Posted: Wednesday, October 14, 2009 10:26 am

Middle Tennessee State University is bringing Disney Institute’s traveling professional development program, the “Disney Keys to Excellence,” to Nashville on Monday, Oct. 26, with the Jennings A. Jones College of Business serving as a Gold Sponsor for the event. The event will be held in The Sheraton Downtown Nashville located at 623 Union Street.

This full-day, interactive workshop provides the opportunity for area business professionals to experience the “business behind the magic.” Walt Disney World instructors will teach proven Disney success strategies, which participants can adapt and apply to their own organizations.

“I believe the Disney ‘keys’ can help educators in and outside of the classroom and certainly in the areas of recruitment and retention issues,” commented Dr. Jim Burton, dean of the Jones College of Business, “especially when it comes to such efforts as being student-centered and providing students with the very best environment possible—physical, social and academic—a total campus experience that promotes social interaction and substantive, life-long learning.”

“This seminar is such a wonderful investment of time,” said Amanda Witt, manager of Construction/Renovation Services at MTSU, who attended last year’s conference. “It truly builds your confidence and your wanting to ‘make the magic’ in all forms of business.”

Joe Bales, MTSU vice president for development and university relations, attended last year’s conference and says, “Gaining insight into Disney’s ‘magic’ will certainly help us add value to many of the programs and activities we provide to our alumni and friends.”

Doug Williams, executive director for MTSU marketing and communications, said, “For professionals in marketing and communications it was a very educational experience and time well spent.”

“I found it enlightening to have a glimpse into the working mechanisms of such a large and successful entity,” said Amy Macy, MTSU associate professor in recording industry. “The tools shared at this event can enhance your teaching, which will surely have a lifelong effect on students.”

“To learn about the specific Disney philosophies, strategies, concepts, tactics was very worthwhile and enlightening,” commented John Patterson, director, MTSU Information Technology. “To listen to how the leaders of Disney viewed, believed in and carried out their daily activities in the areas of leadership excellence, management, service and loyalty was eye-opening.”

The Nashville “Disney Keys” program will showcase four 90-minute sessions:
▪ Leadership, Disney Style
▪ Management, Disney Style
▪ Service, Disney Style
▪ Loyalty, Disney Style

Registration and cost information is available at www.keysnashville.com and includes course materials, refreshments and a catered lunch and beverages.