Scott Pelley is an award-winning investigative reporter and news correspondent for “60 Minutes” news magazine. While touching on some of his most eye-opening reports, he will share the state of our global world. After more than ten years of reporting for “60 Minutes” and “60 Minutes II,” Mr. Pelley has a nuanced perspective of the major events of the day. From the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, to the effects of the earthquake in Haiti, to presidential politics and domestic issues, Mr. Pelley takes audiences on a multimedia trip around the world. As one of television’s most visible news presenters, Mr. Pelley reveals stories of a fascinating career and the fascinating shifts of history. “Do we live in interesting times? he asks. “Yes. And it is in our power to grasp them.” This promises to be a commanding presentation with one of the most recognizable faces in journalism.
Dr. Lowell Catlett is a regent’s professor/dean and chief administrative officer at New Mexico State University’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. An exciting futurist, his knowledge of new technologies and their implications on the way we will live and work makes for a thought-provoking and entertaining keynote session. In his presentation, The Economic Behemoth, he will address how, despite dire warnings for the last 18 months about recession and economic collapse, the U.S. economy has chugged along, albeit slowly. Hear about what got us here as well as Dr. Catlett’s forecast concerning sectors that will grow and those that will become obsolete in an economy that is labeled by many as “too big to fail,” but one that is certainly not “too big to radically change.” This presentation focuses on the importance of viewing emotional market issues on a more fundamental, factual basis which essentially is this—it may seem bad, and it certainly is unpleasant but, historically, the markets have weathered worse and will emerge stronger for having gone through the purge.
Wally Amos’s name, as founder of Famous Amos Cookies and father of the gourmet chocolate chip cookie industry, has become a household word. In addition to authoring eight books, Mr. Amos also founded the Read it LOUD! Foundation, which urges parents and caregivers to read aloud to children at least ten minutes every day. Read it LOUD recently partnered with the Library of Congress and the United States Postal Service to launch a national campaign. Mr. Amos’s purpose is to inspire a “do it” positive attitude. Building an acronym from “watermelon,” his favorite fruit, he will share his uplifting and inspiring approach to life. This “watermelon credo” will touch on attitude, the value of being a team player, the importance of enthusiasm, respect for others and love. Mr. Amos will draw from some surprisingly insightful road maps, including children’s books. Get inspired by Mr. Amos, who has climbed to the pinnacle of success, had it slip away and come back yet again, smelling like . . . watermelon.