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Inside the Ultimate WOW Experience
What turns an event into a true WOW experience? Gail Davis shares her experience being onsite at an unforgettable event in Amarillo, TX, where powerful performances, meaningful community impact, and unexpected moments came together in a way attendees will never forget.
GDA Industry Insights
The Secret to Long-Term Client Relationships
The strongest client relationships aren't built when everything goes perfectly. They're built through trust, honest conversations, and how you work together when things don't go according to plan. Gail Davis shares lessons from decades of client partnerships and why trust is one of the most valuable things a business can earn.
GDA Industry Insights
How We Stack Up in the Age of AI
Gail Davis shares how GDA Speakers is embracing AI while staying true to what has always set us apart: relationships, experience, and personalized service that helps event planners make confident decisions.
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.
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Do You Take the Stairs?
By Gail DavisYears ago Julie O'Keefe in my office stumbled upon an unknown young speaker named Rory Vaden. He had won the Toastmaster award and she was impressed with his authenticity and passionate speaking style.She was so impressed that she reached out to introduce herself. For those of you in the business, you know that is a rare step. Rory committed to Julie that he would come meet our team.Little did we know he had another reason to come to Dallas. Rory had decided he wanted to write a New York Times bestselling novel. He had gone to a book store and studied the books he liked. He quickly spotted a trend in the acknowledgments. The authors kept thanking their literary agent Jan Miller who is based in Dallas.Rory decided Jan was his ticket to the New York Times list. He sent her a proposal, he called her, and he had not yet received a response. So he decided to fly to Dallas to meet Jan and Julie … .literary agent and speaking agent.
Trending Speakers
Dr. Gary Chapman Brings the Love to Our Office
What a treat at GDA today! Dr. Gary Chapman visited our offices. He was in town speaking to two different client groups. He graciously agreed to stop by our office and meet the team.Dr. Chapman is a wonderful author who is improving relationships around the world with his books. He is best known for The Five Love Languages. This book is 19 years old and remains a New York Times Best Seller.The book has been so powerful that it has inspired other great and helpful books, including The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, which he coauthored with Dr. Paul White. We were thrilled to learn more first-hand about his “MBA” – motivation by appreciation – and how we can empower each other through encouragement. It's a powerful tool!
Trending Speakers
TEDxSMU - What a day!
A Saturday during the holidays spent at an all-day speaker event? It was hands down the best decision of many holidays in recent years. Which is why I spent Saturday feeding my mind at TEDxSMU with the newest member of our team, Sarah Leverett.I did have one important hint. Besides the fact that it was a TED event, I knew that anything Jim and Carole Young are involved in is sure to be a winner. This did not disappoint.So I headed downtown to the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre. I'd never been. Honestly, it was my first time on the ground to really understand the Dallas Arts District. I think it is a good thing that I moved from the suburbs. I am surprised daily at the amazing offerings of Dallas. So much has changed in the 20 years I spend in suburbia!
Trending Speakers
The End of the Up Experience Didn't Leave Me Down
Okay, hokey title. But you get it. The Up Experience lived up to its name.If this is all new to you, click here and here and here to get caught up on this event and the amazing speakers I was able to see. Almost 20 speakers in one day!Dr. Brene Brown kicked off the last session with an Alumni update. This is interesting concept. Each year they bring back someone who has spoken at a previous UP and have them give an alumni update. Brene has a wonderful calm, soothing pace…
Trending Speakers
Up, Up, Up. The Up Experience Part 3
(If this is the first time you're reading The UP Experience, click here and here. I promise you won't regret getting caught up.)For the first time, I was able to hear “Chef Jeff” (Jeff Henderson) speak. What an impressive human being. He earned the first standing ovation of the day.I have always believed that at our core we love the comeback stories. And when you're sitting the audience actually seeing and hearing a comeback, it's even better. Chef Jeff turned his life around when he learned to cook in prison. He has published cookbooks and been on national television. His message is simple…. Take control of your life, whether it is your personal life or your work life.
Trending Speakers
Round 2 of the Up Experience
As I explained in my last blog, I had the opportunity to attend the Up Experience in Houston last week. It was a fantastic day full – and I mean very full – of speakers, but it felt like a perfectly performed symphony. I left uplifted and informed and inspired.The day was broken into segments, four speakers per segment. Each speaker got 20 minutes. Here's my take on segment 2. (Click here if you want to read about Segment 1.)The second “Houston Up Close speaker”, Laura Spanjian, kicked off segment two. Laura is the Sustainability Director for the City of Houston. Her passion and commitment to transform Houston into the electric car hub and a true green city were inspiring.
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