Marriott School professor Jeff Dyer will present on his acclaimed new book The Innovator's DNA, co-authored with Hal Gregersen and NAC member Clayton Christensen. The book answers the question "can innovation skills be learned?" and is the culmination of eight years of research for the three authors. The findings of the study can be applied to just about anything, as Dyer will point out, from shopping to raising a family. This will be a great opportunity to hear about one of the year's most talked about new books.

On Friday NAC members will meet to mentor small groups of students. Student groups will rotate and you will have the opportunity to talk with a number of students about industry-specific issues.

James Christensen, an immensely popular LDS artist, explains how he turned his back on reality to face his imagination. Follow his journey into the world of inspired whimsy to discover the penetrating insights and hidden truths he embeds in his work.

The Marriott School will honor John Stropki, chairman, president and CEO at Lincoln Electric, with its 2011 International Executive of the Year award at a special lecture, reception, and dinner held Friday.

Mr. Stropki began working for Lincoln as a summer intern while attending Purdue University. After graduation in 1972, he joined the company full-time, working in sales at various offices across the Midwest. He rose through the ranks and became senior vice president of sales in 1994, overseeing sales in the U.S. and Canada. Two years later, Mr. Stropki became executive vice president and president over North America. He was named president and COO in 2004. Mr. Stropki holds a degree in industrial engineering from Purdue and an MBA from Indiana University.

The conference kicks off with a dinner featuring keynote speakers Kevin Holman, interior designer, and Bradford Houston, architectural designer from the LDS Church Temple Department. The two will discuss the rich history of temple design, and how their individual experiences have inspired them to look back to this tradition, discovering principles that can inform current temple designs.

Discover first-hand what students are learning in the Marriott School's new behavioral lab. During this breakout session you will experience a laboratory research study from multiple perspectives—first as a participant in a study, later as a student analyst, and then gaining insights as a faculty member. Attend this faculty lead session to see how students are gaining practical research skills that can be readily applied in their careers.