Curriculum & Schedule

SEPTEMBER - APRIL SESSIONS: 10am to 1:30pm
LOCATION: John S. Knight Center - 77 E. Mill Street, Akron, OH 44308

September 8, 2010 - WEDNESDAY

Welcome Orientation & Hospitality Industry Overview
   - Susan Hamo, Akron/Summit CVB
   - Jim Mahon, Akron/Summit CVB
   - Dean Stanley Silverman, The University of Akron Summit College

Track 1: Ohio’s Tourism Industry
Amir Eylon, Director - Ohio Tourism Division

Track 2: Akron City Familiarization Tour
Larry Pentecost, Northeast Ohio Tours & Conventions

October 12, 2010 - TUESDAY

Track 3: Regional Historic & Economic Overview
Dave Lieberth, Deputy Mayor – The City of Akron

Track 4: Interpersonal Communications
Thomas G. Beck, The University of Akron – College of Communications/WZIP FM 88.1

November 10, 2010 - WEDNESDAY

Track 5: Public/Elected Officials & Tourism Advocacy
Melinda Huntley, Lake Erie Coastal Ohio/OSU Sea Grant Extension

Track 6:  Workplace Diversity & Special Needs Visitors
Lee A. Gill, J.D., The University of Akron  Associate Vice President for Inclusion & Equity/Chief Diversity Officer

 
December 8, 2010 - WEDNESDAY

Track 7:  Fiscal Responsibility
Lisa M. Hilling, CPA & General Services Manager, Bruner-Cox, LLP

Track 8:  Conflict Resolution
Gregory R. Bean, Of-Counsel, Stark & Knoll Co., LPA
 

January 12, 2011 - WEDNESDAY

Track 9:  Strategies For a Drug Protected Workplace
Phil Canfora, Chase Protective Corp.

Track 10:  "The Willie Factor: Sales & Service Training"
Joel Weldon - DVD Presentation

    
February 8, 2011 - TUESDAY

NOTE: The format for February's two sessions will be an interactive panel/class discussion!

Track 11/Panel A:  Partnerships & Destination Packaging/Marketing
Anne Bitong, Road Runner Akron Marathon
Suzie Graham, The City of Akron - Office of the Mayor
Mary Tricaso, Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau (Sp4rts Ohio)
Larry Pentecost, Northeast Ohio Tours & Conventions

Track 12/Panel B:  Volunteerism
Bridget Garvin Ambrisco, Cuyahoga Valley National Park Association
Jessie Raynor, Akron Area Arts Alliance
Glenda Buchanan, Northern Ohio Golf Charities/Bridgestone Invitational

March 9, 2011 - WEDNESDAY

Track 13:  Authenticity & Brand Loyalty
Jim Mahon, Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau
 
Track 14:  Crisis Management & Creative Problem Solving
Pat Kunklier, hfa (Hitchcock, Fleming & Associates)

April 13, 2011 - WEDNESDAY

Track 15: Sustainability & The Tourism/Hospitality Industry
Mike Dungan, e4s network (Entrepreneurs 4 Sustainability)
 
Track 16: Customer Satisfaction & Customer Service
 

May 11, 2011 - WEDNESDAY

Luncheon/Graduation of 2nd Annual Academy Class
   2011 Zenith Awards Ceremony - 11:30am to 1pm