2024 District Conference
AGENDA OVERVIEW
#SUNCON24
Thursday, July 25th
1:30 – 2:30pm: Welcome & Opening Keynote
2:30 – 2:45pm: Break
2:45-3:30: Breakout Sessions A
3:45-4:30pm: Afternoon Keynote
Check into hotel rooms, dinner on own
Evening (Time TBD): Opening Night Reception
Friday, July 26th
7:30 – 8am: Breakfast Buffet
8- 8:50am: Morning Keynote
9– 9:50am: Breakout Sessions B
10 – 10:50am: Breakout Sessions C
11-11:50am: Breakout Sessions D
12– 1:50pm: Lunch and Radiance Awards
1:50 – 2:15pm: Afternoon Break
2:25 – 2:50pm: Closing Keynote Speaker
2:50-3pm: Closing Remarks
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Keynotes
Thursday Opening Keynote
Disney’s Approach to Leadership Excellence
This is your opportunity to learn from Disney Institute and the business insights behind Disney’s success. In this keynote presentation, learn how leadership is more than just a title—it’s about the actions one takes, rather than the position one holds, to create sustained, positive transformations within an organization.
Attendees will also learn how great leaders proactively establish values and vision, and operationalize them for the future, as well as how establishing a leadership legacy can create long-lasting, positive impacts on your organization. You will leave inspired and empowered to create a framework of effective leadership practices for years to come.
Bio
For over 30 years, Disney Institute has helped business professionals learn the Disney approach to customer experience—rooted in time-tested business insights on leadership, employee engagement and quality service that create a culture of excellence at Disney parks and resorts.
This is your opportunity to learn from a Disney Institute facilitator—a true Disney “insider.” Each facilitator has been immersed in the Disney culture first-hand, drawing upon their personal expertise having performed a variety of roles and leadership positions within The Walt Disney Company.
In addition to their personal experience, facilitators have also attained diverse knowledge through their work with an array of Disney Institute clients across many different industries.
More details about our dedicated Disney Institute facilitator will be shared soon.
Molly McPherson, APR
Author of Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis
Thursday Afternoon Keynote
The Strategic Storyteller: Mastering Crisis Communication in an Online World
Molly McPherson, APR will dive into how storytelling and crisis management intertwine on social media platforms, focusing on strategies for PR professionals to effectively use stories to control situations and maintain public trust. We’ll cover the impact of social media on crisis comms, how to use storytelling effectively, ways to engage and regain trust, and look at case studies showing how strategic storytelling has been successfully applied in real crises.
Bio
In Molly McPherson’s world, just about anything is a tell. That’s how The Boston Globe described McPherson’s work as a crisis communications expert who moonlights as a celebrity PR whisperer on TikTok.
As an APR-certified crisis management and public relations practitioner, McPherson uses her deep understanding of media culture to benefit her clients and the over half a million social media followers who look to her for insight into brand and celebrity actions, whether genuine or part of a PR stunt.
McPherson is the author of “Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis” and a trusted voice on platforms like The Today Show, CNN, and NPR, as well as a commentator for major news outlets like The New York Times and the BBC.
Tekoa Pouerie
National Bias Trainer and Leadership Catalyst
Friday Morning Keynote
Erase the Lines: Embracing Equity and Overcoming Bias
Overcoming bias is a journey of introspection and courageous dialogue. Tekoa Pouerie will delve into the existing lines of inequality and bias that exist within our society and explore the ways in which they affect the lives of our children, our families and us as professionals.
Pouerie will challenge us to question our own biases and assumptions, while encouraging a deep sense of self-awareness and empathy. We will explore practical strategies and tools that can be implemented in our everyday work, to ensure that our practices are rooted in equity and where every child and family feels seen, heard, and valued. By embracing equity, we can foster a more inclusive and harmonious workplace.
Bio
Tekoa Pouerie is a certified and nationally recognized bias trainer, author, media correspondent and advocate focused on erasing the lines that divide marginalized communities. She has trained more than 10,000 individuals, including judges, trial lawyers and human resource professionals, to recognize and reduce disproportionality in the workforce.
Recognized by the NBA as a “Social Justice Game Changer,” a recipient of the Orlando Business Journal Champion of Diversity award, and one of Orlando Magazine’s 2024 Women of the Year, Pouerie has been featured by USA Today, Ebony Magazine and more.
Pouerie has helped raise over $10 million for nonprofits, including Power Promise, Inc., Harbor House of Central Florida and Pace Center for Girls. As vice president of resource development for Pace Center for Girls’ national office, her fundraising and leadership development strategies help transform the lives of girls in need.
Additional top-tier keynote speakers will be announced.
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