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GDA Technology
Your GDA Advantage: Our Client Portal & Polling Feature
At GDA Speakers, we believe event planning should be empowering—not exhausting. Over the years, we've embraced technology not just to keep up with change, but to stay ahead of your needs. Gail Davis dives into how our exclusive GDA Client Portal and polling feature were built to support you with transparency, efficiency, and heart.
GDA Industry Insights
The Future of Event Planning: Trends and Tips for a Seamless Experience
Planning events is always a dynamic process, and staying ahead of trends can make all the difference. In this month's blog, Gail Davis shares insights on key trends event planners can anticipate as we move into the new year.
Trending Speakers
The Husband & Wife Duo That Every Event Needs: Sandra Joseph & Ron Bohmer
Every organization needs to book Sandra Joseph and Ron Bohmer. It is that simple. Whether you are a non-profit raising money for a great cause, an organization celebrating a milestone anniversary, or an association looking for an experience of a lifetime - Gail Davis shares her experience working with Sandra and Ron and how they will leave your audience entertained, uplifted, and inspired.
GDA History
Celebrating 25 Years of Setting Stages Worldwide
Have you noticed GDA Speakers' new logo? You guessed it - 2024 marks our 25th anniversary! In the coming months, we will be reflecting on the last quarter of a century through a series of blogs that offer insight into our journey, who we are as a business, and the impact we have had the privilege of bringing to stages worldwide. Read Gail's first blog of the new series.
Latest Blogs
GDA History
The Anniversary
Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021 was the 49th anniversary of the Uruguayan plane crash in the Andes Mountains. I had no idea how that event would change my life. Twenty-two years later I was working for a large technology company. I was responsible for the annual Sales Incentive Trip. After watching the movie “Alive” I became intrigued in finding the hero, Nando Parrado, to speak to our audience. Back then there was no Google so I had to get real creative. Nando initially told me he had no desire to speak but I remained determined. A few months later he spoke to our group in Maui and it was a huge home run.
GDA History
Visualizing and Training for Success
I am currently training for another trip with Project Athena. This is my second trip with this group. It is a real commitment. For me, it starts with visualizing the end result. In 1997, I hiked the Grand Canyon from Rim to Rim with the same group. Visualizing the success is what got me started. Then I had to really focus on how to incorporate the huge training commitment into my schedule. It requires meticulous planning and the support and encouragement of family and friends. It reminds me of planning spectacular, one of a kind experiences for the sales team when I led corporate events at EDS. It all started with the vision...
GDA History
A Woman Owned Business
I recently completed documentation for our Women's Business Enterprise National Council Certification (WBENC). Finalizing the paperwork is no easy task, but I love the process. WBENC is truly committed to assisting women business owners and I am proud to be granted certification from this distinct organization. I am also grateful to our clients who diversify their supply chain to include women and minority owned businesses. The significance and timing of the WBENC certification is particularly meaningful as we celebrate Women's History Month. I think back on when I started GDA Speakers over 22 years ago, and the important women in my career who encouraged and inspired me to leave my 20 year corporate event career at Electronic Data Systems (EDS) and start GDA. My leader for many years, Vicki Yacovoni, was my role model.
GDA History
2021: To Smoother Roads Ahead
I love a road trip. I often drive from Dallas to my hometown in Oklahoma to visit my family. I enjoy the scenery, listening to podcasts, and just the relaxation of the familiar route. Most of the time, it's an easy drive. But occasionally, I'll run into that dreaded orange road “detour ahead” construction sign and I feel the frustration set in. When the sign indicates 5 or 10 miles ahead, I think to myself “OK, this won't last too long.” But then there are those times, I'll come across a detour sign and there is no mileage listed. Suddenly, I find myself on some uneven, bumpy road that's taking me way off track - and I don't know when it's going to end. To me, that was 2020. I think it's safe to say the last 9 months we've all been traveling a no-mileage indicated detour path.
GDA History
Celebrating 20 Years- Part 8: Staying Tech Savvy
Being in the business of speaking, we hear all the latest thought leaders and accompanying buzz words. Disruption, re-tooling and change management are all concepts we hear about daily. At 20 years, it is fun to reflect back and think about how many massive changes we have seen and to think about the impact.
GDA History
Celebrating 20 Years- Part 7: IASB and EO
“You can't do it alone”---no truer words have been spoken. I have tremendous gratitude for two organizations that have played critical roles in my entrepreneurial journey: IASB (International Association of Speakers Bureaus) and EO (Entrepreneurs' Organization).
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