Monday, January 23, 2023

Spring Retreat 2023: Retreat Workshops Announced

The VA Council of CEOs Spring Retreat 2023 includes internationally-acclaimed keynote speakers and workshops tackling the challenges that are most on the minds of the CEO of today. On April 27, each of these workshops will be presented twice.

(This event is for VACEOs Members and Sponsors only.)

Spring Retreat 2023 Workshops

We know a great deal about what separates successful negotiators from the rest of the pack. In this interactive workshop, you will learn how to prepare and execute in a way that raises the likelihood of success in both formal negotiations and informal influence attempts. Our focus will be on the psychological aspects of such situations, with an emphasis on applying useful behavioral tools across a variety of settings.

About Richard Coughlan

Richard Coughlan serves as faculty director of executive education for the Robins School of Business at the University of Richmond, where he has been a management professor for 25 years. During that time, he has served as a workshop facilitator for leading employers including Dominion Energy, CarMax, DuPont, Markel Ventures, The Martin Agency, and dozens of other firms. In his current role, he spearheads the Robins School’s corporate training partnerships, which have resulted in ongoing leadership development programs for several companies including Performance Food Group, Graybar, and Luck Stone.

Learn more about Richard.

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It takes guts to listen and lead from our hearts. Working through the hard stuff is critical to building strong relationships, cohesive teams and successful organizations.  Become a catalyst for positive conflict that results in meaningful dialogue, deeper commitment to decisions and growth as a leader.

In this session:

• Reflect on your role in modeling and facilitating positive conflict
• Explore ways to ground yourself during tough conversations to maintain mutual respect, be open to other perspectives and communicate candidly
• Identify the early warning signs and avoid breakdowns in communication
• Hone your listening skills and leverage constructive feedback to guide you in your leadership journey 

About Melissa Laughon

For over 22 years, Melissa Laughon, owner of Catch Your Limit, has been embracing fear and working with the vulnerabilities of leaders … it’s where the magic happens. It’s where strategy and people come together to build a different culture and leadership approach to their business – one that has soul, is inspiring and rewarding, and helps guide and grow leaders at all levels. Whether she’s speaking, guiding or facilitating, Melissa inspires authentic leaders. 

Learn more about Melissa Laughon.

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Come join us on a journey of turning data into money!  For years data scientists have been figuring out creative ways to lower cost and increase revenue through fun analytical methods.  During this session, we explore a few neat ways we have recently been able to take pretty normal data sources in a business to turn it into value to improve topline!

About Subhash Jaini

Subhash uses advanced data mining techniques to analyze records, identify trends, and supply actionable insights that guide his clients to success. He oversees all projects personally to deliver a solution sourced from a deep understanding of his clients’ unique needs.  Subhash applies his education and experience to achieve maximum revenue and savings potential for companies in a variety of industries, including software development, SaaS, marketing, human resources, healthcare, sales and retail spheres.  

Prior to joining Keiter, Subhash was the CEO of Richmond-based Precizion Solutions which provided tailored data science services and an excellent customer experience.

Learn more about Subhash Jaini.

Monday, January 23, 2023

Spring Retreat 2023: Keynote Speakers Announced

The VA Council of CEOs 2023 Spring Retreat includes well-known, national keynote speakers, relevant workshops and learning opportunities for CEOs, and time for networking and making connections. This year’s event is in person, and we are pleased to announce these powerhouse speakers will command the stage.

(This event is for VACEOs Members and Sponsors only.)

Spring Retreat 2023 Keynote Speakers

Warren Rustand Presents Next Level – Best Self

April 27, 2023
9:00 am – 11:45 am

Learn how one can dramatically transform your life to a very different level with much greater success. The Five Principles of Personal Greatness will be discussed. Specific tools will be discussed for significant take-home value. Discussion around the totality of the entrepreneur’s life: family, business, community, self.

About Warren Rustand

The common thread that permeates Warren Rustand’s s experience is one of vision, strategy, executive leadership, and achievement. He has created, led, and grown many successful private, public, and not-for-profit entities. He has a passion for family, entrepreneurship, public policy, and community.

Warren spoke at VACEOs last year and earned a perfect 5.0 rating from our audience!

Warren has been CEO of ten companies, and Chairman/Director of more than 50 public, private, and not-for-profit organizations ranging in size from multi-billion- dollar companies to mid-size, early-stage, and startups.

Early in his career, Warren was Appointments Secretary to the President of the United States. Because his full bio would take several pages, you can learn more about Warren Rustand here.

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Casey Brown Presents From Panic to Power: How to Boost Profits Through Better Pricing

April 28, 2023
9:00 am – 10:30 am

Audiences will clearly understand how to improve pricing without volume loss and walk away with practical, ready-to-implement steps to drive profitability through better pricing.

Casey’s style is very interactive, relatable, and favors high retention. She uses real-world stories, fun exercises, technology, and humor to keep her audiences engaged while delivering business content of great consequence.

About Casey Brown

Casey Brown is a pricing geek and professional speaker with a passion to help organizations be paid well for their excellence. She is the president of Boost Pricing where she leads a team of consultants and coaches who help organizations improve pricing performance.

Casey’s decades-long reputation as a pricing expert arose from pioneering innovative pricing content, formulating and executing pricing strategies, and coaching and training teams to drive culture change and dramatic, sustainable results. Now she leads the team at Boost Pricing to help organizations price from confidence, negotiate with courage, and make better pricing decisions.

Casey started her career as an engineer at General Electric, working in both R&D and manufacturing, developing technology for which she holds a US patent. She went on to lead cross-functional teams and projects at GE and later at other Global Fortune 500 companies.

Casey is fluent in Spanish, is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt, and holds degrees in Chemical Engineering, Spanish, and Business.

Casey volunteers over 600 hours annually around the world, focused on meeting children’s basic needs. She lives in Columbus, Ohio with her family.

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Dr. Anirban Basu Presents Show Me the Money (Supply)

April 28, 2023
10:50 am – 11:50 am

Soft landing?  Something harder?  Whither inflation?  This presentation will supply in-depth analysis of the major factors shaping economic outcomes, including central bank policymaking, worker attitudes, business confidence, and geopolitics.  It will then turn toward a forecast for the year to come, highlighting the major risks that economic stakeholders will likely encounter.

About Anirban Basu

Anirban Basu is Chairman & CEO of Sage Policy Group, Inc., a Baltimore-based economic and policy consultancy he founded in 2004.  He serves the Chief Economist function for many organizations, including the Maryland Bankers Association and Associated Builders and Contractors.  The Baltimore Business Journal named him one of the region’s 20 most powerful business leaders in 2010.  In 2022, he entered the Daily Record newspaper’s Circle of Influence.  He is the Distinguished Economist in Residence at Goucher College, where he teaches History of Economic Thought.  He holds four graduate degrees, including a J.D. and a Ph.D.W

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Monday, January 23, 2023

Spring Retreat 2023: Full Schedule Announced

Wednesday, April 26

Recreational Options
10:30 AM – 4:00 PM Golf
12:15 – 3:30 PM Food and Culture Tour
2:00 – 3:30 PM Private Tour at Black Dog Salvage
2:00 – 5:00 PM Cornhole and Lawn Games
6:00 – 7:00 PM Reception with Speed Networking
7:00 – 8:30 PM Opening Reception (guest ticket available)
9:00 PM – 1:00 AM Hospitality

Thursday, April 27

8:00 AM Registration 
8:00 – 9:00 AM Breakfast
9:00 – 11:45 AM Welcome and “Next Level – Best Self” with Warren Rustand
12:00 – 1:30 PM Lunch
1:30 – 2:45 PM WORKSHOPS
1:30 – 2:45 PM Courageous Communication with Melissa Laughon
1:30 – 2:45 PM Demystifying Successful Negotiations with Richard Coughlan
1:30 – 2:45 PM From Data to Dollars with Subhash Jaini
2:45 – 3:00 PM Break
3:00 – 4:30 PM WORKSHOPS – repeat 1:30 workshops
6:00 – 7:00 PM Reception
7:00 – 9:00 PM Dinner & Casino Night (guest ticket available)
9:00 PM – 1:00 AM Hospitality

Friday, April 28

8:00 – 9:00 AM Registration & Breakfast
9:00 – 10:30 AM Welcome and From Panic to Power: How to Boost Profits Through Better Pricing with Casey Brown
10:30 – 10:45 AM Break
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM Show Me the Money (Supply) with Dr. Anirban Basu

Monday, January 23, 2023

Retreat 2023 FAQs

The 2023 Spring Retreat will be held at the Hotel Roanoke in Roanoke, VA from April 26-28. Are you new to the Council, or just haven’t made a Retreat in a while? These answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Retreat experience may help. 

VACEOs Retreat 2023 FAQs

Q: DOES MY MEMBERSHIP INCLUDE ENTRY INTO THE RETREAT? 

A: Yes. Your VACEOs Membership includes a ticket to this special yearly event where members are able to learn and connect with national thought leaders and each other. (And have some fun too!) 

However, you must register by March 24 to access this benefit at no charge! Register after that date and it will cost you $250.

Q. WHAT DOES REGISTRATION INCLUDE?

A: Members who attend the Retreat have a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn and connect with national keynote speakers and local workshop presenters. Meals and program from Thursday morning to Friday mid-day and special evening events are also included for members. 

Membership does not include hotel rooms/expenses or special activities. Visit the 2023 Retreat Registration page for a detailed listing of the activities available at this year’s event.  

Q: THE FIRST SPEAKER STARTS ON THURSDAY MORNING. SHOULD I COME WEDNESDAY NIGHT? 

A: Yes! We recommend that you come in on Wednesday – most participants do – for the Opening Reception and special activities like golf, which are available that day. To maximize your time making connections, choose one of the group activities planned that day. 

Visit the 2023 VACEOs Retreat Schedule for a full listing of events for each day.

Q: DO I NEED TO BOOK A ROOM?

A: Yes. As soon as possible! We have a block of rooms reserved through April 4. Use the special group link found in your confirmation to make your reservation. Book April 26 for two nights, unless you plan to drive in early Thursday morning, and miss the fun on Wednesday.

Q: SHOULD I BRING MY SPOUSE OR SIGNIFICANT OTHER?

A: The Retreat program is designed just for members and sponsors. We recommend that you immerse yourself. After all, this is a business retreat. We will have guest tickets for our two evening social events. Some folks have their spouse join them on Friday afternoon for an extra night or two of R&R. We will gather those who stay over Friday night for a drink in the lobby bar.

Q: IS THERE A DRESS CODE?

A: Not really. Let’s call it business casual or resort casual. Relax and be comfortable.

Q: I’VE ARRIVED AT HOTEL ROANOKE. NOW WHAT? 

A: If you arrive Wednesday, please check in the hotel, (time permitting), before you make your way to the group activity you’ve registered for or take advantage of other resort amenities, such as the spa. 

If you arrive Thursday morning, we will officially welcome you at the Retreat Registration desk located in the foyer outside the Roanoke Ballroom at 8:00 am.

Still have a question? Please contact us!

Monday, January 23, 2023

Spring Retreat 2023: Let’s Connect

The VA Council of CEOs Spring Retreat always includes time for having fun, learning, AND making connections. Here are opportunities to connect with VACEOs people this year. We look forward to seeing you at the Hotel Roanoke!

(This event is for VACEOs Members and Sponsors only.)

Spring Retreat 2023 Opportunities to Connect

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

• 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM Recreational Options
• 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Speed Networking and Opening Reception on the Shenandoah/Garden Courtyard at the Hotel Roanoke
• 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM Hospitality Suite

Thursday, April 27, 2023

• 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Light Cocktail hour
• 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Strolling Dinner followed by party (Casino Night)
• 8:30 PM – 1:00 AM Hospitality Suite