Speakers

Keynote

Ash Beckham

Ash Beckham is a bold, dynamic presenter who speaks about empathy, respect and the power of having real conversations. Through storytelling, Ash will share insights on giving voice to your truth and building a community of diversity and inclusion through authenticity. Online videos of her TEDx talks “Coming Out of Your Closet” and “Owning Your Duality” and her Boulder Ignite speech “I am SO GAY” have gone viral with more than 10 million YouTube views. Significantly, her message has also become a topic of global discussion. Ash reaches millions every day as her inspiring speeches are experienced in classrooms, boardrooms and auditoriums around the world.

NACAS Talks

At C3X, the most thought-provoking concepts and inspiring real-life examples of campus solutions are shared by members of the NACAS community. Every day these thought leaders are thinking differently, borrowing strategies from other industries, and breaking free from perceived limitations that once hindered them. Now you can learn about these alternative perspectives at NACAS Talks.

NACAS Talks features multiple 10-minute presentations from industry leaders who challenge attendees to find new, progressive, and sometimes unconventional ways to run their auxiliary service departments. Learn about applied innovations in bookstores, food services, and facilities, and how these distinct operations contribute to the health of the institution as a whole and enrich the full campus experience.

DJ Pepito

What makes auxiliary services so valuable on a college campus? DJ Pepito, Director of NACAS Research, will share data and insights that explain how the work you do positively impacts the student experience. Join us to get a snapshot of today’s students and to hear their stories. Get a sneak peak into NACAS Research priorities for 2018. Learn how to make sense of research and turn findings into meaningful action items.

Michael Cain & Aron McGuire

What do Olympic athletes and students have in common? More than you think. Join Michael Cain and Aron McGuire of the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center as they share insights about the development of facilities that go above and beyond in creating an experience that not only meets the unique needs of their clients, but also generates excitement about their services.

Michael Caine, Director of Business Development – Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center, has more than 15 years of leadership and athletic-event management experience. Throughout his career, Michael has worked directly with professional sports leagues (i.e. United States Olympic Committee, NFL and Major League Soccer), multiple international athletic federations, and various sport governing bodies.

Aron McGuire, Director – Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center, has over 15 years experience as a leader, a manager, an elite level coach and a world ranked athlete in Olympic sports. His background has provided pertinent experience planning, implementing, overseeing and evaluating major international sporting events and programs within a leading sports organization. Aron has comprehensive experience in international business and an understanding of diverse cultures throughout Europe, Asia, Africa and South America.

Jared Ceja, CASP & Kara Bunde-Dunn

In the animal world, the concept to live by is “adapt to your surroundings or face extinction.” Jared Ceja, CASP, and Kara Bunde-Dunn use a similar outlook when it comes to the business world. How can we be sure our campuses are living up to the demands of a fast-paced and ever-changing environment? Attend this NACAS Talks session to learn how to exceed the expectations of the student body, the community, and your own institutional goals.

Jared Ceja, CASP, is currently the Bookstore Division Director at the Long Beach State 49er Shops. He has worked in auxiliary services for over a decade. Prior to working in education, Jared held positions in corporate retail, banking, and food service. His involvement in NACAS has included service as the West president, member of the Board of Directors, West conferences chair, Community College Task Force chair, and roles on about a half dozen national and regional groups.

Kara Bunde-Dunn, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Sales Support and Client Experience at the Nebraska Book Company, has 20 years of experience leading people and organizations through significant times of change. Kara applies her experience in service excellence, talent development, product positioning and sales growth to expand on the rich history of Nebraska Book Company. She focuses much of per time on strategies that enable team members to help customers adapt to the marketplace, grow store sales and increase overall profitability.