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Tuesday, March 13 (8:30 - 9:30 AM)

Speaker: Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor
Session: "The Wonder of What We Are"

Jill 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. 

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Tuesday, March 13 (1:45 - 2:45 PM)

Speaker: Robbin Phillips, Brains on Fire
Session: "Lessons Learned in Word of Mouth Movements"

Authentic, 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.

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Wednesday, March 14 (7:30 - 8:30AM)

Breakfast Round Tables
- State Festival Association
- Office of Tourism
- More to come!

Frangipani Room

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Wednesday, March 14 (8:30 - 9:30 AM)

Speaker: John Kennedy
Session: "Riding the Blue Train of Innovation and Success"

Join 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.

 

View Break Out Session Descriptions by clicking here...

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