The Valley Industry Association is gearing up for one of its biggest events of the year, and for 2015 it’s all about inspiration and education. The 2015 B2B & CEO Forum is set for Friday, May 8, from 7:30 a.m. to noon at the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center, located at College of the Canyons.

The event is a bit of a change from past years, eliminating the trade show aspect of the annual B2B show to focus on more information, as well as serving as the organization’s CEO Forum that aims to help equip business leaders for success. Limited space is still available.

The morning will kick off with keynote addresses from motivational speakers Dana LaMon and Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook, chancellor of COC.

Blind since age 4, LaMon is uniquely qualified to discuss overcoming challenges. He is a graduate of Yale University and the University of Southern California, a retired administrative law judge and has been a professional speaker and author since 1991, addressing groups throughout the United States, Asia and Africa.

As the head of COC, Van Hook has led the college since 1988, guiding it in its growth from a small community college to a school that is a highlight of California’s community college system. She also continues to be very active in the community, with a “can-do” approach to forming and building nonprofit, business and educational partnerships.

“With two passionate speakers, we’re really starting the day on a great, inspiring note,” said Kathy Norris, CEO and president of VIA. “I think this is going to be a great retooling of B2B and will provide a lot of great information for attendees.”

Following the two morning keynote addresses will be a series of breakout sessions, led by local experts and focused on educating attendees and providing a forum for questions and answers.

The breakout sessions include:

* High-Speed Internet, Jeremy Stepan of Adage IT

* Digital Advertising, presented by Jill Mellady of Mellady Direct Marketing

* Workers Comp, presented by Mitzi Like of LBW Insurance & Financial Services

* Cyber Breaches, presented by John Shaffery and Michael Little of Poole & Shaffery, LLP

* Employment Law from an HR Perspective, presented by Julie Smith of Custom Human Resource Solutions

Poole & Shaffery is the presenting sponsor for the event. Other sponsors include the City of Santa Clarita, Custom Human Resource Solutions, Henry Rodriguez State Farm, Home Instead Senior Care, KHTS AM-1220, LBW Insurance & Financial Services, the SCV Economic Development Corp., SCVTV, Signal Multimedia, Southern California Edison and The Strategy Partners Inc. For information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Kathy Norris at kathy@via.org or (661) 294-8088.

Tickets for the 2015 B2B & CEO Forum are available for $50 per person and include a continental breakfast and refreshments. Tickets are available by contacting admin@via.org or (661) 294-8088. This event replaces the regularly scheduled May VIA luncheon. The Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center is located at 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road in Valencia.

About the Valley Industry Association

The Valley Industry Association of Santa Clarita represents business interests throughout the Santa Clarita Valley, providing members the opportunity to network and collaborate on a broad range of business issues. More information about VIA is available at www.via.org