Keynote Speakers
Kraig Kann
KAN Advisory LLC
Kraig Kann is a former network sports anchor turned LPGA executive turned entrepreneurial force. As the founder of Kann Advisory Group, he’s built a powerhouse platform for communication, branding, and executive presence—trusted by global brands like Accenture, SAP, KPMG, Zurich, Marriott, Titleist, and the PGA of America. A 25-year media veteran and original on-air talent at NBC’s Golf Channel, Kraig later served as Chief Communications Officer at the LPGA, where he led global media strategy and brand growth, taking the league to new heights and international headlines. His impact included partnerships with KPMG, Kia, Rolex, ANA, and others, while mentoring athletes and teams on brand and voice.
Today, Kraig headlines keynotes, leads the KAG signature “Elevate Workshop”, and coaches high-performing executives through his trademark “Brand New You” program. He’s also an award-winning author (Can You Get Our Attention?), a former national SiriusXM host, and is the voice behind the Tracks To Success podcast. From Olympic stages to corporate boardrooms, Kraig brings unmatched energy, authenticity, and insight—helping others own their moment, deliver their message, and stand out with confidence.
Mark Waltrip
Trip Capital Advisors
Why Ethics Matter
Green Shoes in a Grey World – Why Blending In Is the Fastest Way to Be Forgotten
Mark Waltrip is the founder and CEO of Trip Capital Advisors, a real estate development and hospitality firm that specializes in creating and operating destination resorts, restaurants, retail, entertainment, and experiential venues across the country. Mark is a former C-level executive and seasoned advisor with deep experience scaling complex hospitality, real estate, and consumer businesses with experience leading more 8,000+ team members and over $3 billion in acquisition and development projects. He previously served as Chief Operating Officer of Westgate Resorts, helping lead a vertically integrated, billion-dollar hospitality and real estate enterprise. His background includes working on the first commercial space launch program and serving 20 years in the U.S. Air Force.
Mark is a published author, patented inventor, musician and sought-after speaker on leadership, culture, and organizational growth. His books include Recipes for Success: A Cookbook with a Recipe for Life and Building a Culture of Success. His latest book, You Already Have a Culture is based on the lessons learned from helping organizations grow and sustain a healthy culture. Mark is an accomplished musician who wrote and published the song A Hero’s Walk, recorded by Grammy Award–winning artist Lee Greenwood.
General Speakers
Debbie Wemyss
DW Consulting Services
Why LinkedIn Matters
Debbie Wemyss is Founder of DW Consulting Solutions (DWCS), a consulting firm in West Palm Beach, Florida specializing in LinkedIn Coaching and Speaking engagements. Ms. Wemyss has been named one of the Top 50 International LinkedIn Experts of 2022, 2023, and 2024 by Baschi SALE of Zurich, Switzerland. After an initial 25+ year career in PR, marketing, and fundraising in the nonprofit industry, she launched DWCS in 2011 to fill a void in social media, specifically, LinkedIn. With clients in21 countries, DWCS offers customized coaching and speaking to use LinkedIn effectively for branding and marketing. A member of the Palm Beach North Chamber and Keiser University Advisory Board, Ms. Wemyss is active in several professional networking groups. DW Consulting Solutions is not affiliated with or endorsed by LinkedIn® Corporation.
Gayle Edwards
PAS Companies
U-S-A-L-I – I’m an Accountant – What are These Letters All About?
Gayle Edwards is President & CEO of PAS Companies, the parent organization of Professional Accounting Solutions (PAS), where she leads the strategic vision and continued growth of a portfolio of companies dedicated to advancing financial technology and consulting solutions for the hospitality industry. With more than 30 years of hospitality experience, Gayle is recognized for her ability to bridge operations, finance, and technology, helping organizations improve performance through innovation and practical leadership.
Before joining PAS, Gayle spent 25 years in the hospitality industry, advancing from guest service agent to Senior Vice President of Finance. Her extensive background includes operations, accounting, information technology, asset management, financial systems management, and property, area, and regional-level finance leadership. She has also led transition and acquisition teams, directing complex ERP implementations and large-scale financial system conversions for multiple hospitality organizations.
Today, Gayle continues to shape the future of hospitality finance through her leadership of PAS Companies while ensuring PAS remains a trusted partner to hotels, management companies, and ownership groups worldwide. Her collaborative leadership style, deep industry expertise, and commitment to client success have earned the respect of colleagues and hospitality professionals throughout the industry.
Christina Finch
Finch Executive Search
Claim Your Seat At The Table: The Mindset & Action Plan for Career Breakthrough
Christina Finch is founder of Finch Search Partners, an Executive Search and Career Advisory firm. Christina specializes in Finance and Accounting leadership placements (CFO, CAO, Controller) across Hospitality, Construction, and Real Estate Development. With 26 years of recruiting experience and a track record building and scaling staffing firms, she launched FSP in 2021 to focus on direct hire placements and career coaching. Through her Career Advisory practice, Christina coaches senior-level professionals navigating career transitions and advancement. She works with clients to clarify direction, develop positioning, and execute targeted strategies toward their next opportunity. Christina is a past President (2020) of the Mid-Florida HFTP chapter and currently the Engagement Committee Chair. Christina is a Central Florida native and a graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Donovan Pyle
Health Compass Consulting
Unlocking EBITDA: Eliminating $4,000 Per Employee In Healthcare Waste
Donovan Pyle is the Founder & CEO of Health Compass Consulting and author of the bestselling book, Fixing Healthcare. His strategies are sought by C-suite leaders and international government entities alike. Recently named the "2025 Benefits Advisor of the Year" by the Validation Institute, Donovan was also an award finalist for "Most Influential Industry Personality" alongside Mark Cuban. He recently served as the lead Subject Matter Expert for Bloomberg Law's analysis of the rising wave of class-action lawsuits targeting major employers and brokers, establishing him as one of the nation's leading voices on fiduciary risk. Health Compass Consulting is a fiduciary health benefits consulting firm that helps employers eliminate wasteful healthcare spending and fulfill their lawful fiduciary duty.
Shaun Smith, CPA, CHAE, CHTP, CCM, MBA
Smith CPAs & Associates
Demystification of the CPA Year-End Audit Process for Private Club / Country Clubs
Shaun Smith, CPA is the Founder and Managing Partner of Smith CPAs & Associates, a full-service CPA firm based in Weston, Florida. Leading a team of over 30 professionals, Shaun has built the firm's reputation on delivering high-quality tax compliance, audit, bookkeeping, and advisory services to a diverse client base spanning private clubs, nonprofit organizations and privately held businesses.
Under his leadership, Smith CPAs & Associates has expanded its service offerings to include specialized advisory work such as fractional CFO services, helping clients move beyond compliance toward strategic financial guidance. Shaun is committed to combining deep technical expertise with responsive, relationship-driven service, and continues to grow the firm's capabilities to meet the evolving needs of its clients.
Dr. Murat Kizildag, Ph.D., MBA
Rosen College of Hospitality Management
The New Economics of Value Creation: Asset-Intelligence
Dr. Murat Kizildag is an Associate Professor of Finance and Strategic Planning and Analytics Coordinator at the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management. He also holds a position as a Chief Consultant at MKZ Consulting Group, an Orlando-based consulting and advisory company. His scholarly work is driven by a deep fascination with financial research and analytics. His expertise spans security valuation, risk and investment analytics, financial modeling and forecasting, portfolio optimization, and advanced time-series analysis. He has produced approximately 65 publications across multiple business finance and hospitality journals. His research achievements have been recognized with the Excellence in Research Fellow Award from the University of Central Florida. Dr. Kizildag serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Hospitality Financial Management (JHFM) and Managing Editor of the International Journal of Hospitality Management (IJHM) one of the field’s premier SSCI journals. He also holds Associate Editor roles with the Journal of Food Business Research (JFBR). He has delivered keynote and panel presentations at numerous conferences and industry events, including Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), the Florida Institute of CPAs (FICPA) Mega CPE Conference, and the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA).
Aaron Smith
Alliants
How Guest Journey Expectations are Changing in the Digital Age
Aaron Smith is a sales leader at Alliants, a hospitality technology company focused on helping hotels and resorts create seamless, connected guest experiences. With more than 10 years of experience in hospitality technology, Aaron partners with leading hospitality brands to modernize the guest journey through solutions including messaging, digital check in, mobile key, concierge services, and guest engagement tools. Passionate about the intersection of hospitality and technology, he works closely with operators to understand evolving guest expectations and how digital experiences can strengthen guest relationships, improve operational efficiency, and drive loyalty. Aaron currently resides in Fort Lauderdale.
Ruby (Hong Ngoc) Nguyen, CHTP, CHIA
Rosen College of Hospitality Management, University of Central Florida (UCF)
Developing an Engaged and Committed Hospitality Workforce through Successful Adaptation to Smart Technology
Ruby (Hong Ngoc) Nguyen is a PhD Candidate at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, University of Central Florida (UCF). Originally from Vietnam, Ruby has over ten years of combined experiences including studying abroad and working for large-scale hospitality brands across Asia and the US. Prior to joining UCF, she has also accumulated 3 years of experience teaching hospitality and tourism courses at universities in Vietnam. Ruby's primary research interests include examining the impacts of smart technology implementation (including service robots and AI) on hospitality operations, customer behaviors, and employee well-being.
Denise Murphy, CHM
The Players Club & Spa
Creating Extraordinary Experiences: Developing People, Culture & Future Leaders in Hospitality
Denise Murphy, CHM, is the General Manager of The Players Club & Spa in Naples, Florida. With more than 25 years at Stock Development, she has progressed from Corporate Controller to Club Controller and ultimately General Manager, bringing expertise in hospitality finance, operations, technology, and executive leadership. Denise is passionate about developing future hospitality leaders through mentorship, workforce development, and community partnerships. She serves on several hospitality, education, and workforce development boards, including the Florida SouthWestern State College Board of Trustees, and is an active member of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and the Florida Chamber Foundation's Future of Work Advisory Board. Denise is a frequent speaker on leadership, organizational culture, and operational excellence and is committed to helping shape the next generation of hospitality professionals. The Players Club & Spa is an award-winning private lifestyle club located within the Lely Resort community in Naples, Florida.
Dr. Judy Holcomb, ACC, CHAE
D-Gravity Coaching
The Power of Managing Up: Building a Strategic Partnership
Dr. Judy Holcomb, ACC, CEC, works with emerging and accomplished professionals who want to improve their leadership skills so that they can reach their full personal and professional potential. She has a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Central Florida. After over 25 years in the hospitality industry, Dr. Holcomb decided to give back to the industry by teaching, her past positions include Instructor at Rosen College of Hospitality Management and Professor of Hospitality Management at Saint Leo University. She is currently the Owner and President of D Gravity Coaching and Training. She supports companies and individuals as an Executive/Leadership Coach and Trainer.
Akshay Nelliot
KAN Advisory
The New Front Door: Staying visible when AI Decides Who gets Booked
Akshay Nelliot is the founder of KAN Advisory LLC, a consultancy that advises hotel ownership groups, asset managers, and family offices on operational performance, revenue strategy, and AI readiness. He spent 20 years in luxury hotels, including 15 years with Four Seasons across San Francisco, Philadelphia, Miami, Toronto, Dubai, and the Maldives, operating at director level and above. His recent work includes a rate repositioning on two boutique properties, a complete rooms division build for a new brand, an upsell program now rolling out across a boutique hotel portfolio and design standards for a luxury short term rental brand. He is based in California. KAN Advisory LLC, California. A boutique consultancy serving luxury hotel ownership groups and asset managers: operational performance, revenue strategy, and AI powered diagnostics.
Dr. Suzanne Markham Bagnera
Beyond Prompts: Building AI Workflows That Save Time and Improve Decisions in Hospitality
Dr. Suzanne Markham Bagnera, CHA, CED, is an Assistant Professor at Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, where she leads lodging-focused instruction and serves as Program Director of Hospitality Executive Education. With over 25 years of hospitality industry experience and 23 years in higher education, Suzanne has held leadership roles at IHG hotels and top universities. She co-created FIU’s executive course on AI in hospitality and is the Founder of the Hospitality Leadership Academy. A published author and award-winning podcast producer (No Vacancy Live, [CLIC] Connect, & Friday Night Audit), she’s been recognized by the International Hospitality Institute as one of the most influential educators and social media voices in the field.
Adam Tuttle
Yipy
Leading and Understanding Diverse Generations in the Workplace
Adam Tuttle is the Co-Founder and CEO of Yipy, the hospitality industry’s first Standards Management System. A UNLV-trained hotelier, he built his career at Four Seasons, advancing from line-level operations into leadership roles across rooms, food & beverage, recreation, and hotel openings, including Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World. After leaving property operations, Adam spent years helping hospitality organizations improve operational performance through standards, service quality, and readiness for Forbes Travel Guide evaluations, brand audits, health inspections, and ownership reviews. Working with hotels of every size and segment, he saw the same challenge repeat: organizations had documented standards, invested in training, and conducted regular audits, yet execution remained inconsistent from property to property, department to department, and shift to shift. That insight led Adam to co-found Yipy. Rather than building another audit or documentation tool, he set out to create a system that helps hospitality organizations transform operational expectations into consistent execution. Today, Adam works with hotel brands, management companies, and owners around the world to help them improve operational consistency, strengthen accountability, and deliver the guest experience their standards were designed to achieve.
Betsy Gardner
Author, Human in the Room: The New Art of Presence, Judgement & Trust
Human in the Room: a New Type of Business Intelligence
Betsy Gardner, IOM has built her career at the intersection of business performance and human potential — from pharmaceutical sales at Merck during one of medicine's most pivotal eras, to launching two startups in London, to leading the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce as a Top 3 National Chamber of the Year with eight consecutive budget surpluses.
Her B Student Podcast reached over one million downloads and landed in Apple's global top 10%. Her newest show, the Human in the Room podcast, launched in May 2026 and has already charted in both the USA and UK — proof that her “kitchen table masterclass” voice resonates with leaders hungry for real talk over corporate polish.
Now she's channeling three decades of hard-won insight into Human in the Room: The New Art of Presence, Judgment & Trust — a system, not a pep talk. It gives leaders the three pillars that separate those who get promoted from those who get passed over: the Presence to command any room, the Judgment to make the right call under pressure, and the Trust that makes people want to follow, fund, and bet on you.
A Phi Beta Kappa graduate, UF Hall of Famer, Florida Blue Key member, and Outstanding Female Leader of her class, Betsy now leads EVERMORE Advisory, bringing the Human in the Room system to organizations ready to develop leaders who move the needle.
Dr. Peter Ricci, Clinical Professor & Director
Florida Atlantic University
The Tourism Talent Shortage and its Impact on HFTP Members in Florida
Dr. Peter Ricci serves as Director, Hospitality and Tourism Management program at Florida Atlantic University (FAU). The Program is a globally top-ranked program. Peter has published more than 80 industry/academic articles. He also maintains numerous hospitality industry certifications with a career spanning 35+ years. Peter is a Distinguished Alumnus of the University of Florida with bachelor’s and master’s degrees plus a doctorate from the University of Central Florida in Higher Education Administration and Leadership. Recent recognition includes the 50 Most Influential Educators in Global Hospitality, the 50 Most Inspirational People in Global Hospitality and Travel and a Top 100 Digital Thought Leader in Global Hospitality from the prestigious International Hospitality Institute (I.H.I). He also was a recipient of the FAU College of Business Stewart Distinguished Professor. His proudest accomplishments include having a scholarship created in his name with the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) along with the creation and of an Executive Education Certificate in Hospitality & Tourism Management which, to date, has enrolled close to 100,000 attendees from more than 180 countries. Dr. Ricci is a passionate advocate for Florida’s #1 private sector industry, hospitality and tourism and a proud Floridian!
Dan Quarella
Vigilant Insurance
From Cost Center to Value Driver: Maximizing ROI from Insurance Brokers & Risk Oversight
Dan Quarella is President and Owner of Vigilant Insurance Partners, a leading commercial property and casualty insurance agency with offices in Orlando, Florida; Raleigh, North Carolina; Providence, Rhode Island; and Fairhope, Alabama. With more than 35 years of experience in commercial insurance and risk management, he is recognized for helping businesses protect their assets, strengthen operations, and make informed risk management decisions. Vigilant Insurance Partners specializes in serving the hospitality industry, including restaurants, golf and country clubs, commercial real estate, and construction firms, while also providing sophisticated personal insurance solutions through its Private Client Group. Before founding Vigilant Insurance Partners in 2017, Dan held leadership and underwriting roles with Liberty Mutual, Amwest Insurance Company, and USI Insurance Services, giving him a broad perspective on the evolving risk landscape. Known for his practical, results-driven approach, Dan partners closely with business owners and executives to develop strategies that reduce risk, improve operational resilience, and deliver measurable return on investment. His presentations combine decades of industry expertise with actionable insights tailored to today's hospitality leaders. Dan lives in Orlando along with his wife and business partner, Tracy.
David Cosper & Panel
Wallace Welch & Willingham
The Hidden Cost of Pharmacy Benefits: What Every Hospitality Leader Should Know
David Cosper, CRIS, is the Vice President Golf & Country Club Industry Specialist at IMA Financial Group. David has over 20 years of experience specializing in risk management solutions for private and managed country clubs across the United States. With a portfolio nearing 100 clients, his expertise in tee-to-green exposure has guided clubs through nearly a dozen natural disasters. David is a partner and shareholder at IMA, where he plays a vital role in shaping innovative insurance strategies. Before beginning his insurance career, David received a scholarship to the University of Florida, where he competed as part of the 2001 NCAA championship-winning team. He continued his athletic success at Rollins College, contributing to an NCAA championship in 2002 and achieving a runner-up finish in 2003. In addition to his professional achievements, David is deeply dedicated to philanthropy. He serves on the board of the Children’s Dream Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that fulfills the dreams of children aged 3–21 diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses. He also chairs the foundation's annual "Fishing for Dreams" tournament. Furthermore, David is a long-time supporter of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, having participated as a shavee 20 times to raise funds for pediatric cancer research. This 501(c)(3) organization is committed to advancing research that brings hope to children with cancer worldwide
Wes Boggs
th!nk
Building an AI-Ready Club: A Manager's Guide to Adoption That Sticks
Wes Boggs serves as Chief AI Officer and Partner at Think Technologies Group, a Florida-based technology consulting firm specializing in AI implementation and business process optimization. With over three decades of technology industry experience and a unique background combining a B.S. in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University with extensive technical expertise, Wes brings a distinctive perspective to AI adoption and organizational change management. His career spans leadership roles at multiple technology firms including IT Solutions of South Florida, LSeven Solutions, and SLPowers, where he developed deep expertise in virtualization, cloud computing, network security, VoIP, and data center operations. Wes has become a recognized expert in AI communications and prompt engineering, with a proven track record of making complex AI concepts immediately accessible and actionable for business professionals. His unique combination of psychology background, technical depth, and business operations experience positions him to help business leaders understand both the human and technological aspects of AI implementation in their organizations.
Fred Santarsiere
Executive Vice President
Proactively Reduce the Impact of Cyber Attacks
Fred Santarsiere is the Executive Vice President of Cino Security Solutions which provides Independent Third-Party Cyber Security Audits. He has over 2 ½ decades of information security experience and has taught a large array of industry security and technical certifications as well. He integrates real world examples during lessons as a result of years of extensive experience auditing and assessing the security posture of many club/hotel environments as well as other organizations both nationally and internationally. He is often consulted in the areas of IT risk governance, risk management, information security and compliance. Fred’s expertise has been frequently sought after by the US military to serve as a Cyber Security Instructor. Fred’s physical security assessment and analysis skills have been developed as a result of serving as an NYPD Officer and a U.S. Army Special Operations team member. This experience has been enhanced by his years of audits and advisement in the club and hotel space which provide real world examples in the content he teaches making for an exciting presentation.
Rob Haddad, RHU, CBC, GBDS
Senior Vice President Employee Benefits Advisor
Proactively Reduce the Impact of Cyber Attacks
Rob Haddad is a Senior Vice President and Employee Benefits Advisor specializing in employer-sponsored health and welfare programs at IMA Financial Group. He partners with business leaders to develop strategic benefits solutions that balance cost containment, workforce engagement, and long-term organizational success. His expertise includes healthcare funding strategies, pharmacy benefit management, compliance, and innovative approaches to managing healthcare costs while enhancing the employee experience. With more than a decade of experience in the insurance and employee benefits industry, Rob has earned several professional designations, including Registered Health Underwriter (RHU), Chartered Benefit Consultant (CBC), and Group Benefits Disability Specialist (GBDS). He is a graduate of the University of Florida, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science. A lifelong resident of St. Petersburg and member of an eighth-generation Florida family, Rob is actively involved in the community and is a former Board Member of the Children's Dream Fund. He also supports several local educational and charitable organizations and volunteers as a youth baseball coach. Outside of work, Rob enjoys spending time with his two children, fishing Florida's Gulf Coast waters, cheering on the Florida Gators and Tampa Bay Rays, and attempting to keep golf balls in play.
Gaurav Bhatia
Regional Vice President of Sales at WellDyne
Gaurav Bhatia serves as Regional Vice President of Sales at WellDyne and brings more than 15 years of experience helping organizations navigate healthcare strategy, employee benefits, and cost-containment initiatives. Throughout his career, he has generated over $300 million in revenue, developed innovative medical and pharmacy solutions, and delivered average client savings exceeding 11% annually. Known for his strategic approach and commitment to building trusted relationships, Gaurav partners with employers and consultants to drive sustainable growth and improve healthcare outcomes.