I was very pleased with the feedback from our 3rd Annual CEN Human Capital Conference in Chicago. Since our first conference in 2000, we have worked hard to continually improve this conference each year. I can assure you that 2004 will be no exception, given the program that is being planned and the speakers who have been contracted. Again, the dates for next year's conference are April 22nd and 23rd, 2004.

Based upon the feedback we received, the Crucial Conversations presentation by Joseph Grenny was one of the clear highlights of this conference. Other highlights for me were the outstanding insights and information presented allowing chief and senior executives to:

• Discover what every CEO and Senior Executive needs to know about creating high customer value through a highly motivated workforce.

• Find out what the CIA's former Head of Human Resources can teach us about better Senior Management decision-making.

• Learn the process the CEO of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics credits with landing the biggest contract in his firm's history.

• Learn what is the current best thinking around performance enhancement. Differentiate between hiring people who get things done and hiring those who “just know how to…”

Finally, as I pointed out at the beginning of this meeting, our Network is an incredible resource and one of its many benefits is the meeting you just attended. Todd Skinner for example would have never been on my radar screen if it were not for a member's recommendation. Please let me know of a speaker that you would like to nominate for one of our conferences.

Best wishes in conquering your own summits!