General Sessions

• Led Chick-fil-A’s global marketing efforts from 1981 to 2015
• Integrally involved in the company’s incredible growth trajectory
• Credited with identifying and rolling out the iconic “Eat Mor Chikin” campaign

When Steve Robinson joined Chick-fil-A, the marketing doctrine of the day began with the product. Robinson flipped the script and began placing customer experience above all else in every marketing plan he undertook. Creating legendary “Second Mile Service” hospitality required company leaders to building an amazing company culture which incorporated a powerful mission statement, great hiring, and emphasis on both character and creativity. Together with company founder Truett Cathy, Robinson built an iconic brand and a fanatic base of loyal customers.

In this talk, Robinson will peel back the curtain on how Chick-fil-A established their legendary culture by breaking the rules and refusing to forsake purpose for profit. He’ll address questions like “How do I stand out in a crowded marketplace?” and “How do I attract and retain the right employees and customers?” to provide ideas and inspiration creating your own playbook for business success in a competitive market.

Economic Outlook For 2020: Get Ready For Growth | 1:00–2:15pm

Alan Beaulieu, President, Institute for Trend Research

• HIDA's favorite economist and top-rated speaker
• Forecast accuracy rate of 94.7% at one year out
• Co-author, Prosperity in the Age of Decline

Feeling concerned about the economic impact of trade wars, impeachment proceedings, immigration worries and more? Despite these headwinds, the outlook for the coming year is strong, says HIDA’s favorite economist Alan Beaulieu. His annual presentation is a can’t-miss event of the Executive Conference. He’ll offer a clear forecast for key economic metrics including growth, inflation, employment, and interest rates, along with strategic advice for growing your business amid uncertainty.

This year, find out why it’s critical to make sure your business processes are efficient and cost containment systems are in place as business heats up in 2020 and into 2021.

Thursday • March 26

Healthcare Outlook For 2020: Navigating Disruption, Consolidation, And Cost Pressure | 8:30–10:00am

Bradford Koles, Jr., Executive Director, Advisory Board Company

• Preeminent thought leader on health system economics and strategy
• Expertise on all the significant healthcare reform initiatives
• Master’s degree in economics from Johns Hopkins University

Healthcare providers across the country are grappling with myriad market forces— consolidation, downward price pressure, shifting demographics, and spikes in bad debt—that threaten their bottom line. In this session, explore both the political actions and market forces that threaten your customers’ long-term success, and the actions leaders must take to control their own futures in a rapidly changing marketplace. Gain insights on how the current era of disruption in healthcare is different, what the recent wave of mega-mergers and vertical consolidation means for the industry, and whether to expect political changes that will impact your company and your customers.

Friday • March 27

Policy And Payment Outlook For 2020: Key Changes You Need To Know | 8:30–9:45am

Linda Rouse O’Neill, Vice President, Government Affairs, HIDA

Josh Babb, Director, Government Affairs, HIDA

Taxes, tariffs, reimbursement: you can’t afford not to know about critical policy issues impacting manufacturers, distributors, and healthcare providers. HIDA’s popular Government Affairs team will provide critical insights on what’s happening now, and what’s ahead, for the issues that matter most to your business. Topics include:

• Current status of tariffs on medical products
• MACRA, PAMA, PDGM, and the rest of the alphabet soup of changes impacting provider reimbursement
• Medicare and Medicaid funding trends
• Presidential election and its potential impact on the future of healthcare