Everyone knows that Disney is responsible for the happiest place on earth, but on Sept. 23 Disney will be at Creighton to share the “business behind the magic.”
The College of Business will host the Disney Keys to Excellence program in the Harper Center Ballroom from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The purpose of the program is to teach Disney’s successful practices in leadership, management, customer service and customer loyalty. It is open to students, faculty, staff and Omaha professionals.
Brook Matthews, the director of marketing for the college, said it decided to host the program “because we feel it’s a great opportunity to provide an educational experience for the business community on campus. Disney is known for its philosophy on customer service and leadership, which fits in with the College of Business well.
“You are going to see administrative people to middle management and executives – everyone is responsible for customer service and leadership. Disney can help on any level.”
While the program seems mostly directed towards local businesses and corporations, Matthews ensured that students can gain something from attending as well.
“It’s an opportunity to learn about Disney’s philosophy from a practical applied standpoint, whereas in the classroom you mostly focus on the theory of business. There is also the chance for networking with Omaha business people,” Matthews said.
Business senior Ashley Petersen is still deciding whether or not to attend the program.
“It sounds kind of interesting because it’s Disney,” she said. “It’s a good way to see how an innovative company has been so successful. It could help me with leadership and creative thinking.
“Disney’s obviously done something right.”
Trent Wachner, assistant professor of management and marketing, said: “Disney is very well run. They will be sharing expertise that most companies don’t have. It’s a great opportunity for students to learn about one of the best run companies in the world.”
Wachner, like Petersen, is also unsure of attending the program.
“I’m not sure. I’ll try,” he said. Peterson said she’ll “probably be required to go for some class.”
Not much information on the program is available yet, which accounts for Wachner and Petersen’s undecided attendance. However, if students still want to register, they can do so at www.keysomaha.com.
A promotional code for $50 off the price of registration is posted on the College of Business’ home Web site, www.creighton.edu/business, under the “Welcome” tab. The same code can be found on the College of Business’ Facebook page: www.facebook.com/CreightonBiz.
The price of registration with the discount is $345 for one to nine guests and $310 for 10 or more guests who have to be registered at the same time. Registration is transferable, but non-refundable.