2025 Annual Conference Speakers
More to come
Emily Penfold DaileyFounder & CEO, PenDailey ConsultingEmily Dailey is the Founder & CEO of PenDailey Consulting, a boutique firm specializing in branding, marketing, and sustainability strategy for hospitality, tourism, and wellness businesses. With a background rooted in hotel operations and commercial strategy, Emily brings a pragmatic, collaborative approach to helping clients grow with purpose. She is especially committed to supporting independent hotels, woman-led ventures, and values-driven businesses. Emily’s leadership is grounded in both vision and execution, shaped by her commitment to creativity, stewardship, and the long-term success of her clients and community. Brief Bio | Chef Timothy J. DionisioHilton Columbus at EastonA born and raised Ohio native, Executive Chef Timothy J. Dionisio hails from Youngstown and is proud to serve up regional specialties to our guests and celebrate great local flavors. He enjoys partnering with local farms, artisans and purveyors for fresh seasonal ingredients to bring out the best in each recipe. With a creative eye and a passion for cooking, Tim leads his culinary team to welcome every guest with great food and heartfelt hospitality. Brief Bio |
Michael-lynn EvansFounder & Principal, AP ConsultingMichael-lynn Evans understands that business does not operate in a vacuum and neither does leadership. With over 23 years of experience advising clients across sectors, Evans has made a career out of helping organizations act not only in their own interest but in ways that engage and shape the broader civic and political environment. As the founder of AP Consulting, Evans leads with the belief that policy outcomes are not inevitable; they are the product of deliberate strategy, sustained engagement, and institutional fluency. She partners with Fortune 500 companies, trade associations, small businesses, nonprofits, and public officials to build the capacity needed to navigate the increasingly complex intersections of lawmaking, regulation, and influence. Brief Bio | Jacob EvansPartner, Lumpe Raber & EvansJacob C. Evans is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Juris Doctor from Capital University School of Law. Beginning in 2000 with the Craig Group, Evans represented clients before the Ohio General Assembly, Ohio Division of Liquor Control, and Ohio Liquor Control Commission. He acted in a government affairs capacity by successfully collaborating with many stakeholders to assist in the formulation of laws and rules that impact bars, restaurants, carry-outs, spirits manufacturers, and spirits brokers. He served as General Counsel to the Ohio Licensed Beverage Association for eight years and as General Counsel to the Ohio Spirits Association from its inception in 2011 until his departure in 2015. Brief Bio |
James FergusonKeynote Speaker, Employee Engagement Expert, Culture Coach, and the Bestselling Author of The Confetti Culture PlaybookJames is a visionary Keynote Speaker, Employee Engagement Expert, Culture Coach, and the Bestselling Author of The Confetti Culture Playbook. With a proven track record of leading Hospitality Management teams, James puts the FUN back in the fundamentals, specializing in building cultures where employees feel seen, heard, and celebrated—every single day! Brief Bio | Finn FullerCo-Owner, HockingHills.comAs co-owner of HockingHills.com, Finn Fuller plays a leading role in shaping how travelers experience one of Ohio’s most beloved destinations. HockingHills.com is the largest lodging and tourism platform in the Hocking Hills region, connecting visitors from across the country with local cabins, lodges, and adventures while supporting hundreds of small businesses that form the backbone of the community. Brief Bio |
Jamey KingSenior Marketing Manager, eviivoJamey King is a Senior Marketing Manager at eviivo, leading all marketing efforts across North America. Based in Indiana, Jamey is a seasoned mentor and respected voice in the vacation rental and short-term accommodation space. With over two decades of experience in strategic partnerships, sales, and marketing, he brings a rare blend of creativity, business acumen, and industry insight. Brief Bio | Annette LinDirector of Sales, DoubleTree by Hilton Newark, OhioAnnette was born and raised in Newark, graduated from Licking Valley HS and COTC. Starting her career as an event planner at the Grand Host East in Reynoldsburg(now the western branch of COTC) moved into Hotels at Fort Rapids Indoor Waterpark Resort in Columbus and currently is the Director of Sales at the DoubleTree by Hilton in downtown Newark! Brief Bio |
Angela (Angie) McQuistionAccount Manager & Senior Designer, McConnell MarketingAngie has spent 11 years in the design and marketing field, and her expertise helps to elevate the creativity of any project. Her skills range from digital designs and websites to print materials for any marketing need, with her favorites being motion design and video editing. Brief Bio | Brittany MisnerEconomic & Community Development Director, The Village of HebronBrittany Misner is the Economic & Community Development Director for the Village of Hebron. In this role, she spearheads initiatives to attract businesses, enhance infrastructure and improve quality of life. Prior to joining the Village of Hebron, she made her mark as the Vice President of the Licking County Chamber of Commerce, leading initiatives that bridged businesses and local communities. Her unique blend of nonprofit leadership and private sector acumen has empowered her to drive impactful change in the community. Brief Bio |
Dan ModerExecutive Director, Explore Licking CountyDan is a lifelong resident of Licking County, growing up in Granville. After attending The Ohio State University, Dan returned home to his roots and began his nearly 30-year career in the hospitality industry. Dan honed his skills in hotel operations, food and beverage management, human resource management, tourism marketing, and public relations while leading teams at many local landmarks including: The Longaberger Company, The Buxton Inn and Cherry Valley Lodge. He was asked to lead the efforts as Executive Director of Licking County’s Direct Marketing Organization – Explore Licking County in 2012. Brief Bio | Kendra ProudfitGeneral Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Newark, OhioKendra Proudfit is the General Manager of the DoubleTree by Hilton Newark, Ohio, owned & operated by Indus Hotels. With over 25 years of experience in hospitality, she has held key roles at Salt Fork Resort & Conference Center, The Longaberger Company, Newark Metropolitan Hotel, and now the DoubleTree by Hilton, including Rooms Division Manager , Sales & Catering Manager, and General Manager. Kendra has been recognized for her achievements with awards such as Inside Sales Person of the Year for Xanterra Parks & Resorts and Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association General Manager of the Year for Greater Columbus. Brief Bio |
Terri StivariusChief Trainer, Coach, & Investigator, PointerWiseTerri Stivarius is the Owner of PointerWise, an HR and organizational development consulting firm based in Atlanta. She practiced employment law with two national law firms for 22 years before serving as an HR, legal, and employee relations executive with a global pharmaceutical company and later a regional healthcare company. Brief Bio | Jenny Stotts, MS, LSWYouth Ombudsman, State of OhioJenny Stotts is Ohio’s first Youth Ombudsman, serving youth across the state. She was appointed in May 2022 by Governor Mike DeWine to lead the youth team in the newly launched Youth and Family Ombudsmen Office. She is a licensed social worker and an advocate for those who often go unheard. She describes herself simply as: Mother, Wife, Friend, Social Worker, Rotarian, and Troublemaking Millennial. Brief Bio |
Steve WoodwardVice President, Innovation, Learning and Development, Red RoofAs Red Roof's Vice President of Innovation, Learning and Development, Steve Woodward is focused on developing and implementing programs that enable Red Roof leaders, team members, associates, and franchisees to raise the bar through helping others to build on their strengths while unleashing the capabilities of empowerment to deliver exemplary experiences. Brief Bio |
