MARCH 13-14, 2012 @ INDIANA MEMORIAL UNION ~ BLOOMINGTON, IN

HOOSIER HOSPITALITY CONFERENCE ATTENDEES

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facebook.com/visitbloomington twitter.com/visitbtown 800-800-0037

INDEXLt. Governor’s Welcome.............................................................................................................................................................5Indiana Memorial Union Map.................................................................................................................................................7HHC Schedule & Session Descriptions................................................................................................................................8Speaker Biographies..................................................................................................................................................................14Notes..............................................................................................................................................................................................21

THANK YOU, 2012 SPONSORS!Thank you to our 2012 Hoosier Hospitality Conference Sponsors! Hoosier Hospitality Conference hosts and attendees are sincerely grateful for the generous support of these hospitality and tourism industry leaders.

Comfort Just what you need. Just what we have.

The Indiana Memorial Union is an elegant hotel and conference centerlocated in the heart of Indiana University’s campus.

Whether business or leisure brings you to Bloomington,let us help make your visit memorable.

For reservations • (800) 209-8145 / (812) 856-6381 • imu.indiana.edu/hotel

WELCOME ATTENDEES

Welcome Hoosier Hospitality Conference Attendees! Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend this year’s conference in Bloomington, one of Indiana’s great travel destinations. With the help of the Indiana Office of Tourism Development, as well as the Indiana Hotel and Lodging Association, the Restaurant and Hospitality Association of Indiana and the Association of Indiana Convention and Visitors Bureaus, this year’s conference promises to be a great opportunity to learn and network with other hospitality and tourism professionals. These organizations have worked hard to provide an outstanding lineup of highly informative and educational sessions ranging from current trends and customer service to technology and marketing. In addition to the abundance of educational sessions, this conference is an excellent opportunity to spend time with your peers in the hospitality industry. You are able to build friendships, learn from others’ experiences and network with contacts across the state. The tourism industry has a great story to tell. Tourism brings in more than 62 million visitors annually to the state of Indiana. All of those visitors spend $10 billion. Each one of you contributes to the economic impact of this industry. Have a great conference. Sincerely,

Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman

OFFICE OF THE LT. GOVERNOR STATE HOUSE

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46204-2797

Hotel Rooms 200s

IU Bookstore

StateRoom West

StateRoom East

UniversityClub

(FacultyClub)

K.P. WilliamsRoom

Federal Room267

Hotel Rooms 100sStage

Tudor Room

IU Bookstore

IMU Gallery Patio

Solarium

MemorialRoom

SouthLounge

Georgian Room

UniversityClub

Alumni Hall

*To StudentActivities Tower

Only

WhittenbergerAuditorium

CoronationRoom

HoosierRoom

BowlingM097

BilliardsM095

M095A

Pizza Hut®

CharlestonMarket

IU Bookstore

Sugar & Spice

EastLounge

FrangipaniRoom

Director’sOffice

Catering/Dining Services

CharterRoom

DistinguishedAlumniRoom

Oak

Walnut

Maple

Sassafras

Persimmon

Dogwood

ConferenceLounge

Board ofTrustees

M005

IU ConferencesAnnex

Redbud

*To StudentActivities Tower

Only

The Back Alley

The Back Alley

TreeSuite

MeetingRooms

Commons

Burger King®

M089 M096C

M098A-D

900 Hair Design

IU Credit Union

SassafrasM035

Kiva

Business Office& Personnel

Payroll

IMU Marketing

Dining ServicesBusiness Office

HotelFitnessRoom

HotelFront Desk

Sycamore Corner

HotelLobby

7th Street

Hotel AccomodAtionsBiddle Hotel

Front Desk Lobby Lobby Level

meeting RoomsAlumni Hall 1

Charter Room Mezzanine

Commemorative Garden Mezzanine

Distinguished Alumni Room Mezzanine

Federal Room 2

Frangipani Room Mezzanine

Georgian Room 1

Hoosier Room Mezzanine

K.P. Williams Room 2

Memorial Room 1

State Room East & West 2

The University Club 1

Tree Suites Meeting Rooms Mezzanine

Whittenberger Auditorium 1

sHopping / seRvices900 Hair Design Mezzanine

Bloomington Shuttle

Ticket Machine Lobby Level

Campus Card Services Mezzanine

Computer Connection Mezzanine

Computer Lab Mezzanine

IU Bookstore Mezzanine & 1

IU Credit Union Lobby Level

Lactation Room Mezzanine

The UPS Store ® Lobby Level

dining And snAck sHopsBaja Fresh ® Mezzanine

Burger King ® Mezzanine

Dunn Meadow Cafe Lobby Level

Freshens Mezzanine

Starbucks ® 1

Sugar & Spice Mezzanine

Sycamore Corner Hotel Lobby

The Market Mezzanine

Pizza Hut Express ®, Charleston Market,

Cyclone Salads, Sakura Sushi & Hot Bowl

Tudor Room 1

Activities And enteRtAinmentActivities & Events Office /

UNION BOARD Student Tower 2

IMU Bowling & Billiards Mezzanine

Wi-fi lounges & public spAcesComputer Lab Mezzanine

East Lounge Mezzanine

IMUG 1

South Lounge 1

Tree Suite Lounge Mezzanine

AdministRAtive officesAdministrative Services Lobby

Business Office / Payroll / HR Lobby

Director’s Office Mezzanine

Dining and Catering Services Mezzanine

Dean of Students Mezzanine

IMU Marketing Lobby Level

IU Trustees Office Mezzanine

Meeting Room

Reservations & Services Mezzanine

Student Activities Office

& IUSA Student Tower & 3

Veteran Support Services Mezzanine

emeRgencYtornado

In the event of a tornado or severe weather warning,

move to interior areas without windows, such as

restrooms, stairwells, or hallways and close

any doors.

fire

In the event of a fire, exit the building through the

nearest exit door or stairwell. Do not use the elevator.

Starbucks

Tree SuiteGarden

Meeting SupportServices

Computer Connection

Veteran SupportServices

M084

Office of theDean of Students

M088

Computer Lab

Campus Card

Arcade RoomBaja Fresh

Dunn MeadowCafe

Meeting Support Services

Building Services

LegendHandicapaccessible Escalator

Elevator

Men’srestroom

Women’srestroom

ATME-mailstation

second

fiRst

meZZAnine

lobbY

Freshens

CycloneSalads

AdministrativeServices

UPS Store®

M067Market

Sakura Sushi& Hot Bowl

Dunn MeadowPatio

Dunn MeadowPatioCommemorative

Garden

Poplar

Page 8

MONDAY, MARCH 12, 2012

LOCATION: YOGI’S BAR & GRILL7:00 PM - 9:00 PM - WELCOME RECEPTION

TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2012

LOCATION: FRANGIPANI ROOM8:00 AM - REGISTRATION OPENS Wake up, grab a cup of coffee and browse the awesome HHC Silent Auction!

SILENT AUCTION OPENS SIGN UP TO TEXT YOUR BIDS FROM YOUR MOBILE DEVICE WITH QTEGO!CHECK OUT THE MANY WONDERFUL SILENT AUCTION ITEMS INCLUDING:• Vera Bradley tote bag and wallet• Getaway to Madison basket• $100 gift certificate to Sulivan’s Restaurant• One registration to the Midwest Cultural Tourism

Conference• IU vs Ball State football weekend package• Lots of local food, wine and hand crafted gifts• And many more!

LOCATION: WHITTENBERGER AUDITORIUM8:30 AM - 9:45 AMCONFERENCE WELCOME FOR ALL ATTENDEES Welcome by Mike McAfee, Thom Simmons & Bloomington Mayor, Mark Kruzan

THE WONDER OF WHAT WE ARE DR. JILL BOLTE TAYLORJill Bolte Taylor, whose inspirational story of recovery from stroke is recounted in the best-selling book My Stroke of Insight, will deliver the keynote address at the opening Conference session on Tuesday, Mar. 13, at 8:30 a.m. Taylor’s presentation, “The Wonder of What We Are,” will inspire tourism, lodging, and restaurant professionals as we strive to be leaders in our respective fields.

9:45 Break Sponsored By:

LOCATION: OAK ROOM10:00 AM – 11:00 AMFUTURE INNOVATIONS IN CONNECTING WITH VISITORS JAMES BURNES, INNOVATION & DIGITAL STRATEGIST, PROJECT BRILLIANTA glimpse into the near future of how social media, mobile platforms and technology are going to change the way you connect, communicate and build affinity with your tourism customers. The talk will include practical action items that can be implemented now to build a framework for the future.

LOCATION: WALNUT ROOM10:00 AM – 11:00 AMOCCUPY YOUR SEAT AT THE TABLE MAURA ALLEN GAST, FCDME, IRVING CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU, EXECUTIVE DIRECTORLessons Learned from the “OCCUPY” Movement, and how to use them to stake and take your seat at the table in support, growth and defense of one of your community’s most vital industries - ours!

LOCATION: MAPLE ROOM10:00 AM – 11:00 AMHOW “TALKABLE” IS YOUR RESTAURANT ROBBIN PHILLIPS - BRAINS ON FIRE

Unlike the latest shiny new media tool, widget or app of the day, true word of mouth marketing is based on real relationships between company and consumer. These real relationships foster natural word of mouth movements – and can be the basis for people becoming loyal, repeat customers who share information on your restaurant’s behalf.

In this session, Robbin Phillips from Brains on Fire will show you how to see every single aspect of your business – from the “Please wait to be seated” sign to the way in which you take a reservation – as an opportunity to make your restaurant more “talkable.” She’ll show you how you can reframe the conversations you think you’re having with your customers into something that will inspire true word of mouth movement for your restaurant.

11:00 Break Sponsored By:

HHC CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Attendees are welcome to attend any session at the conference. However, for your convenience we have listed the main industry focus of each session.

- Tourism Industry - Restaurant Industry

- Hotel Industry - All Industry

Page 9

LOCATION: OAK ROOM11:15 AM – 12:15 PMWHAT’S HAPPENING IN MOBILE AND ARE YOU READY? HOWARD TIETJEN, MADDEN MEDIAYou’ve heard it at every conference that you have attended in that past year… “Mobile technology will take over communications!” But what does that really mean? This informative session will look at several trends that you need to pay attention to in 2012:

• Who is the audience and are they really looking for me?

• What comes first my web site or an APP?• How to reach this audience through Mobile

advertising.• Offline methods to promote your Mobile presence.

LOCATION: MAPLE ROOM

11:15 AM – 12:15 PM

JUMP-START YOUR ONLINE VIDEO STRATEGY

ROCKY WALLS - 12 STARS MEDIA PRODUCTIONSLights! Camera! Confusing, time-consuming, and expensive...The problem with getting started with online video is that often nothing ever happens past getting started. Time or budget gets in the way, or skill sets don’t measure up and the benefits of using consistent, relevant online video are never realized. In this session, we’ll go over the pitfalls, common mistakes and best practices to jump-start your online video strategy and get you on the path to success!

LOCATION: ALUMNI HALL

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

LUNCH FEATURING WORLD CLASS BEVERAGE BEER & FOOD PAIRINGS

LOCATION: WHITTENBERGER AUDITORIUM

1:45 PM – 2:45 PM

LESSONS LEARNED IN IGNITING WORD OF MOUTH MOVEMENTS ROBBIN PHILIPS, BRAINS ON FIREAuthentic, sustainable word of mouth marketing is one of the truest forms of brand communication, and it can’t be manufactured or bought. And yet, as more institutions dedicate marketing dollars to assemble word of mouth and buzz marketing programs, how can you build an effective, meaningful movement for your brand that will directly impact your bottom line? How can you identify those brand advocates already speaking out on your behalf, and work with them to develop a natural two-way word of mouth program?

Robbin will explain how word of mouth marketing works and how it doesn’t, providing techniques on how you can start to identify movement-building opportunities for your brand, with authenticity and clear measurement results in mind. You’ll learn how to identify passion conversations versus product conversations, and how to “open the kimono” to your customers and fans. She will highlight successful and nationally recognized WOM case studies, as well as talk about ways to define ROI.

In addition, Robbin will draw from lessons discussed in the book Brains on Fire – revealing how to ignite powerful, meaningful, sustainable word-of-mouth movements that are a “win-win” for both customers and business. Believing the focus should be on people and not simply new tools and tactics is the key to building long-term momentum both online and offline for companies, products, services or organizations.

2:45 Break Sponsored By:

HHC CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

LOCATION: EAST LOUNGE

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

SPONSOR LOUNGE

Relax and recharge with food and drinksin the sponsor lounge area courtesy of all the HHC sponsors!

Page 10

VARIOUS LOCATIONS3:00 PM – 5:00 PMBLOOMINGTON TOUR OPTIONS 2012 HHC Attendees have the option to register for one of these great tours organized by our conference host: Visit Bloomington!

Behind the Curtain: Behind the Scenes at IU Auditorium and IU CinemaPresented by Doug Booher, Director, IU AuditoriumTour focuses on behind the scenes aspects of running a major entertainment venue, booking world renowned touring shows and musicians. Also provides insight as to how they work with members of the tourism industry to help sell tickets or create partnerships with restaurants, hotels, and other businesses throughout the community.

Follow the Limestone: A Walking Tour of Indiana UniversityPresented by Brian Keith, Indiana Geological SurveyThis tour was the outcome of a wonderful collaboration between the Indiana Geological Survey and Visit Bloomington that was unveiled in spring 2009. Limestone is a major part of the history of the southern part of the state and serves as the primary building material for nearly all buildings throughout campus. This tour highlights some of the most beautiful buildings on campus and really takes visitors on a trip throughout the history of the university.

Grant Street Inn: Saved from Destruction by a Generous Gift from CFC, Inc. Presented by Paul Wagoner, Innkeeper, Grant Street InnSpecial presentation by Jim MurphyGrant Street Inn, located on the edge of campus in the heart of downtown Bloomington, recently celebrated their 20th Anniversary at the corner of 7th and Grant Streets. Its savior was none other than Cook Group founder and historic preservationist Bill Cook and his wife, Gayle. This tour will tell the story of how Grant Street Inn came to be and provide a special presentation by Jim Murphy to tell story of the massive efforts of CFC to take historic structures throughout the state and transform them into major attractions and lodging facilities.

Behind the Scenes at the Indiana Memorial UnionPresented by: Thom Simmons, Associate Director, Indiana Memorial Unionand Damian Esposito, Executive Chef, Indiana Memorial UnionSimmons will provide a behind the scenes tour of the largest student union in the country, sharing tidbits and trivia on some of the unique items that call the IMU home. From the bowling alley and arcade to even a rifle range, this building has it all and you will get to see it from the eyes of an insider. The second half of the tour will take you with Esposito as he provides an interesting perspective on working with third party food provider, Sodexho, inside the two story kitchen at the Indiana Memorial Union. From drop and go food items to full blown catered meals, this operation keeps its commitments to all events and also helps provide food to all twelve eateries inside the 500k sq ft

building

LOCATION: IU ART MUSEUM

5:00 PM - 6:30 PMRECEPTION Join your colleagues for a fun and lively reception at the IU Art Museum. Enjoy delicious appetizers from One World Catering as well as beer and wine samples from our local breweries and wineries. At the end of the reception we will board charter buses and head out to local eateries for the evening’s Dine Around.

Sponsored by:

VARIOUS LOCATIONS7:00 PMDINE AROUND Dine out with fellow attendees after conference hours on Tuesday with our pre-arranged dinner plans! We’ve taken the pain out of the planning and set up arrangements (transportation included from the HHC Reception at the IU Art Museum) with area restaurants.

So grab a group of friends, attendees and coworkers and head out after hours for a bite to eat, talk about the sessions and some great networking.

Dine around is an additional charge (pay your own meal) based on menu items selected by each individual. This cost is NOT included in your conference registrations.

HHC Dine Around options include:• Finch’s Brasserie• Grazie! Italian Eatery• Lennie’s / Bloomington Brewing Company• Scholar’s Inn Gourmet Café & Wine Bar• Scotty’s Brewhouse• Upland Brewery

HHC CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Schedule continued on page 12

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2012LOCATION: FRANGIPANI ROOM

7:00 AM - REGISTRATION OPENS Wake up, grab a cup of coffee and browse the awesome HHC Silent Auction!

SILENT AUCTION OPEN Sign up to text your bids from your mobile device!• Vera Bradley tote bag and wallet• Getaway to Madison basket• $100 gift certificate to Sulivan’s Restaurant• One registration to the Midwest Cultural Tourism

Conference• IU vs Ball State football weekend package• Lots of local food, wine and hand crafted gifts• And many more!

LOCATION: FRANGIPANI ROOM7:30 AM - 8:30 AMBREAKFAST AND ROUND TABLES Join fellow attendees for coffee and a bite to eat while mulling over one of these great topics!

• THE IMPACT OF FESTIVALS ON YOUR COMMUNITY Indiana State Festivals Association

• SPORTS TOURISM IS MORE THAN JUST A GAMESports Indiana

• NEW FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR TOURISM MARKETING AND DEVELOPMENTIndiana Office Of Tourism Development

• MAXIMIZING YOUR FREE VISITINDIANA.COM PRESENCEIndiana Office Of Tourism Development

• MARKET RESEARCHShannon Gray

LOCATION: WHITTENBERGER AUDITORIUM8:30 AM - 9:30 AMRIDING THE BLUE TRAIN OF INNOVATION & SUCCESSJOHN KENNEDYJoin international speaker, author and strategist John Kennedy as he takes us on a wonderful journey on the Blue Train of Innovation and Success.

From creating a culture of “why not?” instead of “why?” to challenging our employees to the highest level of innovation--”magical thinking”, John will not only change your way of thinking...he will change your entire outlook on life...both personally as well as professionally.

John has presented to hundreds of conferences, associations, conventions and international events with a dynamic and powerful message of change leadership and customer experience. This will be John’s third visit to our great state of Indiana for our Hoosier Hospitality Conference...you won’t want to miss his valuable message and invaluable insight

LOCATION: WALNUT ROOM9:45 AM - 11:00 AMTOURISM TRAILS: ACROSS COUNTY LINES Join representatives from trails around the state to hear about how trails can connect your communities and offer visitors a reason to stay in your area longer. Panelists will discuss the success stories of the Limestone Trail, the By Hoosier Hands Trail and the Nickel Plate Arts Trail. A new trail grants opportunity from the Indiana Office of Tourism Development will also be discussed.

PANELISTS:Amy Vaughan, Director of the Indiana Office of Tourism Development, will moderate the trails panel session and discuss a new trails grant program opportunity.

Betsy Jones with Hamilton County Convention and Visitors Bureau will represent the Nickel Plate Arts Trail. This trail is a 30-mile arts region in central Indiana that follows the historic Nickel Plate rail line.

Dave Lawrence with Limestone Country in Lawrence County will represent The Limestone Trail. The Limestone Trail promotes the underutilized, and Indiana-specific, tourism resource offered only in Lawrence and Monroe counties.

Linda Lytle with Visit Madison will represent the By Hoosier Hands trail in southern Indiana. The recent Handcrafted and Homegrown by Hoosier Hands in Southeast Indiana Artisan Trails book features four trails for art lovers, foodies and road-trippers and take visitors through seven counties in southeast Indiana.

HHC CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

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Page 14

LOCATION: OAK ROOM9:45 AM - 11:00 AMTRADITIONAL VS. SOCIAL MEDIA PROSPECTING - WHERE IS THE PROFITABLE BALANCE? SIGNATURE WORLDWIDEOn average, how many times should you continue to contact a prospect? The answer may surprise you. Salespeople hat to prospect, yet the most successful salespeople make the most prospecting calls- what’s the difference between you and them? Is it better to spend your time prospecting on the phone, in person or online? Or should you strike a balance?

This session focuses on prospecting in the digital age- without abandoning what has worked and continues to work in the offline world. Our goal is to get your sales pipeline overflowing with good prospects and opportunities.

In this session you will learn:*How to leave effective voicemails*What gets your emails through spam filters and into the hands of your best prospects?*What’s the difference between a sales call and a prospecting call?*Where is the most profitable balance between in person, telephone and social media or email prospecting?*Where on the web can you find great leads?

LOCATION: WHITTENBERGER AUDITORIUM9:45 AM - 11:00 AMCREATING THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCEJOHN KENNEDY The biggest competitor in our industry is not the destination around the corner…it’s the pocket book or wallet of the world!

Join international speaker, author and strategist John Kennedy as he unfolds the difference between delivering customer service and creating the customer experience.

We compete in a “wants-based” economy…and our clients’ expectations are higher than they have ever been before…so do we offer a service or an experience?

One is more of a reactionary offering and one is an anticipated offering. One offers good opportunity and possible repeat business, the other offers client loyalty and galvanizing partnerships.

One is what you might be …and one is what we all should become! You won’t want to miss this session that takes John’s international experiences of excellence and delivers them in a powerful and insightful workshop!

LOCATION: FRANGIPANI ROOM11:00 AM - 11:30 AMREJUVENATE Take a break, network, relax!

Sponsored by:

SILENT AUCTION CLOSES

LOCATION: DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI ROOM9:45 AM - 12:30 PMINDIANA RESTAURANT ASSOCIATIONBOARD MEETING

LOCATION: WALNUT ROOM11:30 AM – 12:30 PMHOW NEW MEDIA HAS CHANGED YOUR BRAND MANAGEMENT SHANNON GRAYIn the past destination marketers were able to control their brand message through traditional communication channels including print media, outdoor, email marketing, public relations and online banner ads. But the rapid evolution of social media – particularly in combination with the real-time capabilities of digital phones – has empowered visitors to create their own content about our brands. Exacerbating the problem is the strong credibility of word-of-mouth for travel; which eclipses the credibility and efficacy of the traditional media model. So does this mean destinations have lost all influence over their brand messaging? Not at all! This session introduces DMOs to the idea that they must become facilitators who manage the messages, rather than directors who control them. Time will be spent on branding tools that can guide both traditional and social media marketing. Special emphasis will be placed on unique ways communities can guide social media expressions by feeding channels with authentic (and branded) content that touches consumers’ passion points. Case studies from communities and retailers will be used to illustrate key points.

HHC CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Page 15

HHC CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

LOCATION: OAK ROOM11:30 AM – 12:30 PMSTOP ACTING LIKE A SALESMAN BECAUSE NO ONE LIKES YOU! SIGNATURE WORLDWIDENo one likes to be sold to, but everyone likes to buy! When your employees act like sales people instead of trusted advisors, customers are turned off and want to look elsewhere for help. But how can your employees learn that selling doesn’t have to hurt? That they should be viewed as a client advocate who is there to help the customer with the decision making and buying process?

In this session, you will learn how to help people buy after you stop selling. Salespeople today are as welcome as visits to the dentist or political speeches. Stop being a cliché and learn what questions to ask and what questions to avoid at all costs. Compel your customers to want to do business with you instead of feeling like it is a painful process they have to endure.

You need to sound different than your competitors. If you have ever called around to your competitors, you know they are all pretty similar- asking for dates, rates and availability. Learn how to stand out right from the start and let your prospect know they have called the right place.

In this highly interactive session you will learn how to:

*Open a sales conversation that sets you apart right away*Set real sales call objectives that are measurable and results oriented*Identify what questions to ask, what questions to avoid*Stop sounding like a salesperson and take a business approach to your prospect that they will truly appreciate

LOCATION: WHITTENBERGER AUDITORIUM11:30 AM – 12:30 PMMANAGEMENT THAT COOKS JOHN KENNEDYJoin international speaker, strategist and author John Kennedy as he picks up where he left off with his keynote “Riding the Blue Train”. John will take a few pages out of his book “Management That Cooks!” to present the leadership necessary to motivate transformational change. From the importance of clear vision to the “cannoli factor” of emotional engagement, John will arm your toolbox with all the latest skills to lead in this challenging time.

John will be available after his presentation for coaching and a book signing!

LOCATION: TUDOR ROOM

CLOSING LUNCH LUNCH

WINNERS OF SILENT AUCTION PICK UP ITEMS

LOCATION: FRANGIPANI ROOM

BOOK SALES & SIGNINGS

Books from 2012 HHC speakers, including John Kennedy and Robbin Philips, Brains on Fire will be on sale near the conference registration tables. Catch John Kennedy after lunch on Wednesday and Robbin Phillips after each session on Tuesday!

Take their ideas home with you!

Page 17

GENERAL SESSIONSPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES

JOHN KENNEDY, JOHN KENNEDY CONSULTINGFor well over a decade, John Kennedy has inspired over 100,000 audience members throughout North America, Europe, Australia and the Caribbean.

John’s success was galvanized in the hospitality & tourism industry as a restaurant & hotel executive with a strong sense of teamwork, sales and leadership. He learned from the best and now speaks to many who want to be their best. “Bringing out the best in others is the most rewarding aspect of my life, right behind being a dad.”

John’s success list includes: Marriott Hotels, General Electric, Elizabeth Arden, Canada Bread, Air Care Bermuda, Taco Bell, Exxon Mobil, Strathfield Austraila, Baltimore Ravens, Precision Tune as well as over 50 associations and government agencies worldwide. John is often invited back after his first engagement, due to the invaluable insight and immediate impact he brings.

John’s greatest offering to his clients is his total immersion into their culture, issues and interests. He then creates a program targeted directly to the audience.

ROBBIN PHILLIPS, COURAGEOUS PRESIDENT, BRAINS ON FIREAs one of the founders and Courageous President of Brains on Fire, Robbin has recruited a highly talented team of kindred spirits committed to the belief that marketing has the power to truly touch lives. Having begun her career as a graphic designer, Robbin remains involved in the creative development of client identities, while tapping into her keen business sense to facilitate strategy.

Inspired by the power of purpose, passion and people, Robbin and her team rally daily to deliver innovative, impactful solutions that elevate and celebrate a diverse range of clients including Love146, Foundation Recovery Network, Bon Secours St. Francis Health System, BMW, DeVry University, GreenDot Public Schools, Fiskars Brands, Perception Kayaks, Ryobi Tools, Colonial Williamsburg, the National Center for Family Literacy and Best Buy.

During Robbin’s tenure, Brains on Fire has received numerous national awards including a GOLD EFFIE and the Word of Mouth Marketing Association’s WOMMIE Award. As co-author of the book Brains on Fire; Igniting Powerful Sustainable World of Mouth Movements, and a highly sought-after presenter, Robbin frequently hits the road to speak at conferences and

private events around the country. She has shared her insights on word of mouth marketing with groups big and small, including the Word of Mouth Marketing Association and the Association of National Advertisers.

DR. JILL BOLTE TAYLORJill Bolte Taylor, whose inspirational story of recovery from stroke is recounted in the best-selling book My Stroke of Insight, will deliver the keynote address at the opening Conference session on Tuesday, Mar. 13, at 8:30 a.m. Taylor’s presentation, “The Wonder of What We Are,” will inspire tourism, lodging, and restaurant professionals as we strive to be leaders in our respective fields.

Taylor is a Harvard-educated and published neuroanatomist who chose the field to be able to help people like her brother, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia. On Dec. 10, 1996, Taylor came face-to-face with her chosen field when she experienced a severe left hemisphere brain hemorrhage. “In the course of four hours,” Taylor said, “I watched my brain completely deteriorate in its ability to process all information.” The rare form of stroke, known as an arterio-venous malformation (AVM), left her unable to walk, talk, read, or write, and wiped clean all memories of her life before the stroke. “I essentially became an infant in a woman’s body.”

In a presentation recorded for TED (a free website of “riveting talks by remarkable people”), Taylor recounts her story in detail, describing her loss of the ability to consider the past, future, and her place within it—in short, the ability to say, “I am…” Instead, she was left with only the right-brain ability to exist in the present moment, but unable to distinguish herself from the energy she perceived flowing from her surroundings. “In that moment, my brain chatter—my left-hemisphere

Speaker Biographies continued on page 19

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Page 19

brain chatter—went totally silent, just like someone took a remote control and pushed the mute button. Total silence.” In the weeks after the stroke, as she struggled to come to terms with what she experienced, Taylor was inspired to recover.

The presentation, recorded Feb. 27, 2008, is the most-viewed ever on the TED site.

Over the next eight years, with her mother’s help and her own resolve, Taylor rebuilt her memory and neural functions, relying on her brain’s right hemisphere to compensate for and help repair the damaged left half. Taylor completely recovered her mental and physical capacities—and more—by seeking a new balance between left- and right-brain capabilities. Now Taylor seeks to help people maximize their quality of life by “tending the garden of our minds” to balance the particular aptitudes of the right brain with those of the left.

She recounted her story in her book, My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey, which spent 17 weeks on The New York Times Hardcover Non-Fiction Bestseller list. Since then, she has given numerous presentations and speeches, including an appearance on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”

Remarkably, Taylor doesn’t consider her experience with stroke in a negative light but rather feels fortunate to have had the experience. She recalls her left brain telling her during the stroke, “This is so cool—how many brain scientists have the opportunity to study their own brains from the inside out?” Though her surgery and subsequent recovery were challenging, Taylor views her experience as worthwhile. She is now a passionate advocate not only for the ability of the brain to recover, but also for individuals’ ability to choose, moment by moment, who and how they want to be in the world.

“I believe that the more time we spend choosing to run the deep inner-peace circuitry of our right hemisphere,” Taylor said, “the more peace we will project into the world, and the more peaceful our planet will be. And I thought that was an idea worth spreading.”

Dr. Taylor is an adjunct professor at the Indiana University School of Medicine, a Bloomington resident and native Hoosier.

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AMBER ANTHONY FOX, NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF SALES - HOSPITALITY, SIGNATURE WORLDWIDEAs Signature National Director of Sales with over 20 years of hospitality sales and marketing experience, Amber Anthony Fox is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with hospitality organizations throughout the United States. She serves as a respected consultant to her hospitality clients, offering suggestions to increase revenue and improve guest loyalty through training and business solutions.

Prior to joining Signature, Fox has held positions at hotel brand, management company and property levels. She has also worked as a Director of Sales and Marketing, Sales and Marketing Project Manager, Regional Marketing Manager, and Sales Manager in companies such as Accor, Impac Hotel Group, Sheraton, Westin and Intercontinental. Fox also served as a hotel account executive for Southern Marketing Services, an advertising agency in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

While in these positions, Fox successfully planned and implemented the marketing for new hotel openings, was a successful sales leader of hotel Director of Sales and Sales Managers, helped underperforming properties increase revenue, and provided sales and marketing support to over 150 hotels. She also helped develop and manage a sales program for a new brand.

Fox holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts with an emphasis in Public Relations from Georgia Southern University. She currently serves as President on the board of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International, Ohio Chapter. She is a frequent speaker and writer for many hospitality organizations and associations.

SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES

since 1976

Madden Media has partnered with destination marketers to deliver proven payoff in a rapidly changing travel landscape.

Official Visitors Guides Meeting Planner Guides

niche Publicationsinserts

O, The Oprah Magazine Travel sections

search engine Marketing & OptimizationRich Media Display campaigns

Lead GenerationMicrosites

interactive Brochuresemail MarketingMobile Marketing

Database ProfilingLocation MappingLifestyle insights

Web Analyticsconversion studies

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contact me today! Tricia Wisbrock Regional Account Manager 314-925-7297 | 314-882-0276 (MOBiLe) twisbrock@maddenmedia.com

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JAMES BURNES, INNOVATION & DIGITAL STRATEGIST, PROJECT BRILLIANTJames Burnes is founder and a Managing Partner for Project Brilliant. His leadership and vision help organizations embrace new and emerging technologies to transform their organization to succeed in our highly connected, 24/7 economy. His expertise in business development, mobile, sales, innovation, product ideation, and revenue-centric thinking makes him a regular resource to corporate executives around the country who seek game-changing ideas and big-picture thinking.

MICHAEL CIVITA, NATIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER, SIGNATURE WORLDWIDE BUSINESS AND TRAINING SOLUTIONSAs National Account Manger, Michael Civita is responsible for building long-term business strategies with Signature Worldwide clients in order to create value and allow clients to achieve a return on their training investment. Prior to his current role, Civita was responsible for supervising a team of training account managers in the delivery of legendary customer service and sales training.

Civita’s experience before joining Signature in July of 2000 includes creating the guest services training manual adopted by individual properties within the Hyatt Corporation. He also had an integral part in developing the revenue management system for Hyatt Hotels and Resorts Corporate, which was implemented internationally.

Civita is a graduate of Paul Smith’s College in Paul Smiths, N.Y. His education coupled with more than 15 years of hands-on experience in the hospitality industry has made Civita a valuable asset to Signature’s leadership team.

MAURA ALLEN GAST, FCDME, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,IRVING CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAUAn almost 21-year veteran of the Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau, Maura Gast was named its executive director in October 2003. A leading destination for business travel, Irving welcomed 2.6 million visitors in 2010, who in turn invested $1.24 billion in this town of 210,000, which is also home to the world headquarters of ExxonMobil, Zale Jewelers, Flowserve and Fluor, and serves as a major national or regional headquarters for Research in Motion (the parent company of Blackberry), Kimberly Clark, NEC, Nokia, and many other prominent corporate brands. She recently opened the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas, and was responsible for the on-time-and-under-budget oversight for the project’s design, construction, management, sales and marketing.

Recognized as an industry expert on technology and marketing issues, and a trailblazer on reinforcing tourism as a vital component of a community’s economic development strategy, Gast recently completed her term as the chair of Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI), the third female chair in the organization’s history. She chaired DMAI’s

Futures Study, and served on the inaugural Destination Marketing Accreditation Program board. She has developed curriculum for the association’s Program in Destination Management and leads several courses at its conferences and other industry forums. She has earned the industry’s highest educational certification, Fellow Certified Destination Management Executive (FCDME). In her spare time in Irving, she serves on the Boards of Directors for the Irving Salvation Army, Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce and the La Cima Club Board of Governors. She has been a member of the Press Club of Dallas since 1986, and currently serves on its Board of Directors. She is also the former Chair of the American Advertising Federation – Dallas Chapter, formerly the Dallas Ad League.

Before joining the hospitality industry, Gast spent time in the retail and newspaper worlds, in a variety of sales, marketing and event management roles. She is a graduate of St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, and spent most of her childhood years in San Angelo, Texas. An Air Force “brat,” Maura’s family spent its primary tours of duty in the Philippines and Taiwan.

SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES

Page 22

SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIESSHANNON GRAY, DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH, NORTH STARShannon was born with an insatiable curiosity about people and what drives them to do the things they do. When she discovered anthropology, the study of human behavior, she never looked back. Shannon received her BA in Cultural Anthropology from Eckerd College and the dual degree of an MA in Anthropology and an MBA with emphasis on marketing and market research from the University of Colorado at Boulder–Leeds School of Business. These days Shannon is a consumer anthropologist and ethnographer for North Star, which means instead of digging up bones or studying tribal ritual she studies the humans in our current society: their choices and decisions, traits, motivations, relationships, needs, joys, experiences and day-to-day lives.

Shannon’s demand as a public speaker is a direct result of everyone else’s insatiable curiosity about people and what drives them to do the things they do! Her speaking star is certainly rising; in the last few months Shannon has spoken at the Travel and Tourism Research Association, the Nebraska Travel Conference; the Ohio Association of CVBs; the Georgia Governor’s Conference on Tourism, Visit South Bend National Tourism Week Luncheon and WNIT Northern Indiana’s

cable show on economic outlooks. She consistently receives accolades not only for her expertise but for her ability to translate all intimidating research subject matter into presentations that are as interesting as they are helpful.

HOWARD TIETJEN, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF RESEARCH AND STARATEGY, MADDEN MEDIAWith 30 years of real-world experience and a passion for new challenges, Howard has helped Madden Media become true innovators in the travel and tourism industry. Since he joined the Madden team in 2000, Howard has utilized his wide range of interests to excel in many roles. He led the team that developed VacationFun.com, including the electronic fulfillment options that help Madden’s clients save thousands of dollars on fulfillment expenses every year. He was the primary architect of Madden’s demographic targeting systems, which allow for the most effective and efficient distribution of Madden’s newspaper insert programs. And, he led the team that launched the travel inserts in O, The Oprah Magazine.

Today, Howard and the Madden Media team have focused their efforts on the development of online marketing campaigns that are both effective and cost-efficient. Working together with industry leaders, Howard is helping to bring new ideas, new technology, and new partnerships together that allow Madden’s clients to get the most “bang for the buck” during these difficult economic times.

ROCKY WALLS,12 STARS MEDIA PRODUCTIONSWith more than 10 years’ experience in digital content creation, as CEO of 12 Stars Media Productions, Rocky Walls works with businesses to create video that’s so real and simple it changes audiences into relationships. In 2009 he received a nomination for the Most Influential Social Media Up & Comer and in 2010 his company was nominated as Indiana’s Most Ethical Company at the Indiana Social Media Summit. An avid networker, Rocky is a graduate of the Referral Institute and currently a member of the IBC Chapter of Business Networking International (BNI) and regularly serves on various boards and committees. He was also one of the first five Honorary Commanders of the 434th Air Refueling Wing at Grissom Air Reserve Base. With the launch of its new service Candidio, 12 Stars Media saw a 400% increase in gross revenue in 2011.

Seems like everyone has a mobile app they can use for every little thing they do nowadays. But when it comes to events like Conferences, Festivals, Sporting Events, really most events out there, only the big events have a mobile app. It makes perfect sense to have a mobile app to support all events at the right price, that's what Rendezvilleª is all about.

Rendezvilleª provides event planners a convenient and inexpensive way to deliver mobile content and engage with attendees during events. Rendezville offers mobile applications for attendees on both iPhone and Android platforms and an easy to use web-based tool for event-planners.

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NOTES

NOTES

January/February 2012

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March/April 2012

midwestliving.com

®Spring spirit!

Make this spring door bouquet! SEE PAGE 96

Sweet recipes from bakeries Plus!Readers’ prize-winning dishes

Lilacs | Woodland wildflowers Nature road trips | Morels

MIDWEST LIVING IS THE LEADING LIFESTYLE MEDIA BRAND THAT EXPLORES THE REGION, savors its unique flavors and celebrates the people who make the Midwest shine.

Midwest Living delivers over 4 million active Midwesterners who love where they live and come to the brand to enhance their lives. We celebrate their accomplishments, their spirit and their commitment to a better tomorrow.

For more information please contact: Melissa Luebbe, National Travel Manager Melissa.Luebbe@meredith.com | 312-580-2554