Agenda

Jessica Bryant, CEO, Bryant & Co. Leadership Lab, and former Talent Acquisition Leader, Edward Jones

Location: Fowler Hall in Stewart Center

In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, the most successful leaders aren’t just those who can strategize and execute—they’re the ones who can genuinely connect with their people. Let’s explore how empathetic leadership has become the secret weapon for organizations seeking to thrive in an era where employee expectations have fundamentally shifted. This reveals the powerful correlation between empathetic leadership practices and measurable business outcomes. Attendees will discover how leading with empathy isn’t just about being “nice”—it’s a strategic approach that directly impacts employee engagement scores, reduces turnover costs, boosts
productivity metrics, and ultimately drives profitability.

Colleen Shepherd, Community Outreach Director, Purdue Federal Credit Union

Location: STEW 206

Financial priorities evolve as life does – from building a solid foundation in your 30s to securing long-term stability in your 40s and preparing for the future in your 50s. This session will walk you through the key money milestones to strive for at every stage, helping you make informed decisions that align with your goals and lifestyle. Learn practical strategies for managing debt, growing savings, investing wisely, and planning for retirement with confidence. Whether you’re catching up or getting ahead, this conversation will equip you with the tools to make your money work for you today and in the decades to come.

Acacia Carney, CEO and Owner, Liberty James — Purdue HTM Alum

Location: STEW 202

In today’s hyper-competitive business landscape, organizations prioritizing authentic, empathy-driven leadership consistently outperform those focused solely on traditional sales metrics. This interactive session explores the strategic interconnection between empathetic leadership, trust-building, lasting impressions, and sustainable sales success through meaningful relationship development. Participants will examine how empathetic leadership creates a powerful cascading effect throughout their organization, transforming internal team dynamics and external client relationships. The session demonstrates that empathy is not merely a soft skill but a measurable strategic advantage that directly impacts sales performance, client retention, and long-term business growth.

Xinran Lehto, Professor, White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and Shawn Jang, Professor, White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management

Location: STEW 204

Researchers who studied under Alastair Morrison will share research shaped under his vision and guidance, and the impact it makes on the HTM industry.

Becky Flanigan, Senior Account Executive, BBJ LaTavola

Location: STEW 202

In sales, success often hinges on understanding distinct customer segments – also known as verticals – and tailoring approaches to meet their unique needs. This session explores how to identify, build, and sustain partnerships across diverse markets. Attendees will gain insight into strategies for finding the right partners, nurturing those relationships to long-term success, and adapting communication styles for different audiences. Through real-world examples, the session will highlight how partnerships thrive in both social verticals – such as designers, planners, florists, and venues – and corporate verticals, including universities, country clubs, and food service providers. Learn how intentional relationship-building fosters trust, drives growth, and positions you as a valued partner in any industry.

Chris Pappas, Chef Owner, Meraki Hospitality Group — Purdue HTM Alum

Location: Fowler Hall in Stewart Center

Turning a creative concept into a thriving hospitality brand takes more than inspiration – it demands strategy, adaptability, and relentless execution. In this session, a seasoned restaurateur who has launched more than five successful restaurants in under a decade, along with a food truck and a full-service catering and events company, shares the real-world process behind concept development to implementation. From identifying market opportunities and crafting a compelling brand identity to building teams, scaling operations, and maintaining consistency across multiple ventures, this conversation will offer actionable insights for anyone looking to turn their hospitality dreams into reality.

Location: 218D

Try out Heka Health’s new AI-powered exercise platform that delivers personalized fitness experiences using advanced motion tracking technology. You can choose from an extensive array of activities – whether energizing burpees and push-ups, rejuvenating stretches and neck twists, or playful options like balloon popping or an interactive memory game. Then provide any direct feedback you have with the Heka Health staff about the Wellness Challenge and the AI experience (it is also the perfect time to fill out the Wellness Challenge and Summit surveys). Lastly, we invite you to brainstorm on ways to engage communities in wellness activities at events, during travel (wellness tourism) and other hospitality contexts. 

Anthony Wenn, Attorney, Golan, Christie, Taglia LLP

Location: Fowler Hall in Stewart Center

As artificial intelligence transforms industries, it also raises complex legal questions that organizations cannot afford to ignore. This session, led by practicing attorneys, will explore the legal implications of AI through the lenses of intellectual property, data privacy, liability, and regulatory compliance. Presenters will address pressing issues such as who owns AI-generated content, how to mitigate risks of bias and discrimination, and what emerging regulations mean for businesses adopting AI tools. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of the evolving legal framework and leave better equipped to make informed, responsible decisions about implementing AI in their organizations.

Suzanne Marshall, First Vice President, Stifel Financial Corp. – Tanner Wealth Management and Evan Griffin, Financial Advisor, Stifel Financial Corp. – Tanner Wealth Management

Location: STEW 204

Financial wellness is more than a buzzword – it’s a holistic approach that blends financial counseling and planning to help individuals make informed, confident decisions at every life stage. Whether you’re a seasoned professional guiding clients, a student navigating financial independence, or a faculty member shaping future professionals, understanding the synergy between counseling and planning is key to fostering lasting financial well-being. This session explores how financial wellness serves as a bridge between emotional support and strategic guidance, offering tools and insights that empower individuals to take control of their financial lives. It also highlights how offering financial wellness as a service to employees, students, and customers can be a powerful differentiator for institutions and organizations.

Sarah Moran, General Manager of Sales, Ryerson — Purdue HTM Alum

Location: STEW 206

This session will explore what Relationship Selling really means and discuss tactics sales professionals can use in their daily interactions with customers. I will share real life stories on how becoming a trusted advisor to your customers can enhance a business relationship that will generate trust and more sales.

Garrett White, National Director of Aviation Programs, Nationwide Organ Recovery Transport — Purdue HTM Alum

Location: STEW 202

In organ transplant logistics, the mission is clear: save lives. The same kind of mission-first mentality can elevate leadership in the hospitality industry. By setting a higher purpose for service – such as enhancing lives, creating memorable experiences, or improving well-being – businesses can redefine what it means to deliver exceptional service. This session will delve into how hospitality leaders can adopt this mission-first mindset that connects deeply with both employees and customers.

Location: 218D

Try out Heka Health’s new AI-powered exercise platform that delivers personalized fitness experiences using advanced motion tracking technology. You can choose from an extensive array of activities – whether energizing burpees and push-ups, rejuvenating stretches and neck twists, or playful options like balloon popping or an interactive memory game. Then provide any direct feedback you have with the Heka Health staff about the Wellness Challenge and the AI experience (it is also the perfect time to fill out the Wellness Challenge and Summit surveys). Lastly, we invite you to brainstorm on ways to engage communities in wellness activities at events, during travel (wellness tourism) and other hospitality contexts. 

Location: STEW 218C

Understanding the core principles of regenerative farming, coffee growing basics, and small grower resilience, sustainability in practice, and the future of the coffee industry. 

Kathy Barton, Field Marketing Manager – Partnerships, Molson Coors Beverage Company

Location: STEW 206

Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, Reggie Miller, Yellowstone, Cobra Kai, Indy 500, Kentucky Derby, Jazz Fest, Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys, Florida Panthers, Verizon Music Center, Purdue, and Indiana Universities are just a few of the strategic partnerships Molson Coors Beverage Company invests in to build brands with consumers. This session will delve into how these alliances, partnerships, and investments work to build brand resonance and drive sales for specific brands in the marketplace.

Aaron Reilly, Managing Director, LAMCO Wellness

Location: STEW 204

Mental Health issues cost an estimated $1trillion in lost productivity each year. While demand continues to rise, health insurance is often used by clients to obtain affordable care. Unfortunately, Health insurance providers are ill equipped to provide care coverage at the level most clients need leading to major gaps in coverage and poor retention for insured clients. This talk will explore the importance of mental health in all aspects of life as well as cover the ways we can improve the coverage available. 

Shawn Johnson, Abercrombie & Kent, and Deborah Suarez, Four Seasons Yachts — Panelists are Purdue HTM Alum

Location: Fowler Hall in Stewart Center

Luxury is no longer defined solely by price tags or exclusivity—it’s about creating meaningful, personalized experiences that resonate deeply with guests and consumers. This panel brings together leaders from luxury travel, hospitality, and retail to explore how their industries are reimagining luxury in today’s experience-driven marketplace. From bespoke journeys and elevated guest services to curated retail encounters, panelists will discuss how they craft authenticity, build loyalty, and balance tradition with innovation. Attendees will gain insights into the evolving expectations of luxury consumers and discover how cross-sector strategies can shape the future of premium experiences.

Sarah Dunkley, Attorney, Golan, Christie, Taglia LLP

Location: STEW 202

Ever wondered why you can buy a bottle of bourbon in one state but not the next – or why happy hours are banned in certain places? Sips & Slips uncorks the fascinating, often quirky world of alcohol regulation and how it shapes the beverage industry. Presented by a seasoned attorney experienced in hospitality and beverage law, this session explores the surprising history, legal oddities, and real-world implications behind America’s complex liquor laws. From distribution loopholes to labeling disputes, attendees will gain insight into the legal “slips” that challenge operators and innovators alike – and the “sips” of success that come from navigating them wisely. Whether you’re a hospitality professional, entrepreneur, or simply curious, this lively and informative session promises to entertain and enlighten.

Nels Larsen, Vice President National Accounts – On-Premise, Molson Coors Beverage Company — Purdue HTM Alum

Location: STEW 202

Winning in the key on-premise segment in the US is a critical component in building long-term brand loyalty. This session will provide an overview of the US on-premise channel makeup, the competitive and legal environment, key opportunities, challenges, and what it takes to win. The key difference maker to winning in this critical channel segment is creating a strategy to drive differentiation from competitors. The session will cover the Molson Coors Advantage strategy, people-first leadership, and how to support relationship-building with solution-selling.

Christopher Parker, Attorney, Golan, Christie, Taglia LLP

Location: STEW 206

From hiring practices to workplace policies and employee separation, employment law shapes nearly every aspect of organizational life. This session provides a practical overview of key legal considerations that employers, managers, and HR professionals must understand to protect their people and their organizations. Topics will include compliance with labor regulations, managing workplace disputes, creating equitable policies, and anticipating emerging legal trends. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of their responsibilities, common pitfalls to avoid, and strategies to foster a fair, legally sound workplace culture.

Jessica Bernhardt, Hotel Sales, Marketing & Events Strategist, Elevate Hotel Support 

Location: Fowler Hall in Stewart Center

A hotel isn’t just a business. It’s a human business. And humans are emotional beings. Empathy isn’t soft — it’s smart. It’s efficient. And it’s what makes us better than machines. Think of hotel team not just as coworkers, but as species in the same ecosystem. Different roles, different challenges — but one shared goal: to create a place of welcome, comfort, and care for both the guest and the hotel team. And just like in nature — when the parts work together with empathy, the whole thrives.

Location: STEW 218D

Try out Heka Health’s new AI-powered exercise platform that delivers personalized fitness experiences using advanced motion tracking technology. You can choose from an extensive array of activities – whether energizing burpees and push-ups, rejuvenating stretches and neck twists, or playful options like balloon popping or an interactive memory game. Then provide any direct feedback you have with the Heka Health staff about the Wellness Challenge and the AI experience (it is also the perfect time to fill out the Wellness Challenge and Summit surveys). Lastly, we invite you to brainstorm on ways to engage communities in wellness activities at events, during travel (wellness tourism) and other hospitality contexts. 

Location: STEW 218C

The Envision Center will showcase the CollabXR platform, a co-located immersive classroom experience, tailored to allow shared visualization, design, research, and instruction. The platform can be used to share in the exploration of scientific data (volumetric models, lidar/point clouds, isosurfaces, and other such examples displaying anatomical models, meteorological volumes, molecular visualizations, etc.), scans and recreations of historical and cultural heritage sites and artifacts (photogrammetry, 3D models, animations, etc.), or any other spatial viewing experience. Custom tools, such as 3D drawings, enable instructors to add notes and diagrams directly on the virtual presentation to enhance information and reinforce points during lectures. 

Carl Stix, Principal Owner, Carl Stix Consulting — Purdue HTM Alum

Location: Fowler Hall in Stewart Center

Supply chain disruptions and a lack of resilient supply chains have an adverse impact on the global economy. Particularly, the complex nature of our industry makes it even more susceptible to failure when supply chain resiliency is rather low or does not exist.

Kyle Linback, Director of Dining Operations, Purdue Dining & Catering

Location: STEW 202

The hospitality industry is facing a perfect storm: a shrinking workforce, rising turnover, and growing pressure to do more with less. By 2030, nearly 75 million baby boomers will have retired, while U.S. birth rates are at a 100-year low. This drastically reduces the pool of available workers. Add in a 70-80% turnover rate for hospitality jobs, and the challenge is clear. We must rethink how we attract and keep talent. Learn how Purdue Dining eliminated barriers to hiring, simplified the application process, and brought new full-time staff in the door faster than any other department. You will also learn how to retain your best employees and create a workplace where people want to stay. Hint: It has nothing to do with free pizza and donuts, casual Fridays, pet insurance, years-of-service plaques and birthday cupcakes.

Jill Eysol, Executive Director of Strategic Growth, University Operations, Events, and Safety Division, University of Notre Dame — Purdue HTM Alum

Location: STEW 206

How does a degree built on service and people lead to a career driving strategy, growth, and revenue? In this session, Jill Eysol shares how her Purdue hospitality foundation became a launching point for leadership in financial strategy and revenue management. By blending service-centered thinking with data-driven decision-making, she illustrates how empathy, adaptability, and communication, hallmarks of hospitality, are powerful assets in financial leadership.

Location: STEW 218D

Try out Heka Health’s new AI-powered exercise platform that delivers personalized fitness experiences using advanced motion tracking technology. You can choose from an extensive array of activities – whether energizing burpees and push-ups, rejuvenating stretches and neck twists, or playful options like balloon popping or an interactive memory game. Then provide any direct feedback you have with the Heka Health staff about the Wellness Challenge and the AI experience (it is also the perfect time to fill out the Wellness Challenge and Summit surveys). Lastly, we invite you to brainstorm on ways to engage communities in wellness activities at events, during travel (wellness tourism) and other hospitality contexts. 

Location: STEW 218C

The Envision Center will showcase the CollabXR platform, a co-located immersive classroom experience, tailored to allow shared visualization, design, research, and instruction. The platform can be used to share in the exploration of scientific data (volumetric models, lidar/point clouds, isosurfaces, and other such examples displaying anatomical models, meteorological volumes, molecular visualizations, etc.), scans and recreations of historical and cultural heritage sites and artifacts (photogrammetry, 3D models, animations, etc.), or any other spatial viewing experience. Custom tools, such as 3D drawings, enable instructors to add notes and diagrams directly on the virtual presentation to enhance information and reinforce points during lectures. 

Zachary Kain, Vice President of Operations, GIS Benefits, Inc. — Purdue HTM Alum

Location: STEW 206

The principles of hospitality open more doors than you might imagine. In this session, see how the principles of service, leadership, and adaptability translate into success across industries. Learn how to leverage a hospitality foundation to build a dynamic, high-impact career that’s anything but traditional.

Eric Chlumecky, Senior Analyst, Northern Trust Asset Management

Location: STEW 202

Structured products are increasingly part of the modern financial landscape, offering customizable solutions that combine traditional investments with derivatives to meet specific client needs. But how do they fit into the practice of financial counseling and planning? This session breaks down the fundamentals of structured products, explores their role in portfolio construction, and highlights the potential benefits and risks for different client scenarios. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of when and how these products may serve as effective planning tools – balancing income, protection, and growth objectives – while keeping client well-being and fiduciary responsibility at the forefront.

Sara Zou, United Airlines, Kevin Hinton, U.S. Travel Association, Rooshana Purnyn, ElevAI (Formerly Hyatt), and Moderator: John Gianforte, Programmers, Inc

Location: Fowler Hall in Stewart Center

Hospitality has moved far beyond loyalty cards and guest surveys. Today, AI-driven insights predict preferences, personalize service, and reshape how we define great hospitality. This panel brings together leaders with experience from United Airlines, Hyatt, and the U.S. Travel Association to explore how data is redefining the guest journey—from community connection to predictive personalization—while ensuring privacy, authenticity, and the human touch that remain at the heart of every experience.

Donald “Chip” Misch, COO and General Manager, Missouri Athletic Club — Purdue HTM Alum

Location: STEW 204

Join us for an insightful session led by a seasoned expert with over 35 years of experience in the private club industry. This session will begin with an overview of the speaker’s extensive background, followed by a deep dive into what makes the club industry unique compared to other sectors in hospitality. Discover the industry’s wide-reaching impact through key statistics and learn about the interconnected roles of community property management, real estate, and construction within private clubs. Gain valuable lessons from decades of leadership, and explore the future of this extraordinary industry as we look ahead.

Location: STEW 218C

The Envision Center will showcase the CollabXR platform, a co-located immersive classroom experience, tailored to allow shared visualization, design, research, and instruction. The platform can be used to share in the exploration of scientific data (volumetric models, lidar/point clouds, isosurfaces, and other such examples displaying anatomical models, meteorological volumes, molecular visualizations, etc.), scans and recreations of historical and cultural heritage sites and artifacts (photogrammetry, 3D models, animations, etc.), or any other spatial viewing experience. Custom tools, such as 3D drawings, enable instructors to add notes and diagrams directly on the virtual presentation to enhance information and reinforce points during lectures. 

Dominic DeMicco, Financial Advisor, SGL Financial

Location: STEW 206

Launching a wealth management firm is about more than investment strategies—it’s about vision, trust, and building a business that lasts. This session brings together experienced founders and financial leaders to discuss the entrepreneurial journey of starting a firm from the ground up. From navigating regulatory requirements and establishing a client base to creating a brand and differentiating services in a crowded marketplace, participants will gain candid insights into the challenges and opportunities of ownership. Whether you aspire to break out on your own or simply want to understand what it takes to succeed in the wealth management space, this conversation offers practical lessons and inspiration for turning ambition into a thriving enterprise.

Shawn Bucher, Clinical Assistant Professor, White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management

Location: STEW 204

What if every interaction could become a lasting memory? This session explores how combining the principles from The Power of Moments by Chip and Dan Heath with Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara can help organizations create transformative experiences through intentional, personalized service. Learn how to elevate everyday moments into defining experiences that foster deep emotional connection, loyalty, and joy. Through real-world examples and actionable strategies, you’ll discover how thoughtful generosity and human-centered leadership can turn service into a powerful differentiator. Whether in hospitality, healthcare, education, or business, this session will inspire you to reimagine your impact, one unforgettable moment at a time.

Devin Johnson, Account Manager, Aston Carter — Purdue HTM Alum

Location: STEW 202

Behind every successful organization is a sales team that not only meets targets but thrives together. This session explores the essential strategies for developing a high-performing sales force—from attracting and retaining top talent to fostering a culture of motivation, accountability, and shared success. Participants will learn how to align individual goals with organizational objectives, create incentive structures that inspire without burning out, and build team dynamics that elevate performance. Whether you’re leading a small team or managing a large sales organization, this conversation offers practical tools and leadership insights to help you unlock potential, boost engagement, and drive lasting results.

Jose Laboy, Chief Operating Officer – Restaurant Division, Prime Hospitality — Purdue HTM Alum

Location: Fowler Hall in Stewart Center

Restaurants are evolving faster than ever, but one thing hasn’t changed: guests remember how you made them feel. Jose Laboy, chief operating officer of Prime Hospitality, discusses the balance of efficiency and empathy in the restaurant industry, offering practical examples of how leaders can harness technology while keeping people – their teams and their guests – at the center of hospitality.