Tourism & Hospitality Keynote Speakers

Best-selling author, hospitality entrepreneur, disruptive business rebel, and social change agent, Chip Conley is a leader at the forefront of the sharing economy. Chip was CEO of his innovative company for 24 years. In 2013 he accepted an invitation from the founders of Airbnb to help transform a promising home sharing start-up into what is today the world’s largest hospitality brand. As Head of Global Hospitality & Strategy, Chip taught his award-winning methods to hundreds of thousands of Airbnb hosts in nearly 200 countries, and created the Airbnb Open that brings thousands together in a global festival of belonging. Chip has received hospitality’s highest honor, the Pioneer Award, joining industry icons Marriott, Kimpton and Wynn.

Fee Range: $30,000–$75,000
Travels From: CA

Fee Range: $20,000–$35,000

Fee Range: $32,000–$68,500
Travels From: NY

Fee Range: $41,000–$80,000
Travels From: Intl

Doug Lipp, an internationally acclaimed expert on customer service, leadership and diversity, motivates and challenges audiences around the world as a consultant and speaker. Doug has spent over 25 years working from the front lines to the boardrooms of corporations around the world. Formerly the head of training at Disney Studio's Walt Disney University, Doug also worked at Disneyland where he provided the well-known "Traditions" orientation program and other leadership courses. Pivotal in Doug's career with Disney was his experience in the mid-80's when the corporate culture changed from the arrogant: "we're the best, why change?" To the progressive: "don't rest on your laurels" powerhouse corporation that it remains today. He is the author of 6 books including his most recent book The Changing Face of Today’s Customer, which proclaims the use of “cultural sense” in addition to common sense.

Fee Range: $15,000–$24,000
Travels From: CA

Fee Range: $15,000–$35,000
Travels From: FL

Fee Range: $6,000–$13,000
Travels From: MD

Roger inspires and empowers audiences around the world to achieve their highest aspirations. He is extraordinarily dynamic. He’s also very funny, combining humorous video clips and fascinating real-life stories, while providing steps, rules and ingredients – bottom line solutions – that every audience member can implement today to make a positive difference tomorrow. A board member of the U.S. Travel Association and author of the popular book Your Town: A Destination – The 25 Immutable Rules of Successful Tourism, Roger has become one of the world’s most popular keynote speakers and authorities in the travel industry. Roger spent ten years assisting in the development and marketing of acclaimed destination resorts including Whistler Resort in British Columbia; Harbour Town on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina; Sunriver Resort in Central Oregon, and several others.

Fee: $15,000
Travels From: WA

As a leading futurist, Jim Carroll wakes people up to the trends that will affect them, and challenges them to cope with a world that continues to witness constant, relentless, dramatic change. He is recognized for his critical thinking and business-oriented view of issues related to emerging technologies, social, consumer attitude, workplace, demographic and lifestyle issues, as well as economic and business trends. Jim's programs are delivered with his signature humor, high-level energy, deep insight and challenging observations, and are based on extensive research and customization. He has authored and co-authored some 34 other books, including the critically acclaimed books Surviving the Information Age, The Future Belongs to Those Who are FAST; Ready, Set, Done and What I Learned from Frogs in Texas: Saving Your Skin with Forward-Thinking Innovation.

Fee Range: $25,000–$30,000
Travels From: Intl

Leah Cohen is the chef and owner of popular Lower East Side restaurant Pig & Khao and Piggyback by Pig & Khao in Midtown Manhattan. Opened in fall 2012, Pig & Khao is an intimate, 74-seat restaurant serving Southeast Asian cuisine influenced by Leah’s Filipino upbringing and her annual expeditions to the region. Acclaimed by publications including the New York Times, New York Magazine, and The Huffington Post, Pig & Khao has been praised for its Asian street food-inspired fare, casual, inviting ambiance, and inventive bar program. Recipient of a 2013 StarChefs Rising Stars Award, Leah’s main cooking philosophy is to stay true to authentic Southeast Asian flavors while incorporating classical western techniques.

Fee Range: $11,000–$20,000
Travels From: NY

Jesse's favorite quote speaks to what has made his businesses so crazy successful: "Whatever is normal, do the exact opposite." Jesse started with nothing but debt, challenges and a dream. Jesse's story and his business growth expertise makes business owners think way the heck out of the box. He has them take their eyes off the bottom line and instead figure out what excites the customer. He asks owners to find their own yellow tuxedo. Audiences leave charged up and ready to rethink their marketing and brand.

Fee Range: Inquire
Travels From: GA

An internationally renowned expert on the psychology of consumers, Pamela Danziger plugs marketers and retailers into the collective mindset of the consumer. Danziger specializes in the ever-changing high-end marketplace, calling on her expert knowledge of consumer psychology, behavior, and the economy, as well as her in-depth research into the trends and patterns of the American shopper. Danziger is the author of three ground-breaking books on the consumer-mindset. Her first book, Why People Buy Things They Don't Need, was called "a roadmap" for investors in the retail market by USA Today. A highly-sought after keynote speaker, Danziger has recently addressed large conference audiences, speaking in support of ideation, innovation, corporate sales and advertisers’ meetings. Pam brings a passion for data, coupled with a need to understand what drives and motivates consumers to her audiences.

Fee Range: $5,000–$10,000
Travels From: PA

Fee Range: $35,000–$60,000
Travels From: CA

Ryan Estis understands the challenges business leaders and top performers face, because he’s been in their shoes. He spent 15 years helping companies connect with employees and customers as an ad agency executive, building a client roster of category leading brands. Nine years ago, he decided to put that experience into practice and launch his own research and learning organization. Ryan is afforded an inside look at what the world’s best companies do differently and he shares that insight by helping clients initiate change, improve performance and deliver growth.

Fee Range: $20,000–$30,000
Travels From: MN

With over 20 years of experience as the President and Managing Director of Marriott International, Edwin Fuller has a passion for sharing his vast amount of professional and personal knowledge with students and business executives. His warm demeanor and crisp narratives make the material he shares relatable and entertaining. Attendees learn how to build business relationships and deliver profitable results from one of the top business executives as he communicates his wisdom and first-hand experiences.

Fee Range: Inquire
Travels From: CA

Fee Range: $10,000–$32,000
Travels From: AZ

Fee Range: $56,000–$100,000
Travels From: TN

Recognized as one of today's foremost sales and marketing innovators, Bruce Himelstein is credited with leading the revitalization of the The Ritz-Carlton Company brand and is currently serving as Chief Marketing Officer for Loews Hotels. Himelstein was named corporate vice president of sales and marketing for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company in 2002, following nearly 30 years with Marriott. Over the course of the next seven years, he renewed and transformed the trusted luxury brand--both for its longtime clientele and for a new generation. Updating the image of a three-billion dollar brand and a pillar in the luxury marketplace isn't easy. Himelstein implemented remarkable new branding strategies, showcasing Ritz-Carlton in innovative ways critical for staying relevant in a rapidly changing world. Himelstein also served as president of Oceania Cruises, heading Sales & Marketing for Marriott's Senior Living Service division, and serving as a board member for Shady Grove Adventist Hospital. His experience in healthcare, coupled with hospitality, brings an exciting combination of skills and expertise to his audiences.

Fee Range: $10,000–$20,000
Travels From: FL

Mike Hourigan is a refreshingly unique keynote speaker, change management expert and author who helps empower top companies and associations to navigate constant change with real-world wisdom. Years of corporate experience have allowed Mike to develop a completely fresh approach to safety, team building, sales management and customer service training. Mike’s change management and safety awareness presentations have helped teams across a variety of industries improve their workplace morale and get employees to take ownership of serious issues that affect the bottom line. With a style that engages listeners in a way that’s meaningful to them and their company culture, Mike rarely gives his audiences a moment between laughs.

Fee Range: $5,000–$10,000
Travels From: NC

Terry Jones is an author, venture capitalist, innovator and keynote speaker. He is the founder of Travelocity.com, founding Chairman of Kayak.com and current Chairman for Wayblazer, a company designed around innovation and travel. He has a proven track record of leading companies whose innovations have revolutionized an industry. His book, ON Innovation, has encouraged innovation and cultural change for readers worldwide.Terry helps companies use the tools and techniques he’s developed to keep up with this rapidly changing world. His programs on innovation, leadership and customer relationships are always thought provoking, entertaining and customized. Attendees walk away with inspired ideas and concrete action items to implement in their companies. With programs that are informative and mind expanding, Jones challenges audiences to think outside the box and envision the future.

Fee Range: $10,000–$25,000
Travels From: NV

Daniel Levine is an international social trends expert with an uncanny ability to help consumer-oriented brands and businesses be more relevant, innovative and profitable. Global Trends Expert The author of over 20 bestselling books, and regularly featured in newspapers and magazines, Daniel is the Executive Director of the Avant-Guide Institute (AGI) and the hands-on leader of a huge international team of "trend-hunters" -- over 9000 spotters who track the latest ideas and experiences from around the globe. As a corporate consultant, Daniel has worked with numerous companies, brands and destinations who seek his trends expertise to help them be more relevant, innovative and profitable. Daniel is an award-winning speaker and presenter who is known for delivering highly praised keynotes for select major businesses and conferences worldwide, including World Travel Market (England), Mandarin Oriental Hotels (Worldwide), BrandMarker (Europe), International Luxury Market (France), Jumeirah (Dubai), EIBTM and others.

Fee Range: $15,000–$25,000
Travels From: NY

Fee Range: $12,000–$20,000
Travels From: CO

Fee Range: $10,000–$15,000
Travels From: FL

Micah Solomon is one of the world's leading authorities and hands-on consultants specializing exclusively in customer service, company culture, and the customer experience. He’s been named by The Financial Post “The New Guru of Customer Service Excellence,” and he specializes in creating five-star customer service with an eye toward bottom line results. Micah is a bestselling author, consultant, and keynote speaker, and his books have been translated in more than a half-dozen languages and are the recipients of multiple awards.

Fee Range: $12,000–$16,000
Travels From: PA