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Premera Blue Cross
"Highest [evaluation] I recall at Premera…"
When the Premera Blue Cross leadership team gathered to discuss year-to-date progress, they sought a speaker who could motivate, build even more accountability into the culture, tie his or her message to company goals and the bottom line, as well as ensure continuity of message among all the day's speakers. Certainly a tall order.
Premera selected Amplify speaker Tom Flick, and following Tom's closing keynote, CEO Gubby Barlow wrote,
"Thanks
again for your fabulous presentation. All who attended found your talk
inspirational. Overall, the evaluation is the highest I recall at Premera
(in almost 7 years!)."
Two other attendees reported: "Tom Flick was terrific. Best P&O
I've attended" and "…Good balance between information,
Q&A and a speaker who really internalized our message and our metrics."
Learn
more about Tom Flick:
www.AmplifyBureau.com/TomFlick.htm
The
Boeing Company
"John Keister really
nailed it with his style of humor and local jokes about the city and
the company."
To celebrate the completion of a critical 10-year project, The Boeing Company prepared to honor their people and their accomplishments with a retrospective video and dinner banquet. They selected iconic Northwest comedian John Keister to hold tongue-in-cheek interviews with top executives involved on the project, using his one-of-a-kind humor.
Later, during the banquet itself, John performed for the entire team, serving up a customized program about aerospace, the Pacific Northwest, and the lives and times of Boeing. One of the meeting planners reported:
"I cannot tell you how many wonderful comments we have received regarding Johns' performance. With all the changes recently in the Boeing Company and the challenges in daily life, John brought a team of folks together to share an evening of warmth and laughter." Another planner said "John was fantastic. There was a super reception of his comedy, and he really nailed it with his style of humor and local jokes about the city and the company."
Click to learn more about John Keister: www.AmplifyBureau.com/JohnKeister.htm
Allstate
Insurance
…What else could we ask?!
This top insurance carrier, underwriting an important charitable gala, had two key goals: draw a large crowd and [affordably!] create an exceptionally fun and memorable evening for patrons. That's why they chose Emmy Award-winning corporate comedian and MC Ross Shafer.
Ross worked tirelessly with the group to learn about their people, terminology and hot buttons. The results~
"Our guests are all still talking about what fun it was and how much they enjoyed themselves. What else could we ask?!
Time and again, people have been commenting on how you had 'done your homework' in obviously knowing so much about the IICF and about the insurance industry. I was particularly pleased with the success of weaving you into the program as MC and not just as "entertainment." Your quick wit and professionalism are great assets, Ross. We're grateful to Allstate for underwriting and finding you…."
Learn
more about Ross Shafer:
www.AmplifyBureau.com/RossShafer.htm
Costco
Wholesale
Where customer service rates #1
Over the years, Amplify has provided the Costco Wholesale International Headquarters with a variety of speakers for its employees' educational luncheon programs. The series has become so successful that regional offices nationwide decided to implement Brown Bags around the country and in Canada.
As the head of employee training explains to Amplify, "I cannot begin to tell you about all the positive feedback that I have received from employees here at the Corporate Office! The Brown Bags have really caught fire….Thank you for your time, commitment and outstanding customer service... As you know, customer service rates #1 at Costco Wholesale!"
Extraordinary
Leaders
"I wouldn’t think of using any other bureau."
A leading conference provider was planning an event designed to attract c-level corporados for a day's training on leadership skills. They tapped Amplify to secure top-name-draw speakers, including Jim Whittaker and Vince Lombardi, Jr.
Following the popular public event, he said, "I am so appreciative of all the hard work you did to ensure a fantastic Extraordinary Leaders Conference. To say that you went beyond the call of duty is an extreme understatement. From finding just the right speakers who would provide distinct insights and a balance of information to helping me with promotional ideas for maximizing attendance, you did a fantastic job. Please consider this a recommendation of your services to any others who are looking for help in finding great speakers for their events! The two you picked were just what we needed. As I plan future events I wouldn’t think of using any other bureau."
Washington
State Employees Credit Union
"You delivered with gusto…"
In holding its annual Town Meeting series, WSECU chose speakers from Amplify to entertain their members. Afterwards, they shared the following feedback:
"…I want to single out John Curley as the perfect choice to engage and entertain…Amid sober conversation about the challenges of the modern mortgage market, Mr. Curley added the perfect amount of levity while discussing themes of considerable gravity. He shared touching yet hilarious stories on the topic of "recognition" and why it matters….His speech resonated with the audience on a personal level and connected to WSECU—a member-owned business….It was a job very well done.
Based on a universally positive experience, we look forward to working with Amplify again next year."
Washington
State Employees Credit Union
"We've loved the results so far..."
“When our credit union needed the right keynote speaker for our Annual Meeting, we have relied on Amplify! Inc. for the past two years. We’ve loved the results so far, so we’re going to make it a long-standing tradition.
Amplify gave us scores of options, scads of speaker information and scrupulous references to consult. We were very pleased to hire the pitch-perfect Pat Cashman for our event. We’re so glad we did! Pat regaled our members with rich stories – some of them almost believable – and had hundreds in stitches throughout. His signature brand of humor was a delight. Alternating between jokes that were sarcastically solipsistic and self-deprecating, he filled the room with levity and laughter. A stellar performance and a superb event.
Thanks,
Pat, and double-thanks, Amplify!”
--WSECU Marketing Department
Microsoft
Corporation
Doubling
the value
With their all-day off-site teambuilding meeting less than a week out, a group within Microsoft sought a closing keynote speaker to 'wrap up' the day's activities-to summarize the essence of how the teams could best move forward, given the day's exercises. Allotted just 20 minutes to close, Amplify speaker Jim Sorensen provided a pointed, tailored, and humorous speech. The lead manager's response: "Jim's program doubled the value of the entire day."
Learn more about Jim Sorensen: www.AmplifyBureau.com/JimSorensen.htm
Microsoft,
New York District Office
From tragedy, come hope and heroism
Reeling from the unspeakable 9-11-01 terrorist attacks on the US and the world, Microsoft's New York District office planned an urgently needed meeting to strengthen employees and managers in the midst of the tragedies-hoping to secure Gulf-War General Norman Schwarzkopf.
Within minutes, Amplify determined the retired general was unavailable on their event date, and in his place generated a list of additional options. Microsoft chose Captain Scott O'Grady, the heroic F-16 pilot who had been shot down over Bosnia. Less than two weeks later, Scott O'Grady spoke to the Microsoft audience-and to rave applause.
Starbucks
Coffee Company
"The comments we received from our participants
since the performance have been outstanding."
For Starbucks' first-ever Store Development Leadership Conference, among their goals was to enhance the emotional connection between Partners [employees] and the coffee company, further humanize their executives…as well as visually and viscerally illustrate the ideas of connection, partnership, and the customer experience. Part of their strategy, from Amplify, included "Extreme Meeting Team" elements, such as the Fact or Crap game show, along with an infinitely funny—and on-message—movie parody video.
Afterwards, the meeting manager wrote to Amplify:
"Our conference here at Starbucks went great…thanks in part to the efforts from Brian Walter and your Extreme Team. Your team truly understands how to take our business content and add the appropriate level of entertainment…to bring the content to life for the audience.
The "Fact or Crap" game was an incredible hit, and the "Show me the Store Count" video parody was awesome! These easy to execute skits really helped to show off the personal side of our executives.
The comments we received from our participants since the performance have been outstanding.
Thanks again. I look forward to working with you again in the future."
PEMCO
Insurance
The power of customized programs
When PEMCO needed a speaker to provide its claims department with specific, use-now strategies for enhancing customer service, they turned to Amplify expert David Kinard. In standard Amplify form, David first learned about the leading insurance carrier's culture—to, in effect, write his own "insurance policy"-to guarantee that the techniques he relayed were in direct alignment with the audience's day-to-day challenges.
The result?
According to the region's Claims Manager, "Thank you for taking
the time to research our needs by talking to some of our employees,
and then developing examples and situations specific to our business.
This investment
has paid off as it gave you credibility as opposed to just another speaker
with generic examples."
As part of a day-long training for its sales agents, Seattle-based PEMCO insurance brought in Amplify speaker George Walther, CSP, CPAE (the highest designation for professional speakers] to conduct a Power Talking program. The results, according the Business Development Manager:
"You nailed it!...Stan McNaughton, our CEO, commented, 'He really understands our values…clearly he did his homework in order to meet our needs'…Steve Miller, COO, told me, 'Thanks for picking a speaker who delivered substance and value to our sales agents' and Dave Lorenz, Manager of Customer Service, shouted to me, 'I've got to get this guy to talk to my group.'"
Shortly thereafter, George Walther was hired to speak as well to the PEMCO customer-service team.
Learn more about George Walther: www.AmplifyBureau.com/GeorgeWalther.htm
Matsushita
Avionics Systems Corporation
When boring is NOT an option
The maker of in-flight entertainment systems, Matsushita was planning an international Users Conference-a pivotal event during which they sought to impress customers and ensure they came away with an exceptionally positive view of the company, its services, and its products. Because days' worth of technical information can become dry, they looked to Amplify to jazz up all event elements, including the technical presentations.
Amplify's Corporate Humorist and Masterful Master of Ceremonies, Brian Walter, developed and delivered his highly customized song parodies, quiz shows and well-orchestrated between-program banter so all programs were anything but dry. Accompanying Brian-in song and in style-was Elvis [Entertainer Ken Boynton], the "King of In-Flight Entertainment."
According to the VP of their Product Support Group, "It was clear Brian Walter spent extensive time studying Matsushita, given the knowledge he displayed. Many attendees even asked if Brian was our employee….Brian Walter turned our conference into an exceptional event."
Learn more about Brian Walter: www.AmplifyBureau.com/BrianWalter-Founder.htm
Insightful
Corporation In planning their annual Sales Kick-Off meeting, Insightful Corp., had identified an external team-building vendor for their event…yet wanted to explore further options before making a final decision, so they called Amplify. Upon learning that this was a highly savvy, smart audience of both technical and non-technical employees….and that the event theme was “All Systems Go,” Amplify recommended space shuttle astronaut, speaker and author Mike Mullane, and Insightful itself went to All Systems Go status by choosing Mullane for their Kick Off. After the event, the Meeting Planner wrote… “Insightful Corporation recently used professional speaker and former astronaut Mike Mullane, author of “Riding Rockets,” for an internal company Sales Kick Off. Mike’s presentation was not only entertaining, funny, and informative; he also collaborated very well with the message that we wanted to get through to our employees. Mike has a way of communicating with his audience to make them laugh, and make them understand how important they are as an individual being part of a working team. We had nearly 100 people in attendance and throughout the rest of our Sales Training week, I heard nothing but wonderful feedback. On several occasions I overheard members of our team citing examples that Mike used, as well as re-telling the hysterical tid-bits that made us all laugh during his presentation. If you are looking for some fantastic, unique motivation, as well as looking to stress how important teamwork can be within an organization, Mike Mullane is an excellent choice for a professional speaker. We would highly recommend him for your company event!" To learn
more about Mike Mullane: EKOS Corporation EKOS Corporation, which pioneered the development and clinical application of ultrasound accelerated thrombolysis, found Bill Stainton the perfect fit for their first-ever keynote speaker during their sales meeting. Not only had Bill survived a blood clot himself, he also fully nailed his after-dinner keynote: "Bill Stainton was a fantastic way to conclude our National Sales Meeting in 2011. His KNOWLEDGE, LOVE and PASSION of the Beatles oozed from him and created an energetic atmosphere like no other! Our sales team really connected with him. And how he linked the 5 Best Decisions the Beatles Ever Made with our company, its people and products was spot on! The amount of work that Bill puts into his program is remarkable—including having senior management complete a specific questionnaire and speaking with audience members (weeks prior to the event) to get the full flavor of who we are! Thank you for such a fun evening!" Learn more about Bill Stainton: http://www.amplifybureau.com/billstainton.htm Davis Wright Tremaine To celebrate their annual holiday party, the Seattle office of Davis Wright Tremaine invited award-winning comedian and broadcast journalist Bill Radke to present a humorous set. Afterwards the event planner wrote: "Everyone in our group of 400 immensely enjoyed Bill’s comedy act….Bill did a great job of reading the crowd, and taking the comments from our pre-show meeting and turning it into very relevant "inside" humor. It felt like he was a real employee, who knew the ins and outs and challenges that we face in our business. His humor about local issues was a great match up with our 'inside' humor, as it brought all of us to common ground that is outside our office. Everyone left the show with a smile!" "Bill Radke's sophisticated, self-deprecating wit and his ability to adapt his presentation to our audience really resonated with our guests…." Law firm DWT needed a funny, engaging speaker to break up its industry content. So Amplify recommended comedian Bill Radke for their luncheon. After their event with Bill, they wrote: "Bill far exceeded our expectations. He was able to connect almost instantly with the audience of several hundred HR professionals and had people laughing and enjoying themselves. Bill's sophisticated, self-deprecating wit and his ability to adapt his presentation to our audience really resonated with our guests. He took the time to meet with us in advance to get to know our group, and it really showed. I doubt many comedians can create an entire monolog about an employment theme and make it funny. Bill did....I highly recommend Bill for any corporate speaking opportunity." Washington Athletic Club IC Funding Corp. A Toronto-based financial corporation sought inspiration and immediately practical time management tools for its owners’ meeting. They also wished to capture and create some Olympic-level buzz as the Winter Olympics in Whistler was scheduled soon afterwards. A tall order? Not if you're Vince Poscente, Winter Olympian and best-selling author of the time management resource "The Age of Speed." After their event, one of the business partners wrote Vince a personal note of thanks: "Vince, Thank you very much for joining us at our symposium this week. We had many, very positive comments regarding your presentation; the way you were able to incorporate personal and industry events into your presentation and through the use of personal, compassionate stories, combined with your unique sense of humour, contributed to what we have determined to be our best-ever event. Again, thank you for your contribution to our success." IC Funding Corp., Toronto, Ontario Chicago Title For its company birthday party, Chicago Title was in full celebration mode--celebrating past, present and future. In their words: "We wanted to celebrate a new day, a new outlok and roll out a new employee rewards program centered on the theme of WOW! While the air horns, cupcakes and confetti were well received, our true WOW of the day came with John Curley's presentation. It was perfection. ... I could not have asked for a more customized, funny and poignant presentation. Our employees are still talking about that day...." Learn more about John Curley: Williams,
Kastner & Gibbs, Attorneys at Law In need of a speaker on teambuilding, this firm turned to Amplify for recommendations. The firm's Chief Operations Officer had this to say after the program with speaker and trainer Jim Sorensen: "Jim was highly motivational and demonstrated an appropriate level of both energy and humor in his approach to a topic that lies at the core of every successful enterprise. Jim brought a high level of insight into human nature and was able to draw active participation, even from would-be skeptics in the audience. Our incoming Managing Director expressed that Jim was one of the top people he had ever worked with in his career, and more significantly, expressed a desire to work with him again in the near future. Although only a few days have passed, I have already had the opportunity to recommend your services to a colleague." Learn more about Jim Sorensen: www.AmplifyBureau.com/JimSorensen.htm Washington
Bankers Association With audiences containing a high percentage of discriminating CEOs and bank managers, WBA seeks speakers whose messages are fresh, focused and anything but fluffy. That’s why they continue to hire award-winning Amplify speaker Albert Mensah. As WBA’s VP of Education explains, “I find Albert an inspiration and have appreciated including him on agendas that cover technical banking issues….We like Albert so much we have invited him to speak at two fall conferences. Thank you for your recommendation, and I will continue to use your services as we plan future events.” Learn more about Albert Mensah: www.AmplifyBureau.com/AlbertMensah.htm Island
County [WA] Public Works In his quest to reward top employees with a dynamic, relevant training program, a state agency superintendent booked Amplify speaker Dennis Hilton. The response? "I would particularly like to acknowledge Andrea Driessen [of Amplify] for her efforts in making our meeting a success. Her prompt and courteous attention to our needs was refreshing. Certainly her contributions in setting up the speaker, who was excellent, and processing the contract, numerous emails and lastly follow-up after our meeting made this an effortless event. I would certainly recommend Amplify...not only for their professionalism and courteousness, but also for the quality of speakers at their disposal." Franciscan
Health System For the second year in a row, this organization tapped Amplify to bring in a speaker for its Medical Staff Retreat. This time, they chose Dr. Leo Frangipane, who spoke to doctors about "Remind Me Again Why I Took This Job." Afterwards, they wrote, "[Dr. Frangipane's] enthusiasm, energy and humor certainly got our retreat started on a positive, upbeat note. His presentation and "hug your CEO campaign" were clearly the highlights of our weekend....[We] look forward to working with you and Dr. Leo again in the future." Comments from participants included: ~"Timely
reminder of why we chose medicine." In the previous year, Franciscan sought a corporate comedian to "lighten up" their retreat, and booked Amplify speaker John Keister. Afterwards, the planner explained: "I valued [Amplify's] organizational skills, dedication and responsiveness. Working with you made my job of finding an outstanding speaker to kick off our retreat much easier this year. Please accept my heartfelt thanks for your part in making my event a success! I look forward to working with you next year." And after their most recent retreat, they wrote: "…it's my pleasure to let you know how much we enjoyed George Walther's presentation at our annual Medical Staff Leadership Retreat. George did a fantastic job of setting the stage for Saturday's retreat and brainstorming sessions with his three key points of shaking it up, shouting it out and sharing it. We truly appreciated George's enthusiasm and his ability to personalize his routine for our audience—many times citing specific references to FHS, our initiatives and members of our staff. Without a doubt, George's high energy and humor got our retreat started on a positive, upbeat note. ...Over the years that we have worked together, I have come to value your friendship and depend on your organizational skills, dedication and responsiveness to finding and booking the best speakers for my events. Thank you, Andrea, for making me shine. I look forward to working with you again next year." Franciscan
Health System Once again, for its Leadership Retreat, Franciscan teamed up with Amplify to find the best speaker-humorist to entertain their audience. After the program with Emmy-Winning Pat Cashman, the meeting planner wrote, "…It's my pleasure to write to let you know how much we enjoyed Pat Cashman's after-dinner entertainment at our annual Medical Staff Leadership Retreat….Pat tailored his talk to our audience's interests and funny bones; in fact, our doctors are still talking about "Holistic ER." As meeting coordinator for this event, I valued your organizational skills, dedication and responsiveness. Working with you makes my job of finding outstanding speakers so easy. Please accept my heartfelt thanks for your part in making my event a success! As always, I look forward to working with you again next year." Franciscan Health System To build buzz, deeply engage the audience and raise more funds in a challenging economy, Franciscan Health System’s Foundation desired an effective Master of Ceremonies to headline the annual gala. After choosing radio broadcast journalist Luke Burbank, the event manager wrote to Luke: PS: how great that even the nuns wanted your autograph!" Learn more about Luke Burbank: Unico
Properties Unico Properties had four key goals for their employee meeting: ensure employees clearly understood—and could recite—the company goals and strategic direction; recognize accomplishments from the previous year; uniquely celebrate their 50th anniversary; as well as inform and inspire employees to perform even more effectively in the future. To that end, they chose Amplify corporate comedian and communication consultant BRIAN WALTER to create fully customized programming for their event. The results: “…and, best of all, we accomplished our goal for the meeting. Our employees understand and can recite our company goals for the year…they have remained focused on achieving them thanks to the Franklin Initiative, which has kept employees so engaged, we decided to extend it for the rest of the year…. The preparation and planning sessions with you prior to our meeting were invaluable. You helped us to focus on our objectives, give us honest feedback, and shared many tangible ideas about how to host a more effective and memorable meeting for our employees. You grasped the lingo and the essence of our company and incorporated it into the meeting. Your style and humor were refreshing to our employees, and from the CEO to the font line staff, I’m being asked how we can possibly hold a better meeting next year. Working with you and Andrea has been a pleasure. The meeting was well organized, ran smoothly, and your audio-visual support team was excellent. I highly recommend you to anyone who wants to hold meetings that engage employees, effectively and creatively deliver the message, and leave employees wanting more.” Learn more
about Brian Walter: Intermec
Technologies Known globally for its RFID and barcode technology, Intermec holds an annual multi-day sales conference to inform and inspire their sales force and partners. This year, to truly amplify the extent to which their people acquire both the knowledge and the inspiration to thoroughly reach their growth targets, Intermec brought in the Extreme Team. Faced with the challenge of communicating to a worldwide audience, the Team developed and performed a set of carefully customized infotainment—entertainment about their messaging. The feedback: "It is with utmost pleasure that I take the time to thank you for an amazing performance by you and your team… As you know, humor is very difficult to do with a large international audience. Not only was your humor acceptable to the entire audience base, the music and added relevant humor that reinforced the messaging built a better than expected energy in the room that bled into the entire conference program. Here are some of the actual comments we received: Emcee/entertainment were first rate, polished, and understood product themes quite well. Emcee and entertainment MADE this show one of the best I have attended. They kept it moving and entertaining all the while delivering the corporate message. It was worth the investment!! All the entertainment was excellent and the lyrics composed especially for the conference were very clever, and showed a good study of our business by Extreme Meetings You hit a home run with the Emcee, and his entertainers were outstanding! Their music, lyrics, and props were "right on the mark" "Additionally, you were such a pleasure to work with. You have a keen sense of listening to the true issues and adjusting as necessary, rather than forcing a canned performance on us. And lastly, working with you was just plain 'fun'—your wit made my job that much more enjoyable." Even before the conference finished, the COO said to the Extreme Team, "I'm afraid we have a problem. I hope you enjoy working with us. You've done such a good job, you're stuck with us as a client for life!" True to their word, following the initial sales conference, Intermec booked The Extreme Team for two additional conferences, one for their employees and another for customers. Learn more about the Extreme Team here. Eddie
Bauer This large retail clothing chain, in planning its largest management conference to date, realized they needed to "go to Extremes" to perform at an entirely new level in the coming Holiday buying season, and ensure their people heard the messaging and content they needed to succeed. They turned to two Amplify "Extremes:" Brian Walter, creator of Extreme Meetings, and Steve Farber, "Extreme Leadership" author and speaker. After the
event, Eddie Bauer's CEO commented: We look forward to future opportunities to leverage this new resource and appreciate the significant contributions to the success of our conference." And in describing the impact of Steve Farber's message, he said: "Steve Farber…really energized the audience to think about everything that is familiar—in a very different way. Steve worked with us in advance to understand our company's unique challenges such that he could weave them into his keynote message. The message itself was simple; yet presented in a way that was engaging, and most importantly, real vs. theory-oriented. Steve's message of Extreme Leadership was full of energy. His unique talent to tell compelling stories with concrete lessons and real-world application made the time particularly well spent." Since this conference, Eddie Bauer has relied on Amplify, Brian and Steve repeatedly to continue advancing their EXTREME, on-message conferences and sales strategies. Banner
Bank For the fourth year in a row, Banner Bank partnered with Amplify to secure its external speaking talent for their annual conference. Given the company’s overall business goals as well as their need for an aspirational conference theme, Amplify suggested that Banner theme their event “Reaching New Heights,” which is also the title of speaker Susan Ershler’s keynote. Susan, a world record-setting mountaineer, award-winning sales woman and author, delivered the closing program, after which the Bank’s SVP for Training said, “Susan’s experience in successfully climbing mountains both in the corporate world and on the Seven Summits is one of the most inspiring stories I have ever heard. She kept our audience captivated during her entire presentation, and I would highly recommend her to any corporation, large or small. And, her book, “Together on Top of the World,” is a must read.” Click to learn more about Susan Ershler: www.amplifybureau.com/susanershler.htm Banner
Bank This growing-like-a-weed bank likes to laugh while they learn. So when their annual conference rolled around, they hired Corporate Comedians and Communication Consultants from the Extreme Team to provide tailored skits and a game show. The resulting all-about-Banner programming was right on the money. In the words of their VP of Training, "If you want customized humor with content specific to your industry, Brian Walter is the guy….Brian takes the time to get to know your business and your culture. His comedy is not only hilarious; his personal touch helps reinforce your vision, direction and brand." Banner Bank likes the EXTREME Meeting approach so much that they disregarded their "no-repeat-performers" policy to have The Extreme Team back for a second year, this time for an even more extensive "set." Banner Bank also turned to Amplify to boost the sales and communication skills of their attendees. After Amplify's internationally known author and speaker George Walther provided an extensively tailored Power Talking session, some attendees even sent the conference planner thank you notes to share their gratitude for the use-now skills they took away from George's program. Fluke
Corporation Fluke Corporation, the innovative maker of industrial measurement tools, periodically recognizes its top inventors and patent holders with a personalized evening dinner. This time around, they chose to add a special atmosphere to the night by inviting world record-setting mountaineer and award-winning saleswoman Susan Ershler to their banquet. Following the event, Amplify received this note: "Thank you for putting us in touch with Sue Ershler for our 2005 Inventor Recognition Program. Sue's presentation, without question, was the highlight of the evening. I have heard from several attendees who have expressed their fascination with Sue's engrossing stories about her accomplishments in mountain climbing. In addition, Sue's warm and easy-going personality allowed her to engage with individuals before and after her program. As a climber myself, I was both touched and moved by Sue and her presentation. Not only was I privileged to listen to and speak with one of the world's most accomplished mountain climbers, but that evening I met a new friend in the climbing community. I strongly recommend Sue to all of your clients and encourage you to put them in touch with her…they will certainly enjoy a most fascinating individual." Click to learn more about Susan Ershler: www.amplifybureau.com/susanershler.htm CONFAB
USA Seeking a registration-driving and event buzz-building headliner for the annual CONFAB conference, the meeting planner tapped Amplify and chose Emmy Award-winning comedian Ross Shafer to entertain attendees. After the event-deemed by many as "the best in 28 years," she wrote: "This was our 28th annual education conference, sponsored by the Institute of Management Consultants, with attendees from all over North America. Ross Shafer was our Monday night dinner speaker and truly brought the house down. He had spent the time to research our organization and connected his humor, ideas and comments to every member of the audience. People who have attended CONFAB for years raved about Ross and many shared that he was the best dinner speaker we have ever had. During Ross's talk, I looked around the room and was overwhelmed by the smiles, laughter and positive body language. Beyond the humor, Ross connected to the challenges that consultants face, and I am confident that everyone left with something to consider using in their practice and with their clients. I am so appreciative for your help in hiring Ross for our event. I would recommend your services and Ross as a speaker in a heartbeat. It is a pleasure doing business with two outstanding professionals." The
Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Oregon The Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Oregon, in the midst of planning their annual conference, wanted to bring in a registration-driving speaker who could both entertain and inform their audience with a distinctive, engaging message. Tapping Amplify for assistance, they chose 29 Emmy Award-winning humorist, speaker, author and internationally known Beatles expert Bill Stainton. After Bill's keynote, "The Five Best Decisions the Beatles Ever Made, And Why You Should Make Them Too," the Executive VP wrote, "I just wanted to take a moment and thank you for helping to bring Bill Stainton to our annual conference in Sun River, OR. Bill was a huge hit. After spending just a few minutes with me, he was able to 'personalize' his presentation to our specific audience. He combines humor, a vast knowledge of the Beatles and business insights that enable him to create a memorable presentation. We heard nothing but favorable input about his performance." Learn
more about Bill Stainton: The
Administrative Office of the Courts John Curley, host of King 5 TV's Evening Magazine, the highest-rated regionally produced TV show in the country, served as the speaker and dessert-contest MC for WA State's Administrative Office of the Courts annual employee recognition event. John's personal stories of boot-strapping his way to great success--as well as a vivid account of how one person's unlikely acknowledgment and recognition of him significantly changed John's life--created a high-impact experience for this audience. The planner afterwards called John Curley's presentation "Wonderful...The best ever…Absolutely great!" Learn
more about John Curley: Prosser
Memorial Hospital Prosser Memorial Hospital was aiming for a more engaging, on-message, fun and educational all-staff meeting. So they came to Amplify and chose 29 Emmy-Winning humorist, author and speaker Bill Stainton. Bill provided a tailored version of his "Five Best Decisions the Beatles Ever Made, and Why You Should Make Them Too" keynote. Following the meeting, the CEO wrote, "Bill Stainton's presentation exceeded our expectations! He packaged a high-impact message into a compelling, entertaining, memorable hour that held the attention of our entire employee team. During the break immediately following Mr. Stainton's program, the room was abuzz about the incredible accomplishments of the Beatles and how their five major decisions could be applied in our organization. His knowledge, ability to articulate, keen wit, and creativity truly set Bill apart from other speakers we have used in the past." Read more about Bill Stainton and the Beatles here NW
Compensation Forum The Northwest Compensation and Rewards Forum came to Amplify seeking speakers for their quarterly luncheon series….They needed speakers to help this audience of HR professionals gain practical skills as well as inspired information to help them be more effective in their work…AND drive registration and “buzz” for the meetings. Among their Amplify speakers: John Curley, host of King 5’s Evening Magazine, and a superb speaker. Afterward, a board member wrote, “(We) recently booked Mr. John Curley to speak at our quarterly meeting…To say that everyone in attendance was thoroughly entertained, educated, and enthralled would be an understatement. Mr. Curley has a very engaging style of speaking, and was able to interject humor and wit into his presentation. The meeting attendees listened to his stories and felt as if they were there, and were able to take ideas of giving, luck, and recognition with them. Many have told us that they will use Mr. Curley’s nuggets of wisdom in their everyday lives, starting immediately. We have never received such a positive response from our membership, and we would highly recommend Mr. John Curley to speak at any event you may be considering him for.” Click to learn more about John Curley: www.amplifybureau.com/johncurley.htm Woodland
Park Zoo Seattle-based Woodland Park Zoo holds annual fundraisers, and to attract as many participants and dollars as possible, they select a buzz-producing conservation-oriented speaker to create excitement and foster education. In 2007, they came to Amplify to select a well-known television personality and zoologist. After the SRO-crowds were inspired to donate to the Zoo, their Donor Relations Officer wrote: “I can't say enough wonderful things about my experience working with Amplify! and Andrea Driessen. Andrea is extremely organized and highly professional. From the very beginning, Andrea made sure my experience was excellent - and she continued to follow-up with me every step of the way. I had some challenges with our speaker (a bit high maintenance), and Andrea jumped in to assist, even when she was traveling on business! I feel very fortunate to have found Amplify! right in my back yard. Without a doubt, I will continue to do business with Amplify! and Andrea for years to come.” The Society of Government Meeting Planners The Society of Government Meeting Planners [Pacific NW chapter], as part of their Winter Education Workshop, invited John Curley, host of King 5's Evening Magazine, to speak. Afterwards, the lead planner wrote: "Your Caveman in the Cubical: How to be Consistently Creative under Pressure program was extremely entertaining and generated a lot of interest among members. We received a tremendous response, both in person and on the evaluation forms. Our attendees were captivated by your presentation. You established a rapport with the group immediately and were able to motivate and inspire everyone. As one of our employees put it, 'John Curley was absolutely amazing—a captivating speaker.' I couldn't agree more." Click to learn more about John Curley: www.amplifybureau.com/johncurley.htm The Washington Credit Union League "Fantastic...Exceptional...Going the extra mile..." WCUL relies on Amplify to book speakers for its annual convention as well as periodic meetings throughout the year. Skott Pope, their Vice President of Education & Development, explains: "Working with Amplify! is a fantastic experience. Working with Amplify! is like having an extension of my own staff. The service is exceptional and always prompt. I have never had someone work so hard to find just the right speaker to meet my needs. Amplify thinks “outside the box” when it comes to finding the appropriate speakers to meet the goals and objectives of my meetings. They stay involved right to the end and are always willing to go the extra mile. Amplify! will spend time presenting options – instead of pressuring me to go with the first choice. They treat my meetings like they are their own – that is a rare and extraordinary quality in a bureau." Used Truck Association "…You [Dan Thurmon] started your connection with the audience by having everyone clap, and then you re-entered the stage with a back flip and from that point on you had the audience attention for the rest of the hour. Later you had volunteers from the audience assist you and even taught one person how to juggle--amazing! …You used juggling as a metaphor for dealing with all the challenges we face in life and how we must keep our eyes on the ball and not on our hands to succeed, “we must keep looking up…" …Normally at the conclusion of a speaker's presentation, a small group may stand and clap in appreciation, then gradually the rest of the audience may stand as an ovation, but your response was an instant standing ovation from the 272 people in attendance--the whole room stood up instantly. I have heard many keynote presentations at various conventions over the years but never have I seen an immediate standing ovation. This shows the impact of your words as well as the relationship you made with each person in just 1 ½ hours. An acquaintance of mine works for a major corporation came to me after your presentation and was so inspired by your comments he asked me how to get in touch with you as he believed 'Dan Thurmon' was exactly what his company needed to get their company’s motivation back on track…." United Federal Credit Union Learn more about Andrea Driessen: "Dan really hit the mark, and it could not have been better!" United Federal Credit Union needed to motivate and inspire staff, stage a high-energy, collective training day and give everyone—from front line tellers to leadership—the tools to work smarter, not harder. Enter speaker, master juggler, acrobat and author Dan Thurmon. After the half-day training, they said, "Everyone without exception was just thrilled by Dan Thurmon's program. So much of what he said was exactly what we needed to hear. Dan really hit the mark, and it could not have been better! How will we ever top it?" Learn more about Dan Thurmon: Lakeside School Seattle's Lakeside School holds an annual lecture series for which they invite a speaker on topics related to the environment, technology, and economics. In 2011, they choose iconic mountain climber Ed Viesturs, after which Lakeside's Head of School commented: "I found him to be one of the most inspiring speakers we have invited. He has actually done something rather than just talking about what others are doing. And, I loved his message of set a goal, be persistent, patient, and try to keep your ego in check." Oregon Dental Assn. Oregon Dental Assn. was celebrating its 50 year anniversary and chose the theme "Reaching New Heights." To reinforce this tagline, they aptly booked Jim Whittaker, the first American to Summit Mt. Everest, to present the opening keynote. Afterwards, they wrote: "…Jim's presentation about being the first American to reach the summit of Mount Everest was the perfect opening to our most successful conference to date. With the ease of a seasoned speaker, Jim spoke to the crowd in a way that made you feel like he was talking to a room of good friends. His humorous manner and laid back-personality made for a delightful start to the morning….Jim Whittaker’s presentation is an awe-inspiring story of a life lived to its fullest. If the time presents itself again, we look forward to working with him." YWCA Seattle-King-Snohomish Counties Seattle's YWCA has set the bar for impactful, results-driven fundraisers headlined by some of the world's best female speakers. In 2010, they tapped Amplify to secure best-selling author Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat Pray Love, for the Bellevue, WA luncheon. The event ultimately raised more funds than any in the YWCA's history. Their meeting planner later wrote: "Andrea Driessen listened to my needs, asked the right questions, and provided recommendations that were beyond my every expectation. She was thorough, professional and solutions-oriented, opened my eyes to new possibilities and gave me the support and tools to excel …. Andrea is a shining example of excellence, and sets the bar for professional expertise and integrity within her field." --Meredith Lee, for YWCA fundraising event Get AMPLIFIED! Contact us to learn how:
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