Take an unforgettable journey through
story, song, and conversation.

Erica Wheeler guides audiences on a transformative journey—one that shifts perspectives, sparks fresh ideas, and provides a renewed sense of purpose. More than a lecture, Erica’s keynotes are immersive experiences that bring the power of place to life through story, song, and conversation.

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 strengthening community and organizational connections to greater well-being, her message delivers results that matter.

The Power of Place & Story Keynote Topics

A journey of song, story, and conversation to inspire connection and reimagine narratives.

• Uncover stories of place and belonging

• See the familiar through new eyes

• Gain tools to craft meaningful, engaging narratives

• Recharge and realign with your passion for your work

Additional Offers

Story & Song Interlude

A refreshing, uplifting break in a packed agenda.

• Sparks creativity and engagement

• Provides space for reflection

• Leaves audiences inspired and recharged

Breakout Sessions

Hands-on workshops to deepen the keynote’s impact and apply its message.

• Bring Stories to Life – Practical ways to use storytelling in tours, programs, and outreach

• Craft Personal Sense of Place Stories – A powerful framework for creating compelling narratives
  

Why Erica Wheeler?

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

She is a master storyteller and has decades of experience evoking stories in others, including training “America’s Storytellers,” the rangers and guides for the National Park Service at 45 + sites.

Erica’s work bridges the worlds of the arts, interpretation and community engagement. Her warmth, humor, music and story expertise, aligned with her mission to connect people and place and expertise as a performer and workshop facilitator, assure you a powerful, uplifting and transformative experience.

Let’s craft an unforgettable experience for your event!

Contact Erica: Booking Inquiry

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

More Keynote Information

Tourism Keynotes

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

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 Tourism Industry 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.

Well-Being Keynotes

“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 Well-Being Industry 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.

Stewardship Keynotes

"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 Stewardship and Preservation 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.