Disney offers leadership seminar

Keys to Excellence, a professional development program from Disney, is returning to Atlanta for the first time in over two years.

On Tues., Aug. 22, Tech is bringing the program to the Global Learning and Conference Center. The one-day seminar consists of four 90-minute sessions highlighting leadership, management, service, and loyalty.

Walt Disney created a legacy of loyalty within his growing company by providing quality care for his employees, while also understanding and responding to the needs of his customers. The resulting Walt Disney Resort is world-renowned for its successful business practices put in place by the company's founder.

Since its founding in 1986, Disney Institute has welcomed millions of business leaders into its business programs. Disney Institute is based on offering an inside opportunity to understanding Disney's core business practices.

As Disney employees explain the inner workings of one of the world's best known companies, participants receive a behind-the-scenes look at the successful business philosophies and strategies.

All Disney facilitators have been with the company for many years, and many held other jobs at the resort before joining Disney Institute.

It is not uncommon for to-be Facilitators to gain additional insight into the company by temporarily working in different Disney areas.

In the past, those wishing to participate in these programs have most often been required to travel to Florida, the home of the world's most popular resort destination, to take part in the Keys to Excellence program.

But fortunately for interested Atlantans, Tech is bringing the program to the city.

A total of 250 people are expected to attend, so the seminar will be held in the largest auditorium of the three-year-old Global Learning and Conference Center, located in Tech Square.

According to Jennifer Wooley, assistant director of client marketing, the seminar should help to increase the Atlanta businesses' knowledge of Tech's role in professional education, and in doing so will have a positive impact on students.

"This seminar will help colleagues and staff members relate to the business community. The Atlanta business market is huge...Students want to know they are getting value in their education money. Name recognition only goes so far," she said.

The program highlights the importance of providing quality customer service, a feat that often proves difficult for many start-up businesses.

"Although [the emphasis on customer service] often seems lost in businesses today, I don't think that means that it cannot be found. [For many] this can serve as a good refresher," Wooley said.

"Everyone could benefit from customer service and management training. For those with strong customer service skills, this seminar could still serve as a refresher. I have had everyone from UPS, to Delta, to tech graduates just starting up their first company [indicate interest in the program]," she said.

"We think this insider's look at the world-famous Disney model will be fascinating and are proud to bring this exciting program to Atlanta," said Bill Wepfer, vice provost of Distance Learning and Professional Education.

According to Wooley, approximately half of the seats have already been reserved, but there is no definitive deadline for registration.

Applications will continue to be accepted until no open spaces remain.

The cost of the program is $475, which includes registration and tuition charges, as well as course material, continental breakfast, parking and breaks. Lunch will be available to participants for an additional fee.