July 24, 2007

Outstanding Lineup of Speakers Announced for OSIP Annual Conference

In addition to a networking cocktail party and the luncheon honoring Robert Olmstead as this year's recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Organization of Spirit Industry providers (OSIP) announces an outstanding lineup of speakers for the 2007 Annual Conference in Las Vegas.

Joe Baer, owner of ZenGenius Visual Merchants, will present on the benefits of visual merchandising.  With ZenGenius, Baer has developed a team of 25 freelance creative consultants that provides visual merchandising services and event décor to such retail brands and other businesses as Limited Brands, Victoria's Secret, Bath & Body Works, and HMSHost.  His in-house retail experience includes visual manager at Lazarus, regional visual manager for Macy's West, visual coordinator for Victoria's Secret, and visual manager at the Chute Gerdeman retail design firm.  He founded ZenGenius in 1999.

Michael Olmstead, founder and president of E2k Sports, will provide his insight on producing world class special event experiences.  Olmstead has been actively involved in sports entertainment and event production for over 30 years.  His production credits include: the Opening Ceremonies for the Super Bowl and the World Cup, halftime spectaculars for the NFL Pro Bowl, the NFL Thanksgiving Day Shows, the Orange Bowl, and 31 American Bowl games in eight countries.  For 22 years, Olmstead also served as president of the United Spirit Association, leading the development of many innovations in spiritleading and dance training.  Former employees include such stars as Paula Abdul and Teri Hatcher, as well as many of the country's top pop choreographers.  Olmstead's company, E2k Sports, has been responsible for the creation and production of eight NFL and NBA dance teams.  E2k Sports still produces the cheerleading teams for the San Francisco 49ers and the San Diego Chargers, as well as the NFL Pro Bowl Cheerleaders.

Greg Hicks, Vice President of 21st Century Consulting, Inc., is returning for the third consecutive year.  Hicks has over 20 years of experience in developing, designing, and delivering adult learning initiatives.  He is a certified practitioner of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and a member of the Association for Psychological Type.  Hicks is also the former Southwest Regional Manager for Universal Cheerleaders Association.

Elizabeth Rosenberg, of Declare Yourself and Actiii, will give insight into the components of successful teen marketing.  Elizabeth has rejoined Declare Yourself after spending two years as an Account Supervisor at Current Lifestyle Marketing promoting and planning several events for the Clorox company.  Prior to that, as an account lead at LA-based Bragman Nyman Cafarelli, Elizabeth played an integral role in coordinating and executing large-scale PR programs in the entertainment, nonprofit, and sports industries.  Elizabeth's vast experience has made her a valuable asset in spokespeople media training and pitching and securing placements in local and national media outlets.

Look for the conference schedule and specific seminar information soon at www.osiponline.org.  See you in Vegas!