Global vacancies

36th World Conference attracts 28 countries

November 7, 2007

The 36th Kreston International World Conference “Kohesion” which took place from 28th to 31st October was attended by over 150 delegates and companions from 28 countries and was opened with a welcome address from Kreston International Chairman, Clive Stevens. This was followed by a drinks reception and banquet in the stunning King Arthur’s Room of the InterContinental Hotel on famous Michigan Avenue.

Jon Lisby , Executive Director of Kreston and Saul Reibstein, CBIZ MD of CBIZ Eastern Region started the business session with an outline of the conference’s underlying objectives – growing international referrals and extending relationships by overlapping with US member firm, CBIZ /MHM’s Annual Meeting.

CBIZ presented on several of their service lines and key note speaker, John Blumberg, explored the inner qualities behind substantive leadership and the barriers to expanding Kreston’s referral business.

Kreston Europe , Australia & Mexico gave feedback from their conferences with particular reference to referral growth, efficiency improvements and the benefits flowing from effective national development and collaboration. Breakout sessions generated lively debate on a number of issues impacting on the volume and value of international referrals.

The final day saw the Kreston delegates merge with the CBIZ /MHM directors giving an overall attendance of over 350. During the morning, Jerome P. Grisko Jr, President and CEO of CBIZ Inc outlined the CBIZ achievements, strategy and forecasts.

Social highlights of the conference included a welcome to both Kreston International and CBIZ /MHM delegates by Steven L. Gerard, Chairman and CEO of CBIZ at a joint reception held at the Chicago Art Institute. Lunch was taken on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Tower and the final night’s entertainment was a “Speak Easy” at Tommy Guns Garage, where delegates and companions dressed in gangster mode partied to a showcase of blues and jazz music and participated in short comedy sketches.

Jon Lisby commented “The positive developments agreed at this conference will be rolled out over the coming months – particularly the agreement to share best working practices. The actions planned will undoubtedly lead to an increase in the volume, quality and value of the international work we undertake. Building cohesion, credibility and creativity will deliver increased value to every Kreston firm.