Hospitality 1st Roundtable - How to Succeed in the International Arena: Strategies to Broaden Your Global Awareness

Hospitality 1st Roundtable can NOW be attended IN PERSON or VIRTUALLY!
*Choose when you register. 
**In Person Location has been changed to the Mayo Civic Center's Suites 102-103.
Enter via the Skyway entrance, go down the stairs to the first floor, and Suites 102-103 will be on your left. Check-In at the Chamber table.

 
Featured Speaker:
Kim Purscell
Owner
Etiquette Matters LLC

Hello, my name is Kim Purscell. When I was young, social skills (aka soft skills) did not come naturally to me. I was shy, quirky, and kind of a wallflower. I often tried to act like someone else, but quickly learned that I am not a convincing actor. People could see through the act, and I was viewed as awkward, inauthentic, and trying too hard - which ultimately resulted in many embarrassing, painful moments and regrets.

That pain became my motivation to change. Determined to succeed, I began a 30-year journey into studying etiquette, human behavior, and executive presence, and I learned how to develop my own authentic brand. I applied those learnings in my own career, and doors began to open for me. I went from an entry-level back-office position to Sales and Marketing Management for two airlines, one in Canada, and one in the US. I also became the Executive Director for several non-profit organizations, including a chapter of the American Red Cross, United Way, the Initiative Foundation, and the Owatonna Chamber of Commerce.

I studied and practiced international etiquette and protocol abroad through my travels, which include Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Mexico, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, England, Nigeria, and throughout my home country of Canada. I was the first woman elected to the Board of Directors of the London International Airshow and received the Woman of Distinction Award in 2009 by the Business and Professional Women’s Association.

Fast forward to today -- I have earned the highest certifications in the etiquette industry. I was trained and licensed by The Protocol School of Washington®, the leader in international protocol, cross-cultural awareness, business etiquette and image training... the first and only accredited business etiquette, protocol and communication skills school in the nation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. I am also certified in children/teen etiquette from The American School of Protocol and certified in Intercultural Intelligence with Aperian Global. Plus, I’ve had additional training with Protocol London, The British School of Etiquette, The United Nations Institute of Training and Research (UNITAR), and The Etiquette School of South Africa.

In 2016, I founded my practice, Etiquette Matters LLC in Minnesota, after many people encouraged me to share this unique and highly sought-after knowledge. So now I work with young professionals, as well as those wanting to “up their game”. I also teach high school and college students, rebels, risk-takers, and underdogs the essential people skills that can propel their career, build meaningful relationships, and improve their self-confidence. 

Small Business Spotlight:
Erin Nystrom, Owner, Potbelly Sandwich Shops



The Hospitality 1st Roundtable is a collaboration of hospitality service providers including transportation, hotels, meeting venues, attractions, restaurants, nonprofits, and other visitor service providers. It is open to all business members in our community. We work in partnership with area businesses, employees, and non-traditional service providers to create an exceptional community experience by focusing on great service and delivery of community assets and services. We help to maximize the usage and understanding of community resources through our community partners including the Rochester Sports Group, the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, and Experience Rochester MN. 
 
The group meets on the 4th Thursday of each month at 9:45 a.m. Meeting dates are altered for holidays or special events.   

Leadership in Hospitality 1st Roundtable:
If you would like to serve on a committee to help plan Hospitality 1st Roundtables, programming, and content, please email Chair Andy Thilges at andy.thilges@hilton.com. We need your input!