Keynote Talks

Karen Taylor Dade is a visionary thought leader and speaker specializing in hospitality and tourism. Renowned for transforming highly invested capital assets by integrating holistic insights that optimise the investors ROI "from the get go".

Keynote 1

The Knowledge Trap

“The Knowledge Trap,” encompasses three categories of knowledge: Known Knowns, Unknown Knowns, and Unknown Unknowns."

The latter impacts lifetime investment viability and return on investment (ROI). 60% of all hospitality ventures fail in the 1st year. 80% fail in the first 5 years!

Karen Taylor Dade challenges hospitality leaders to rethink their approach. To focus on human-centered design inclusive of community, culture, and connection. With decades of firsthand experience with startups and reviving failed businesses, Karen elucidates how leveraging past success and expertise undermines future project opportunity and viability.

Key Takeaways:

Take a deep dive into your “holistic vision”.
Master the principles of Future-Forward design by balancing sustainability, innovation, and practicality.
Embrace opportunity that enables you to pivot at times of external disruption.
Integrate bespoke hospitality solutions to leverage local points of difference before starting on site planning.
Leverage niche market opportunities to optimise ongoing media opportunities.

Magical Makeover: Stand Out for the Right Reasons

Align business objectives with a well-defined vision that prioritises fundamental values. Demonstrate respect for your employees and the environment. Kindness and sensitivity are not impediments to success;

They are essential for it.

Today’s discerning guest seeks more than “mere service”—they yearn for meaningful connections and transformative experiences as customer expectations and market dynamics continue to evolve.

A triple bottom line mandate presents transformative opportunities for local staff, the community, and enduring memories for your guests. Karen Taylor Dade unveils the secrets to transforming guest engagement into a lasting impression. Intangible elements that endure the test of time and provide resilience in an ever-changing world dynamic.

Key Takeaways:

Discover how the art of sensory acuity elevates your guest experience and delivers international award-winning success. Increase revenue, and improve your bottom line, without any additional capital investment.
Train and empower your teams to deliver authentic, heart-centred guest experiences that create lasting memories that drive repeat guest loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals.
Stand out from your comp set by implementing niche market strategies with local authenticity and creative storytelling to amplify PR opportunities with targeted social media and trade publications.

Keynote 2

Keynote 3

Data as Your Compass: When to Trust It and When to Challenge It

In an era characterized by the prevalence of analytics, data presents a double-edged sword. While data can serve well as a guiding principle to gain critical business insight, it can also unveil potential opportunities.

However, unwavering reliance on metrics can lead to erroneous decisions.

Karen advocates for a balanced approach that integrates data-driven insights with attuned insight and sensory intuition. It is imperative to refrain from hasty conclusions identified in data, and instead engage in a rigorous review before acting upon the data with any definitive decisions.

Key Takeaways:

Question data relevance and ensure it aligns with your business goals. Consider breaking your successful model and understanding its sensitivities.
Combine robust data analytics with creativity to identify trends and develop long-term solutions. Assess opportunities to reduce waste and identify revenue opportunities that positively impact your P&L without compromising your reputation or aspirations.
Avoid over-reliance on metrics and foster future forward vision and innovation. Thoroughly examine your data and identify missing metrics.