Sense of Place Keynotes
An inspirational journey through song, story, and conversation
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Inspire connection, meaning, and belonging through a sense of place
Erica Wheeler offers a keynote journey through song, story, and conversation that helps people reconnect with meaning, purpose, and a sense of place through stories, song, and reflective invitations.
Attendees gain fresh ideas and leave with a deeper connection to themselves, their surroundings, their work, and one another. The walk away recharged, with an increased capacity for doing their work in the world.
Whether your event centers on tourism, education, interpretation, conservation, heritage, or well-being, Erica’s keynotes bring the heart of the work back into view.
“You are missing out if you aren’t booking Erica for a workshop or training. Her “sense of place” concept featured excellent hands-on exercises in an area so often perceived as intangible, while her keynote was just the dose of inspiration we needed.”
—Chief of Interpretation, Arkansas State Parks and Tourism
Attendees Leave With
A clearer sense of why their work matters, especially during challenging times
A personal sense of place, stirred through story and reflection
A renewed sense of belonging—both individual and collective
Fresh ideas for shaping narratives that connect people and place
A deeper sense of connection to themselves, their surroundings, and one another
Renewed capacity to do their work in the world
National Association of State Park Directors Conference
Choose a Keynote to Fit Your Agenda
Each keynote is grounded in Erica’s Sense of Place and Story approach and adapted to your audience, theme, and goals.
Signature Keynote
Sense of Place and Story
Inspiring Connection, Belonging, and Well-Being
A signature keynote that weaves story, song, and reflection into a cohesive journey—helping audiences reconnect with meaning, belonging, and the deeper purpose behind their work.
Ideal for: Conferences and gatherings across tourism, education, interpretation, conservation, heritage, and well-being
Tourism Keynote
Journey Marketing
Rethinking Tourism Narratives
Shift from destination marketing to marketing the journey a visitor takes to discover an authentic connection—with themselves and their surroundings. Explore how everyone is a place storyteller and gain ideas for crafting narratives of discovery, meaning, and connection.
Ideal for: Tourism conferences, DMOs, heritage tourism events, destination marketing organizations
Heritage Keynote
From Facts to Feeling
Sharing the Heart of the Matter
Elevate how history is shared by finding the sense of place story at the heart of research and collections. Learn how balanced storytelling techniques increase relevance and resonance.
Ideal for: History conferences, interpreters, museum professionals, historical societies, heritage organizations
Stewardship Keynote
Places Matter
Sustaining the Heart of Preservation
Reconnect to the deeper “why” behind stewardship and preservation work—especially during challenging times. Gain tools and perspective to renew your own capacity to stay inspired and inspire others.
Ideal for: Land trusts, conservation organizations, parks, environmental education, heritage preservation groups
Well-Being Keynote
Place Medicine
Sense of Place Narratives for Well-Being
Transform a narrative of disconnection into one of deep connection by recalling place-centered stories from our lives—past and present. This keynote supports well-being, presence, and belonging in a fast-paced world.
Ideal for: Wellness events, retreat centers, community health organizations, general audiences
About Erica Wheeler
Erica Wheeler is a TEDx speaker, interpretive trainer, award-winning songwriter, and creative mentor who has spent decades bringing people and places together through story, song, and place-centered experience.
She has been a featured keynote at conferences, parks, museums, tourism organizations, and community gatherings across North America.
Known for her warmth, insight, and grounded presence, Erica’s keynotes blend artistry with thoughtful perspective—helping audiences reconnect with purpose, place, and what matters most in their work.
Her work is dedicated to cultivating meaningful connections between people and place, so that both people and places can thrive.
Selected Appearances
Governor's Conferences on Tourism (Arkansas, New Mexico, Wisconsin) · National Association for Interpretation (Annual Workshop & Regions) · National Association of State Park Directors · National Park Service (Founders Day, National Mall) · TEDx · American Horticultural Society Youth & Garden Symposium · Maryland Land Trust Alliance · Parks Ontario · New Mexico Council on Aging Conference
Let’s Work Together
If you’re planning an event and want a keynote that is both inspiring and grounded—one that resonates deeply with your audience and aligns with your purpose—let’s explore what would serve your gathering best.
Each keynote is shaped with care and responsiveness to your theme, your people, and the moment you’re creating.
Investment: Contact for pricing based on event location, format, and scope.
Starting at $3,500 for regional and national events. Travel costs are additional.