We're on the verge of one of the most compelling Global Summits held over the course of our association's 8-year life span as CoreNet Global.
Industry Tracker has been around the Summit block a few times, and I've never seen the expecation for change so pronounced. Sure, the few years following the Dot-Com crash had some compelling realizations. A big take-away from 2001-03 was that corporate occupiers would never get caught with as much surplus space, or 'swiss cheese,' as they were saddled with after the internet bubble busted. That's why this latest one was a demand-induced event, making it our 'Great Recession.'
No one envisioned the impact of subprime lending or derivatives, either.
Of course, the fact the current downturn was also led by the credit markets wasn't expected.
Combined with a freeze in corporate spending, huge job losses, and record-low transaction volumes, we saw the worst recession in memory. Now, in a collective sense, we want to put 2009 behind us and move on.
That's what makes the October 12-14 Summit such a big deal. Corporate earnings are back up, our latest research shows a distinct uptick in the number of companies that are growing vs. contracting, and we know there's something called 'the new normal.'
The 1,200+ attendees coming to Vegas have plenty of ways to get a feel for what comprises the new normal. The information and expertise framing the program will help people manage not only the uncertainty but the opportunity.
Here are some of the related program highlights:
Salute! Awards dinner celebration recognizing the 2009 Global Innovator's Award winner. You'll see, the winner embodies the compelling need for industry change moving forward....
Opening General Session keynoter Jeff Rubin, who will blow up conventional thinking by insisting it was high oil prices, not subprime lending, that triggered the recession globally. He'll also shatter our centerpiece model known as the globally networked enterprise, claiming that future oil price spikes will mean a more localized, less globalized, world.
There are also many great breakout sessions. One is #22, Corporate Real Estate Fundamentals: What Will the New Normal Look Like? Another is Snap Session A: Measurements for the New Economy.
Don't forget, there are also a lot of great new interactive pieces to this Summit. One is the series of three industry roundtables covering Financial Services, Technology and Manufacturing. And of course, the CoreNet Global Workplace Community has designed a superb, highly participatory presence in Las Vegas.
There's so much networking, learning and sharing of your knowledge, views and opinions that we'll all come away with a sense of renewal, getting back on track to whatever degree we can make that happen!