Join us for all the events below during the three-day conference.

Wednesday, October 4
 

REGISTRATION

Find the Registration Table Three area, found straight back on the first floor Conference hallway. At the Registration Table sponsored by Custom Movers Services, you'll check in, download the event app, and pick up your registration items.

Be sure to get your:

• Registration folder, sponsored by Aegis Powered by Hylant

• Registration bag, sponsored by Gemini Advanced Marketing Solutions

• Event keepsakes, sponsored by CSNS Relocation Services

• MoversSuite by EWS Exhibit Hall map

We're happy you made it to the Partnership Conference!

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WELCOME RECEPTION

During the SmartMoving Software Welcome Reception, attendees will network with agents, corporate staff, and third party vendors. The event is a networking cocktail reception in the MoversSuite by EWS Exhibit Hall (Junior Ballroom) will heavy appetizers. When you visit vendor booths, get a sticker for your Exhibit Hall map. Everyone who fills in the full map with the appropriate stickers will be entered to win a prize. Be sure to get your picture taken at the Photo Booth, sponsored by Nationwide Auto Transport!

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Thursday, October 5

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WELCOME REMARKS

Wheaton | Bekins CEO Mark Kirschner and president A.J. Schneider will kick off the day's events with welcome remarks in the Grand Ballroom.

 

KEYNOTE SPEECH

Eric Chester is an acclaimed workforce researcher and thought leader who’s been studying, analyzing, speaking and writing about attracting, managing, motivating and retaining top talent since 2001. He will talk about what he has learned writing his newest book, Fully Staffed: The Definitive Guide To Finding and Keeping Great Employees in the Worst Labor Market Ever.

 

SPEED NETWORKING

After the keynote speech from author and speaker Eric Chester, attendees will participate in speed networking conversations discussing the content of the opening speech and the efforts they've tried or plan to try with their own employees and hiring campaigns.

 

TOP MARKETING TRENDS FOR 2024

The marketing industry changes fast. Just when you think you've caught up on everything you need to know to generate leads online, Google changes its algorithm or competitors start using AI to their advantage. In the Top Marketing Trends for 2024 session, Director of Marketing Jaymie Shook and Communications Specialist Madi Williams bring marketing experts to the stage to discuss upcoming trends that can help small business owners compete.

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KEY OPERATIONS GOALS FOR 2024

Each season, while the overall operations goal remains to service shippers with quality as quickly as possible, the changing environment of the industry requires the van line to adapt. Vice President of Operations Kevin Miller and Planning Manager Doug Robinson will use this session to walk agents through the changes they're making and the goals that are top of mind for the van line operations department going into 2024.

 

GROUP TRIVIA NETWORKING

Join us in the Exhibit Hall for a lively group trivia contest, sponsored by Relocation Movers’ Services, Inc.! Your table will meld minds to answer questions for three rounds, with an open bar to help your creativity flow. We'll announce the winner at the evening's Cocktail Reception, sponsored by Kentucky Trailer, so don't miss either event!

 

COCKTAIL RECEPTION

Meet outside near the pool for the evening's cocktail reception, sponsored by Kentucky Trailer, with an open bar and heavy appetizers. You'll enjoy a live band, outdoor games sponsored by New Haven Moving Equipment, and caricature artists sponsored by Stoops Freightliner - Western Star. Stick around for the announcement of our Group Trivia winning team!

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Friday, October 6

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DATA TO HELP YOU SUCCESSFULLY DRIVE OLDER ADULT BUSINESS

For the last eight years, the van line has established itself as a primary resource for the Older Adult market. We continue to position ourselves to take advantage of what continues to be a thriving market driven by a demographic that has money and continues to be mobile despite the decline in mobility within the US population overall. Sales & Marketing Assistant Justin Swing has collated the van line’s older adult data to share during the session alongside Director of Customer Service Todd Emrick’s discussion of the relationships he’s cultivated with senior move managers and how that data can help you win older adult business.

 

LEGACY LIST WITH MATT PAXTON SCREENING

The van line sponsors Legacy List with Matt Paxton, an Emmy-nominated public television show which appeals directly to the older adult demographic. This underwriting comes with multiple ads at every airing of the show and a spokesperson who travels the country and sings our praises to a variety of referral sources – from independent living communities and senior move management associations to retail companies that sell to older adults. In this session, attendees will watch an uncut, unaired episode from the upcoming season with the host’s behind-the-scenes commentary.

 

SELLING IN A DOWN MARKET

You’ve heard the Farmers Insurance ads that says, “We know a thing or two because we’ve seen a thing or two.” Well, Piet Gauchat, President of Olympia Moving & Storage – a three-time Wheaton Agent of the Year – has seen a thing or two. In this session, he’ll offer advice on selling in a down market like the industry has seen since COVID changed mobility patterns.

 

GIVE KIDS THE WORLD TOUR AND TRUCK PULL

Hop on the MSS, Inc.-sponsored shuttle from the Rosen Centre for a ride to Give Kids The World Village. You can take a tour before or after the main event -- the Wheaton | Bekins Truck Pull benefitting GKTW.

Teams of ten will grab the rope hooked onto the front of a moving van and race to get it across the finish line. As an onlooker, you can enjoy food trucks, games and cheering on the participants.

Participants will receive gloves, a t-shirt, and - if you win! - a Truck Pull Champion medal. All participants must fill out the waiver form before they can participate: https://thewheatongroup.formstack.com/forms/2023waiver

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