Join Emily, one of CHART's most enthusiastic and esteemed lodging members, as she shares what she has learned through her years of experience with world-class companies such as Gaylord and Disney. Be one of the first to attend this hot-off-the-press pilot program, developed in partnership with the American Hotel & Lodging Association Educational Institute (AHLAEI). You will learn techniques from real-life examples to better lead in three areas: 1) your organizational strategy, 2) your group or team, and 3) yourself. If you are looking to increase your competency in business acumen and ensure your seat at the strategic table, this is the breakout for you!
Emily Ellis
Principal, Education and Training Concepts
Join Emily, one of CHART's most enthusiastic and esteemed lodging members, as she shares what she has learned through her years of experience with world-class companies such as Gaylord and Disney. Be one of the first to attend this hot-off-the-press pilot program, developed in partnership with the American Hotel & Lodging Association Educational Institute (AHLAEI). You will learn techniques from real-life examples to better lead in three areas: 1) your organizational strategy, 2) your group or team, and 3) yourself. If you are looking to increase your competency in business acumen and ensure your seat at the strategic table, this is the breakout for you!
Emily Ellis is the former Vice President of STAR Culture and Brand Training, overseeing employee culture for The Gaylord Entertainment Company, headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. She was focused on cultural integration and development initiatives for Gaylord Entertainment and the opening of the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, located near Washington D.C. This included oversight of all on-boarding, orientation and training aspects for this landmark property.
Prior to this assignment, she served as Vice President of Training and Development, ensuring appropriate processes were in place to develop a "service excellence" culture across all Gaylord businesses.
In her 23 years with Gaylord Entertainment, Emily worked with both senior leadership and line staff from all areas of the company. She directed training, development, quality assurance and communications for the company's hospitality and attraction groups. In addition, she had the vision for a corporate Gaylord University, for which she became director.
As Gaylord began an aggressive expansion of convention-focused hotel properties, Emily went on the road for extended assignments in Orlando, Florida, and Grapevine Texas. At these properties, Emily helped to define the culture that soon became a hallmark of the Gaylord Hotels brand.
Prior to Gaylord, Emily worked for the Walt Disney World Company and the Orange County Florida Public School District.
Emily is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, where she is a member of the National Alumni Board of Directors. She holds a Masters Degree in Education and Professional Development from University of Central Florida.
Emily serves on the Committee for Quality for American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA), and the Educational Institute's Certification Commission and Training Council. She was awarded AHLA's Lamp of Knowledge.
In addition, Emily sits on the Hospitality Institute Board for Prince George's County Community College in Largo, Maryland and the Hospitality Service Management Board at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She represented Gaylord Entertainment on the Metro Nashville Community Education Board and serves on the Professional Development Committee for the State of Tennessee Department of Education. She is a member of the Council for Hospitality, Restaurant and Industrial Education, the Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers and the American Society for Training and Development.