Speaker | William Caldwell

Track | Business Strategies: Goal Setting

Are you maximizing all opportunities for tax savings or tax credits? Is your business truly structured properly?  This is the year to start really thinking about your tax structure to be sure you have maximized all your opportunities. In working with tourism clients, our Firm continually finds missed opportunities. Come learn and save tax dollars.

Registration

Speaker | Lisa Curtin

Track | Human Resources: Hiring/Terminations

Have you wondered how to manage a hybrid work environment? What should be included in offer letters for in office and hybrid or remote staff? What are the best practices for documentation of performance issues?  A few case studies will be shared.

Registration

Speaker | Lisa Curtin

Track | Human Resources: Creating An Inclusive and Welcoming Environment

How do you make a new staff member feel welcome? How do you work toward employee retention in this era of the Great Resignation?  Come and learn how celebrating work anniversaries can become part of your everyday culture.

Registration

Speaker: Roger Grannis

Would you like to have your cake and eat it too? The Yellow Cake Principle will show you how. Served up with a blend of actionable ideas and a generous dash of humor, the Yellow Cake Principle provides the ingredients you need to connect, influence, and persuade. 

Need to increase revenues, strengthen ties with employees, colleagues, and customers, or have not-so-fun conversations? Whisk your worries away. After this program, those interactions will be a piece of cake. The laughter is just the icing.

Warning: The Yellow Cake Principle has zero calories but will improve business results. 

Speaker: Roger Grannis

Do you ever feel like you and your customers speak different languages? No matter what you say, no matter how hard you try, you just can’t find a way to connect. The relationships suffer and you never really know what went wrong.

The problem could be you really are speaking different languages—sales languages that is. How to overcome this? Learn the four languages of influence—four distinct communication styles, each with its own pattern and idiosyncrasies. 

if you aren’t fluent in all of them, you’re missing out on revenue that might otherwise come in easily.    

In this interactive and engaging program, you will learn:

• The four languages of influence
• The communication preferences of each language
• Your language and how to adjust to each of the other three languages
• How to use the four languages to:
              - Make better connections
              - Tailor content so that it rings true for each person
              - Reduce interpersonal friction
              - Gain agreement more easily
              - Close more sales

 Speaker: Josiah Brown

To move people you must be able to move them emotionally and be a compelling, reasonable and educated voice. Learn skills on effectively speaking as well as how to craft the message that you are bringing. This session will bring DI’s Tourism Lexicon alive while training you to think and perform like a professional speaker.

Speaker: Doug Motel

Get ready to turbocharge your productivity game with our "AI Productivity Power-Up" workshop. Led by seasoned AI specialist Doug, this dynamic session is your passport to a realm where Artificial Intelligence (AI) transforms everyday tasks into supercharged efficiency engines. Discover AI tools that streamline administrative duties, enhance marketing strategies, and superpower content creation. With Doug's expert guidance, you'll explore real-world applications that will revolutionize how you work. Don't miss this opportunity to revolutionize your workflow and harness the full potential of AI. Elevate your productivity with our engaging workshop and embrace the AI-powered future.

 Speaker: Josiah Brown

Branding is one of the most misunderstood areas of our promotion efforts in destination marketing today. Before any media campaign happens or any new demographic is chased...you must know your brand. Destinations that understand how to think "Branding First" are winning the game of destination marketing. With a very simple set of exercises, you can learn to understand how to think correctly about branding and use it to leverage your media much more effectively. A brand lives in the heart of a consumer...do you know how to shape it?

 Speaker: Doug Motel

Join speaker Doug Motel as he unravels the hidden desire of everyone on vacation: to break free from the constraints of the past and the anxieties of the future, in order to fully savor the present moment. Through engaging stories, practical strategies, and thought-provoking insights, Doug will empower you to market unforgettable journeys for your visitors, sparking lasting connections and memories that will stand the test of time. Additionally, he will share leadership techniques that inspire innovation and enhance team performance, ensuring your organization thrives in the competitive world of tourism. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a master storyteller and transform your approach to tourism leadership.

 Speaker: Wade Younger

In an unprecedented era, people have become increasingly focused on the tools at their disposal like never before. However, it’s not the tools that guarantee our success, but our willingness to use them and to use them efficiently.

Contrary to popular fears, the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) does not entail a job apocalypse; rather, it signifies a paradigm shift in the labor landscape.

It is not the AI systems themselves that will usurp our livelihoods, but rather the individuals who possess the tenacity to master these new technologies and wholeheartedly embrace continuous learning that will flourish in the AI-powered era.

The key lies in recognizing that the future belongs to those who skillfully navigate the evolving technological terrain and proactively adapt to its demands. By cultivating a thirst for knowledge and honing their proficiency in utilizing AI, these trailblazers will be the vanguards of a transformed workforce, confidently shaping their destinies amid the ever-changing tides of progress.

Speaker: Gregory Nelson

We’re living in a nonstop, 24/7, caffeinated, always plugged in culture where people feel guilty if they unplug or take time off or don’t immediately answer emails, or take breaks--to the point that busyness has actually become a badge of honor for many. So we keep pushing forward - our “braking system” is either jammed or turned off. As a result, our workplaces are being negatively impacted. 80% of our workforce is experiencing high levels of disengagement which leads to stress, high anxiety, and burnout.

What we need is permission to stop and breathe - to allow ourselves moments to reclaim our human selves. Dr. Nelson provides practical ways to engage in strategic stops along the busy highways of work and life that will help you to slow down enough to stay balanced, centered, and grounded.

Speaker: Royce Allen

Safeguarding and protecting Privacy data has become one of the most talked about and complex topics on most news circuits, in Congress, and during happy hour. But it is not just a government problem, each year there are thousands of conferences that host from 5k to 40k people within a 3 to 5-day period. How is the event data being secured?

• Laws and regulations that a conference planner should be familiar with
• The questions that you should be asking and steps that should be taken when selecting a Vendor for providing IT Services.
• The key principles and actions that should be taken to protect participants data against unauthorized, or malicious attacks.

Speaker: Gregory Nelson

These four keys are the secret to motivation and resilience. When they are highly considered in your life and the life of the people around you, creative innovation and collaboration skyrocket. Learn the four most important strategies to ensuring that everyone is motivated to be fully engaged to thrive and fully energized to succeed.

Speaker: Wade Younger

The word risk is like a red siren that warns about danger, loss, disgrace, or even death. It’s fearsome because there’s a level of uncertainty in it, where we might face bad consequences if things don’t go smoothly.

Change projects are more likely to meet their objectives when those affected by the change have a clear understanding of what to expect in terms of the project’s goals, logistics, and rewards. It is equally important, however, to prepare the participants for any emotional shifts that might occur in themselves or others as a result of the project.

Change requires time and is perpetual. If rushed, the infrastructure will most likely collapse or best case scenario the organization will lose its focus and waste valuable time and resources to an unsuccessful endeavor.  This keynote provides a tested and proven practical framework of dealing with change while taking into account the emotional cycle of change that most organizations tend to neglect.

Speaker: Royce Allen

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting critical systems and sensitive information from digital attacks. Also known as information technology (IT) security, cybersecurity measures are designed to combat threats against networked systems and applications, whether those threats originate from inside or outside of an organization. 

• Avoiding costs and expenses of responding to a breach
• Costs of downtime and lost revenue
• Long-term reputational damage to a business
• Creating a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, governed by best practices and automated using advanced analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning

Speaker: Tahra Millan

Not just corporate lingo of high-performance culture and so on. But what we’re missing and what it’s costing every company. I want to talk with you about creating brave cultures. Cultures that are built on the foundation of courageous leadership. Cultures that cultivate authenticity and transparency. Cultures that are resilient, take risks, and create innovation. Cultures that produce growth in every area. Cultures that are led and driven from purpose. This is the type of culture that you don't have to strive for engagement, it’s the natural outcome. It's time to do the real work and build transformational, brave cultures & courageous leaders.

 Speaker: David McBee

Targeted Advertising and Connected TV are the fastest growing digital trends of our time – exploding in growth and being adopted by businesses of all sizes. Learn how you can take advantage of technology that will allow you to reach your ideal prospects on their computers, smartphones, and connected TVs by leveraging online and offline behavioral data.

Better yet, learn to track the impact of your advertising campaigns by measuring increased web traffic, lead generation and even foot traffic to your store.

Key Aspects Covered:

- Website Retargeting
- Keyword Search Targeting
- Geo-Fencing
- Addressable Geo-Fencing
- CTV Advertising
- Conversion Zones

Speaker: David McBee

It’s time to stop “managing” your online reputation and “taking care of” negative reviews and comments. Businesses and individuals must embrace their online presence and shape their reputation with intention and purpose.

Consumers already trust what others say about your business more than all of your great marketing and clever ad campaigns combined. You have no power to eliminate or disguise an unhappy customer base or a social trail of negative breadcrumbs.

The future is in being proactive and creating an online presence that isn’t easily damaged with a handful of bad reviews, a negative expose or irresponsible social posts.

 Speaker: Tahra Millan

In today's fast-paced and competitive professional world, the ability to communicate effectively is not just a valuable skill but a crucial tool for success. "Empowering Professional Women: Mastering the Art of Communication" is an engaging and transformative talk designed specifically for women looking to harness the power of communication to excel in their careers and personal lives.

This interactive talk is tailored to help women discover their own unique communication style, strengthen their confidence, and build the skills necessary to become influential and assertive communicators. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting your journey in the working world, this talk is geared towards women at all stages of their career.

Communication Styles: Discovering and understanding your own communication style, and how it impacts your interactions with colleagues, superiors, and clients.

Building Confidence: Techniques to boost self-confidence and assertiveness in your communication, even in male-dominated or competitive environments.

Networking and Relationship Building: Strategies to create and maintain valuable professional connections through effective communication.

Hands-On Practice: Interactive exercises and role-playing to help you apply the principles of effective communication in real-life scenarios.

Overcoming Communication Challenges: Addressing common obstacles, such as imposter syndrome, speaking up in meetings, or giving and receiving feedback.

Conflict Resolution: Learning to handle conflicts professionally, turning them into opportunities for growth and understanding.

Practical tips, personal anecdotes, and facilitate hands-on activities to help attendees gain the confidence and skills they need to master the art of communication.

Speaker: Kathi Kulesza

In the fast-paced realm of group travel and motorcoach services, effective leadership goes beyond ticking off tasks. It's about articulating a vision that galvanizes and inspires. This session will equip you with the skills to transition from a task-oriented approach to one that leverages the power of persuasive communication. Learn how to convey compelling leadership messages tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of the bus and travel industry. Walk away with actionable insights to inspire your teams, elevate your leadership style, and make a lasting impact.

Speaker: Jeff Tobe

Net Promoter Score is a powerful tool used that measures customer loyalty and gauges customer lifetime value. NPS is rated on a scale of 0 to 10 and calculated by asking, “How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or colleague?”. But, there’s more? The follow up question or questions is probably MORE important than the recommendation question. Whether your brand is big or small, it is essential to learn about your customer’s experience at all touchpoints to gain a competitive edge. The two main ways to track NPS are 1. Industry or competitive benchmark (51.3 in the hospitality industry) OR 2. Improvement over time.

Join international customer experience thought leader, Jeff Tobe, as he explores the pros and cons of using NPS, why consider making the leap from customer service to customer EXPERIENCE and how to teak individual consumer touchpoints within your organization. Improving NPS requires persistence and consistency. But, you are sure to gain the fruits of hard work in terms of business growth. A better Net Promoter Score implies more customers are willing to recommend your business to others. A good NPS creates a strong brand over time and a more robust organization internally.

Speaker: Kathi Kulesza

In the complex landscape of motorcoach and travel operations, effective listening is a game-changer. Leaders are often at the forefront of operational challenges and being an effective 'Sounding Board' can be the difference between chaos and cohesion. This session focuses on the importance of a refreshed, clear vision that enables leaders to listen effectively, respond intentionally, and navigate operational challenges with finesse. Discover strategies to rejuvenate your leadership approach and sharpen your listening skills, ensuring your teams feel heard, supported, and empowered.

 Speaker: Jeff Tobe

Does the hair on the back of your neck stand up when someone says, “We need to talk.”?

​​​There are dozens of books on the topic of difficult, crucial, challenging, fierce, important (you get the idea) conversations. Those times when you know you should have a difficult conversation with somebody, but you don’t. Or maybe you fear that talking will just make things worse. Still, you feel stuck and you would like to free up that stuck energy for more useful purposes.

In this interactive presentation, we will dive into the five steps or strategies to having these meaningful conversations. Those strategies include:

• How to PREPARE for the conversation
• Having a GOAL in mind but still staying flexible
• Becoming an ACTIVE LISTENER
• Taking CARE of yourself
• How to BRAINSTORM ideas together
• How to EMPATHIZE and coach

 Speaker: Dan Irvin

Being intentional means setting a success framework that packs a serious punch in terms of keeping you and your team motivated and structured. The problem is, most of us fall short in that mission.

In this presentation, Dan speaks to leaders looking to sharpen their talents and be more intentional.Relatable insights include how to keep distractions from taking center stage, how to recognize when the same way of doing things doesn’t cut it anymore, and how to establish the SMARTEST goals.

Speaker: Jonathan Stanley

This presentation introduces the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing marketing productivity today. We'll cover AI essentials for marketing, personalized approaches, smart automation, instant customer support, and case snapshots. Learn about AI's relevance in your business, identifying integration opportunities and boosting efficiency in marketing. Geared toward marketing professionals, entrepreneurs, and those interested in AI's impact, the presentation offers valuable insights to ethically initiate a journey toward effective marketing strategies.

Speaker: Dan Irvin

The term “SMART goals” is now a common language for anyone in
corporate America. But 30 years have passed! Isn’t it high time to rip that BandAid off and look to an expansive and permanent version, one that meshes with our ever-changing environment?

In this practical and collaborative 60-90 minute workshop, Dan walks through each step of setting the S.M.A.R.T.E.S.T. goals. This workshop is meant to be interactive. Participants will come away with a goal creation plan that can be immediately implemented for success.

 Speaker: Jonathan Stanley

This presentation discusses how science is reshaping the way we think about storytelling. We live in stories all day long, dream in stories all night long, and share stories through social media.