Fall Conference Keynote Speakers

We’ve got a couple of wonderful keynote speakers lined up for the Fall Conference. The opening keynote speaker, Ken Schmidt, will be speaking from 8:45-9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 30. Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger will deliver the closing keynote speech on Thursday, October 2 from 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Read on to find out a bit about these men and what they have to offer you during their presentations:

Ken Schmidt, a specialist in corporate positioning and media relations, started his own business, Ken Schmidt Company, in 1999. That was, however, after spending 12 years working for Harley-Davidson and two years in partial-ownership of Chicago-based VCA Partners marketing firm. Beginning in 1985, Ken worked with Harley-Davidson to successfully restore the company’s image and increase sales. He also became the company’s director of corporate and financial communications and served as its spokesperson to media and financial communities. From 1997 to mid-1999, Ken’s time with VCA Partners allowed him to work with brands such as General Motors, Coca-Cola, IBM and Campbell’s Soup. Ken now speaks to business groups and academic communities around the world, sharing his philosophy on business and life: “Never do what’s expected, make yourself as noticeably different as possible, and have a lot more fun than you’re supposed to.”

Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger is probably best known for his work on the University of Notre Dame football field, where in the last 27 seconds of the only play in the only game of his college football career, he sacked the quarterback of the opposing team. The story of his dream to play football for the Fighting Irish and the obstacles he encountered along the way became the subject of the major motion picture “Rudy”. Since then, Rudy has become a motivational speaker, co-authored several books and appeared in print media as well as television shows such as CBS Good Morning, ABC Good Morning America, NBC Talk Live and Entertainment Tonight. He has recently established the Rudy Foundation, whose mission is to help children of all ages around the world reach their full potential. Today, Rudy entertains corporate audiences, students and athletes alike with his motivational “Yes I Can” message.

Make sure you attend both of these inspirational and motivational presentations!