FAQ
WHEN AND WHERE IS THE SMALL BUSINESS CONVENTION BEING HELD IN 2013?
The 2013 Convention is being held at the Kalahari Convention Center in Sandusky on October 24 and 25.
ISN’T KALAHARI JUST A WATER PARK?
Yes, Kalahari is part Water Park, but it is also part conference center. Five years ago, Kalahari opened a new conference center that attaches to their hotel and water park. Due to great popularity, they expanded the conference center and recently opened a brand new state of the art facility in early 2012. The conference center is completely separate from the water park. You must cross over a walkway and go upstairs in the building in order to access the Water Park and hotel. Convention attendees will have no interaction with guests of the hotel or water park. There are separate entrances to both facilities.
CAN ATTENDEES BRING THEIR FAMILY?
We encourage attendees to bring their families up on Friday to stay the weekend at Kalahari. This is a great opportunity for small businesses to utilize our discounted room rates and spend time with other business owners and their families.
IF ATTENDEES CHOOSE TO STAY AT KALAHARI WITH THEIR FAMILIES, ARE THERE ADDITIONAL COSTS TO ACCESS THE WATER PARK?
Admission to the water park is included with any hotel stay. Attendees can use the water park on the day they check in through to and including the day they check out.
WHAT ARE THE HOTEL ROOM RATES FOR THE DURATION OF THE CONVENTION?
Guest rooms are typically offered at a rate of $189 - $279 per night. Kalahari will offer our members a special rate of just $109 for up to 4 guests in a standard room with 2 queen size beds. Friday night, the rate will increase to $129. Applicable resort fees and taxes apply.
To reserve a room, please call 877-525-2427 on or before Monday, September 23, 2013. Please ask for the COSE - Council of Smaller Enterprises Room Block.
WHAT SORT OF EVENTS WILL BE AVAILABLE IF AN ATTENDEE CHOOSES TO STAY FOR THE TWO FULL DAYS?
Being at a venue like Kalahari, we are able to create a memorable conference experience all within the confines of the facility or very close in distance. Kalahari has six restaurants and numerous banquet rooms. The Resort also includes miniature golf, pottery studios and a bowling alley!
We will hold a VIP Opening Night Celebration, networking dinners based on areas of interest, and much more.
Additionally, we will add in wellness activities like morning yoga, and discounted spa services for all attendees. Lastly, we will offer other experiences for attendees to take advantage of over the weekend like discounted tickets to Cedar Point HalloWeekends, winery tours, a special viewing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show and a Sandusky Ghost Hunt.
The entire focus at Kalahari is on revitalizing and inspiring the business owner for greater things.
IS THERE A COST FOR PARKING?
Parking is free of charge for all SBC attendees.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET TO KALAHARI?
From Cleveland: 1 hour
From Westlake: 54 minutes
From Beachwood: 1 hour, 10 minutes
From Akron: 1 hour, 27 minutes
From Independence: 1 hour
From Willoughby: 1 hour, 23 minutes
From Detroit: 2 hours
From Cincinnati: 4 hours
From Columbus: 2 hours, 20 minutes
From Toledo: 1 hour, 15 minutes
From Pittsburgh: 3 Hours
Address is: 7000 Kalahari Drive, Sandusky, OH
WHO ARE THE KEYNOTE SPEAKERS THIS YEAR?
Brian Scudamore- Brian Scudamore is an entrepreneur recognized for his passion, vision, and faith in people. Punchy and vividly anecdotal, Scudamore shows you how easy it is for any company to learn new tricks, improve each day and attract a ton of positive media attention, sharing his strategies and bottom line results.
Anat Baron – An innovative leader, she has transitioned effortlessly from corporate executive to entrepreneur throughout her career. Most recently, she dove head first into the beer industry. While at the helm of Mike's Hard Lemonade, Baron turned around this new company and grew the brand into a $200 million juggernaut within three years.
Josh Linkner – is the New York Times Bestselling author of Disciplined Dreaming: A Proven System to Drive Breakthrough Creativity, named one of the top 10 business books of 2011. Josh is the CEO and Managing Partner of Detroit Venture Partners. Together with business partners Earvin “Magic” Johnson and NBA team owner Dan Gilbert, Josh is actively rebuilding urban areas through technology and entrepreneurship.
Chip Bell – Chip R. Bell is founder of the Chip Bell Group and manages their Atlanta office. CBG is a confederation of highly seasoned consultants around the country who collaborate to help organizations build a culture that supports long-term customer loyalty. Prior to starting the Chip Bell Group in 1980, he was Director of Organization and Management Development for NCNB, now Bank of America.
Marilyn Tam - Marilyn Tam, Ph.D. is a Speaker, Author, Consultant, Board Certified Executive/Corporate/Leadership Coach, and Founder and Executive Director of Us Foundation. She was formerly the CEO of Aveda Corp., President of Reebok Apparel and Retail Group; Vice President of Nike Inc. and also a successful entrepreneur who has developed and built four companies.
WHAT NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE EVENT?
We will launch the Convention on Wednesday night with an exciting networking event. Attendees will interact with other Convention attendees, check in for the Convention and get a sneak peak at some of the features of the event. On Thursday, we will be hosting networking dinners based on specific attendee interests or hobbies such as healthy cooking, wine tasting or sampling cigars. Attendees will have the opportunity to register for one of these dinners upon registration for the Convention. Dinner costs will be at the expense of the attendee.
WILL CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS BE OFFERED AGAIN THIS YEAR?
Yes. We will offer Continuing Education Credits in the following areas: Legal, Accounting and Human Resources
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST TO ATTEND THE CONVENTION?
COSE members pay $99 to attend the two full days of the Convention. Nonmembers will pay $249 to attend.
WHAT MEALS ARE INCLUDED IN THE CONVENTION REGISTRATION?
Continental breakfast and boxed lunches are included both days. Registration also includes attendance at the Wednesday night opening night reception. Networking dinners are at the expense of the Convention attendee.
WHEN WILL ATTENDEES GET MY CONVENTION BADGE AND MATERIALS?
The Program Guide and other materials will be available at the Convention and can be picked up at registration.
IS THERE A ONE DAY REGISTRATION AVAILABLE?
No. Registration is for the entire Convention. However, you may come and go from the Convention as you need to in order to make the experience best fit your schedule