As part of our on-going "5 Minutes With" series, every month we’ll introduce you to a new member of our Disney Meetings & Events team at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disneyland Resort in California or Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii. Whether they work in our Disney Convention Resorts, Theme Park Operations, Catering and Convention Services, Sales, Entertainment or dozens of other event-support areas, these Cast Members and their teams are responsible for creating magical experiences and unforgettable events for meeting and event industry professionals, and their important attendees and guests, every single day.

Let’s meet Kelly Sadler, Senior National Sales Manager:

How do you and your team work with meeting and event planners? 

Once I uncover a need, I “peel back the layers” and discover as much information as possible about the opportunity. For example, how many attendees, time of year, number of days, purpose of the meeting, past locations, what was their best meeting, and why? Then, I collaborate with my Resort Sales partner, and we put together the best solution for the client. Our customers can expect a high level of customer service, a customized solution based on discovery, and a bit of Disney magic. We take the time to get to know the client and the program. We do not just send space, dates, and rates. 

Can you describe one of your best Disney memories related to your position assisting a convention/meeting group? 

I had a client trying to find a home for a large meeting in 2020. They weren’t originally considering Disney, as they had seen Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort many years ago, and it did not appeal to them. I explained that Coronado was being re-imagined and we are in the process of an incredible expansion with a new 500-room tower. 

I conducted a presentation of the Walt Disney World Resort, including the new room product and promotional video of the resort hotel. The client was amazed and got very excited. They came for a site inspection, and we received a signed contract a few months later for over 4,500 room nights. This is a great example of why discovery is so important. The client doesn’t know what they don’t know. It is our job to educate them on all things Disney.

What is one of the greatest Disney Differences for attendees meeting at a Disney destination? 

One of the greatest Disney Differences for meeting at Disney is there is always something new and exciting happening. Whether it is a resort refurbishment, Theme Park expansions, or complimentary Wi-Fi, there is always something new for them to experience.

What are some of the latest, most innovative meeting trends you are seeing in the industry? How do you incorporate these trends into your client’s meeting? 

Face-to-face meetings are the trend. Despite the increased use of virtual meetings technology, in-person meetings will remain viable. Disney is serious about the face-to-face meetings. We are investing in our creative resources, and, of course, technology to enhance the attendee meeting experience.   

What is your favorite part of your role? 

Building relationships with my clients, making them happy, and being able to create magic for them that no one else can.

What can attendees look forward to when meeting at a Disney destination? 

Attendees can look forward to fresh, new rooms and meeting space at the convention hotels, especially Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts. The rooms and meeting space just received beautiful updates, along with a 28,000-square-foot addition to the convention space, a newly-re-imagined restaurant, and a cool bar area.  

Tell us – How does Kelly’s story inspire you? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter,  LinkedIn, or Instagram using #DisneyMeetingsAndEventsBlog. 

We're eager to help you create the perfect meeting or private event for any size group, theme and objective. To speak with a Disney Meetings & Events representative about our pricing and options available at our Disney Parks & Resorts destinations in Florida, California, Hawaii or at our international destinations, please contact us or submit a request for proposal or sign up to stay in touch and continue learning more about Disney meetings and events.