Keynote Speakers
Will Guidara
Restaurateur, Entrepreneur, and Best-selling Author
First General Session | 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Monday, January 26
Will Guidara is the author of the National Bestseller Unreasonable Hospitality, which chronicles the lessons in service and leadership he has learned over the course of his career in restaurants.
He is the former co-owner of Eleven Madison Park, which, under his leadership, received four stars from the New York Times, three Michelin stars, and in 2017 was named No. 1 on the list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
He is the host of the Welcome Conference, an annual hospitality symposium that brings together like-minded people to share ideas, inspire one another, and connect to form community.
A graduate of the hospitality school at Cornell University, he has coauthored four cookbooks, was named one of Crain’s New York Business‘ 40 Under 40, and is the recipient of WSJ Magazine‘s Innovator Award.
Session Sponsor
Rick Rigsby
Former Texas A&M University Professor, Best-selling Author
Second General Session | 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Tuesday, January 27
Dr. Rick Rigsby — a former award-winning professor — spent over two decades teaching at various colleges, most of those years serving at Texas A&M University. In addition to academic duties, he was hired by legendary football icon R. C. Slocum as Chaplain and Life Skills Coach for the Aggies football team.
A former award-winning journalist, Rigsby is a regular contributor on numerous national television and radio programs.
Inspired by a genuine conviction to help people realize their full potential, he brings a combined four decades of experience and expertise to the set of “How Ya’ Livin’?” This transformative podcast encourages, inspires, and challenges people at every level to dream bigger, stretch beyond comfort zones, and achieve the impossible!
A Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Amazon Best-selling author, Rigsby’s books include Lessons From a Third Grade Dropout and Afraid to Hope.
Session Sponsors
Kim Strobel
Education & Leadership Consultant, Happiness Coach, and Author
Third General Session | 9:45 - 11:15 a.m. | Wednesday, January 28
Kim Strobel is on a mission to transform lives through the science of happiness and leadership. As a globally recognized keynote speaker, happiness coach, and leadership consultant, Strobel empowers individuals and organizations to reclaim their joy, boost performance, and cultivate resilient, purpose-driven cultures.
With over two decades of experience in education — as a teacher, curriculum director, and now the CEO of Strobel Education — Strobel brings both heart and expertise to the stage. She delivers evidence-based strategies that inspire personal growth, foster leadership excellence, and create cultures of well-being in businesses, schools, financial services, and beyond. Her unique blend of real-life stories, humor, and actionable insights captivates audiences and sparks lasting change.
Strobel’s dynamic talks cover topics from harnessing happiness and overcoming fear to leading with authenticity and improving workplace performance. Strobel leaves audiences energized, motivated, and equipped to lead happier, more fulfilled lives.