Rancho Bernardo Inn, San Diego, CA. Given the current economic turmoil, the SMMA 2009 Spring Management Conference planning team has selected "Charting a Course Through Uncertain Times" as the focus for the May event in San Diego. The schedule includes a reception and dinner on both Wednesday and Thursday evenings as well as table top exhibits throughout the conference. Speakers will cover timely issues to provide critical information and insight for all levels of management, from lean training and knowledge transfer, competitive research tools, Washington update, utilizing social media, to an economic outlook.

In addition to an economic forecast by Alan Beaulieu, of the Institute for Trend Research, a presentation and break-out group are scheduled to discuss "Lean Learning: Retooling Training and Development for a Down Economy." The lean presenter is Todd Hudson of the Maverick Institute. On Wednesday afternoon, May 6, 2009, the Permanent Magnet Division (PMD) of SMMA will meet from 2:30-5:00 pm.

For the entire conference program, visit http://www.smma.org/S09schedule.htm