AHE Announces Speakers at Annual EXCHANGE Conference

The Association for the Healthcare Environment (AHE) of the American Hospital Association announces its line-up of keynote speakers and general sessions at its Annual Conference, EXCHANGE, to be held Sept. 16-19, 2012 in Phoenix.
 
The lineup of speakers includes:
 
Michael Rogers, the Practical Futurist: Rogers is a technology pioneer, novelist and journalist whose consultancy, Practical Futurist, helps businesses and organizations worldwide think about the future. In recent years he has worked with companies ranging from FedEx, Boeing and Time-Life to Prudential, Dow Corning, GE and Genentech. He completed a two-year tenure as futurist-in-residence for The New York Times and also writes the Practical Futurist column for MSNBC. Rogers is a best-selling novelist whose fiction explores the human impact of technology. His five books have been published worldwide, optioned for film and television and chosen by the Book of the Month Club. Rogers will deliver the keynote address Management Meets the Future of Technology on Monday, Sept. 16, 2012.
 
Nina Antoniotti, RN, MBA, PhD, director, Marshfield Clinic TeleHealth Network: Antoniotti has more than 30 years of experience in hospital-based healthcare and has served as director of emergency services, outpatient director, and director of nursing at Marshfield Clinic TeleHealth Network. She is an expert in strategic planning, facilities development, operational planning and community development, focusing on healthcare trends and needs. Antoniotti received commendations and an award from the Office for the Advancement of TeleHealth, Health Resources and Services Administration for her pioneering efforts in the development of TeleHealth. She has been involved in the development of national technology and operational guidelines for TeleHealth standards as well. Antoniotti is a current board member of and chair of the American Telemedicine Policy Committee and is a vice president of the board of the Center for Telemedicine Law. Antoniotti will speak on Monday, Sept. 16, 2012; her session is titled The Future is Now.
 
William Rutala, PhD, MPH, CIC, professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, and director of the Statewide Program for Infection Control and Epidemiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine (Chapel Hill) and director of the hospital epidemiology, occupational health and safety program at UNC Health Care System: Rutala is certified in infection control and is one of the countrys most renowned experts in the field. He is an advisor to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Trade Commission. . Rutala is a member of various committees on the local, state, national and international levels as well as several professional societies including the American Society for Microbiology, Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology and the Society of Healthcare Epidemiology of America. He serves on the editorial board of the Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology and has written more than 400 publications in the fields of infectious diseases, infection control, disinfection, sterilization and medical waste. Rutala will speak on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012; his session is titled Environmental Surface Disinfection: Pushing the Envelope.
 
Brian Lee, CSP, founder and CEO, Custom Learning Systems Group, Ltd.: Lee is one of North Americas leading experts in the field of patient satisfaction and change leadership. He is the author of Satisfaction Guaranteed How to Satisfy Every Customer Every Time. Lee educates his audiences on the how-tos of patient, staff, and physician loyalty, and inspires hope and commitment, resulting in renewed passion for care-giving. For two consecutive years Lee has been evaluated by the International Customer Service Association Conference as the number-one-rated Customer Service Speaker in the World. Lee will speak on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012; his session is titled The HCAHPS Hospital of Choice.
 
Alan Whitson, RPA: A popular author, consultant and speaker, Whitson has been pegged the Green Building Guru Who Paints a Profit-Making Picture. He is one of the nations most charismatic, knowledgeable speakers on how to build the business case for high-performance buildings. He is chairman of the national task force that wrote the Model Green Lease, now the de facto standard for green leasing. Whitsons books include 365 Important Questions to Ask about Green Buildings, Smart Moves Manual, 327 Questions to Ask Before You Sign a Lease, Building Operating Costs Guidebook and Bottom Line Comparative Lease Analysis Software.  The scope of Whitsons more than 30-year career gives him keen insight into the real estate needs of todays healthcare facilities and a unique understanding of the architectural, construction and real estate industries. Whitsons general session is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012 and is titled The New Economics of Health care: Impact on Day-to-Day Operations.
 
Joe Contrera, president, Alive at Work: President and founder of Alive at Work and author of Light Em Up, Contrera ignites audiences with his energetic style and unique blend of humor and truth. Pushing leaders to find their aliveness factor in the workplace, Contrera leverages his unique personal style to motivate and encourage audiences to discover the power of one, to be extraordinary and to never give up. Contreras closing session is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012 and is titled Persistence: Dont You Ever Give Up.
 
 
The theme EXCHANGE was inspired by member responses to extensive research conducted in 2010. This one word expresses and captures all of what occurs at the AHE Annual Conference & Health care Marketplace each year, says Kent Miller, AHE president. Participants exchange information, education, ideas, expertise and innovative ways to improve the care of the healthcare environment. EXCHANGE expresses the power that this event has to influence positive outcomes. 

EXCHANGE will take place Sept. 16-19, 2012 in Phoenix.  For more information about the speakers, educational sessions, general information, or to register for the conference, visit www.ahe.org/conference.