Lisa Donnarumma
 Conference Director/Producer
 ldonnarumma@planetree.org

 Kate Randall
 Conference Accouting/Billing
 krandall@planetree.org

 Michael Rosen
 Conference Tour & Awards Coordinator
 mrosen@planetree.org

 Kim Montague
 Exhibit and Sponsor Hall Director
 kmontague@planetree.org

 Marie Sullivan
 Conference General Information
 msullivan@planetree.org

2008 Planetree Annual Conference & 30th Anniversary Celebration 
October 19th - 22nd, Downtown Chicago, Marriott, Chicago IL    
                              

Keynote Speakers for this year's event:

Ronan Tynan - Monday, October 20th from 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
"Hitting the High Notes: Living Life to the Fullest"

Ronan Tynan is truly a modern day “Renaissance Man.” Barely out of his 30s, he has already overcome formidable personal challenges and achieved the kind of success only a mother could have wished for him. Though he had always sung as a boy, he did not seriously consider formal voice study until he was 33, when he was well into his residency as a physician. The success he quickly found as a singer is a typical development in a life of extraordinary achievement.

Born with lower limb disability that might have sidelined him, Tynan was still “as wild as a March hare” when he was a growing boy in Kilkenny, Ireland, riding horses and racing motorcycles. When he was 20, his legs had to be amputated below the knee after an auto accident caused serious complications. While this would be enough to wreck most people’s lives, it created in Ronan a tremendous desire to prove himself. Just weeks after the operation, he was climbing up the steps of his college dorm. Within a year, he was winning gold medals in the Paralympics as a multi-talented athlete. Between 1981 and 1984, Tynan amassed 18 gold medals and 14 world records of which he still holds nine.

Such determination soon propelled Tynan to conquer a whole new field. He became the first disabled person ever admitted to the National College of Physical Education and then a full-fledged medical doctor, specializing in orthopedic sports injuries, with a degree from prestigious Trinity College. At the age of 33, Tynan started taking voice lessons and, again, his natural talent shone through. In 1992, less than one year after he began studying voice, he won both the John McCormack Cup for Tenor Voice and the BBC talent show Go For It. The following year, he won the International Operatic Singing Competition in Maumarde, France. He made his operatic debut as Pinkerton in Puccini's Madama Butterfly and cut his teeth on the concert repertoire in performances of Verdi's Requiem, Mendelssohn's Elijah, Handel's Messiah, Rossini's Stabat Mater and Puccini's Messa di Gloria. In 1998, Tynan joined Anthony Kearns and John McDermott (later Finbar Wright) as The Irish Tenors, an instant worldwide sensation.

Ronan’s rapid rise to prominence as a singer led to Sony Music offering him a recording deal. His debut solo album, My Life Belongs to You, was released in 1998 and jumped straight into the charts at number five and was certified gold. In the spring of 2005, Ronan released his self-titled debut album, which began a new era in his career. “I think it shows a greater versatility than any other album I’ve done,” Tynan has said. “I wanted to sing a greater variety of music and spread my wings a bit, make a move out of the classic ‘Irish tenor’ vein.” The album contains the heartfelt “Passing Through,” which honors Ronan’s mother, whose vibrant spirit has been taken away by the long night of Alzheimer’s disease. Ronan debuted #2 on Billboard’s Classical Crossover Chart, just behind Josh Groban, and was the 8th best-selling classical crossover album of 2005. It also reached #2 on the World Album Chart and peaked at #9 on the Contemporary Christian Chart.

“When Ronan sings,” writes U2’s Bono in a liner note for the new album, “the clouds cry but the sun turns up sooner than it would have. He sang for my father, Bob, as we put him in the ground, and it felt like shelter. The wind died down, the rain stopped for the loudest, softest voice we have … a great Irish tenor.”

Ronan’s ability to simultaneously console and inspire is well-documented. In the wake of 9/11, the men and women of the New York Police Department and New York Fire Department and their families have been able to count on Ronan Tynan's abiding concern and beautiful voice. He has performed at benefits and memorial services for New York's Finest and Bravest, and his singing has softened the sorrow at many a funeral in the wake of the tragedy.

Tynan's singing offered the gentlest consolation at the funeral of President Ronald Reagan in the summer of 2004, when an international TV audience of more than 35 million heard him sing “Amazing Grace” and Schubert's “Ave Maria,” at the personal invitation of Nancy Reagan.

Of course, there have been plenty of joyous moments in Ronan’s career as well. In the spring of 2004, the Belmont Stakes got off to a rollicking start when Tynan—a passionate horseman himself—christened the race with a ringing rendition of “New York, New York.” This is of particular interest marking the first time ever in Belmont’s 30-year history that a singer was invited to perform live as they traditionally play the version performed by Frank Sinatra. Tynan has performed for countless dignitaries worldwide including the wedding of New York’s former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani to Judith Nathan on the grounds of Gracie Mansion. His voice also brightened the 80th birthday celebration of former President George H.W. Bush last summer in Houston. If you're a fan of the New York Yankees — and Tynan himself is, big time — you might have heard him peal out one of his unforgettable performances of “God Bless America” in the seventh-inning stretch of a big game, which he frequently does. Most recently, Tynan performed at A Capitol Fourth, a national Independence Day celebration at our nation’s capitol where award-winning performers come together to pay tribute to the country they love for the enjoyment of millions of Americans.

One of the most sought after motivational speakers in the U.S., Tynan has appeared on numerous television shows, including Larry King Live, The Today Show, Good Morning America, Fox & Friends, and Primetime Live. He has even been the subject of a segment on ABC’s 20/20, as well as an Irish documentary entitled Dr. Courageous. In January, 2002, Simon & Schuster released his memoir, Halfway Home: My Life ‘Til Now.

Ronan's latest effort, The Dawning of the Day (September 2006), is a collection of faith-based songs that are an extension of his artistic and spiritual being. “No matter what religion or orientation you are,” Tynan claims, “this album can touch you in a deep and emotional way.” Echoes of his renowned motivational speeches can be heard throughout; “The song, Going Home,” in particular, touches on the themes—fundamentals of family, encouragement, and the value of belief—of his talks.

The big Irishman has a special relationship with American audiences, and he considers New York his home away from home. “New York is powerful and intense, and it begs you to take it on,” Tynan marvels. “If you do that and do it right, it will give you absolutely everything you want. The thing I love about New York and the states is that there are so many people who want you do well. They will you to do well. They encourage you, and they rejoice in your success. That’s a great virtue. I think Americans are fantastic people, amazing,” he says. And while Tynan claims that “America has given me so much more than I’ll ever be able to give back,” those who have soaked in the stirring beauty of Tynan’s music and powerful message of hope may well just have to disagree.
 

Robert M. Wachter, MD -Tuesday, October 21st from 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
"Internal Bleeding: What We Need to Know and Do to Cure our Epidemic of Medical Mistakes"

Robert M. Wachter, MD is Professor and Associate Chairman of the Department of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, where he holds the Lynne and Marc Benioff Endowed Chair in Hospital Medicine. He is also Chief of the Division of Hospital Medicine, and Chief of the Medical Service at UCSF Medical Center.

He has published 200 articles and 6 books in the fields of quality, safety, and health policy. He coined the term “hospitalist” in a 1996 New England Journal of Medicine article, served as the first elected president of the Society of Hospital Medicine, and edits the field’s main textbook. He is generally considered the academic leader of the hospitalist movement, the fastest growing specialty in the history of modern medicine.

He is also a national leader in the fields of patient safety and healthcare quality. He is editor of AHRQ WebM&M (http://webmm.ahrq.gov), a case-based patient safety journal on the Web, and AHRQ Patient Safety Network (http://psnet.ahrq.gov), the leading federal patient safety portal. Together, the sites receive two million visitors a year. His book, Internal Bleeding: The Truth Behind America’s Terrifying Epidemic of Medical Mistakes, has been a national bestseller, and his new book, Understanding Patient Safety, will be published by McGraw-Hill in late 2007. Dr. Wachter has discussed patient safety and quality on Good Morning America, PBS’s NewsHour, Imus in the Morning, CNN’s American Morning, CBS Sunday Morning, and The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch, and been quoted in virtually every major newspaper and newsmagazine. He received one of the 2004 John M. Eisenberg Awards, the nation’s top honor in patient safety.

In 2005, Modern Physician magazine named him one of the 30 most influential physician-executives in the United States. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the American Board of Internal Medicine and is on the healthcare advisory boards of several companies, including Google.

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Amanda Gore - Tuesday, October 21st from 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
"The Secret Skills of Authentic Leadership — Leading with the Heart"

In this session, Amanda teaches how to be a more genuine person, an inspiring leader, a great parent, more productive, more relaxed and to find more laughter and joy in everything we do. The Secret Skills of Authentic Leadership looks at leadership and life from a completely different perspective. She offers unique ways to inspire, enthuse and coach people to be the best they can be, and at the same time, create a sense of community in the workplace. Amanda blends her paramedical, psychological and corporate experience to link some of the latest research for heart health with how important the heart is — not just for health but for business as well. Connecting our head and hearts, knowing who we are, what we need and want are some of the keys to success in almost everything we do. Connecting our hearts to others’ hearts is the basis of lasting relationships. This is a powerful session packed with important life and leadership lessons.

More than 20 years ago, Amanda launched her speaking career by talking about connections that count, leading with the heart, motivating with laughter, and bringing out the best in people. With today's mergers and cross-cultural workplaces, Amanda stresses the importance of creating joyful corporate communities that bring people together productively and profitably.

Her thoughtful and intelligent assessment of what it takes to lead, coach, and inspire corporate teams to outstanding results in a range of businesses from healthcare to technology, finance to real estate, energy to hospitality, and insurance to retail has distinguished her as one of the world's most sought-after experts in her field.

Author of four books and numerous videos, Amanda has a degree in Physical Therapy, a major in Psychology, and expertise in physical therapy, group dynamics, neurolinguistics, and occupational health. She has worked in corporations, colleges, hospitals, and private practice and has often been interviewed on radio and TV on her areas of expertise.

Amanda blends these areas of expertise to connect body, mind and spirit to show people how to become more effective professionally and personally and to rediscover joy at work and in life.

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Lynne Lancaster and David Stillman - Wednesday, October 22nd from 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
"Workplace: Recruiting, Managing and Retaining Four Generations"



For the first time in history four distinct generations are shoulder to shoulder in the workplace, each with a unique set of attitudes, values and work styles. It used to be that older workers were bosses and younger ones took orders. Now, roles are all over the map and rules are being rewritten. Organizations are feeling the pain of generation gaps as they struggle to manage productivity and morale while maintaining high standards of quality and service in a challenging economy.

Recruiting and Retaining Four Generations demonstrates why it's important to understand what shaped the generations and why they behave the way they do. Learn about ClashPoints™—areas at work where the generations are bumping up against each other and causing problems. Find out why different value propositions appeal to different generations of employees. Learn what to do about the upcoming talent gap;grasp the keys to retaining the generations you need the most. Master generational differences and convert this form of diversity from an obstacle into an opportunity.

Classic Baby Boomer, Lynne Lancaster, and entrepreneurial Generation Xer, David Stillman, have built a national reputation by exposing the sometimes frustrating, often hilarious, and always thought-provoking pitfalls created by generation gaps in the workplace and marketplace. Lynne and David are the authors of When Generations Collide: Who They Are. Why They Clash.
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Mitch Albom - Wednesday, October 22nd from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
"For One More Day: Appreciating the People and the Moments We Have Right Now"

Mitch Albom is a bestselling author, nationally acclaimed newspaper columnist for the Detroit Free Press, host of two popular radio shows and a television commentator who regularly appears on ESPN’s “Sports Reporters” and ABC.

His nine books include Tuesdays with Morrie, The Five People You Meet in Heaven and For One More Day.

Tuesdays with Morrie is now the bestselling memoir of all time, with over 11 million copies sold worldwide. Oprah Winfrey produced a major television movie for ABC based on Tuesdays with Morrie starring Jack Lemmon and Hank Azaria. A phenomenon in its own right, the movie was not only the most-watched on any network for that year, it also earned four Emmy Awards in 2000, including those for Best Actor (Lemmon) and Best Supporting Actor (Azaria). Albom, along with playwright Jeffrey Hatcher, adapted the book into a hit play, which opened off-Broadway late 2002. The play is currently being performed in regional theaters throughout North America.

Albom's Tuesdays with Morrie story has been featured in many national publications, including People magazine, Redbook, Life magazine, and TV Guide. Albom has also been featured on several national television programs, including the Oprah Winfrey Show, NBC's Today Show, the CBS Early Show, Larry King Live, Charlie Rose, Nightline and Good Morning America.

Albom’s first novel, the #1 New York Times bestseller, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, released in September 2003, has sold over 6.5 million copies in hardcover, marking it as the bestselling first novel in hardcover ever. A touching story about the meaning and interconnectedness of our lives, the novel received outstanding reviews across the country. TIME magazine called it “a sad, sweet first novel “ and “a powerful book” in a full page article on Albom in the October 13, 2003 issue. Publishers Weekly called it “sentimental and profoundly true...a contemporary American fable that will be cherished by a vast readership.” With a screenplay by Albom, the novel has been adapted into an ABC movie starring Jon Voight, Ellen Burstyn and Jeff Daniels.

Albom's other books include Live Albom I (1987), Live Albom II (1990), Live Albom III (1992), Live Albom IV (1995), BO, the autobiography of Bo Schembechler (co-written with Schembechler and also a New York Times best seller), and Fab Five the story of the University of Michigan's famed men's basketball recruits who all became starters as freshmen during the early 1990's.

His most recent novel, For One More Day (September 2006), centers on the relationship between mothers and sons and the stresses divorce places on family ties. It entered The New York Times bestsellers list at #1, was selected as the first title to be carried in Starbucks' stores, and went on to be the the bestselling hardcover fiction release of 2006.

In 2004, Mitch Albom made his debut as a solo playwright with Duck Hunter Shoots Angel, a tender comedy about a tabloid journalist from NYC on a search for Alabama swamp poachers who believe they shot a celestial being. His next play, And the Winner Is, was released in 2005.

Mitch Albom has been named #1 Sports Columnist in the Nation by the sports editors of America (APSE) — the highest honor in his field — 13 times in the last 15 years. He has also finished first in the APSE feature writing category seven times in the last nine years. No other columnist has won the APSE award more than once. During his storied career, Albom has received more than 100 writing awards from AP, UPI, Headliners Club, National Sportswriters and Broadcasters Associations, and others.

His work has appeared in numerous national and international publications, including Sports Illustrated, GQ, Sport, The New York Times, TV Guide, USA Today, and Germany's popular GEO magazine, as well as on the Internet with MSNBC.

Albom also is a panelist on ESPN's The Sports Reporters, (seen every Sunday by a nationwide audience,) and a weekly contributing commentator for ESPN radio. He also hosts two radio talk shows on WJR-AM, which originates in Detroit and reaches 38 states. He has been profiled by ABC News, NBC's Today Show, the CBS Early Show, and ESPN's "Up Close." Albom has also twice served as a network Olympic commentator, first for ABC's Good Morning America during the Atlanta Games and for the CBS Early Show from the Games in Sydney, Australia.

An accomplished songwriter and lyricist, Mitch Albom wrote the song "Cookin' For Two" for a television movie directed by Arnold Schwarzenegger that aired in the mid-1990's. Recently, he wrote the lyrics for a song recorded by singer/songwriter Warren Zevon, with David Crosby on backup vocals and comedian David Letterman contributing some surprise vocals as well.

A Philadelphia native, Mitch Albom graduated from Brandeis University with a sociology major and earned Master's Degrees in journalism and business administration from Columbia University in New York City. His background includes stints as an amateur boxer and nightclub singer and pianist. He once played as a warm-up act for comedian Gabe Kaplan.

Mitch Albom has founded three charities in the metropolitan Detroit area. The Dream Fund, which he founded in 1989, allows disadvantaged children to become involved with the arts. A Time To Help, founded in 1998, brings volunteers together once a month to tackle various projects in Detroit, including staffing shelters, building homes with Habitat for Humanity, and operating meals on wheels programs for the elderly. S.A.Y. Detroit, which he founded in 2006, aids the homeless. Albom also serves on the boards of various charities, including CATCH (Caring Athletes Team for Children's and Henry Ford Hospitals), Forgotten Harvest, and Michigan Hospice Organization. In 1999 he was named National Hospice Organization's Man of the Year. Says NBC's Bob Costas: "Mitch Albom writes with insight and compassion. He is one of America's best young sports columnists." Says Joe Dumars of the Detroit Pistons: "Mitch Albom is the best writer I've ever met."

Mitch Albom is married and resides in Franklin, Michigan.

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Dewitt Jones - Wednesday, October 22nd from 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
"Extraodinary Visions"

Where do we find the vision to take our lives to the next level?  How do we summon the passion to keep “raising the bar”?  How can we make our life less of a struggle and more of a joy? For photographer and creativity expert, Dewitt Jones, the answers to these questions lie in the images we hold about ourselves, our future and the way in which we grow.

In his twenty year career with National Geographic, Dewitt lived the vision of “celebrating what’s right with the world” and embraced an attitude that took him to new heights both in business and in life.  He found that the creative tools he employed as a photographer had even deeper application when applied directly to his personal and professional growth.

Extraordinary Visions is an hour of both motivation and inspiration.  Using his own extraordinary photographs as illustrations, Dewitt weaves a visual tapestry of emotion and content.  One that allows you to touch your own passion: to balance your head with your heart: and to come away inspired….with your own creative potential

Dewitt Jones is one of America's top professional photographers with a career stretching over twenty-five years. As a motion picture director, he had two films nominated for Academy Awards before he was thirty. Eighteen years as a freelance photographer with National Geographic earned him a reputation as a world-class journalist. Turning to advertising, Jones rose to the forefront of corporate creative marketing by photographing national advertising campaigns for Dewar's Scotch, Canon, and United Airlines. Speaking to audiences across the country, Jones is recognized as a first-rate lecturer and performer. His knowledge of the creative process, relaxed and genuine style and ability to communicate make his presentations truly outstanding.