TitleBytes News & Happenings

The ALTA ONE Conference – from Austin to NYC … and Holiday Greetings from the MLTA

Tom Lico, MLTA President

Hundreds of title industry participants gathered the week of October 21 – 26 at the American Land Title Association’s ALTA One conference at the Fairmount Hotel in Austin, Texas. The Grand Opening Session introduced Diane Tomb, the new CEO of ALTA. After an 8-month long search to replace the departed Michelle Korsmo, Ms. Tomb officially took over the reins a couple of months ago. Also during the Grand Opening Session, ALTA presented their inaugural “Values” awards given to individuals and companies. Michigan’s own Liberty Title was a recipient of the company award for outstanding service to a client.

The conference featured numerous education sessions on topics including:
– The latest innovative technology trends, including remote online notarizations
– Leadership and employee development
– Company Culture
– Recruiting
– Sales
– Regulatory updates
– Marijuana Minefields
– Commercial transactions

The most compelling sessions were the Omni Session Keynote speakers, where the focus is for all attendees. The opening keynote was entrepreneur, author, and Hall of Fame “Ad Man” – Roy Spence. Co-founder of GSD&M, an advertising and marketing agency in Austin, Mr. Spence is also co-founder and CEO of The Purpose Institute. The Purpose Institute is focused on discovering the higher calling and core values that define and shape an organization’s culture and the central purpose that captures the difference an organization makes in the world. Its purpose is to help you and your business discover and fulfill your purpose. Mr. Spence’s message was incredibly inspirational. For further information on the mission of The Purpose Institute, please visit www.thepurposeinstitute.com.

The next Omni Session keynote was cybersecurity expert Rachel Wilson. As the Director of Cybersecurity for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management and Investment Technology, Ms. Wilson knows exactly the dangers we face every day. Prior to her employ with Morgan Stanley, she spent 15 years running counter-terrorism operations at the National Security Agency (NSA). While there, she focused on detecting and disrupting terrorist plots and led the planning and execution of thousands of cyber exploitation operations. Due to Ms. Wilson depth and diverse experience, she was able share ideas on how best to protect your business and avoid falling prey to scams and attacks.

The final Omni Session keynote was marketing and branding innovator, best-selling author, and President of UnMarketing – Scott Stratten. His topic was – “Gen Everyone: How to Connect with all Generations in the Work/Marketplace.” He taught us how to lead without labels and elevated the conversation by putting the focus back on what matters the most to current and potential customers – values like trust, authenticity, relationships, and service.

The conference closed out by introducing ALTA’s new President, Mary O’Donnell, CEO of Westcor Land Title Co. We also had a Michigan connection added to the ALTA Board of Governors – FNF’s Rob Wineman. Congratulations to Rob and Liberty Title for representing Michigan with high honors.

Next year’s ALTA One will be the week of October 6 – 9 in the Big Apple…New York City, at the Hilton Midtown. Start spreading the news and be a part of it…New York, New York.

And meanwhile, the MLTA Officers and Board of Directors, and the staff and contributors for TitleBytes wish our readers the happiest of holidays, and a joyous and prosperous New Year!