Speakers & Sessions
View the inspiring speakers and sessions scheduled for the 2026 Annual Convention in Palm Springs.
 | Session One KEYNOTE - Productivity with Purpose: Turning Strategy into Results Tuesday, October 13 | 8:45 am – 9:45 am
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Randi Braun is the Wall Street Journal best-selling author of Something Major: The New Playbook for Women at Work. A member of the Forbes Coaches Council, Braun is the CEO & Founder of the women’s leadership firm, Something Major, a highly-regarded speaker, and an ICF-certified executive coach, who has worked with nearly 100 organizations including: Microsoft, Uber, BlackRock, JP Morgan, The Washington Post, PwC, and Cox Communications. An expert at helping high-performing women thrive in demanding roles, her insights on women’s leadership have been featured in CNBC, The Washington Post, Forbes (where she writes her own by-line), Parents Magazine, and The Chicago Tribune, among others. Randi coaches, leads retreats and, when she’s not traveling to attend events like ours, Randi lives in Washington, DC with her spouse and three children.
In a world where change is constant, productivity isn't about doing more—it's about focusing on what matters most. Discover practical strategies to improve focus, streamline your work, leverage technology, and increase your impact. Walk away with actionable tools to help you and your organization navigate change, improve performance, and drive sustainable growth.
| ✓ | Eliminate inefficiencies and streamline day-to-day workflows |
| ✓ | Prioritize what matters most to sharpen focus and impact |
| ✓ | Leverage technology to work smarter, not harder |
| ✓ | Build sustainable habits that drive long-term performance |
 | Session Two AI as a Force Multiplier for Business Owners — How to Use AI as Your Analyst, Advisor, Coach, and Executive Assistant Tuesday, October 13 | 10:25 am – 11:25 am
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Mike Gauss is a business executive, strategic advisor, and wealth management leader with extensive experience helping business owners build stronger, more profitable organizations. As the former President of a multi-billion-dollar manufacturing and consumer products company, he led strategic growth initiatives, operational transformation, and acquisitions across multiple business divisions. Today, Mike advises business leaders on growth strategy, financial decision-making, and leveraging emerging technologies—including AI—to improve performance and create lasting competitive advantage.
AI isn't just a trend—it's a practical tool for working smarter and making better business decisions. Learn how to use artificial intelligence to improve productivity, streamline operations, analyze business performance, and uncover new opportunities for growth. Whether you're new to AI or ready to take the next step, you'll leave with ideas you can implement right away.
| ✓ | Analyze financial performance and identify operational opportunities |
| ✓ | Evaluate strategic decisions with greater confidence |
| ✓ | Streamline workflows and enhance team effectiveness |
| ✓ | Discover practical ways to integrate AI, no matter where you're starting from |
 | Back by Popular Demand! Session Three KEYNOTE — Economic and Policy Update — Navigating What's Ahead Wednesday, October 14 | 9:15 am – 10:25 am
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Alex Chausovsky is the President & CEO of 3DM Consulting. He is a highly experienced market researcher and analyst with more than two decades of expertise across subjects including economics, manufacturing, automation, advanced technology trends, and business cycle analysis. He has consulted and advised companies throughout the US and Canada, Europe, South America, and Asia. Alex has delivered over a thousand presentations, webinars, and workshops to small businesses, trade associations, and Fortune 500 companies across a spectrum of industries, and is the go-to source of industry data and insights for business owners and leaders. Alex's analysis has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, on the BBC, and on NPR, and he is a Top Voice on LinkedIn.
Back by popular demand, economist Alex Chausovsky delivers an engaging, data-driven outlook on the economic and policy trends shaping today's business environment. Gain practical insights into inflation, tariffs, labor markets, interest rates, and more to help your organization navigate uncertainty and make confident, informed decisions.
| ✓ | Break down key indicators including tariffs, inflation, and interest rates |
| ✓ | Understand labor market conditions, consumer demand, and business investment patterns |
| ✓ | Anticipate market shifts before they impact your business |
| ✓ | Position your organization for growth in a dynamic, evolving economy |
| Session Four From Insight to Action: Roundtable Discussions on What's Next Wednesday, October 14 | 10:55 am – 12:00 pm
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Alex Chausovsky is the President & CEO of 3DM Consulting. He is a highly experienced market researcher and analyst with more than two decades of expertise across subjects including economics, manufacturing, automation, advanced technology trends, and business cycle analysis. He has consulted and advised companies throughout the US and Canada, Europe, South America, and Asia. Alex has delivered over a thousand presentations, webinars, and workshops to small businesses, trade associations, and Fortune 500 companies across a spectrum of industries, and is the go-to source of industry data and insights for business owners and leaders. Alex's analysis has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, on the BBC, and on NPR, and he is a Top Voice on LinkedIn.
Don't let the conversation end with the keynote. Join Alex Chausovsky for an interactive roundtable where you'll have the opportunity to ask questions, share perspectives, and discuss practical strategies for responding to today's evolving economic landscape. Collaborate with peers and leave with ideas you can apply to your own organization.
| ✓ | Explore the real-world impact of current economic trends |
| ✓ | Ask questions and share perspectives with Alex and your peers |
| ✓ | Navigate uncertainty and adapt to changing market conditions |
| ✓ | Turn economic insight into action to drive business growth |
 | Session Five Business Owners Panel: Leading Through Change – Strategies for Growth, Innovation, and Long-Term Success Thursday, October 15 | 9:10 am – 10:10 am
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As President and Owner of Colorado Air Filter, I lead one of the Rocky Mountain region's premier commercial air filtration companies, serving healthcare facilities, commercial buildings, industrial manufacturers, schools, data centers, government facilities, and critical environments where clean air directly impacts occupant health, equipment reliability, and operational performance. Throughout my career, I've developed deep expertise in commercial HVAC filtration, IAQ optimization, ASHRAE standards, MERV filtration, molecular filtration, VOC control, energy efficiency, filter lifecycle management, and facility-wide filtration strategies. I enjoy helping facility managers, engineers, and building owners move beyond simply replacing filters to implementing comprehensive air quality solutions that improve building performance while reducing total operating costs.
How are today's industry leaders preparing for tomorrow's challenges? Hear directly from NAFA business owners and executives as they discuss workforce development, technology, market trends, and growth strategies. Gain practical insights and real-world lessons to help your organization adapt, innovate, and succeed in an ever-changing business environment.
| ✓ | Hear candid insights on opportunities and obstacles facing the air filtration industry |
| ✓ | Explore how leaders are approaching growth and investing in their businesses |
| ✓ | Learn how panelists are developing teams and leveraging technology |
| ✓ | Walk away with practical ideas and lessons learned for positioning your company for long-term success |
  | Session Six The Business Leaders Playbook for Growth, Wealth, & Succession Thursday, October 15 | 10:30 am – 11:10 am
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Skyler Sandry is a wealth management leader with experience in relationship management, portfolio strategy, business development, and client service. As leader of the Sandry Meloan Ryan Gragg Group, he helps clients and business owners make thoughtful financial decisions and plan with confidence. Skyler began his wealth management career in 2016 and has built his approach around clear communication, strong relationships, and practical guidance tailored to each client's goals. He brings a collaborative, service-focused perspective to helping leaders strengthen their financial strategies and prepare for long-term success.
Kevin comes to RBC Wealth Management after having spent almost 17 years with Northwestern Mutual as one of their top advisors nationally. He is a licensed financial advisor and holds Chartered Financial Consultant® and Chartered Life Underwriter® designations. Kevin ran a financial planning practice and built a very successful firm at Northwestern Mutual where he also managed the office for 10 years. Kevin’s experience with insurance and investment strategies will be an enhancement to our team that will help us serve you more holistically. What started out as a college internship has grown into a full-blown passion. Kevin believes his work allows people to enjoy their lives without worrying about money. He’s found that when his clients give direction to their finances it allows them to spend without fear or guilt, knowing they are preparing for the future and protecting what they care most about. In his personal life, Kevin is married to Olivia, and they have four children—Coleton, Annabelle, Calvin and Jack. They are active in their church community, love to travel and enjoy investing in their marriage and family through time and experiences.
A successful business deserves a smart financial strategy. Learn practical approaches for managing cash, increasing enterprise value, planning for future transitions, and using compensation and benefits to attract and retain top talent. Walk away with actionable ideas to strengthen your business and prepare for what's next.
| ✓ | Learn practical financial strategies to help maximize value both inside and outside your company |
| ✓ | Explore how to manage excess cash and decide when to reinvest in the business versus diversify investments |
| ✓ | Prepare for ownership or leadership transitions and learn how to increase enterprise value ahead of a future sale |
| ✓ | Discover how to use compensation and benefits strategies to attract and retain top talent, and leave with actionable ideas for long-term success |
  | Session Seven Shipping Air: How Freight Really Moves—and What It Means for Your Business Thursday, October 15 | 11:10 am – 11:50 am
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Bio coming soon.
Jake Redenbaugh is a Team Captain and Freight Broker at MegaCorp Logistics. After leading multiple sales teams at AT&T to Presidents Club achievements, Jake joined MegaCorp Logistics during the height of Covid in 2020. At MegaCorp, Redenbaugh leads a team of five operations logistics managers responsible for parts of, or the entire supply chain for 30 unique customers, in both 3PL & 4PL capacities. Redenbaugh's team generated over 15 million dollars in revenue in 2025, with the brokers on his captain team collectively generating over 200 million dollars. Redenbaugh was awarded Captain of the Year in 2024, and will pass the 30,000 load mark of his career before 2026 is over. While Redenbaugh handles a wide variety of commodities — from bottled water to oversized windmill blades — his very first customers were in the air filtration industry, and it remains his favorite freight to move. Redenbaugh is married to his beautiful wife Jasmine, and together they have 4 kids, ranging from one to twelve. While free time is limited, Jake serves in his church as Lay Clergy and enjoys Disney hotel lobbies where he works while the family gets to tear up Small World!
Every shipment affects your bottom line—but do you know what happens behind the scenes? Gain an insider's look at today's freight and logistics landscape, from carrier selection and pricing to AI-powered transportation technologies. Discover practical strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and build a stronger, more resilient supply chain.
| ✓ | Get an insider's view of how freight really moves—from carrier selection to pricing negotiations |
| ✓ | Understand the market conditions that influence cost, capacity, and service |
| ✓ | Explore the advantages and challenges of various shipping modes through real-world examples |
| ✓ | Learn how AI and transportation management systems are creating new efficiencies, and leave with practical strategies to reduce costs and strengthen your supply chain |