BioFuels Journal

PEI Announces Educational Lineup For Annual Convention, Oct. 5-7 in Chicago, IL

Tulsa, OK—The annual PEI Convention is always listed as one of the major benefits of membership in the Petroleum Equipment Institute, not only for its ability to give attendees the opportunity to see the latest and greatest in the petroleum-equipment universe and network with top industry insiders, but to provide a thought-provoking educational experience, as well.

This year is no different, as PEI has announced the educational offerings that will be available to attendees at this year's convention, which will be held in conjunction with the NACS Show, Oct. 5-7, at Chicago's McCormick Place.

"With the rapid changes occurring in the petroleum-equipment industry, as well as the world of petroleum marketing as a whole, it's often difficult to stay on top of the latest trends," said Bob Renkes, executive vice president of the Petroleum Equipment Institute.

"With that in mind, PEI strives every year to offer the most pertinent educational opportunities for our members at their convention, and we are confident that we have met that goal again this year," Renkes said.

Both Sunday, Oct. 5, and Monday, Oct. 6, will offer attendees a general session, followed by concurrent workshops.

The Schedule

Sunday, Oct. 5

• Kick-Off Breakfast, 7:30 a.m.: Pyromania: How To Set a Fire Under Yourself. Mikki Williams mixes entertainment and humor with business savvy to share insight and inspiration for life changing impact.

• General Session, 9:15 a.m.: Futurist, Technology Strategist and Trends Forecaster. Daniel Burrus will use his extensive industry knowledge to offer insight into the future of technological change.

• Featured Workshop, 10:45 a.m.: Fraud: How It Happens and How to Prevent It. Fraud specialist Ed McMillan will help attendees recognize employee dishonesty before it can ruin their business.

• Concurrent Workshop, 10:45 a.m.: Regulatory Update. Jeff Leiter will review the latest major legislative and regulatory trends.

Monday, Oct. 6

• General Session, 8:30 a.m.: Preparing Your Company and Customers for PCI Compliance. A panel of industry experts will explain the history and issues behind PCI compliance and what it means to equipment-distribution and service businesses.

• Featured Workshop, 10:15 a.m.: Doing Business in a Cross-Cultural World. This session will focus on the possible areas of conflict small-business owners from other cultures may have with mainstream American culture and ways to create trustful relationships within these types of cultures. This session will be presented by Dr. Zareen Karani Araoz.

• Concurrent Workshop, 10:15 a.m.: Seven Steps to Closing a Profitable Sale. Bob Langdon will present simple techniques to identify the most profitable customers and methods to generate more business from them.

Online registration for the PEI Convention is available online.

Early and group registration deadlines are Aug. 15 with advanced registration closing on Oct. 1.

PEI's headquarters hotel for the convention is the Hyatt Regency Chicago.

You can book rooms through the PEI web site.

We encourage everyone to book housing as early as possible.

All PEI registrants can also book rooms at any hotel in the NACS block.

For additional information on the 2008 PEI Convention, as well as PEI or its membership, please contact Tena Wooldridge at 918-494-9696.