Ross Shafer to Speak at Convention

Ross Shafer, one of the most sought after keynote speakers and seminar leaders on the subjects of customer empathy, personal motivation, and business relevance, grew up in the Pacific Northwest and graduated from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Wash., where he studied business management.

While working a job as an advertising manager for the 28 store Squire Shops retail clothing chain in Seattle, Wash, Ross haunted local comedy clubs at night in search of a career in joke telling. After years of slogging around the comedy circuit, he won the Seattle International Comedy Competition and immediately became an opening act for performers like Crystal Gayle, Eddie Rabbitt, Nel Carter, Neil Sedaka, and Dionne Warwick.

His talent for humor guided him through a fruitful television career, including hosting Almost Live on the NBC affiliate in Seattle (KING), The Late Show on Fox, and Days End on ABC alongside Matt Lauer and Spencer Christian. He continued to hone his comedy chops headlining leading night clubs and casinos, but in 1994, after hearing Bill Gates predict that someday, you will all be watching television on your telephones, Ross took the message to heart and he made the decision to leave TV and get back to his corporate training roots.

To date Ross has produced (14) human resource training films on customer service, motivation, leadership, and peer pressure. He has authored the business books, Nobody Moved Your Cheese, Customer Empathy, The Customer Shouts Back, and his newly released Are You Relevant? 12 Reasons Smart Organizations Thrive in Any Economy. Read Ross' full biography on his Web site. (Posted March 5, 2010)

Host Hotel Hyatt Sold Out June 14

While the Hyatt Regency is sold out on Monday, June 14, the hotel still has openings from Tuesday, June 15 through Wednesday, June 23 – with the special Univera rate of $159 per night. If you are trying to book your reservation online but are not able to secure your desired room(s) and dates, please call the hotel directly at (888) 421-1442 and mention ‘Univera,’ as the online system is not able to distinguish single-date availability with multiple-day reservations, and you may still be able to book your desired dates and room(s). (Posted Feb. 26, 2010)

Crowd-favorite Dr. Taylor Hartman Returns

One of the top reasons why people attend Convention is to hear from motivational and educational guest speakers. Over the next five editions of the weekly news, we will be highlighting each speaker so you can share the excitement with your Teams. This week's speaker highlight: Dr. Taylor Hartman, author of the wildly popular book The Color Code (‘What color are you?’ is an often-asked question around here at Univera), The People Code, and Playing Life to Win. Gain new insights into your personality and learn how to use those insights to improve on your personal and professional relationships during Taylor’s presentation Friday evening at the General Session. (Posted Feb. 26, 2010)

Register Now, S’inscrire maintenant, Regístrese ahora

We are pleased to announce that our French and Spanish-speaking guests are now able to register for Convention 2010 through online registration systems set up in both languages. Please click on the appropriate button above to begin the registration process. (Posted Feb. 26, 2010)

Convention 2010 Focus: Serve First

Pencil in a play day with your team for Serve First. Univera is working in conjunction with Rocky Mountain Connections in bringing Univera Associates local tours exclusively for your Teams on June 16, the day before Convention starts. With each tour booked, up to 15% of the proceeds earned will go to Univera Serve First. Tours will feature a Serve First Golf Tournament, a Jeep Tour, and more. So come in early and help support this worthy cause. Make it a Team building or family event! More details to come about how to sign up!

Are you coming to Convention? Tell us so on Facebook and confirm yourself as a guest! (Posted Feb. 19, 2010)

Convention 2010 Recognition Reminder

Please remember that the Convention 2010 recognition schedule is confined to dates from May 2009 to April 2010. Only Associates who have reached their two-month rank qualification by April 30, 2010 will be invited to be recognized on stage this June in Denver. (Posted Feb. 12, 2010)

Book Your Convention Hotel Now!

The Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver is offering Univera Associates a special rate of just $159 per night (plus tax) not only during Convention, which runs from June 17 to June 20, but for the six days bookending our event. Yes, you can have this rate from June 14 through June 23, giving you extra time to enjoy Denver with your family outside of Convention, so bring them along!

Please note that children are not permitted at Convention-related events.

Click here to book. And if you haven’t already, make sure you register online and save your spot at our biggest gathering of the year! (Posted Feb. 1, 2010)