Session Descriptions 

Interpreting Transferee Evaluations in Troubled Times
Thursday, May 19, 2011
10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Great customer service is always important…but how much more so during economic difficulties?  To service providers in the mobility industry, transferee service evaluations are critical to measuring “success”.  Based on the recent years of our troubled economic times, how have service evaluations by the relocating employees been impacted?  Participants in this session will:

  • Learn how the panel members have separated true service issues from reaction to the economy such as unhappiness with the policy provisions, home values, lack of job security and many other difficulties facing the transferee
  • Determine how the mobility manager and service provider ensure the evaluations are relevant to today’s marketplace
  • Hear practical examples from corporate mobility managers who have proactively managed their survey process.

Moderator:
Jill Taylor, SCRP, SGMS, Vice President, Consulting Services, Brookfield Global Relocation Services, Woodridge, Illinois

Panelists:
Barbara Denson, CRP, Manager, Relocation, CSX Transportation, Jacksonville, Florida

Jeanie Johnson, SCRP, SGMS, Relocation Services Supervisor, ConocoPhillips Company, Bartlesville, Oklahoma

Charles Ameno, CRP, Global Relocation Manager, Chevron, Houston, Texas

 

Today’s Housing Market: Facts & Figures to Drive Informed Relocation Decisions
Thursday, May 20, 2011
10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Steve Harney is a nationally recognized speaker on current real estate market conditions and strategies to deal with them.  The author of Keeping Current Matters™ and one of Inman’s Top 100 Most Influential Leaders for 2010, Steve provides the latest data addressing real estate trends and patterns, with timely, actionable advice for real estate and relocation practitioners. Steve’s insights have direct relevance for today’s transferees, addressing the “why” of correct pricing, timing of buying or selling, anticipating the market, and that recurring question:  Have we hit bottom yet?   Participants in this session will:

  • Evaluate the role of short sales, shadow inventory, household growth, and BMA variances. 
  • Understand what is happening in the market and why
  • Be able to communicate information to return to transferees some sense of control and comfort

Presenter:
Steve Harney, Steve Harney, Inc., Holbrook, New York

 

The Fundamentals of Relocation: An Overview
Thursday, May 19, 2011
10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

If you are new to relocation then this session is for you!  In 90 minutes you’ll receive a fast-paced overview of the U.S. Domestic Relocation Process.  Industry leaders will teach you trends and successful strategies from the corporate and RMC perspective.

Presenters:
May Caffi, SCRP, SGMS, Senior Director, Relocation Services, Marriott International, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland

David B. Barlow, SCRP, SGMS, Senior Vice President, Senior Consultant, SIRVA Relocation, San Ramon, California

 

Lengthening the Fuse – Soothing Relocation Stress in Over-stressed Times
Thursday, May 19, 2011
10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

The stress of relocation is compounded by the current economic climate resulting in emotional and transactional challenges to mobile employees and their service providers.  This has led to the acquisition of new skills and sensitivities that provide a new value equation for our industry.  Participants in this session will:

  • Discover how to assess readiness and resilience for relocation in the transferee and family
  • Explore how to encourage and enhance talent development without unduly elevating cost
  • Identify effective psychological tools for supporting transferees and their families
  • Learn how to present alternatives and assist transferees in crafting solutions

Moderator:
Anne Cowburn, CRP, VP, Client Relations Manager, Bank of America Home Loans, West Grove, Pennsylvania

Panelists:
Debbie McGee, CPA, Global Director, Mobility, Doosan Infracore Construction Equipment, Atlanta, Georgia

Mary Wallace, GRS, Realtor®, Coldwell Banker Residential, Oak Lawn, Illinois

Pamela Cunningham, Program Analyst, Office of Family Policy in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense, Washington, D.C.


Barry Kozloff, President, SRI Selection Research International, Inc., St. Louis, Missouri

 

The Hamster Revolution: Get Control of E-mail
Thursday, May 19, 2011
10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Get organized, prioritized and energized to excel!  Learn how to save 15 days a year and get more done.  In this relevant and entertaining session you will encounter highly effective, ground-breaking time management strategies that will forever improve your productivity, professional image and work/life balance.  Participants attending this session will:

  • Cut email time by 20%
  • Improve email quality by 35%
  • Discover time-saving Outlook/Lotus Notes tech tips
  • Share best practices

Speaker:
Tim Burress, Author, The Hamster Revolution

 

Enhancing Talent Management with Assessments for Mobility
Thursday, May 19, 2011
10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

The current industry climate demands a more strategic and proactive approach to talent management. Smart companies are discovering the need to incorporate mobility planning directly into their talent management efforts. One of the best strategies in doing so involves the use of assessments to evaluate top talent for relocation or global assignments.  Experience the views of a panel of Fortune 500 company representatives and discover how pre-decision assessments enhance their mobility efforts. Participants attending this session will:

  • Investigate how assessments can help solidify or convert first-choice mobility candidates to potentially avoid costly, time-consuming failed relocations or international assignments
  • Determine how to integrate assessment into your talent management efforts.
  • Explore various company models and case studies for using assessment to evaluate the best mobility candidates.

Moderator:
Margery Marshall, SCRP, President, Vandover, St. Louis, Missouri

Participants:
Ginger E. Merrick, CRP, SGMS, Coca-Cola Refreshments, Atlanta, Georgia

London Roberts, Program Manager, Global Assignments & Domestic Relocation, Lexmark International, Inc., Lexington, Kentucky

Lisa Rodriguez, Director, Talent Deployment, Abbott, Chicago, Illinois

 

RAC Trac: What Happened?  Why Didn’t the Home Sell for the Appraised Value?
Thursday, May 19, 2011
10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

In today’s market we are often faced with trying to answer this question.  This session will provide the opportunity to learn about the many variables that can affect the variance between an appraiser’s anticipated sales price and the ultimate sales price.  Explore the different types of corporate policies and the impact on appraisals.  Discover the challenges of appraising unique properties and special sales situations and understand the differences between mortgage and relocation appraisal guidelines.  Participants attending this session will: 

  • Discuss the effectiveness of mandatory marketing times
  • Identify fix-up and staging allowances
  • Determine what impacts value

Moderator:
Jim Gargano, CRP, IFAS , President, Bomba Gargano Valuation, Inc., Naperville, Illinois

Participants:
Florence Baird, CRP, GMS, Vice President, Client Services, Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services, Scottsdale, Arizona

Mitch Ulrich, CRP, Senior Vice President, Mobility Strategies,  NEI Global Relocation Co., Omaha, Nebraska

Jody Scannel, CRP, Review/Training Manager, LSI Relocation Solutions, Milford, Massachusetts

Ellen Borofsky, SCRP, Manager, Property Evaluation, Cartus, Danbury, Connecticut

 

Military Session: The Fundamentals of Military Relocation
Thursday, May 19, 2011
10:45 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

 

Military Session: Relocation Law Discussion Group
Thursday, May 19, 2011
10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

 

Government Session: GSA and DoD Government Update
Thursday, May 19, 2011
10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
In this timely session, government policy and program experts will discuss current government relocation volume, trends and program updates from the GSA Policy and Program Offices and the Department of Defense.  Participants in this session will:

  • Investigate current initiatives and recent policy changes
  • Gather volume and cost information
  • Discover emerging issues

Moderator:
Verlinda Blake, Transportation Specialist, General Services Administration, Arlington, Virginia

Participants:
Robyn Bennett, Lead Traffic Management Specialist, General Services Administration, Kansas City, Missouri

David Gage, SCRP, Chief, National Relocation Program Office, Department of Defense, Baltimore, Maryland

Pam Silvis-Zelasko, CRP, Acting Director – Relocation, General Services Administration (GSA), Washington, D.C.

 

Worldwide ERC®’s U.S. Tax and Legal Update
Thursday, May 19, 2011
1:45 – 3:00 p.m.

Identifying issues that can cause tax liability or create legal problems is key to keeping your company and your transferees risk-free.  In this engaging session you’ll learn from Worldwide ERC®’s Tax Counsel, Pete Scott, and General Counsel, Dick Mansfield on the critical issues facing the relocation industry.  Bring your most pressing questions to ask of our experts.  Participants attending this session will review the following issues:

  • IRS audits of employment taxes and home sale programs
  • Tax legislation, including tax reform threats to mortgage interest deduction, home sale capital gains exclusion and moving expenses
  • Possible repeal of new information reporting provisions
  • U.K. Bribery Act update and its U.S. implications.
  • Private Transfer Fees and their effect on the domestic real estate market.
  • Dodd-Frank implementation, including:
    • Whistleblower statutes and programs
    • AMC legislation
    • CFPB (consumer Financial Protection Bureau)

Moderator:
Hank Roth, Senior Counsel-Relocation, SIRVA Relocation, Independence, OH

Presenters:
Richard Mansfield, Worldwide ERC® General Counsel, Mansfield & Mansfield, Arlington, Virginia  

Pete K. Scott, Worldwide ERC® Tax Counsel, Peter K. Scott Associates, Sunset Beach, North Carolina

 

Know When to Hold ‘em, Know When to Fold ‘em – Emerging Legacies of the Great Recession
Thursday, May 19, 2011
1:45 – 3:00 p.m.

Many organizations implemented short-term fixes to address the economic downturn and volatility in real estate markets when they first emerged. This session will review those that are lasting legacies to hold onto and what were the short term quick fixes that we should fold and walk away from.  Join the conversation about what worked, what did not and how the recession changed mobility policies.  Participants attending this session will:

  • Learn strategies used to effectively manage exceptional circumstances
  • Share real-world successes and lessons learned during the recession
  • Discover what legacies will shape the policies of the future

Moderator:
Mary Beth Nitz, CRP, SGMS, Executive Recruiter, Signature Source, Plano, Texas

Participants:
Russ Haynie, CRP, GMS, Director, Global Consulting, Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services, Atlanta, Goergia

Sharon Byrnes, GMS, Director, International Assignments, Stryker Corporation, Mahwah, New Jersey 

Bobbie Reichert, Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), Washington, DC

 

Social Media Lab – BYOL  (Bring Your Own Laptop)
Thursday, May 19, 2011
1:45 – 3:00 p.m.

In this hands-on learning lab you will have an opportunity to learn from experts on the best approaches to Social Media and the latest software programs used today.  If you haven’t yet embraced social media and aren’t sure how to start, or want to get up to speed on the latest Outlook options, this is the place for you.  In small groups you’ll be paired with people who will show you how to make use of the tools at our finger tips.  Bring your laptop or smart phone and get the answers to the questions you’ve been wdying to ask.  Participants attending this session will:

  • Build a professional profile on Linked-In
  • Exchange tips on the latest smart phone apps
  • Discover how to maximize use of Microsoft Office

Facilitator:
Bill Werth, CRP, Vice President - Sales & Marketing, Merchants Moving & Storage Company, Racine, Wisconsin   

Suzanne Sichz, CRP, Account Manager, Wells Fargo – LinkedIn 101, Getting Started 

Laura Henneberry, SCRP, SGMS, Executive Vice President, Morreale Real Estate – LinkedIn 101, Getting Started

Pam Jacknick, CRP, Vice President, Client Development – Central Region, NEI Global Relocation - Facebook, 101 Getting Started

Bob Portale, SCRP, SGMS, President/CEO, Relo Direct®, Inc. – LinkedIn 201, A Strategic Session

Michelle Sandlin, CRP, Director, Global Relocation Services, John Daugherty Realtors – Blogging, Using all Social Media Combined

Dawn Bland, CRP, Team Manager, Stewart Relocation Services – Linked In, Facebook, Twitter, Blogging, how to combine social media to enhance a more robust online presence.

Elizabeth Nunan, CRP, SGMS, Vice President, Relocation, Houlihan Lawrence Real Estate – Linked In, Facebook, Twitter, Blogging, how to combine social media o enhance a more robust online presence.

Buzz Merrick, President/CEO, Right Click Learning – Microsoft tips on Outlook, Word, Excel, Windows (all versions)

Tim Beaudet  - Geek Speak

Piper Sheffield, CRP, Senior Vice President, Director, Stewart Relocation Services – All around assist – help where needed. 

 

Redefining and Leveraging Real Estate Competencies for Efficiency and Profitability
Thursday, May 19, 2011
1:45 – 3:00 p.m.

We are in challenging times.  The uncertainty in the economy, the job market, the real estate market and changing tax laws – all impact our business.  What proactive steps can you implement to survive and thrive?  This session will take your standard real estate programs to the next level.  Participants attending this session will:

  • Discover how to enhance programs for better service delivery and increased profits
  • Learn methods for service structure review to gain approval for implementation
  • Develop a business plan to track the results of new programs

Moderator:
Claudine Tahan Gaffney, CRP, GMS, Regional Vice President Relocation, NRT, llc. Eastern Seaboard Region, Parsippany, New Jersey

Participants:
Tina Swenson, CRP, SGMS, Vice President, Director of Corporate Development, Ebby Halliday REALTORS, Dallas, Texas

Bob Hamrick, Chairman and CEO, Coldwell Banker Premier, Las Vegas, Nevada

Kathy Connelly, SCRP, Senior Vice President Corporate Services, Prudential Georgia Realty, Roswell, Georgia

 

Mortgage Industry Insights
Thursday, May 19, 2011
1:45 – 3:00 p.m.

Mortgage challenges today impact the transferee, the corporation, and the service providers offering assistance in this area.  This session will provide an outstanding overview of the industry today, tomorrow and in the future.  You will develop a clearer understanding of how the change in laws and practices have impacted the mortgage process today and what the downstream implications are.  Participants attending this session will:

  • Discover how to set the expectations of the transferee to facilitate a smooth home purchase experience
  • Identify the issues associated with short sales, condos, HUD1, documentation requirements and financial status
  • Explore statistics related to distressed properties and unemployment and how they have affected mortgage rates and the consumer market

Moderator:
Joseph V. Benevides, SCRP, CEO, HouseSavvy, Assonet, Massachusetts

Participants:
Michael Carrier, Associate Vice President of Secondary & Capital Markets, Mortgage Bankers Association of America, Washington, D.C.

Derek Latka, CRP, GMS, Vice President Client Relationship Management, Bank of America Home Relocation & Corporate Services, Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan

Allison Basley, CRP, GMS, Marketing Director, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Centerville, Texas

 

RAC Trac: Do You Hold a Winning Hand in 2011?
Thursday, May 19, 2011
1:45 – 3:00 p.m.

You have specific ideas about what is working and what isn’t working in relocation appraising – but do others share your views?  This session will give you the chance to share in a “tell it like it is” environment with industry experts from related relocation disciplines.  You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and discover solutions to the many challenges facing you every day.  Participants attending this session will:

  • Discover innovative solutions to achieve success in the current challenging environment
  • Learn how to mitigate risk exposure by identifying and handling issues such as unique properties and home features
  • Determine best practices for promoting future success

Moderator:
Joseph Trecola, CRP, Partner, Trea Corporation, Troy, Michigan

Participants:
Charles Flagg, Owner, Charles W. Flagg & Company, Hudson, Ohio

Joseph Palumbo, SRA, Director, Valuation, Weichert Relocation Resources, Inc., Morris Plains, New Jersey 

Pam Milani, CRP, Director of Corporate Real Estate, SIRVA Relocation, Independence, Ohio

Judy Makaryk-Rosen, Realtor®-Relocation Specialist, RE/MAX Traditions, Woodmere, Ohio

 

Military Session Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP)
Thursday, May 19, 2011
1:45 – 3:00 p.m.

 

Government Session: Best Bets for Assisting Government Renters and Other Transferees Who Don’t Receive Homesale Assistance
Thursday, May 19, 2011
1:45 – 3:00 p.m.

Through homesale assistance programs, the Government offers home-owning transferees relatively comprehensive relocation assistance.  But what level of assistance do agencies offer relocating renters and/or homeowners who do not participate in the homesale program?  What services can the government provide?  Agencies will share insights into their policies, programs and services for transferring employees who are not participating in a homesale program.  Participants in this session will:

  • Identify and quantify the segment of the government transferee population and the trends that are causing this segment to grow
  • Determine the types of assistance the government can and cannot offer
  • Investigate low and no-cost options available to agencies for this group of transferees

Moderator:
Melissa Moorer, CRP, GMS, Account Executive, Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services, Washington, D.C.

Participants:
Laura Biggs, CRP, Senior Relocation Specialist, Comptroller of the Currency, Washington, D.C. 

Karl Verell, CRP, GMS, U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration, Springfield, Virginia 

Bill Mulholland, CRP, GMS, Director, American Relocation Connections, LLC, Fairfax, Virginia

Ghadeer Hasan, CRP, GMS, Vice President, Quality, Dwellworks, LLC, McLean, Virginia

 

Peer Networking
Thursday, May 19, 2011
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

You never know which contacts will lead to great new opportunities in your life.  Don’t miss this chance to get in on the fun of peer networking and expand your network!  Modeled after the speed dating concept, this session offers you the chance to meet new industry contacts.  It is a fantastic way to make the initial introduction that can lead to further discussions post-conference.  Whether you are seeking a new client, a new service solution or a new business partner, this session is exactly what you need. Attendance is on a first-come, first-served basis and space is limited.  Attendees will be paired randomly to kick off the session, and will have an opportunity to speak with 15-20 of their industry peers.

Facilitator: 
Susan Schneider, SCRP, GMS, President, Plus Relocation Services, Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota

 

RAC Trac: I Couldn’t Sell this “TURKEY” if Every Day Was Thanksgiving!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Have there been situations when you have been surprised by the market reaction to a property?  What were the features the property had that created this reaction?  In this fast-paced program you’ll discover marketing tips for selling the not so “tip-top” properties.  And you may even win a famous Southern Smoked Turkey!  Participants in this session will:

  • Investigate how to identify and adjust for issues that affect marketability of properties. 
  • Explore how Realtors® and inventory specialists can market difficult properties
  • Acquire real-life, practical answers to improve work performance

Moderator:
Suzanne Bloyed, SRA, Appraiser, Bloyed Residential Appraisals, Tulsa, Oklahoma

Participants:
Martha Marshall, SCRP, SGMS, Senior Vice President, Director of Relocation, Ebby Halliday REALTORS, Dallas, Texas

Rob Johnson, SCRP, SGMS, Senior Vice President, Client Services, Altair Global Relocation, Plano, Texas

Peggy Neldner, SCRP, Regional Vice President, Western Region, Coldwell Banker Northern California, San Ramon, California

Frances Martinez Myers, President, Employee Transfer Corporation /ETCREO, Employee Transfer Corporation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania  

 

Military Session: School Liaison Office Program
Thursday, May 19, 2011
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

 

Government Session: Going “All In”… Preparing for the Household Goods Summer Surge
Thursday, May 19, 2011
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Are household goods carriers, agencies and relocating employees prepared for peak season?  Due to contraction in the household goods industry, there are fewer companies, trucks, drivers, crews and warehouses.  Will a down-sized household goods industry impact service levels and relocation timelines for Federal agencies?  To what extent will DoD BRAC transfers affect capacity?  Representatives from GSA’s CHAMP, DoD’s SDDC and a household goods shipper share insights on volume projections, service level expectations and tips for successful moves during the busiest time of the year.  Participants in this session will:

  • Gain insight into anticipated volumes for government and DoD household goods shipments, including anticipated BRAC shipment volume
  • Learn how government agencies and suppliers establish service level agreements and monitor performance
  • Obtain tips for planning and communication to promote successful, seamless household goods shipments during peak season

Moderator:
A. J. Schneider, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Wheaton World Wide Moving, Indianapolis, Indiana 

Participants:
Katie Northrop, JK Moving & Storage, Sterling, Virginia

Debbie Teague, Transportation Specialist, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC), Scott Air Force Base, Illinois

Kim Chancellor, Traffic Management Specialist, GSA, Kansas City, Missouri

 

Short Stack – Understanding the Risks and Benefits of Short Term Assignments
Friday, May 20, 2011
8:45 – 9:45 a.m.

Most companies believe that short term assignments are less costly than a permanent relocation and indeed they can be a cost-effective strategy for deploying talent in today’s nimble business environment.  But the costs (both hard and soft) and the stakes can be quite high.  Participants in this session will: 

  • Examine the tax rules that impact temporary assignments and explore pending legislation
  •  Learn how companies are using short term assignments to meet the needs of their unique talent management objectives
  • Review the kinds of benefits and costs most companies cover for employees on temporary assignments

Moderator:
Ellie Sullivan, SCRP, SGMS, Director, Marketing and Consulting Services, Weichert Relocation Resources, Inc., Norwell, Massachusetts

Participants:
David S. Oltman, CRP, President & CEO, Relocation Taxes, LLC, Wilton, Connecticut

Kendra Kennedy, CRP, Relocation Services – Team Lead, Deere & Company, Moline, Illinois

 

Procurement Is Here to Stay – What’s Next?
Friday, May 20, 2011
8:45 – 9:45 a.m.

Sourcing (procurement) has become a significant part of relocation and has changed the process of working with potential suppliers dramatically.  At the same time, companies are moving toward a more centralized relocation program with a truly global focus. They are capitalizing on their global spend by leveraging their total volume with providers.   Participants in this session will:

  • Recognize the benefits of a great partnership between mobility and procurement
  • Learn how to leverage more than just price to secure better service
  • Improve the process to select the right service provider

Moderator:
Chris Chalk, CRP, GMS,   

Participants:
John B. Sculley, SCRP, Vice President - Managing Director, RIS Consulting Group, Norwalk, Connecticut 

Kevin D. PurdySupplier Manager, The Boeing Company, Hazelwood, Missouri

Ron Crockett, CRP, Senior Manager, Employee Relocation Services, Halliburton, Houston, Texas

“History May Not Repeat Itself but It Certainly Does Rhyme” – Mark Twain – An Economic and Real Estate Outlook
Friday, May 20, 2011
8:45 – 9:45 a.m.

When will we finally see job growth in 2011?  Where are interest rates heading? And inflation?  What are the keys to a successful business model in 2011?  What should we do to position the U.S. for long-term economic growth?  Join us for a glimpse at what 2011 holds for everyone by one of the foremost experts on the relationship between the economy and the real estate industry.  Discover what you can do to help your business in the coming months.  Participants in this session will:

  • Investigate when liquidity will reappear in the commercial segment. 
  • Benefit from the concrete answers provided on pressing economic and real estate issues
  • Apply information gathered to short and long term business and financial planning

Moderator:
Randy L. Wilson, CRP, Chief Executive Officer, NEI Global Relocation, Omaha, Nebraska

Speaker:
Ted C. Jones, Ph.D., Senior VP,  Director of Investor Relations, Chief Economist, Stewart Title Guaranty Company, Houston, Texas

 

The Melting Pot – The Who, What and Why of U.S. Inbound Permanent Transfers and Localization
Friday, May 20, 2011
8:45 – 9:45 a.m.

This session combines U.S. and international issues with the latest changes, challenges and recommendations for localization and permanent transfers to the U.S.  Gain perspective on corporate mobility, immigration, and real estate considerations.  Discover what areas of pre-planning  are critical for a successful transition and why.  Participants in this session will:

  • Evaluate corporate strategy on  U.S. localizations vs. transfers
  • Recognize services and financial considerations needed to accommodate foreign nationals
  • Understand key immigrations and how to avoid the common mistakes

Moderator:
Pam Dunleavy, CRP, Vice President Sales – U.S., Crown Relocations, Huntington Beach, California

Tricia Danielsen, The Nielsen Company, New York, New York 

Cynthia Juarez Lange, Partner, Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Santa Clara, California 

Sharon Michnay, CRP, GMS, Executive Director, Corporate Business Development, Halstead Property, LLC, New York, New York 

 

Military Session: Exploring the Military Move
Friday, May 20, 2011
8:45 – 9:45 a.m.

 

Government Session: Going for Broke?  Tips to Stretch Government Relocation Budget Dollars in a Tight Economy
Friday, May 20, 2011
8:45 – 9:45 a.m.

In case you haven’t gotten the memo, the government is examining options to cut travel and operational budgets which may impact relocation expenditures and agency staffing levels.   Three agencies share insights into how they are balancing relocation’s critical role in the government’s human capital strategy with directives to cut or contain costs.  Participants in this session will:

  • Learn how agencies assess cost-containment options
  • Understand administrative and procurement alternatives available to agencies to augment staff and/or facilitate relocations
  • Identify minor policy changes that can offer large savings opportunities

Moderator:
Kathy Lane, CRP, Director of Government Programs, Equity Corporate Housing, Vienna, Virginia 

Participants:
Cheryl Holman, Chief, PCS Travel Section, Department of Veterans Affairs, Austin, Texas 

William Wiggins, Jr., Working Capital Fund (WCF) - Activity Manager, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Cincinnati, Ohio 

Lee Buckingham, CRP, Branch Manager, U.S. Treasury Bureau of the Public Debt, Parkersburg, West Virginia 

 

Industry All Stars
Friday, May 20, 2011
10:00 – 11:15 a.m.

We’ve changed the name of our popular industry thought leaders panel, but the takeaways from this highly acclaimed session of workforce mobility heavy-hitters are just as powerful! Come and gain insider perspectives on the challenges and trends facing our industry today and into the future.

Coach/Moderator:
Peggy Smith, SCRP, SGMS, Worldwide ERC® CEO

All Stars:
Jay K. Delich, SCRP, President, Arizona Appraisal Team, LLC, Scottsdale, Arizona

Glen Dunkerson, Chairman and CEO, Atlas World Group, Evansville, Indiana

Steve Harney, Owner, Steve Harney, Inc., Holbrook, New York

Susan Kubiesa, Vice President, Global Mobility, The Northern Trust Company, Chicago, Illinois

Craig Selders, SCRP, SGMS, President, Paragon Relocation, Houston, Texas  

Winning Partnerships Through Service Level Agreements
Friday, May 20, 2011
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Representatives from procurement, corporate HR, RMC client management and vendor management will share their insights into how to implement realistic and focused service level agreements that create winning partnerships and achieve business success.  Participants in this session will:

  • Discover the history and rationale for SLAs from a procurement perspective.
  • Explore effective SLAs in use now and understand how to track and measure results
  • Gather specific examples of commonly used SLAs

Moderators:
Terry Mandle, CRP, GMS, Senior Manager-Employee Relocation, Sara Lee Corporation, Downers Grove, Illinois 

Chad Sterling, CRP, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Altair Global Relocation, Plano, Texas

 

Property Management –Band-aid or Long-term Addition to Your Homesale Program?
Friday, May 20, 2011
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Is property management the solution to your homesale challenges?  Having been a significant part of expat policies for years, it is now emerging in domestic policies as well.  Hear from companies that have implemented this service and how they have incorporated it into existing policies.   Participants in this session will:

  • Determine how to successfully transition this service into an existing domestic homesale program
  • Identify some of the unforeseen challenges that need to be considered before making property management available to your transferees
  • Learn what levels of property management are available and which might be best for your organization

Moderator:
Ryan Carrell, CRP, Director of Relocation Services, Carpenter Realtors, Indianapolis, Indiana 

Participants:
James Conigliaro, CRP, GMS, Dwellworks, LLC, Cleveland, Ohio 

Robin Volesky, Relocation Director, Realty Executives of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada 

 

Implementation to the Core…
Friday, May 20, 2011
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

This session will identify the core components of an implementation between a corporate client and a third party company.  Panelists will discuss how to keep the implementation on track and determine what steps to take if the “train” starts to go off-track.  Discover why a successful implementation can be critical as the business relationship develops and future projects and changes arise.  Participants in this session will:

  • Analyze all the facts of an implementation on a fully outsourced relocation program
  • Define a reasonable time frame to complete an implementation
  • Recognize potential challenges and how to avoid them

Moderator:
Brian Potts, CRP, SVP, Pacific Region, Altair Global Relocation, Walnut Creek, California 

Donald Lucas, Manager - Human Resources Vendor Management, Altria, Richmond, Virginia

Amy Buckman, CRP, Project Manager, Global Implementation Services, Cartus, Folsom, California

Sheri Byrd, Program Manager, Nestle Purina PetCare, St. Louis, Missouri 

 

The Household Goods Industry – The Trends, the “Green” and What’s Next?
Friday, May 20, 2011
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

This session will review the up-to-the-minute hot topics and trends within the U.S. domestic household goods moving industry.  Understand how these trends are shaping the industry and how they can impact shipments and pricing.  Participants in this session will:

  • AMSA and CSA explained
  • Determine the impact of current events and security concerns on the household goods industry
  • What can we expect for volume impact, 2011
  • Discover new initiatives in freight transportation options, customer service and service delivery
  • Explore green initiatives including recycling and conservation

Moderator:
Debra Frost, CRP, Vice-President, Client Services, Cartus, Danbury, Connecticut

Participants:
Chris McKenzie, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Clark & Reid Company, Inc. Billerica, Massachusetts

Bevlen M. Klein, Executive Vice President, Nor-Cal Moving Services/Allied Van Lines, Inc., San Leandro, California

Gary Grund, Vice President – National Sales, Budd Van Lines, Somerset, New Jersey

 

Integrating Talent Management and Employee Mobility
Friday, May 20, 2011
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

The cornerstone of effective talent management is having the right people in the right place at the right time.  In a post-Lehman world, how can corporations ensure they are attracting and retaining the right current and future talent? Where does workforce mobility fit into this picture?  These are just some of the questions we’ll pose to HR professionals in this critical session.  Participants in this session will:

  • Examine how talent management and mobility are structured within most corporations today
  • Discover the key challenges in deploying and recruiting high-potential employees
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the strategic elements of talent management by offering relevant solutions to corporate leaders

Moderator:
Pam O’Connor, SCRP, President/CEO, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, Chicago, Illinois

Participants:
Emily Schoenfeld, GMS, Google

Paul King, Corporate Director of Talent, Caesars Entertainment, Las Vegas, Nevada

Rebecca Powers, Principal Consultant – Human Capital, Mercer, San Francisco, California

 

Military Session: Cracker Barrel Session: Keys to Successful Program Implementation
Friday, May 20, 2011
1:00 – 3:30 p.m.

 

Moderator: Chris Chalk, CRP, GMS,   
Friday, May 20, 2011
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

This session will offer an insider’s perspective on how the government purchases relocation services, insight into which acquisition solutions are used by specific agencies (and why) as well as useful tips for marketing to the government and transforming government leads into contracting actions.  Participants in this session will:

  • Obtain an overview of the rules and regulations that guide federal procurement actions
  • Gain insight into agency procurement methods, trends and processes
  • Discover how suppliers can cultivate leads in the government and transition to successful business relationships

Moderator:
Teresa Maloney, CRP, Senior Consultant, Mercury Associates, Inc., Gaithersburg, Maryland

Speaker: Julie Blanford, Branch Chief, General Services Administration, Arlington, Virginia

 

Taking the Gamble Out of Your Intern Program
Friday, May 20, 2011
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

If your organization currently has or is considering an intern program then you won’t want to miss this lively, interactive session.  Come learn from experts how they have developed and enhanced their organization’s intern programs, which are often managed by the relocation/mobility function.  You will learn best practices as well as “next practices” for future success.  Participants in this session will:

  • Discover how mobility can assist in reducing costs around intern programs
  • Recognize practices to avoid and areas of concern
  • Identify the tools and resources needed to begin an intern program

Moderator:
Carol Ahwal, GMS, Global Account Executive, Oakwood Worldwide, Novi, Michigan

Participants:
Paul Carpino, Employer Outreach and Internship Coordinator, UNLV, Las Vegas, Nevada

Patricia A. Chambers, CRP, Account Manager, Brookfield Global Relocation Services, Detroit, Michigan

Amy B. Blaskovich, Relocation Specialist, Qualcomm, Inc., San Diego, California

 

Have You Audited Your Home Sale Program for Compliance?
Friday, May 20, 2011                 
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

You may think your company’s home sale program is compliant, but could it be unknowingly at risk?  Performing a spot check audit to mitigate potential risks, consequences, and associated costs may very well be the prudent step in managing your program responsibly.   A call- to-action of due diligence for corporate members, RMC’s and title/closing companies, this session will  test audience knowledge and provide a deep-dive check to avoid the hazards of non-compliance.   For the beginner, YP40, and the advanced member.   Participants in this session will:

  • Acquire tips and a concrete outline for conducting a spot audit
  • Understand the risk tolerance and discover ways to audit-proof your program
  • Learn how to review your current processes and correct inadequacies

Moderator:
Emily P. Stover, CRP, Director, Relocation Programs, Freddie Mac , McLean, Virginia

Participants:
Elaine C. Smythe, CRP, GMS, Director, Global Mobility Services, Crown Relocations, New Castle, Delaware

Lisa T. Milovanovic, SCRP, GMS, Director, Global Relocation, PepsiCo, Inc., Plano, Texas

Peter Fonseca, CRP, President, Orion Mobility, Wilton, Connecticut

 

New Strategies for Group Moves
Friday, May 20, 2011
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Whether your relocations are driven by acquisition or realignment, the economic climate has left us with greater challenges when faced with a group move.  What changes are companies making to address the financial challenges many transferees are facing?  Hear from industry experts who have had to respond to these challenges through policy adjustments.  Participants in this session will:

  • Discover how changes have impacted the announcement, acceptance and overall cost
  • Learn what policy components are being adjusted for a group move in today’s economic climate
  • Determine how to set goals and measure specific results

Moderator:
Sue Carey, SCRP, SGMS, Vice President, Relocation and Corporate Services, Century 21 Kreuser & Seiler, Ltd., Libertyville, Illinois

Participants:
Tom Colucci, CRP, Vice President, Strategic Sourcing, Mobility Services International, Newburyport, Massachusetts

Mark Lozano, CRP, Global Relocation Manager, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Minneapolis, Minnesota

 

Bed Bugs - What’s Bugging Your Relocation?
Friday, May 20, 2011
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Bed bugs have become a serious issue in today’s world of relocation – and can cost thousands of dollars to remediate with no guarantee that they have been completely removed.  This session will focus on the epidemic itself and will provide you with the tools to manage this pesky problem.  Participants in this session will:

  • Learn how to identify a bed bug outbreak
  • Determine the steps to take when dealing with bed bugs
  • Explore pro-active measures you can take to steer clear of an infestation

Moderator:
Aimee Morice, CRP, Director, Client Engagement, SIRVA Relocation, Plymouth, Minnesota

Participants:
Brian Keller, Director, Property Services,  Oakwood (OAM Property Services), Los Angeles, California

Robyn Frederick, Associate Certified Entomologist, Hetta Solutions,

 

A Day in the Life of a Transferee: Tales from the Front Lines
Friday, May 20, 2011
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Experience a journey through the relocation process as seen from the eyes of the transferee and those who provide mobility support .  This chronological tale will follow the transferee as he/she interacts with the boss, the RMC counselor, the real estate agents and others as the relocation progresses.    Participants in this session will:

  • Learn how to deliver a more unified message that will in turn increase the transferee’s confidence in the relocation process
  • Enhance their understanding of the process as a whole
  • Identify a fantastic training tool for staff new to the relocation process

Moderator:
Lynnette Harris, CRP, GMS, Relocation Director, Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette, Rogers, Arkansas

 

Connecting the Dots – YP40s Reconvene
Friday, May 20, 2011
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

You’ve participated in the sessions.  You’ve had “ah ha” moments.  And you’ve got questions.  Now what?  Join us for this end-of-conference session to share your ideas and seek answers in an informal roundtable discussion.  We’ll cover several specific sessions, and have an open forum for those wishing to discuss other topics.  Participants in this session will discuss the following topics:

  • Today’s Housing Market: Facts & Figures to Drive Informed Relocation Decisions
  • Social Media Lab
  • Mortgage Industry Insights
  • Integrating Talent Management and Employee Mobility
  • Procurement Is Here to Stay: What’s Next?
  • And an Open Forum for discussion on other topics

Audience:
All YP40 attendees. Detail here on how to text your "ah-ha" moments!

Government Session: Town Hall “Ask the Experts”
Friday, May 20, 2011
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

What’s the policy for providing relocation assistance for an employee who accepts a new job which includes relocation assistance when he/she hasn’t closed out a prior relocation?  Are transgender domestic partners eligible for relocation assistance?  What ordering instructions do agencies need to include in RFQs to ensure they won’t need to obtain bids on every task order issues under a multiple award?  Bring your most challenging policy, program, or contracting questions to a panel of GSA specialists.  Participants in this session will:

  • Acquire answers to vexing government relocation policy, program and contracting questions

Moderator:
Teresa Maloney, CRP, Senior Consultant, Mercury Associates, Inc., Gaithersburg, Maryland

Participants: Jason Holloway, Director, Transportation Acquisition Support Division, General Services Administration, Arlington, Virginia

Ed Davis, Policy Analyst, General Services Administration, Arlington, Virginia

Julie Blanford, Branch Chief, General Services Administration, Arlington, Virginia

 

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