Speakers with a Purpose

Jeff Hurt would be proud. The leaders at the National Association for Business Economists selected keynote speakers for their annual meeting, that were all directly related to the economy.

In a recent blog post, Velvet Chainsaw's Jeff Hurt wrote an Open Letter to Associations questioning their selection of motivational speakers, that have no direct connection to members.

“I don’t understand why you have paid five- and six-digit fees to secure marquee names like Nancy Brinker, Jeff Corwin, Bill Cosby, Nancy Grace, Jay Leno, Collin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, Barbara Walters or any other famous person. We can turn on the TV or click on a website and watch these people any time. Unless they have something specific to say to my job, my industry and my work, I don’t want to hear them. And your insistence to use them only repels me from attending these sessions.” --Jeff Hurt

While there’s no question motivational speakers are talented and interesting, Jeff has a great point—especially considering the current economic situation. Money is tight, so the speakers should add something new, and offer attendees something they can’t get anywhere else.

That’s just what NABE did. Their speakers included the Chairman of the FDIC, Members of the Federal Reserve, and Christina Romer, chair of President Obama’s economic team. Those people all contributed important information about the economy, so NABE members will leave the annual conference armed with information that will impact their careers.

Members who couldn't attend also benefited from these pertinent speakers. The organization emailed NABE-TV video highlights to their entire database. They shared the information, and likely encouraged people to attend in the future.

NABE members are facing tough times, and tough questions in their jobs. They are responsible for forecasting the economy, and are often asked about monetary policies that impact all of us. Their jobs are important, and the speakers at their annual conference reflected that.

Attendees definitely got their money's worth, and I doubt anyone missed seeing Bill Cosby.