Key Note Address: Ari Fleischer
Monday, October 18
There aren’t many more people more qualified to talk about business continuity than this year’s keynote speaker. Strohl Systems is honored to have Ari Fleischer share his thoughts on the importance of effective crisis communications at this year’s user group conference.

Speaking from his experience at the pinnacle of one of the most turbulent periods in American history, Fleischer will discuss how he kept the nation informed during troubled times of war and tragedy. He’ll translate these principles into practical steps that can be used by any enterprise seeking to fine-tune their communications strategy. This presentation, is not only informative, it’s entertaining and thought-provoking.

Fleischer served as press secretary for the Bush Administration for over two years. During his time there, he worked through the September 11th attacks, two wars, and economic turbulence. He quickly gained the reputation of being both assertive and evenhanded…two traits that earned him the respect of the press and the public. Fleischer’s grace under pressure and wit were hallmarks of his daily press briefings during some extremely challenging times in American history.

Prior to joining Governor Bush’s campaign, Mr. Fleischer was the national spokesman and communications director for Elizabeth Dole’s presidential campaign. Mr. Fleischer was hired by the House Committee on Ways and Means after Republicans took control of the Congress in November 1994. As communications director there, Mr. Fleischer was the House of Representative’s principal staff spokesman on issues relating to taxes, Medicare, Social Security, welfare and international trade. He also served as press secretary to New Mexico Senator Pete Domenici from 1989 to 1994. Prior to that, from 1983 to 1989, Fleischer served as press secretary to two members of Congress from New York and worked on several political campaigns, including twoyears as a field director at the National Republican Congressional Committee.

Mr. Fleischer is a native of Pound Ridge, New York, and a 1982 graduate of Vermont’s Middlebury College. Now president of his own firm, Ari Fleischer Communications, he resides in Washington, D.C.

Key Note Address: Bob Hirschfeld
Tuesday, October 19
Doesn't it seem the world of business is drowning in "solutions," getting burned with "branding" and inducing insomnia at meetings with "Powerpointless?" Do you continually feel trapped by a "mouse?" Appropriate comic relief will be available with cybersatirist Bob Hirschfeld and his (somewhat) trusty laptop.

Not only does he maximize his front end, but he'll keep an eye out for his back end as he lampoons technology with intelligence and wit. With tongue firmly in cheek, Bob claims to be an "audience-centric, laughter-integrated, humor-scalable, speaker solution.” Bob's "standup with a laptop" presentation includes interactive parodies, an irreverent history of business and technology and a look at future trends in the workplace. He offers hysterical tips on time and information management. Bob even envisions business scenarios such as if Ben Franklin had to request a kite, string and key from the purchasing department.

Bob has been a keynote speaker at over one hundred conferences for clients including Microsoft, IBM, Canon, Forbes and Oracle. His success as a "cybersatirist" has been featured in Newsweek, Fast Company and profiled in The Wall Street Journal and USA Today. Since 1996, his popular satirical web site (www.bobsfridge.com) has won numerous awards and been visited by over 5 million readers. He's been a guest on CNN, NPR, and is a monthly humorous commentator on current events for a nationally syndicated radio show.

Bob’s humor has been published in The Washington Post, USA Today and The Wall Street Journal. For several years he was a contributing writer to Jay Leno for The Tonight Show. Jay Leno calls Bob "one of the top satirists in the country."