ERTC; H-1b lottery; Compliance and Green Card challenges with a remote workforce; Lay-offs; Non-Compete updates; Independent Contractor issues; Paid Leave laws; and much more!

Breakout 2 (Salon A)

So, you want to do business with the Federal Government? Let’s Talk ...

Presenters:

Threase Baker, President, ABBTECH
Theresa Zandi, Principal, Centurion Consulting Group

Federal government contracting offers significant opportunities, but understanding its complexities is crucial for success. Our expert panel will provide a high-level overview of the federal contracting landscape, designed to help both newcomers and those looking to deepen their involvement.

The discussion will cover key considerations like eligibility, registration, finding contracts, and navigating the bidding process. The panelists will share information on resources for external support, including proposal writing, lead generation, and compliance. In short, you will hear candid insights into the realities of federal contracting—the good, the bad, and the ugly—to guide your next steps. Whether you’re questioning if federal contracting is the right move for your business or seeking strategies to deepen your engagement in this sector, this discussion will provide valuable guidance and actionable advice.

Breakout 3 (Salon B)

Maximizing Performance in a Highly Competitive Market: A Guide for IT Staffing Leaders

Presenter: Barb Bruno, CEO & Founder, Good As Gold Training

In the competitive IT & Engineering staffing industry, the productivity and effectiveness of account executives and recruiters are crucial for success and growth. This session provides actionable strategies to enhance team performance. We will review current training trends, the value of a positive workplace culture for a hybrid workforce, and best practices in performance incentive plans. Implementing these best practices will improve individual performance and drive overall business success.

The session will address:

Fostering a Positive Workplace Culture. Create a supportive and collaborative environment promoting work-life balance and employee well-being, leading to higher job satisfaction and productivity.
Designing Effective Performance Incentives. Develop incentive programs that recognize and reward top performers, motivating your team to achieve and exceed their goals.
Implementing Continuous Training and Development. Regular training sessions and professional development programs to keep staff informed of the latest industry trends, skills, and AI applications.

Breakout 4 (Salon C)

Staying Ahead of the Curve: Innovative Approaches for IT Staffing Firms in Disruptive Times

Presenter: Andy Weiss, Chief Marketing Officer, Ceipal

Innovation is key to staying ahead in a rapidly changing world, but doing so in an uncertain economy can create challenges. This session will dive into practical strategies that IT staffing firms can use to stay ahead, focusing on increasing business value, improving operational efficiency, and navigating tough times with smarter management tactics. Attendees will gain insights into how volatility yields opportunities for organizations and lays the foundation for further growth.

Breakout 5 (Salon H)

Leveling Up: The Art of Receiving Feedback and Giving Gratitude

Speaker: Ryan Leak, Best Selling Author, Executive Coach

Building on the insights from Ryan Leak's keynote, this interactive session delves deeper into the personal growth of leaders by exploring two critical leadership skills: receiving feedback and expressing gratitude. In an informal setting, Ryan will lead participants through a reflective process, examining pivotal moments in their leadership journey and highlighting how constructive feedback fuels growth.

Equally important, Ryan will highlight the power of gratitude in leadership, demonstrating how expressing appreciation can enhance team morale, strengthen relationships, and create a culture of trust and engagement.

Attendees will walk away with a personalized roadmap for fostering self-awareness, building stronger connections, and driving sustained improvement as leaders.

Technology Executive Leaders Women's Lunch

Princess Upper West Deck

Moderator: Leslie Vickrey, CEO & Founder, ClearEdge

Speakers:

Andrea Brenholz, President/CEO, ATR International
Bianca M. Lochner , CIO, City of Scottsdale
Michelle Sims, CEO, YUPRO Placement
Jennifer Waldrip, VP, Client & Talent Services, Partner at ProFocus, Inc.

Join us for the 16th annual Technology Executive Women’s Luncheon, hosted by TechServe Alliance and SIM, where two powerhouse organizations in technology and staffing unite to drive impactful change for women in leadership. In a world where innovation and leadership go hand-in-hand, it's more important than ever to create opportunities for women to rise to the top—and stay there.

This year’s luncheon focuses on the tangible actions that will help more women step into leadership roles, secure board positions, and unlock their full potential. Through inspiring speed talks and interactive table discussions, our speakers will guide you through key topics essential for growth:

Breaking Into the Boardroom: Proven strategies on how to land a seat at the table.
Leading Upwards: Techniques for navigating and leading from within.
Securing Funding: Insights into the challenges and opportunities for female entrepreneurs seeking capital.
Unlocking Your Worth: How to advocate for yourself and maximize your value.

You’ll walk away with actionable insights, ah-ha moments from your peers, and the inspiration to take your career to the next level. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and elevate your leadership journey in an empowering, collaborative environment.

Advance Registration Required.

Breakout 1 (Castile 1)

The ‘Left-Brain’ Drivers of IT & Engineering Staffing Firm Success

Best Practices and Insights on Operational Metrics, Cash Flow & Lines of Credit

Moderator: Mark Roberts, CEO, TechServe Alliance

Panelists:

Kevin Krumm, COO, Objective Paradigm
Paul Mehring, President, Access Capital
Steve Norris, Managing Director, TechServe 360

While sales and recruiting get much of the attention, the less glamorous aspects of staffing firm operations are just as critical to success.  From the mundane, but essential functions of ensuring accurate payrolls, managing benefits, timely billing, compliance across multiple states, and generating actionable financial statements and operational metrics to securing lines of credit and ensuring adequate cash flow, optimizing these ‘left-brain’ functions can make all the difference.  How can teams who ‘wear multiple hats’ perform all essential functions well?   

In this panel discussion, learn what you need to know about managing by metrics, lines of credit and cashflow, ways to mimic the advantage of scale in the back office, and best practices that provide the operational foundation necessary to drive growth and profitability and build your company’s enterprise value. 

Breakout 2 (Salon A)

Leading for Growth: Enhancing Leadership Effectiveness in Small to Mid-Size IT Staffing Companies

Presenter: Tom Nunn, Business Strategy & Executive Coach, Tom Nunn Consulting, LLC

As an owner or key exec in our industry, honing your leadership effectiveness is crucial for your company’s growth and success. Strong leadership attracts and retains the best people, inspires teams, promotes a fun and accountable culture and is the key to driving growth. Attendees will gain valuable insights and practical strategies to enhance their impact as a leader.

Breakout 3 (Salon H)

Mastering LinkedIn to Accelerate: Your Sales Performance, Your Brand, Your Digital First Leadership & Your Influence

Presenter: Richard Bliss, CEO, BlissPoint & Author of DigitalFirst Leadership

In this session, "Mastering LinkedIn to Accelerate: Your Sales Performance, Your Brand, Your Digital First Leadership & Your Influence," Richard Bliss, Speaker, Author, and Social Media Expert will provide pro LinkedIn tips to help you boost sales and build your digital brand!

Key Takeaways Include:

Learn how to craft a compelling personal brand on LinkedIn that sets you apart from the competition and attracts new opportunities.
Gain insights into optimizing your LinkedIn profile to showcase your expertise and establish credibility in your industry.
Master the art of creating content that positions you as a thought leader and engages your target audience.
Discover the secrets to crafting compelling messages that resonate with your audience and drive meaningful connections.

Breakout 4 (Salon B)

Is Digital Transformation/AI Right for You?

Presenters:

Amanda Marciniak, Director of Learning and Development, SSI
Tim Robbins, Vice President of Sales, ConverzAI

Join us for a compelling breakout session where we unpack the journey of Digital Transformation tailored specifically to your business needs. This session will challenge the notion that digital transformation demands an all-encompassing overhaul. Instead, we'll present a roadmap of incremental steps to seamlessly integrate technology with your strategic business objectives.

Key Discussion Points:

Assessing Your Current Tech Stack: Gain a thorough understanding of what your existing technology can achieve. Identify gaps and discover promising opportunities for enhancements.
Strategic Upgrades: Learn the critical factors that should guide your tech stack upgrades, such as improving efficiency, ensuring data integrity, adopting cutting-edge technology, and enabling growth.
The AI Advantage: Explore the transformative impact of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into your tech stack. AI can revolutionize your business operations, providing capabilities such as predictive analytics, automated customer interactions, advanced data processing, and enhanced decision-making. We'll discuss how AI-driven insights can lead to greater efficiency, reduced operational costs, and innovative problem-solving.
- Case Study: ConverzAI at SSi People - Get a firsthand look at how SSi People integrated ConverzAI into their technology suite. Discover how this AI-driven solution enabled them to capture opportunities for increased efficiency and remarkable growth.

By the end of this session, you will walk away with a comprehensive roadmap to initiate or enhance your digital transformation journey, utilizing the power of AI to drive meaningful advancements. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to stay ahead and fully harness the potential of AI and digital transformation for your business.

TechServe Executive Summit & TechExec General Session

Unleashing Human Potential: Robotics as the Architects of Our Future

Princess Ballroom

Presenter: Chad Wright, CIO, Boston Dynamics

In the era of accelerating technological advancement, we stand on the cusp of a new paradigm – a world where humans and robots collaborate as partners in innovation. Robotics is poised to transcend its industrial roots, becoming an integral part of our workplaces, our homes, and even our daily lives.

This presentation will illuminate the extraordinary possibilities of this human-robot partnership. Imagine robots not as mere tools, but as co-creators, capable of amplifying human ingenuity and liberating us from mundane tasks. We'll delve into the groundbreaking advancements that are enabling robots to unleash human creativity by automating repetitive and dangerous work, freeing our minds to focus on strategic thinking, innovation, and the pursuit of passions.

We'll explore how robots are revolutionizing industries from manufacturing and logistics to security and safety, reshaping them with unprecedented efficiency and precision. We will not only showcase the current transformative nature of robotics but also paint a vivid picture of how these advancements will empower us to solve complex global challenges such as aging populations, rising labor costs and changing work preferences. This is not just a vision of the future, it's a reality unfolding before our eyes. Robots are not only transforming our industries but also enriching our lives, empowering us to create a brighter, bolder future for all.

Executive Summit & TechExec Keynote

The Indefinite Talent Crisis: How Technology, AI and Automation Can Save Us

Princess Ballroom
Dr. Tassu Shervani - Associate Professor, Cox School of Business, SMU, & Leadership Consultant

While the accuracy of macroeconomists even three months out is often not much better than a coin flip, demographers---those who study the vital statistics of the human population---can predict with near certainty the size of the workforce 10, 20 or 30 years hence. What do they say? Despite common fear that technology in general and AI in particular will cause widespread job losses, advancements in AI and automation will in fact save us from the devastating effects of the decline in the working age population and shrinking talent pool.

In his compelling keynote, Dr. Tassu Shervani, Associate Professor of Business and Leadership Consultant to top executives of major U.S. companies, will share his striking insights on these transformative trends that will reshape the economy, employment and technology for decades to come, along with the significant implications for the internal and external IT teams that support businesses.

Breakout 1 (Castile 1)

The 'Left-Brain' Drivers of IT & Engineering Staffing Firm Success

Best Practices and Insights on HR Compliance, Insurance, Benefits & Independent Contractors

Moderator: Steve Norris, Managing Director, TechServe 360

Panelists:

Don Beemer, Managing Director, TechServe Alliance Business Insurance Program
Eric Chevrette , President and Founder, IT360 Financial
Brian Drummond, Senior Health Benefits Advisor, TechServe Alliance Health & Benefits Program
Dawn Scarfo, HR Leader, TechServe 360

While sales and recruiting get much of the attention, the less glamorous aspects of staffing firm operations are just as critical to success.  From the mundane, but essential functions of ensuring accurate payrolls, managing benefits, timely billing, compliance across multiple states, and managing independent contractors, optimizing these ‘left-brain’ functions can make all the difference.  How can teams who ‘wear multiple hats’ perform all essential functions well?   

In this panel discussion, learn the essentials of a pragmatic approach to HR—how to balance risk mitigation with operational efficiency, straight-talk on the insurance and benefits landscape, and ways to drive increased value for IT consultants who choose to operate as independent contractors.  Join our subject matter experts on what it takes to be competitive in these areas and continue to drive growth and profitability.

Breakout 2 (Salon A)

Benchmarking Success: How does your IT staffing firm measure up in today’s market?

Presenter: Rick Carlson, Director, TechServe Sales & Recruiting Management Program

Join Rick Carlson, Director of TechServe’s Sales & Recruiting Management Program, as he breaks down key insights from TechServe’s latest “Operating Practices Report” (OPR) and “Sales & Recruiters Metrics Report.” In this session, Rick will show you how to apply the critical benchmarking data to your firm’s operations, helping you evaluate performance and forecast more accurately.

You’ll learn how leading and lagging indicators can provide clearer predictions for the year ahead, and uncover what differentiates “High-Profit Firms” from “Typical Firms.” By diving into sales and recruiting KPIs, you’ll gain actionable strategies for improving profitability, even in a tightening market.

Breakout 3 (Salon B)

Your Tech Stack and Your Multiplier: How Technology Investments Impact Valuation

Moderator: Lauren Jones, Founder, Leap Advisory Partners

Panelists:

Laura Bumby, Senior Manager, Sales & Strategy, Bullhorn
John Larson, Principal Consultant, TechServe Alliance Services Corp.

In this panel discussion, industry experts will explore how strategic technology investments can boost your company’s valuation or multiplier. Learn how to make informed choices, enhance operational efficiency, and mitigate risks. Through case studies and best practices, discover the tech solutions that attract buyers and drive value for your business. Join a diverse panel of experts, including software providers, expert advisors, and experienced leaders on how to make the most of your exit.

Breakout 4 (Salon C)

Uncovering Potential from Within: The Power of Identifying and Developing Leaders

Moderator: Tom Nunn, Business Strategy and Executive Coach, Tom Nunn Consulting, LLC

Panelists:

Tim Glennie, Managing Partner, BridgeView
Andrew Jackson, President/Founder, BravoTech
Sue Thaden, CEO, CRi

Leadership development is a core function found in every successful company. Whether its building long-term enterprise value or allowing the owners and senior executives the ability to take on more strategic roles and pursue other opportunities, both ends are highly dependent on the leaders you cultivate today. Our panel will share ideas and success stories including effective strategies for recognizing and developing leaders, creating a culture of leadership development, best practices in mentoring, succession planning and fostering a growth mindset among your team. By investing in your future leaders, you not only help secure your company’s continued success but also create a more resilient and adaptive organization.

Breakout 5 (Salon H)

Successfully Leveraging the Global Talent Pool: The Do's and Don'ts of Offshore Recruiting and Nearshore Staffing

Moderator: Manny Vidal, Executive Vice President Strategy & Development, SSI People

Panelists:

Shreepad Kuthyar, Country Head & VP Recruiting, SSI People
Hank Levine, Chairman, Be Additive
Pat Patel, Founder & Executive Chairman, Intelliswift Software, Inc.
Richard Quevedo, President & CEO, SMX Services & Consulting, Inc.

To stay competitive, IT staffing firms must continually seek ways to reduce operational costs and offer clients IT talent at more attractive price points. One popular strategy has been Recruiting Process Outsourcing (RPO), where offshore sourcers and recruiters are used to benefit from lower labor costs. More recently, Nearshore Staffing has emerged, allowing firms to place lower-cost IT consultants based in similar time zones in Latin America and Mexico in remote roles. In this session, our expert panel will discuss best practices for evaluating partners, integrating offshore resources and a nearshore offering, ensuring accountability, and navigating the opportunities and mitigating the risks associated with these strategies.

SIM & TechServe Joint Panel Discussion

The Future of Work & Talent: A Multi-Dimensional Exploration Beyond the Horizon

Princess Ballroom

Moderator: Mark Roberts, CEO, TechServe Alliance & Mark Taylor, CEO, Society for Information Management

Panelists:

Threase Baker, President, ABBTECH
Max Chan, CIO, Avnet
Michael Hammond, Attorney, Corporate Immigration Partners
Robert Vaughn, CEO, Npower

How will IT work get done in the future? While the much-hyped AI revolution will certainly play an important role, it is but one aspect of a multi-dimensional inquiry. From what skill sets will be in demand, the state of the U.S. IT workforce, immigration policy, the role of offshore and nearshore, to the evolution of the wide-ranging modalities in which work is performed including reliance on internal resources, staff augmentation, managed services to fully outsourcing projects, these trends and market forces will converge to create a future very different from the present. By bringing together thought leaders from different vantage points, the panel will offer insight on what the future holds for businesses, their internal IT organizations and service partners.

Breakout 1 (Salon A)

Sales Leadership: Elevating EQ and Process Excellence for your reps

Presenter: Casey Jacox, Sales & Leadership Coach, Podcast Host - 'the Quarterback DadCast

Staffing & Consulting veteran Casey Jacox is back to share his insights and experience for you as a sales leader to empower your sales teams with the critical skills needed to excel in today's competitive market. This session focuses on two key areas:

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Skills: Discover how to harness the power of EQ to build stronger relationships with clients, understand their needs more deeply, and respond with empathy. Learn practical techniques to enhance self-awareness, manage stress, and confidently navigate complex sales conversations. He will help you unlock the power of humility, vulnerability, and curiosity.
Importance of Sales Process: Master the art of a structured sales process (MEDDICC), ensuring consistent and predictable outcomes. We will explore the critical stages of an effective sales cycle—from prospecting to closing—and discuss how following a proven process can boost your success rates and drive higher revenues.

Through a combination of real-world scenarios and expert insights, you'll leave this session equipped with the tools to meet and exceed your sales targets.

Breakout 2 (Salon B)

Diversification Beyond IT Staffing: Success Stories and Traps for the Unwary

Co-Presenters: Anna Frazzetto, Founder, AFM Strategic Partners & Kip Wright, Chairman, INSPYR Solutions

A Case Study Approach

Diversification can drive growth and mitigate risk, but it also introduces complexities and challenges. In this highly interactive session, two industry veterans who have successfully expanded beyond IT staffing will address the numerous considerations involved in the decision to diversify. Using a case study approach, they will share their lessons learned on the advantages, drawbacks, and risks of entering new lines of business and new markets. Whether you're considering a small shift or a major investment, this session will equip you with a framework for evaluating diversification decisions while protecting your core business---with the goal of enhancing your company’s enterprise value.

Breakout 3 (Salon C)

Passing the Torch and Bridging Generations: Leadership Succession in Tech Staffing

Moderator: Jamie Delsing, Managing Partner, Consultis

Panelists:

Andrea Brenholz, CEO/President, ATR
James Delsing, Client Success Manager, Consultis
Daria Morano, COO, Solving IT

Succession planning in any family-owned businesses, including in the tech staffing industry, requires a unique approach that balances legacy with innovation. This panel will explore the experiences of next-generation leaders who have or are either preparing to take the helm while their predecessors are still active in the business. Hear firsthand how these emerging leaders are building continuity plans, forging personal relationships with employees, consultants and clients, along with mastering the operational complexities of running a company.

The discussion will delve into the challenges of stepping into the shoes of the existing leader and the need to develop a unique leadership style that aligns with the expectations of a new generation. Join us for insights on how to effectively manage succession planning and ensure a smooth transition that preserves the company’s reputation, culture and client experience, while embracing the evolving workforce landscape.

Breakout 4 (Salon H)

Harnessing Advanced Recruitment Techniques and AI-Driven Insights

Moderator: Barb Bruno, CEO & Founder, Good as Gold Training

Panelists:

Gus Samra, CRO, JobDiva
Angie Keller, Global Head, Permanent Placement, Randstad Digital

Join our panelists as they explore the latest advancements in recruiting. This panel will delve into how cutting-edge sourcing tools, including AI-powered platforms and social media, are revolutionizing the way top talent is identified and placed. Additionally, the discussion will highlight the role of AI and data analytics in tracking performance metrics, uncovering trends, and driving smarter, data-informed decisions. The panelists will also share how they are successfully leveraging these new technologies to enhance recruiter performance and drive business success, while addressing the challenges and pitfalls to be mindful of in this rapidly evolving landscape.

Closing Keynote

Economic Disruption and Geopolitical Turbulence: Forces that Will Shape the New World Order for Businesses

Princess Ballroom

Dr. Tassu Shervani - Associate Professor at the Cox School of Business at SMU & Leadership Consultant

Building on his earlier keynote addressing the transformational effects of demographics and technological innovation, Dr. Shervani explores two additional forces that will define the future: economic disruption and geopolitical turbulence. Beginning with how we’ve arrived at this critical inflection point, he will unpack the historical developments that have created the highly prosperous global economic landscape from which U.S. businesses have particularly benefited. He will then address how decades of stability that once fueled business success are giving way to escalating geopolitical risks including rising nationalism, the fraying of democratic norms and the rule of law, and emboldened adversaries more willing to engage in conflict, marking a future far more uncertain than the past. Not to mention the need to redesign supply chains as a major consequence of the economic and geopolitical shifts. While economic disruption and geopolitical turbulence bring heightened risks, they also offer opportunities for those better prepared to navigate the evolving landscape.