Big Task Weekend 2009

To be sure, Big Task is more than just another conference; Big Task is a movement that commences during an annual weekend and is sustained through follow-up regional dinners and meetings with collaborators. Big Task is a catalyst for major societal change that benefits stakeholders, society, and oneself. The typical Big Task two-and-a-half day schedule includes:

• Social Engineering: Prior to BTW, every senior level attendee reviews the full list of attendees and works with Big Task staff to identify key potential relationships. Throughout the event, Big Task staff uses that list to build shared experiences that give attendees access to their
  key targets.
• Keynote Sessions: Similar to TED, the keynote general sessions at BTW feature thought leaders who are entertaining, engaging and enlightening. These sessions provide attendees a window into worlds they wouldn’t otherwise experience from entertainment to politics to technology to the natural world. Past speakers include Tony Robbins, Goldie Hawn, and Dr. Richard Carmona, the 17th Surgeon General.
• Speed Bonding: A trademarked process that is used early in the experience to break down barriers and create intimacy around
  shared passion.
• Personal Growth Opportunities: A key component of Big Task is the actualization of personal passions and goals. A variety of optional physical, spiritual, and mental growth sessions are offered throughout the weekend.
• Greenlight Groups: Big Task staff works with each sponsor to create focused sessions within BTW that provide the forum for exploring and solving Big Task issues.
• Friday Big Bang: The highlight of the weekend is what has become known as the Big Bang. This evening of gourmet food and entertainment set in a venue straight from the top parties of Hollywood is the capstone of the Big Task experience and allows participants to celebrate their accomplishments.

Increasing Stakeholder Value

During these events, the top minds from various domains of the business world come together to discuss the pressing issues facing our society. In doing so, these individuals brainstorm solutions and strategic plans designed to address these problems, agreeing to a plan of action that they plan to follow over the course of the following year. By combining their resources and shared interests, participants collaborate and cause real change for society, their respective organizations, stakeholders, and themselves. Past successes include:

• The launch of a national diabetes awareness program led by Shaping America’s Health, Kraft, and Abbott Labs
• The creation of strategic corporate alliances including Dream Dinners and Martha Stewart Living and HealthNet and BeYou.tv
• Several co-branding relationships such as Safeway and Dr. Dean Ornish and the national “Ingredients for Life” campaign
• The launch development of a soy-based milk shake by the nation’s leading quick-service restaurant and the top agricultural company

In addition to the tangible successes that have emerged from Big Task Weekend, several business experts and entertainment industry veterans have contributed their knowledge and ongoing support to Big Task Weekend including:

Beth Comstock, CMO of General Electric
Tony Robbins, Leadership Guru
Wayne Gattinella, CEO of Web MD
Diane Gage Lofgren, SVP of Branding for Kaiser,
Mike Minasi, President of Marketing for Safeway
Dr. Dean Ornish, national health expert
David Moran, President of Heinz
Todd Lachman, President of Mars Snack Foods
Bob Levi, President of Kraft
Lin MacMaster, CMO of AARP
Chris Singer, COO of PhRMA
Mike Minassi, President of marketing for Safeway
Paul Clayton, President of Jamba Juice
Jose Fernandez, CEO of Constellation Brands
Michael Mendenhall, CMO of HP
Steve Bodhaine, Group President of Yankelovich
Peter Guber, CEO and Chairman of Mandalay Entertainment
Sherry Chris, President and CEO of Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate
Marc Mathieu, SVP of Coca-Cola
Goldie Hawn, actress and non-profit activist
Mariel Hemingway, actress and lifestyle expert
Guru Singh, spiritual leader