The Independent Professional Seed Association is officially kicking off its 35th annual conference in Indianapolis today. However, we arrived early to set up our media center and network with other early arrivers. The host hotel is buzzing with activity in preparation for this afternoon’s events. Here are some things happening today that you won’t want to miss.
Registration is ongoing from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time.
The opening session begins at 2 p.m. with some motivation from keynote speaker Phil Jones. Jones is considered a master of influence and persuasion. He has authored seven best-selling books, one children’s picture book and is the producer of the “most-listened to” non-fiction book of all time. He believes the answer to increased success is asking better questions. He’ll talk about how to increase the quality of conversations by knowing what to say, when to say it and how to make the conversation count. Many of his recommendations are in his international best seller “The Magic Words for Influence and Impact.” To read more about Jones, visit his website.
Unlike certain conferences where attendance at sessions is optional or viewed by some attendees as relatively low priority, IPSA is known for encouraging attendance by all conference registrants at all general sessions. However, it also tries to balance attendance at sessions with adequate networking time. Today’s schedule offers significant time for less formal company-to-company meetings, including via a flash networking session (4:30 -5:30 pm ET), a happy hour (5:30-6:30 pm ET), and the Sponsors’ Italian Serata progressive dining experience (starting at 6:30 pm tonight). New this year, the conference agenda also includes time for more formal company-to-company meetings during a dedicated networking time from 8:00-noon on Thursday. Our goal is to connect with as many attendees as possible, capturing as much perspective and discussing as many seed industry priorities as possible. Whether between sessions, across a lunch table, or during informal or formal sessions, please pop over for a chat. We’d love to hear how business is rolling for you.
