KEYNOTE SPEAKING
Hire John T. Peters as Speaker. With over three decades of experience as a digital innovator and disruptor in travel, media, leadership, and corporate business growth, John has inspired audiences worldwide, from New York to Prague to Athens, London, and Buenos Aires at some of the world’s most prestigious travel, media and tech conferences. Whether it’s keynote speeches, moderating panel discussions, virtual events, or emceeing, John has the experience and versatility to deliver a memorable and impactful performance and provide key takeaways to audiences.
RAVE REVIEWS AND STANDING OVATIONS SAY IT ALL!
John knows how to look at problems and challenges through a different lens, and can help your audience attack their next project differently and reach their full potential. Get in touch with him right away to find out how he can help your business succeed.
From Startup Founder to senior executive at public companies to speaker.
While at Fairleigh Dickinson University, John founded Zeus Tours and Yacht Cruises with a family friend in Greece, starting his unconventional career. He and his partner built 50-passenger yachts as an alternative to large cruise liners to make Zeus the leading international tour and yacht cruise line in the Mediterranean over 15 years. They successfully sold Zeus in 1999.
As CEO of Tripology, John grew the VC-funded startup before selling it to Rand McNally, where he became SVP/GM of Digital Strategy.
Corporate roles were equally interesting for John. At USA Today/Gannett, John led a team of almost 100 in developing and implementing a strategy to transition from a print media organization to the fourth most popular travel site on the internet, with digital solutions and properties for every hotel, cruise company, and airport in the US. John created and implemented new processes and systems to sell resort inventory in bulk for millions of dollars at RCI/Wyndham as VP of Business Development.
Now, as Executive Director of the Main Street Business Alliance, John is bringing his wealth of corporate and entrepreneurial experience to the Downtown Hackensack Special Improvement District and revolutionizing Main Street.
If you’d like to book John for an interview, appearance, or speaking engagement, please fill out the Contact Form. See past speaking engagements and comments about John’s presentations below.
John T. Peters, CTIE
■ Contact John
■ LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/johntpeters
■ Strategic Partnership Advisors: www.StrategicPartnershipAdvisors.com
■ Also, connect with me on social media, www.linktr.ee/johntpeters (@johnTpeters on all social platforms)
Special Improvement District Executive Director ■ Digital Innovator ■ Travel and Technology ■ Entrepreneur, Senior Marketing & Business Development Executive ■ Strategic Partnerships Expert ■ Digital Innovation Thought Leader ■ Startup Mentor, Speaker, and Moderator.
Executive Director, Main Street Business Alliance ■ Founder, Strategic Partnership Advisors, LLC. ■ Former Managing Director – Retail & Partnerships, Brush Creek Ranch / White Lodging. ■ Former President, Travel Media Group, USA TODAY ■ Former SVP Digital Strategy & Business Development for Rand McNally ■ Past CEO of Tripology, a high growth, web-based travel advisory company ■ Co-founded “Zeus Group” an international cruise/tour company ■ Led marketing, sales, and strategic partnerships for diverse global travel businesses, public and private, with revenues to $360M ■ Winner GOLD Adrian Award for Digital Marketing / PR Campaign. ■ Winner “Innovator of the Year” US Travel Association
SHORT BIO:
John Peters is a renowned entrepreneur and corporate leader with a career spanning over three decades. Starting his journey in 1990, he co-founded Zeus Tours & Yacht Cruises, an international operator in Greece, achieving global expansion before its sale to FAR&WIDE Travel in 1999. His entrepreneurial prowess continued with Tripology, a travel technology firm, leading to its acquisition by Rand McNally.
In the corporate realm, John has excelled in several senior executive roles. As President of the Travel Media Group at USA Today, Vice President of Business Development at RCI/Wyndham, and Managing Director of Retail & Partnerships at Brush Creek Ranch, he has driven significant growth and success. John’s strategic vision and leadership have been instrumental in establishing these entities as leaders in their respective industries.
Beyond his executive achievements, John is committed to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs. He mentors startups across various accelerators, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience. A respected speaker and moderator, he regularly contributes his insights at leading domestic and international conferences. His thought leadership has been featured in prestigious outlets like The New York Times, USA TODAY, and the Wall Street Journal, affirming his status as an influential figure in business. John’s dedication to education is evident through his guest lectures at universities and teaching Marketing Analytics, inspiring students to pursue entrepreneurial paths. His innovative marketing efforts, including the “Best of the Road®” program, have garnered widespread acclaim, earning him the GOLD Adrian award for Digital Marketing Promotion and the title of “Innovator of the Year” by the US Travel Association.
John Peters epitomizes the essence of entrepreneurial spirit and corporate excellence. His journey from founding successful startups to holding pivotal executive roles, combined with his commitment to mentorship and innovation, marks him as a key influencer in shaping the business landscape. His achievements reflect a deep-seated dedication to advancing the fields of travel, technology, and business development, making him a model for aspiring entrepreneurs and executives alike.
LONG BIO:
John T. Peters is a visionary leader and serial entrepreneur with a distinguished career in the travel, hospitality, tourism, travel technology, and media industries. As the Executive Director of the Main Street Business Alliance and the founder of Strategic Partnership Advisors, LLC, John specializes in forging strategic partnerships and guiding companies through market expansion and recovery strategies. His expertise in mentoring travel and travel technology startups spans a wide range of critical areas, including product ideation, investor relations, media strategies, customer acquisition, and strategic partnerships.
Previously, John served as the Managing Director of Retail & Partnerships for Brush Creek Ranch (White Lodging), the world’s top-rated ranch resort, where he spearheaded the launch of a luxury retail division. This role followed his tenure as President of the Travel Media Group at USA TODAY, where he led initiatives in strategy, digital product development, circulation, and ad sales, culminating in the acquisition of 10Best.com and the launch of groundbreaking digital platforms like “The Point.”
John’s innovative spirit was evident during his time as SVP of Digital Strategy and Business Development at Rand McNally, where he launched the acclaimed “Best of the Road” program in partnership with the Travel Channel. His entrepreneurial journey includes the successful sale of Tripology.com, a venture-funded interactive travel referral service, to Rand McNally, showcasing his ability to create and scale businesses effectively.
Before his corporate ascension, John co-founded Zeus Tours & Yacht Cruises, demonstrating early his knack for entrepreneurship and business development in the travel sector. The successful exit from this venture laid the groundwork for his illustrious career.
An esteemed professional speaker and moderator, John regularly shares his insights at many leading domestic and international conferences, including World Travel Market, EyeforTravel, Reuters Events, The Los Angeles Times Travel Show, The New York Times Travel Show, Caribbean Tourism Organization Government Events, and others. He has made numerous radio and television appearances and has been featured in such publications as The New York Times, USA TODAY, Reuters, MSNBC, Wall Street Journal, US News & World Report, Business Insider, Internet Weekly, and La Nacion, Argentina’s largest newspaper.
Holding a BA degree in Business Management with honors from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a Certified Travel Industry Executive certification, John’s educational background complements his extensive professional experience. His commitment to sharing knowledge extends to academic presentations on entrepreneurship at universities, further cementing his role as a mentor and leader in his field. John T. Peters is not only a successful entrepreneur and executive but also a key influencer and innovator in the travel and technology industries.
John also frequently presents at universities on the subject of entrepreneurship. In 2011, John accepted the GOLD Adrian award for Digital Marketing Promotion for the “Best of the Road®” program he created, which generated over a billion media impressions in six months. In 2009, John was also recognized as “Innovator of the Year” by the US Travel Association. John holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a Certified Travel Industry Executive certification from The Travel Institute.
Conferences, Seminars, Presentations, Lectures & Meetups:
2024 Speaking Engagements for John Peters
■ Fairleigh Dickinson University – Various Presentations & Lectures
■ Caribbean Tourism Career Accelerator – Keynote Presenter
■ PNP Accelerator – Startup Mentor
2023 Speaking Engagements
■ Fairleigh Dickinson University – Various Presentations
■ PNP – Startup Founder Mentorship – Presenter – Various Presentations
■ Caribbean Tourism Organization Conference, New York – Keynote
2022 Speaking Engagements
■ Indiana University – Various Events & Presentations
■ PNP – Startup Mentorship – Presenter
■ Caribbean Tourism & Tech Accelerator – Presenter
2021 Speaking Engagements
■ Indiana University – Various Events & Presentations
■ PNP – Startup Mentorship – Presenter
2020 Speaking Engagements
■ Wyoming Governor’s Conference on Hospitality & Tourism – Presenter
■ EyeforTravel, San Diego – Chair & Moderator
■ PNP – Startup Mentorship – Presenter
2019 Speaking Engagements
■ June 5: Caribbean Tourism Organization – Marketing Conference, New York – Keynote
■ Oct. 28-29: EyeforTravel, Chicago – Chair & Moderator
2018 Speaking Engagements
■ Oct. 18-19: EyeforTravel, Las Vegas – Moderator
2017 Speaking Engagements
■ Nov 2: Purdue Univ. NW – Hospitality & Tourism Mgt – Speaker
2014 Speaking Engagements
■ Feb 11-12: EyeforTravel Smart Travel Analytics, New York – Presenter, Chair & Moderator
■ Feb 26: University of Houston, Hilton College Executive Series – Presenter
■ Feb 28: New York Times Travel Conference – Focus on Mexico – Moderator
■ March 2: New York Times Travel Conference – Essential Travel Gadgets – Moderator
■ March 8-9: Austin, TX – SXSW – Gannett/USA TODAY Travel Experience Travel presentations
■ March 17-18: EyeforTravel: San Francisco – Chair & Moderator: Mobile Panels
■ July 22-23: DMAI Annual Conference, Las Vegas – Moderator & Presenter
■ Sept 11-12: EyeforTravel Travel Distribution Summit, New York – Presenter, Chair & Moderator
■ Oct 12-14: Cornell Univ. Hospitality Summit, Ithaca, New York – Keynote Panelist
■ Oct 21: National Park Hospitality Association, Washington, DC – Expert Responder
■ Oct 22: University of Houston, Hilton College – Executive Series – Presenter
2013 Speaking Engagements
■ January 18: New York Times Travel Conference – Focus on Specialization, Chair & Presenter
■ May 8: HSMAI Annual GM Panel, New York – Moderator
■ June 3: NYU Hospitality Conference, New York – Award Presenter
■ July 16: DMAI Annual Convention, Orlando – Industry Spotlight Presenter
■ Sept 23-24: EyeforTravel: Chicago – Moderator: Mobile Panels
■ October 22: Boutique Lifestyle Leadership Symposium – Los Angeles, Moderator
■ October 23: – Univ. of Houston, Hospitality Hall of Honor, Think Tank Panelist
■ October 23: – Univ. of Houston, Hospitality Hall of Honor, Presenter – Consumer Travel Trends
■ November 8: – AH&LA, American Hotel & Lodging Association, New York, Opening Presenter
2012 Speaking Engagements
■ January 27 Los Angeles Times Travel Show – Focus on Specialization, Moderator
■ February 1 – The University of Chicago – Speaker, CCIB Entrepreneurship Workshop
■ March 2 New York Times Travel Conference – Focus on Specialization, Chair & Presenter
■ March 5-6: EyeforTravel: San Francisco – Moderator: Mobile Panels
■ December 5: NY Ad Club, Panelist, “Where Out of Home & Mobile Intersect”
2011 Speaking Engagements for John Peters
■ June 8: EyeforTravel: Miami: Keynote “Mobile: Reach & Engage Customers”
■ June 14: ATME: Boston – Presenter: “Rebooting a Brand Through Partnerships”
■ National Series: USTravel / Edelman / Tripology Social Media in Travel Meetups:
Chicago & New York – Organizer, Moderator & Panelist
■ February 25 New York Times Travel Conference – Chair & Presenter
2010 Speaking Engagements for John Peters
■ October 13,14: EyeforTravel Travel Distribution Summit, Chicago – Presenter
■ June 15 ATME Conference, Cambridge, MA: Social Media in Travel – Moderator
■ Multiple dates: USTravel / Edelman / Tripology Social Media in Travel Meetups:
Chicago & New York – Organizer, Moderator & Panelist
■ ShopAmerica, Annual Conference, Las Vegas, Social Media in Travel-Presenter
■ New York Times Travel Conference – Focus on Specialization, Chair & Presenter
■ EyeforTravel– Social Media Strategy Summit, San Francisco – Presenter & Moderator
■ LeadsCon – Annual Conference on Lead Generation, Las Vegas – Presenter & Panelist
■ TravDex – Annual Conference on Travel Technology, Atlanta – Moderator
2009 Speaking Engagements for John Peters
■ New York Times Travel Show – Panelist
■ Boston Globe Travel Show – Panelist
■ Cruise-a-thon, NYC – Panelist
■ EyeforTravel Sales & Marketing Summit, Chicago – Presenter & Panelist
■ EyeforTravel Travel Distribution, Prague – Presenter & Panelist
■ EyeforTravel/World Travel Market, Travel Technology Summit, London – Presenter
■ USTravel / Edelman / Tripology Social Media Meetups: Chicago
Comments about John T. Peters’ presentations:
Domenick Celentano – Dept. of Management & Entrepreneurship – FDU
“John, you were an excellent speaker – one of the best I’ve had.”
Sylma Brown – Director, Caribbean Tourism Organization-USA
“John, you connected with the audience in a way that I rarely experience. Your presentation was insightful, relevant, humorous, and substantive. Providing the audience with specific takeaways was key. I have received more requests for your presentation than for any other in recent years and we thank you for helping us to elevate the stature of the events of Caribbean Week. Fantastic!”
Amy Larsen – Industry Relations Manager, Wyoming Office of Tourism
John recently spoke at the Wyoming Governors Hospitality & Tourism conference on Travel Trends & What to do to stay ahead of the curve. He was relevant, engaging, and made sure the participants had actionable “take-aways”. His years of knowledge and experience in the industry made his talk informative, and his personality made it enjoyable. Many participants also commented on how approachable he was throughout the remainder of the conference as well to answer questions or just in conversation.
Gina Baillie – Regional Director, Europe, EyeforTravel Conferences
“John is an excellent conference speaker. Sharp, witty and always on the ball, he never fails to keep the audience informed and entertained.”
Carol Lucido – Academic Advisor, MBA program, Kellogg School of Management
“John was highly referred to me by a colleague at the University of Chicago. Based on her recommendation, we had John speak at a University of Chicago workshop class for over 125 undergraduate students interested in a career in business. John talked about his unconventional path in business and entrepreneurship in a clear and entertaining manner. He not only held the students’ attention (which is not a easy feat) but really motivated and inspired them. I had many students send me unsolicited emails thanking me for the workshop (not a common occurrence). I would highly recommend John for other speaker engagements and I know we will invite him to speak for us again.”
Henry Harteveldt – Travel industry analyst and advisor
“John has a dynamic personality. He is one of the finest non-professional public speakers I’ve ever seen; John delivers his message in an engaging, captivating manner. He has a well-honed, brilliant sense of humor, which he uses in a very effective manner. His writing is elegant in its focus.”
Susan Black – Co-Founder, The Black&Wright Group
“John has a thorough understanding of travel distribution, strategy eCommerce and social media…. All of this, and an excellent conference speaker and moderator too! I recommend John to any company or person looking for some expert guidance and executive leadership in travel distribution and e-commerce and social media strategies.”
Jeff Tobe, CSP – Coloring Outside the Lines –
“I’ve known John since his Zeus Tours days…. I’ve also heard John speak at a number of conferences and trade shows. His presentations, to large audiences and small, are always filled with humorous real-life stories that keep the audiences entertained as well as informed.”
Debbie Williamson- Business Development – The Telegraph; United Kingdom, Digital Publisher of the Year
“I very much enjoyed John’s presentation at World Travel Market in London.”
Kevin Fliess – Founder, TravelMuse
“John is a terrific person both on and off the court of business… John possesses a great sense of humor that puts everyone at ease and he treats everyone he meets with integrity, respect, and care.”
More recommendations can be found on John’s LinkedIn profile, here.