With the storied Chesapeake Bay as backdrop for the industry's premier networking event, Marriott Waterfront Hotel in Baltimore hosted attendees at the thirty-sixth annual Forum on Moving, April 10 and 11. Atlas agents and their guests from across the country met to take part in the annual event that has become known for its frank and open discussions of important issues, and the chance to share ideas and build friendships.

Riding the Waves of Change

A brief movie set the tone for the Forum, an event designed as a means to better understand the forces buffeting the relocation industry. Through the Forum, information sharing and networking provide professionals light by which they can navigate waves of change.

At the opening session, Atlas World Group Chairman and CEO Mike Shaffer welcomed Atlas agents and their guests. He reminded them of the Forum's purpose and urged them to take advantage of the opportunity to develop their networks. Greg Hoover, Senior Vice President, Sales Development, Relocation Services Group, introduced the agenda and commented on findings from Atlas' 36th Annual Survey of Corporate Relocation Policies.

Is Our Government Working?

This year's principal speaker, Fred Thompson, was introduced by Marian Weilert Sauvey, Esq., General Counsel, Vice President & Corporate Secretary, Atlas World Group, Inc.

As an attorney, lawmaker, author and actor, former Senator Thompson gave an insider's view of U.S. politics and our nation's involvement in world affairs. He spoke about his belief in the need for term limits as a means to counter political careerism, and he shared his thoughts about the U.S. involvement in Iraq. He described how his own concern about taxes, regulation, and the welfare system led him to run for office.

Although Senator Thompson sees many problems in our political system, he says that it is still the best in the world and reform won't take place until the voters demand it. He talked about the ongoing danger of terrorism and how rogue states have arisen not as a result of the U.S. being overly aggressive or looking to pick fights. He spoke in favor of large tax-cutting to spur economic growth and told the audience, "you don't have to be in elected politics to make a difference."

Invest in People

The two-day event was capped at the closing general session when Jim Stamm, Atlas President & COO, acknowledged the special gift of freedom and introduced keynote speaker Roger Dow, Global Sales & Customer Advocate, Marriott International.

Roger brought an extraordinary enthusiasm for customer service to his remarks. Citing today's business environment as one marked by price pressures, cost increases, greater competition, and customers who want "better, faster, cheaper," he addressed the big ideas of value, trust, and relationships as the keys to success.

Roger asserted that the way to answer the challenges of business today lies in building a strong culture, making people feel special, understanding different points of view, keeping things simple, embracing technology, and unleashing the wisdom and power of people. Roger's experiences in the hospitality industry served as the basis for many humorous, touching, and profound insights.