Take an unforgettable journey through story, song, and conversation.
Evoke stories that help people and places thrive.

Prior Keynotes Include:

• American Horticultural Society Youth and Garden Symposium

• Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism

• Arkansas State Parks Spring Training

• Association of National Park Rangers Rendezvous (ANPR)

• BioBliz, National Geographic, National Mall

• Festival of the Cranes, Wheeler Wildlife Refuge

• Idaho State Parks and Recreation Conference

• Partners in the Parks Celebration, Howard County Parks and Recreation

• Maryland Land Trust Alliance

• Montana State Parks and Recreation Conference

• National Association for Interpretation Annual Workshop (NAI)

• National Association for Interpretation Region 2

• National Association of State Park Directors Conference (NASPD)

• National Association of State Park Volunteer Coordinators

• National Park Service Founders Day, National Mall

• National Religious Partnership for the Environment

• New Mexico Governor’s Conference on Tourism

• New Mexico Council on Aging Conference

• Parks Ontario Spring Training

• Social Venture Network Conference

• TEDx, Shelburne Falls

• Wisconsin Governor's Conference on Tourism

Keynotes to Elevate Tourism, Inspire Stewardship and Increase Well-Being

Erica guides audiences on a transformative journey—one that shifts perspectives, sparks fresh ideas, and provides a renewed sense of purpose. More than a lecture or PowerPoint-driven talk, Erica’s keynotes are an engaging journey that brings the power of your places to life.

If you’re looking for a keynote speaker who will leave your audience inspired, motivated, and equipped with practical tools to make a difference, Erica Wheeler is the perfect choice.

From energizing tourism efforts to increasing caring about your natural, cultural, and historic places, to recharging your passion for your work and your well-being, Erica delivers results that matter and transformations that last.

Choose from the following keynote topics and formats:

The Power of Place and Authentic Storytelling

“Life is a journey, not a destination.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson

1. Elevate Tourism

Harnessing the Power of Place Narratives
to Inspire Visitors & Drive Sustainable Economic Growth

Having worked with destinations across the country—including several Governor’s Conferences on Tourism—Erica Wheeler helps communities craft compelling narratives that celebrate place and heritage while boosting economic vitality. A seasoned storyteller, award-winning songwriter, and visitor experience specialist, Erica delivers keynotes that are transformative, uplifting, and deeply resonant.

A Sense of Place Approach elevates your destination’s visibility and impact. By showcasing your unique historical, cultural, and natural assets through authentic, place-based storytelling, you can attract more visitors, inspire them to stay longer, and foster deeper connections. This keynote helps shift from “destination marketing” to “journey marketing”, creating experiences that engage visitors on a personal level and transform how they interact with your place.

Through inspiring stories, case studies, and real-world examples, attendees will discover how sense-of-place storytelling enhances visitor engagement, increases tourism revenue, and fosters a deeper appreciation for their destination.

Key Takeaways:

✔ Boost tourism and economic impact – Leverage authentic storytelling to foster emotional connections, leading to longer stays, return visits, and regional travel expansion.
✔ See the familiar through fresh eyes – Learn how to uncover and highlight the distinctive history, culture, and landscape of your destination.
✔ Gain actionable ideas to enhance visitor engagement – Walk away with practical insights and strategies proven to increase visitor satisfaction and economic success.
✔ Connect with peers and emerging trends – Engage in the growing demand for immersive, meaningful travel experiences, and shape narratives that resonate.
✔ Reignite your passion for place – Rekindle personal connections to places and leave with renewed enthusiasm for your work.

2. Increase Well-Being

“If you don’t know where you are, you don’t know who you are.” Wendell Berry

Inspire attendees to find their stories of connection to places. In a world that often feels disconnected, a sense of place and belonging can be a powerful anchor for well-being.

Having provided performances for communities, organizations and events across the country, from the New Mexico Council on Aging Conference to the Social Venture Network, Erica helps people see the vital connections between personal stories, well-being, and the power of place.

This keynote helps attendees see the familiar through new eyes, uncover their stories, and deepen their connection to themselves, their surroundings, and their community. Whether reflecting on past experiences or embracing the present moment, participants will explore how a sense of place fosters inner stability, joy, and a renewed connection to what truly matters.

Through engaging storytelling, song, and conversation, Erica provides inspiration and practical tools to cultivate presence, appreciation, and a deeper sense of belonging—elements that contribute to overall well-being.

Key Takeaways:

✔ See the familiar through new eyes – Gain a fresh perspective on your surroundings, uncovering deeper meaning in everyday places.
✔ Uncover and share personal stories of place – Discover how experiences shape a sense of belonging and well-being.
✔ Strengthen your connection to self and community – Explore how place-based reflection fosters personal growth and connection.
✔ Gain tools to create moments of presence and appreciation – Learn simple, practical ways to cultivate a sense of place anywhere.
✔ Reignite inspiration and a renewed sense of purpose – Leave feeling grounded, energized, and deeply connected to your surroundings and personal journey.

3. Inspire Stewardship

"We cannot save what we do not love." — Stephen Jay Gould

To inspire stewardship, people must feel a personal connection to place—whether it’s a landscape, a historic site, or a cultural tradition.

In this keynote, Erica guides attendees on a journey of story, song, and conversation to uncover their own connections to places, people, and histories. By exploring personal experiences and sense-of-place storytelling, participants will gain insights and tools to inspire caring, connection, and action—helping them engage others in the protection and preservation of what matters most.

Through engaging storytelling and interactive reflection, Erica provides fresh approaches to interpretive work, advocacy, and visitor engagement, ensuring that stories of place become a powerful force for stewardship.

Key Takeaways:

✔ Discover and share personal stories rooted in a sense of place – Learn how to use your own experiences to create meaningful connections with audiences.
✔ Gain tools to craft stories that inspire caring and action – Transform facts and history into narratives that resonate emotionally.
✔ Strengthen your ability to engage others in stewardship – Explore ways to foster deeper connections with visitors, communities, and partners.
✔ Build meaningful connections with others – Create shared experiences that inspire collective care for landscapes, heritage, and culture.
✔ Recharge and realign with your passion for your work – Leave with a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration.

About Erica Wheeler

Erica Wheeler is an award-winning singer-songwriter, TEDx speaker, and visitor experience specialist with decades of experience inspiring connections between people and place.

Erica has:

• Delivered keynotes at premier events such as the Wisconsin Governor’s Conference on Tourism and the National Association of State Park Directors Conference.

• Worked extensively with the National Park Service, providing training at over 45 sites, including Yosemite National Park and Independence Hall.

• Released six albums, with songs charting in the Top Ten on Billboard’s Gavin Americana chart. Her album Good Summer Rain was sponsored by the Trust for Public Land.

Erica’s work bridges the worlds of the arts, interpretation, and inspiring emotional connections, helping people and places thrive.

Book Erica Wheeler for Your Next Event!

If you want a keynote speaker who will leave your audience inspired, motivated, and equipped with practical tools to make a difference, Erica Wheeler is the perfect choice. From energizing tourism efforts to strengthening community and organizational connections, her message delivers results that matter.