Keynote Speakers Announced For AAAE Conference & Exposition

Two keynote speakers have been announced for the AAAE Conference & Exposition, scheduled June 8-10 at the Georgia World Congress Center, in Atlanta. They are General Stanley McChrystal, former commander of U.S. and International Forces in Afghanistan; and Will Guidara, American restaurateur and author.

A one-of-a-kind leader with a new perspective on collaboration and teamwork, General Stan McChrystal is known for helping organizations tap into the potential of their people to better compete in a complex and interconnected world. Following 34 years of service in the U.S. Army, including as commander of U.S. and International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF) in Afghanistan and commander of the nation’s premier counter-terrorism force, General McChrystal will deliver his unique blend of on-the-ground experience. That includes decades of leadership that will provide practical insight and wisdom to help organizations transform and succeed in challenging and dynamic environments.

Will Guidara is the author of the NY Times Bestseller Unreasonable Hospitality, which chronicles the lessons in service and leadership he has learned over the course of his career in restaurants. He is the former co-owner of Eleven Madison Park, which under his leadership received four stars from the New York Times, three Michelin stars, and in 2017 was named #1 on the list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. He is the host of the Welcome Conference, an annual hospitality symposium that brings together like minded people to share ideas, inspire one another, and connect to form community. A graduate of the hospitality school at Cornell University, he has coauthored four cookbooks, was named one of Crain’s New York Business’s 40 Under 40, and is the recipient of WSJ Magazine’s Innovator Award. He is also a co-producer on the Emmy Award-winning series The Bear. Visit aaae.org/annual.