Doug Keeley, chief executive, The Mark of a Leader

The Inspiration Center on the IMEX America 2012 show floor was host to a strong number of attendees with learning, networking and idea sharing - along with business goals - in mind on day one of the show.

The Inspiration Center, sponsored by the Convention Industry Council, showcases top-notch education aimed at helping the meetings industry raise the bar on standards and provide leading-edge personal and professional skills development.

This morning a full crowd of attendees came together in the seminar area of the Inspiration Center to hear self-admitted “leadership junkie” and author, Doug Keeley chief executive of Mark of a Leader present his “Mark Of A Leader” workshop.

Using a highly interactive and personal presentation style, Keeley employed video clips, interesting case histories, exciting visuals and even a live electric guitar performance to share what separates memorable and effective leaders from the pack.

Number one the list, he said, is not possessing a special gene or knowing a secret formula, it’s realising that the job of leadership is not the job of one or a few alone… every member of a team or company needs to be incentivised and supported in taking leadership initiative and delivering their best performance.

He also made the point that it’s critical that leaders not only tap into the “hands” and “minds” of their teams but also their spirit (home to big ideas), “heart” (home to passions) and their imagination and creativity.

In the end Keeley believes the benefit of true leadership is simple and powerful: “Organisations that have the most and the best leaders win. Others who don’t reach their potential or resist change are destined for the annals of companies who brands or products have become extinct,” he declared.

The IMEX Inspiration Center is one of the show’s many Vision Initiatives.

It provides dedicated learning space at the heart of the show floor. With a variety of formats to suit any learning style and schedule, the Center offers a mix of seminars, 12-people campfires and 20-minute Lightening Learning Labs throughout the three-day show.

All sessions are provided free of charge and the majority count towards accreditation or CMP points.