Most lodging industry professionals will recognize Kennedy Training Network and its President, Doug Kennedy, from reading his monthly training articles, or from participating in one of the more than 2,450 training workshops and 150 conference’s he’s presented at since 1989.

Now, in addition to offering its own training programs and support services delivered by the KTN team, Kennedy has personally curated a collection of uniquely talented conference speakers, all of whom have come up through the ranks in the hotel and lodging industry.

I’m often asked by conference planners to recommend additional speakers for the same events I’m presenting at, or for referrals for new speakers for the next year’s event, Kennedy said. Plus, we have a lot of clients whom I’ve trained year-after-year, and while I appreciate their loyalty, I think it’s in their own best interest to gain exposure to other perspectives, so these partners are also available for company-wide, in-house training events.

Each KTN Network Partner will of course continue to operate their own separate companies and freely offer their services directly to their own clients, but their affiliation allows KTN to offer its clients topic areas not previously offered by its in-house trainers.

I’m super proud and honored to welcome Amber, Calvin, and Lynn, said Kennedy. We conference speakers are usually very critical of our peers, but when I saw these three present last year, I have to say I was immediately enthralled and wanted them for our KTN Network.

Amber Hurdle is a globally recognized brand & leadership keynote speaker who has been covered in publications such as Entrepreneur Magazine, Fortune Magazine, and Bloomberg Businessweek. She is the author of The Bombshell Business Woman: How to Become a Bold, Brave Female Entrepreneur. Her presentation style is summed-up by an exact quote from an attendee: "Amber gets real, real fast!" She specializes in being either the opening keynoter, offering a high-energy kick-off for the entire conference, or as a featured speaker. If time allows Amber loves “surfing” the audience and always makes herself available to converse with your participants throughout. As an option, events can also include a book signing or break out session to deepen her connection with attendees. Amber’s story is itself an inspiration, being a former teen mom who evolved into a powerhouse businesswoman who worked with international celebrities and Fortune 100 companies alike. In addition to presenting, she stays extremely busy providing consulting and coaching for clients including large brands such as FedEx Ground, Marriott Hotels, and Stella & Dot, as well as small businesses who want to play big. The daughter of a culinarian and a drummer who frequently traveled, Amber was literally raised in the hospitality industry. Amber’s hospitality career officially began at Gaylord Opryland Hotel Nashville, where she became the Director of STAR Events & Communications.

Amber’s topics include:

  • Let The Best Employer Brand Win: How To Compete For Talent In An Ever Changing World
  • Velvet Machete® Leadership: The Confident, Compassionate Path To Personal Power
  • Create A Powerful Brand: Lead & Grow A Passionate Business Following

Calvin Stovall is Chief Experience Officer for ICONIC Presentations, LLC. Calvin specializes in delivering high energy presentations with the perfect blend of business concepts, storytelling and music themes to bring home an impactful message that touches both the heads and hearts of audiences. Armed with more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Calvin shares real-life, hands-on practical customer experience and leadership principles which can be easily applied daily. Calvin started his career at the front desk at the Holiday Inn Chicago City Center, and eventually worked his way up to VP of Brand Marketing for Homewood Suites by Hilton. During his tenure, Homewood was voted best in class four consecutive years by JD Power and Associates for its impeccable product and service quality. Calvin was born and raised in the infamous Cabrini Green housing projects in Chicago during the era of the iconic 70’s television show, Soul Train, and his enthusiastic passion for music has continued ever since. He leverages his life experiences as a business leader, along with the universal language of music, to engage and connect with his audiences. He has energized and motivated people nationwide with his high-content, unorthodox, and humorous platform. Calvin’s academic credentials are also impeccable, as he holds an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Chicago State University and a Master’s of Hospitality Management degree from Cornell University School of Hotel Administration. Calvin’s topics include:

  • Iconic Customer Services
  • How To Become An Iconic Brand Your Customers Love
  • Success Principles Of Iconic Leadership

Lynn Zwibak Those looking for a speaker or trainer to help “non-revenue managers” better understand principles and practices of revenue management need look no further than Lynn. In addition to having extraordinary knowledge and experience, Lynn has infectious energy, passion and a unique ability to translate technical concepts for all levels of professionals and disciplines. Lynn’s academic credentials speak for themselves, as she has a B.S. from the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration and an M.B.A. from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and is an adjunct professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Virginia Tech University. Lynn is also well credentialed from prominent hotel associations, having achieved the CRME and CHDM Certifications from HSMAI and the CHIA and CHE Certifications from AHLEI. Yet Lynn also brings the perspective of real-world experience, having had remarkable career stops including Revenue Management leadership roles with Marriott, Crestline Hotels & Resorts, and independent hotels in the United States, Africa, and Asia, as well as Director of Group Sales with Hilton and Training Manager with Marriott. Lynn’s Topics include:

  • Revenue Management 101 (For non-revenue managers such as GM’s and other leaders from marketing, operations and sales.)
  • How to Read and Understand Your STR™ Report (and Other Data Sources.)
  • Evaluating Group Business Potentials – From Your Revenue Manager’s Side of The Table.

For more pricing and delivery details, contact KTN at [email protected] or by phone (01) 954.533.9130 www.kennedytrainingnetwork.com.

About Kennedy Training Network Inc.

KTN is the lodging and hospitality industry's best source for hotel training programs and supportive services in topic areas of hotel sales, catering/event sales, hotel reservations sales, and hospitality & guest service excellence. KTN President Doug Kennedy has been a fixture on the lodging and tourism conference speaking circuit for decades. Hoteliers worldwide read his monthly hotel, tourism and hospitality industry sales training articles in this publication and elsewhere. Visit www.kennedytrainingnetwork.com or call (01) 954-533-9130.

Doug Kennedy
Kennedy Training Network (KTN)