Join us to Engage deeply, Connect meaningfully, and Influence the future.
Keynote Speakers
Stacey Hanke
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Coming from an entrepreneurial upbringing, Stacey learned early on how we consistently show up and interact determines our success in our organizations and in our lives. Starting with a career in voice-over, she quickly realized how every word matters – every movement of your body matters and every sound you make matters (volume, tone and inflection). All of these combined determines who listens, who stays connected with you, who believes you and then acts on your recommendation.
Stacey then jumped into the corporate world as a trainer for Fortune 500 companies, training every possible topic from motivation to customer service to leadership. She traveled internationally researching the difference between a leader who is influential versus a leader who’s simply a good communicator.
Today, Stacey is the CEO of a highly sought-after consulting and training company where she mentors leaders who want to ensure their employees perceive them as an influential leader – those who are working towards a promotion – and sales professionals to ensure their message and style resonates with their clients.
An inductee into the Speaker Hall of Fame, she has been a featured guest on media outlets including: The New York Times, Forbes, Entrepreneur, Thrive, SmartMoney Magazine, The Economist and Business Week. Her client list is vast: FedEx, McDonalds, Google, Kraft Heinz, Nationwide, American Express, Discover and Oracle. Her knowledge leading diverse, high-level teams makes her a sought-after speaker and consultant and she has inspired thousands around the world through her ability to connect with an audience and one-on-one.
With over 20 years of studying influence across cultures and industries, leading large corporate teams makes her the perfect fit for organizations large and small who are ready to influence on a consistent basis. Clients hire Stacey because of her implementable strategies that help leaders get to the point, communicate with confidence and credibility, to build trust and deliver messages that drive action, creating lasting results.
Christopher W. Naughton, Esq
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Chief Executive Officer, Edgar CAYCE Foundation and A.R.E.
Naughton is a leader withexperience across business, law, broadcasting, and nonprofit organizations. A former New Jersey prosecutor, Naughton is a six-time Emmy® Award-winning host and executive producer of The American Law Journal, which aired on the Philadelphia CNN affiliate for more than two decades. He also created and hosted the NPR-affiliate program New World Radio on comparative spirituality. Naughton is the author of the recently published book America’s Next Great Awakening, which examines the convergence of mysticism, atheism, religion, and science.
Karen Wright, MA, MHt
Wednesday, January 21st, 2026
1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Dream Interpretation Workshop: How understanding your dreams will help you both personally and professionally.
In this workshop featuring an integral leadership coach and student of the Edgar Cayce Foundation, you will learn to grow your confidence in understanding and applying the messages from your dreams to your waking life.
Dreams and Meditation: A Practical Approach to Self-Discovery explores how dreams and meditation together can unlock deeper self-awareness. Blending psychology and mindfulness, it offers practical exercises for recalling, interpreting, and meditating on dreams to reveal hidden emotions, resolve inner conflicts, and promote personal growth.
Karen Wright, MA, MHt is a Master Hypnotherapist, Reiki Master, Life Coach, and Spiritual Intuitive. She serves as a lecturer and staff member at the Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.)
With a background as a dedicated educator and former professor, Karen was honored as Kentucky’s Teacher of the Year in 2006. She holds dual Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Spanish, as well as a Master’s in Teaching and in Teaching English as a Second Language.
Education Sessions
Speakers and topics selected by the Summit Commitee and attendees.
Send topics to cassante@syta.org.
Thursday, January 23, 2026
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
What employers need to hear from Generation Z
Gen Z (born roughly 1997–2012) is reshaping the workplace with new priorities and expectations. They’re the first true digital-native generation, and their attitudes toward work have been shaped by economic uncertainty, global connectedness, and a desire for authenticity.
Employers who listen to Gen Z’s voice — their need for purpose, authenticity, flexibility, and growth — will attract and retain top talent.
This session will provide an overview of Gen Z and a panel of Gen Zers sharing their thoughts and expectations on working in the tourism and hospitality industry and how we can communicate and inspire them.
Tour Operator Forums
Forums are dedicated to addressing key issues and concerns facing tour operators in today’s challening environment. Attendees are encouraged to send discussion topics to cassante@syta.org.
