2025 WHLA Conference Keynote: “The Authentic Advantage” with Amber Swenor

9/9/2025

In a world of automation, evolving guest expectations, and nonstop change, what truly sets great hospitality apart? The answer is the human behind the service. This year at the Wisconsin Lodging Conference & Trade Show, we’re excited to welcome Amber Swenor, transformational business and leadership strategist, as our Tuesday morning keynote speaker.

Her session, “The Authentic Advantage: Values-Driven Leadership That Fuels Performance and Loyalty,” will challenge the notion that you must leave yourself at the door to be a successful leader. Instead, Amber demonstrates how your presence, purpose, and authentic values are your greatest advantage in creating alignment, performance, and loyalty—both on your team and with guests.

Building on the energy of the keynote, Amber will also facilitate a hands-on breakout session, “Unleashed Leadership in Action: Creating Your Blueprint for Team Alignment, Resilience & Results.” This session takes attendees from awareness to action, providing practical tools to align leadership strengths with daily behaviors, shape high-performing team culture, and elevate the guest experience. Using her Think–Feel–Do model and a preview of the Team Culture Code Blueprint, participants will gain actionable strategies to drive communication, collaboration, and results.

Meet Amber Swenor

Amber Swenor is a transformational leadership coach, authenticity expert, and frontwoman of the hard rock band Morningstar. With 20+ years as a business strategist, speaker, and founder of a $1M+ leadership and brand strategy agency, she helps leaders align people, strategy, and success.

A certified transformation coach and retreat leader, Amber empowers leaders to break free from limitations, build self-trust, and lead boldly. She is the author of Unleashed: A Been There Rocked That Guide to Radical Authenticity in Life and Business, a Wall Street Journal bestseller and IBPA 2023 Most Inspirational Book of the Year. Her high-energy sessions blend storytelling, interaction, and practical tools to ignite confidence, purpose-driven leadership, and lasting impact.

Don’t miss this transformative keynote and breakout session—perfect for leaders at every level ready to connect with their authentic leadership advantage.

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