May Monthly Program and 2009 Education Institute

• Philadelphia Area Chapter of Meeting Professionals International

The Philadelphia Area Chapter Meeting Professionals International and the Philadelphia Business Travel Association are pleased to announce that the 7th Annual Education Institute will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2009 in conjunction with the PAMPI Monthly Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at the Radisson Valley Forge.

Morning Keynote Speaker: BRYAN ANDERSON

Bryan resides in the Chicago area nearby his parents, Jim and Janet, identical twin brother Bob, and teenage sister Briana. In addition to academic excellence, Bryan excelled in sports during his high school years and competed as an accomplished gymnast in state level competitions. Following graduation, he worked for American Airlines as a Ground Crew Chief at O’Hare airport.

Bryan enlisted in the Army in April 2001 and had a ‘ship out’ date of September 11, 2001. He served two tours of duty in Iraq and was stationed in the Baghdad area. He attained the rank of Sergeant in the Military Police (MP), conducted police training courses in Iraq and gained additional law enforcement experience at Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary as a prison guard.

In October 2005, Bryan was injured by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that resulted in the loss of both legs and his left hand. As a result of his injuries, he was awarded a Purple Heart. Bryan received rehabilitation for a period of 13 months at Walter Reed Army Hospital. He is one of the few triple amputees to have survived his injuries in Iraq.

Bryan’s story has received media coverage including two feature articles in Esquire Magazine, including a cover shot (January 2007), numerous articles in major newspapers and publications including the Chicago Sun Times, LA Times and NY Times.

Bryan has appeared in the HBO Documentary, Alive Day Memories: Home from Iraq, and more recently in a CSI:NY episode titled, DOA for a DAY. He will appear in the upcoming movie, The Wrestler, starring Mickey Rourke and Marisa Tomei scheduled to be released in the fall 2008. He recently completed an interview with MTV News, ‘Choose or Lose Street Team and will appear on episodes of ‘All My Children.’

Bryan is the National Spokesman for Quantum Rehab, a division of Pride Mobility Corp., and travels the country making numerous personal appearances while delivering his message of perseverance and determination in major rehab facilities. In addition, he is a spokesman for USA Cares, a non-profit organization based in Radcliff, KY that is focused on assisting post 911 veterans in times of need.

Bryan is an energetic and enthusiastic individual who enjoys challenging his limits. He snowboards, wake boards, white water rafts and rock climbs. He loves to travel and enjoys meeting new people.