PORTLAND — In addition to more than 100 business to-business exhibitors, the 5th annual Mainebiz Momentum Convention will offer a selection of learning opportunities to help owners and decision makers transform and develop their businesses.

The convention, taking place Oct. 9 at the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland, will feature several Maine CEOs and professional experts at both morning and afternoon “Mainebiz U” learning sessions, as well as a “CEO Breakfast” panel discussion preceding the conference.

At each of the two Mainebiz U learning sessions (10:30 to 11:45 a.m. and 1:15 to 2:30 p.m.), participants can choose from a selection of four panel discussions on the topics of evolution or progression.

Speakers on the Mainebiz U evolution track will focus on adapting to new market realities. From restructuring to product innovation to new marketing methods, panelists discuss ways to adapt and transform in order to compete and grow. The evolution panel 1 includes Cheryl Bascomb, BerryDunn; Jim Keenan, Bernstein Shur; Shannon Kinney, Dream Local; and Shawn Moody, Moody Collision Centers. Evolution panel 2 has Don Gooding, MCED; Amber Lambke, Maine Grains; Alan MacEwan, Verrill Dana; and Ted Wirth, Diversified Communications.

Speakers on the Mainebiz U progression track will focus on setting up the future to succeed. Whether family owned or publicly traded, a plan for future leadership is essential, as panelists will discuss how to plan your successor and your succession from within and from without. The progression panel 1 includes David Austin, Eaton Peabody; Steve Campbell, provoke; Fred Forsley, Shipyard Brewing; and Danielle Ripich, UNE. Progression panel 2 has Kal Kotkas, Clark Insurance; Frank O’Shea, BerryDunn; Derek Volk, Volk Packaging; and Jim Wellehan, Lamey Wellehan.

Moderators include Stefa Normantas, Green Tree Events; Linda Varrell, Broadreach

Public Relations; Peter Van Allen, Mainebiz; and Nancy Marshall, Nancy Marshall Communications.

A $59 ticket includes the keynote address by EepyBird, the Coke and Mentos guys whose viral videos have now been seen more than 100 million times, exhibit, lunch and Mainebiz U sessions.

At the CEO Breakfast, several Maine CEOs will share stories of strategic thinking that helped them manage through the unpredictability of transformation, and explore the effectiveness of back-up plans.

Called “What’s Plan B,” the panel takes place from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. and features William Haggett, CEO of Pineland Farms; Claire Kiedrowski, owner and president of Kappa Mapping Inc.; Robert Moore, president and CEO of Dead River Company; and Charles Spies, CEO of CEI Capital Management LLC. It will be moderated by Peter Van Allen of Mainebiz.

— WHAT: The 5th annual
Momentum Convention
— WHERE: Cumberland
County Civic Center, Portland
— WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 9
— WHO: Maine business
owners, CEOs, company presidents, entrepreneurs, and professionals interested in networking with all of the above.
— HOURS: 7:30 a.m. to 4
p.m. Keynote is at 9 a.m. and
exhibits are open from 10 a.m. to
4 p.m.
— REGISTRATION: Registration is now open. Registration is
required for some events and
recommended for all.