This week, Maui Economic Development Board and the County of Maui Mayor’s Office of Economic Development announced the 2017 program schedule for their upcoming Hawaii Small Business Conference set for May 3 & 4 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center.
“This year’s conference theme, DESIGN, PROTECT, ENGAGE: Small Business Strategies for Success, aptly describes what attendees will gain from this empowering two-day event,” said Teena Rasmussen, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development. “Not only will entrepreneurs and owners and employees of new and established businesses learn how to take their business to the next level, but they’ll also gain insights on how to stay ahead of the competition.”
Conference attendees will have a rare opportunity to network face-to-face with innovative business leaders and hear their insights, best practices, and tricks of the trade on a variety of topics such as customer service, marketing, data security and risk management. They can also take advantage of informational workshops and exhibits.
The full-day conference is set for Wednesday, May 3, from 7 am to 5:30 pm. The schedule features:
7:00 AM
Registration and Continental Breakfast | McCoy Courtyard
8:00 AM
Welcome Remarks | McCoy Theater
8:15 AM
KEYNOTE ADDRESS: BOTTOM LINE CHANGE
Presenter: Maggie Bayless, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, ZingTrain
Maggie Bayless will explore the elements of leadership and employee behavior that form Bottom Line Change®, making it a vehicle to invigorate positive change in any business. Maggie will then bring home the practical impact of Bottom Line Change® by interviewing Michael Moore of Na Hoaloha Ekolu Ltd., who has implemented this process in his own small businesses, including Old Lahaina Luau, Star Noodle, Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop, and Aloha Mixed Plate.
9:00 AM
A Case Study with Na Hoaloha Ekolu, Ltd. | Moderated by Maggie Bayless & Michael Moore, President, Na Hoaloha Ekolu, Ltd.
9:45 AM
Break and Exhibits | McCoy Courtyard
10:15 AM
Video Presentation: “Word on the Street” | McCoy Theater
10:20 AM
THE POWER OF SERVICE IN SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS
Presented by: Petra Marquart, President, Petra Marquart and Associates
Petra Marquart will present a comprehensive approach to customer service that holds each individual responsible for his or her behavior. Addressing the complex issues that affect people’s willingness to perform well and their dedication to their work, Petra will offer solutions and suggestions as to how organizations can create environments in which people thrive – inspiring people to provide world-class service.
11:05 AM
Case Studies in Customer Service | Moderated by Petra Marquart with Mama’s Fish House, Maui Soda and Ice, Pukalani Superette.
12:00 PM
Lunch and Exhibits | McCoy Courtyard
1:15 PM
POWERFUL MARKETING STRATEGIES ON A SMALL BUSINESS BUDGET | McCoy Theater
Presented by: Albert Samuelian, Managing Director West and Strategy, OMD
Albert Samuelian has been working with the Hawaii Visitors Bureau over the last six years, providing guidance on integrated marketing strategies. Al will focus on how small businesses can make the most of their modest marketing resources to effectively get the word out about their products and services..
2:15 PM
Edward Arias, InfraGard Coordinator, Cyber Squad (CY-1), Honolulu Division, FBI
CYBER SECURITY AND SMALL BUSINESS: DON’T LET THE BAD GUYS GET YOU
Presented by: Special Agent Edward Arias, InfraGard Coordinator, Cyber Squad (CY-1), Honolulu Division, FBI; and Matt Freeman, Sr. Manager, IP & Managed Services, Hawaiian Telcom
Edward Arias will explore cyber security from the perspective of the criminal, outlining the vulnerabilities and “holes” in security that makes many businesses perfect targets.
Matt Freeman will approach it from the opposite perspective, concentrating on what a small business can do to prevent being a victim of cybercrime.
3:00 PM
RISK MANAGEMENT: WHY DIDN’T I THINK OF THAT?
Presented by: Drew Nagai, CPCU, ALCM, APA, Assistant Vice President Sales & Marketing, Risk & Safety Management, First Insurance Company of Hawaii
Drew Nagai will investigate the art and science of risk management. Every business is open to potential risks including the weather, fire, data loss, numerous types of theft, and a myriad of other catastrophes or damaging events. The challenge is to define, assess, and quantify what risks would most likely create an unrecoverable situation for your business. As Drew will point out, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
4:00 PM
Closing Remarks
4:15 PM – 5:30 PM
Networking Reception | McCoy Courtyard
On day two, Thursday, May 4th, workshops held throughout the day will build upon the program topics discussed earlier facilitated by experts in their respective fields. Workshops include:
9 AM – 11.30 AM
WORKSHOP: CUSTOMER SERVICE | Higashi Room
Facilitated by: Petra Marquart, President, Petra Marquart and Associates
9 AM – 11.30 AM
WORKSHOP: TAX STRATEGIES FOR SMALL BUSINESS | Haynes Room
Facilitated by: Kent H. Kasaoka, CPA, CGMA, Director, Accounting & Tax Solutions (AATS)
1:15 PM – 3:45 PM
WORKSHOP: HUMAN RESOURCES IN BOTTOM LINE CHANGE | Higashi Room
Facilitated by: Maggie Bayless, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, ZingTrain
1:15 PM – 3:45 PM
WORKSHOP: SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING | Haynes Room
Facilitated by: Albert Samuelian, Managing Director West and Strategy, OMD
The Hawaii Small Business Conference coincides with National Small Business Week, a celebration of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Cost is $85 per person for the full-day Conference on May 3, includes a luncheon and exhibits. The May 4th Workshops are $45 per workshop. Attendees can also save $10 by registering for the Conference plus one or both workshops, or by registering for both workshops.
For additional information on this year’s program and speakers, visit the event’s website www.HawaiiSmall.Biz, email smallbiz@medb.org or call (808) 875-2300.
The 2017 Hawaii Small Business Conference sponsors include Pacific Media Group, The Maui News, Hawaiian Telcom and Maui Printing Company.
Various sponsorship opportunities are still available. Companies interested in exhibiting their goods and services for small businesses are also encouraged to participate. For information on sponsorships and exhibitor opportunities, visit www.HawaiiSmall.Biz, email smallbiz@medb.org or call (808) 875-2300.