The Buzz in Branson!

So what’s in Branson, anyway? There’s shows - LOTS of live shows. In fact, Branson is known as the “Live Music Show Capitol of the World,” boasting to have more than 50 live theater performances. Popular shows include Legends in Concert (which ASLCS will see on Thursday, September 29^th), SIX, an a capella group, Twelve Irish Tenors, the famous Andy Williams show (with Ann-Margaret) and many, many more!

But, live music shows aren’t the only attraction. Branson also boasts three lakes, 12 championship golf courses and many unique attractions. Learn more about the Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau website.

Titanic

One of the wealthiest and most colorful characters on the Titanic's maiden voyage was Charlotte Cardeza of Philadelphia. Traveling with her only son, they boarded the ship on her 58th birthday and occupied the most expensive stateroom available. Mrs. Cardeza was divorced from the grandson of a Portugese Count and had inherited a fortune from her father. She had circumnavigated the world several times in her private yacht oftening navigating the helm herself. She and her son were accompanied on the Titanic by her maid and his valet.

On the night of the sinking of the Titanic all four members of their party made it to a lifeboat and were rescued by the Carpathia. Mrs. Cardeza filed a claim against the White Star Line for loss of personal property including a pink 7 carat diamond valued at $20,000 in 1912.

Come learn more about the other passengers on the Titanic and see the largest private collection of Titanic memorabilia. A fascinating location for our first reception with a behind the scenes look at history.

And who are Carter and Molly?

General Session Speakers: Morag Barrett, Meagan Dorsch, David Landis

This year’s PDS is jammed packed with three – YES THREE – general session speakers! Morag Barrett, Meagan Dorsch, and David Landis will each be providing information about topics that can assist your work in the legislature.

Morag is the CEO and founder of the Executive and Leadership development firm, Skye Associates, based in Colorado. I heard her speak about conflict resolution during a leadership training and was amazed by her ability to listen, breakdown scenarios and provide helpful solutions to large problems. In Branson, she will speak about “Cultivating Winning Relationships” and provide guidance on how to address adversarial and ally relationships.

Meagan is the Public Affairs and Social Media Manager at NCSL. For those that have seen Meagan speak, you know she’s a dynamic and energetic speaker with lots of information to share. Meagan will be talking the basic principles of social media and providing some guidance on how to use these tools in the legislature.

David is a former State Senator from Nebraska and understands the value that legislative staff provide to members and the institution. David will be speaking about the “Art of Negotiating,” a useful skill that everyone needs. Want to hear David’s speaking style before you get to Branson? Here’s a speech he gave at the “Salute to Legislative Staff” session in Louisville, Kentucky in 2010.

Jeanne Robertson

Feeling overwhelmed? Losing your sense of humor? Come to Branson and have your sense of humor restored.

Jeanne Robertson is hilarious and her humor is based on her life experiences. She was the Miss Congeniality winner in the Miss America Pageant. She focuses her message on team building and working together while maintaining a sense of humor,

Friends of ours heard her speak at a college graduation and they have said it is the only graduation speech they can remember. I ordered her dvd and my family laughed so hard they had tears.

You can check her out on Youtube! Come to Branson and enjoy laughing!