GHTA Conference 2025
Deer Valley UT
Announcing Keynote Speaker
Jason Hewlett
The Power of Promise
As a Hall of Fame speaker, entertainer, and leadership expert, Jason Hewlett delivers an unforgettable blend of humor, insight, and energy.
His acclaimed training, “The Promise,” invites us on an exploration—not just of leadership or performance, but of the commitments we make to ourselves and those we serve. It’s a powerful shift from simply meeting expectations to making meaningful promises that drive purpose, passion, and real results.
This keynote is more than a presentation—it’s a transformational experience. Jason will inspire you to reflect deeply, lead boldly, and explore your highest potential with authenticity and heart.
Join us for an exploration that could redefine your leadership journey.
Keynote Speaker Jason Hewlett is a master at combining world-class entertainment with transformative leadership insights. Renowned for his high-energy performances and remarkable musical impressions, Jason engages audiences while delivering powerful messages on leadership, commitment, and authenticity.
His unique approach, blending humor, storytelling, and heartfelt personal experience, helps organizations ignite performance by encouraging individuals to embrace their unique "Signature Moves" and honor their personal and professional promises.
With over two decades of experience and thousands of presentations delivered, Jason has inspired Fortune 500 companies, executive teams, and industry leaders to create a culture rooted in trust, accountability, and engagement. His core philosophy, "The Promise," equips teams to elevate their standard of excellence and drive real behavioral change. Jason’s keynote is not only memorable, it’s immediately actionable.
As one of the youngest ever inducted into the prestigious Speaker Hall of Fame, Jason brings both credibility and charisma to every stage. He’s also the bestselling author of The Promise To The One, and his leadership content resonates across industries.
Announcing Keynote Speaker
Stephanie Stuckey
Lessons in Resilience
As the CEO of Stuckey’s, the iconic American roadside brand founded in 1937, Stephanie brings a compelling perspective on navigating uncertainty in today’s fast-evolving retail landscape.
Her leadership journey—reviving a nearly century-old family business with deep cultural roots—offers a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and the power of authentic storytelling.
Stephanie Stuckey is CEO of Stuckey’s, known for generations as a highway oasis serving up pecan log rolls and kitschy souvenirs. Founded in 1937 by her grandfather, W.S. Stuckey, Sr. in Eastman, Georgia, Stuckey’s grew into over 350 stores nationwide by its peak in the 1970’s. The company was sold in 1964 and sadly declined for decades under a series of corporate owners. Fortunately, Stuckey’s returned to the family in 1985 under the leadership of W.S. Bill Stuckey, JR. and is now being continued with Bill’s daughter, Stephanie.
The Company acquired a pecan shelling and candy plant in Wrens, GA in January of 2021 and have been scaling production of the Stuckey’s branded snacks and sweets – including the iconic pecan log roll – to be sold in almost 5,000 retail stores nationwide. Stuckey’s also operates a distribution center in Eastman, GA, a fundraising business, a corporate gift program, and has an online store.
Stephanie received both her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Georgia. She worked as a trial lawyer, was elected to seven terms as a state representative, ran an environmental law firm, served as Director of Sustainability for Atlanta, and taught as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Georgia School of Law. Stephanie purchased Stuckey’s in November of 2019 and assumed the role of CEO. Stephanie’s achievements include being named one of the Most Admired CEOs of 2022 by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, 100 Most Influential Georgians by Georgia Trend Magazine and a graduate of Leadership Atlanta. She serves on the corporate board for Bealls, a Florida-based retailer with more than 550 stores.
The Stuckey’s story has been featured recently in The New York Times Sunday Business Section, the TODAY Show, and The Washington Post.
When she’s not running Stuckey’s, Stephanie enjoys traveling by car to explore the back roads of America and pulling over at every boiled peanut stand and the World’s Largest Ball of Twine
BOOK CLUB IS BACK at GHTA Conference!
Join us for a casual, coffee-fueled breakfast conversation around Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect by Will Guidara.
Why this book?
Besides it being a great read—Unreasonable Hospitality will push you to think differently about service, relationships, and the power of small details to make a big impact. It’s not just about restaurants—it’s about reimagining how we make people feel in every interaction.
Will Guidara shares how he turned Eleven Madison Park into the best restaurant in the world not by obsessing over food, but by obsessing over people. Through bold, unexpected gestures and a mindset of radical generosity, he shows how going above and beyond creates unforgettable experiences—and loyal customers.
What to Expect
A relaxed breakfast gathering in Deer Valley where we’ll share insights, brainstorm big ideas, and talk about how hospitality can be your business superpower.
Grab a copy, support your local indie bookstore (or use Bookshop), and read it before the conference!
We can’t wait to see you in Deer Valley and hear what you think. Book club will be led by Lisa Bach, Anne McGilvray. Location and Time details to be shared closer to the event. Book Club will be led by Lisa Bach from Anne McGilvray & Company. Location and time details will be shared closer to GHTA Conference.
GHTA Announces 2025 Giveback Charity: National Ability Center of Deer Valley
Each year, the Gift and Home Trade Association (GHTA) honors the community that hosts our conference by supporting a local organization making a real difference. For 2025, we’re proud to announce the National Ability Center (NAC) of Deer Valley as our official Giveback Charity.
NAC empowers individuals of all abilities to overcome perceived limitations and realize their full potential in a safe, inclusive community through adaptive recreation and outdoor experiences – perfectly aligning with our values of community, inclusivity and meaningful impact.
Here's how you can get involved:
Giveback Volunteer Event – Tuesday, 10/14 @ 1–4 PM. We will be leaving the hotel at 12:30.
Arriving early? Join us for an optional volunteer event at the NAC campus for light labor tasks, connect with the local community and fellow attendees—a perfect way to kick off the week with purpose. To participate, please fill out the form here
The NAC is 10 minutes away from our hotel. Details on where to meet for transportation will be shared closer to Conference
Welcome Happy Hour Donation Drive – Tuesday, 10/14 @ 6 PM
Help us support NAC by bringing a cash donation, credit card, or Venmo to the Welcome Happy Hour. Every contribution helps amplify their incredible work.
Questions? Reach out to Emalee Hoffman or Andrea Padilla by using the link above.
Learn more about NAC and the lives they touch at https://discovernac.org/