Experienced Speakers
If you’re interested in a speaker for an upcoming meeting, luncheon, retreat, etc. see below for a few of Experience Grand Rapids’ knowledgeable staff members. If you’d like to send an inquiry about a speaker, fill out the form at the bottom of this page and someone will promptly follow up with a response.
Doug Small
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Doug Small is the President and CEO of Experience Grand Rapids. Before his move to Grand Rapids in 2008, he has worked in Destination Marketing Executive positions in Denver, Syracuse, Palm Springs and Dayton. Doug also currently serves on the board of directors of four organizations including the Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association, Grand Rapids Downtown Market, West Michigan Sports Commission and Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. He is knowledgeable in topics such as the economic impact of tourism, destination marketing and branding, as well as vast experience in the convention sales and service sector.
Janet Korn
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Janet Korn is the Senior Vice President of Experience Grand Rapids and a member of our leadership team. She previously served as our Vice President of Marketing, shaping the growth and evolution of our marketing capabilities to advance the positioning of Grand Rapids/Kent County as a first-class travel destination. In her current position, Janet focuses on organizational strategy and research, media and travel journalist outreach, community advocacy and statewide tourism collaborations. With a BA in Hospitality Business from Michigan State University, stints as a restaurant manager and adjunct instructor in Hospitality Education, and 20+ years of experience at EXGR, Janet brings insight and motivation to such topics as strategic planning, advocacy and outreach, marketing and communications, and the economic impact of tourism.
Jordoun Eatman
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Jordoun is Vice President of Engagement & Inclusion for Experience Grand Rapids, developing DEI strategies and collaborating with industry partners to further our commitment to make tourism and tourism careers accessible to all. He came to EXGR in 2022 after serving the City of Grand Rapids in the Executive Office and the Office of Equity and Engagement, where he worked to promote community, workforce and supplier diversity for employees and residents. A Crain’s Grand Rapids Business 40 Under 40 award recipient in 2022, Jordoun is an inspiring speaker on issues of diversity, equity, inclusion and workforce development.
Kate Lieto
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Kate Lieto is the Associate Vice President of Marketing for Experience Grand Rapids, charged with guiding and implementing our marketing strategy, and overseeing our growing marketing team. She is the driving force behind the launch of such popular promotions as Culture Pass GR, Beer City Brewsader® and Flights of Flavor, and she has overseen the continued growth and evolution of Restaurant Week GR. A Michigan CVB Star of the Year (2016), a member of Destinations International’s 30 Under 30 Class of 2017 and a veteran of nearly 200 media interviews, Kate is an experienced and engaging speaker on beer tourism, marketing, branding, hospitality, creative inspiration and community collaboration.
If you are interested in requesting someone from Experience Grand Rapids, please submit the request through the following form.
