The Power of Influencers in Hospitality: Building a Thriving Ecosystem

Hosts Nadya Rousseau and Wendy Song Dowling

This panel will explore how entrepreneurs can build and leverage community connections through influencer marketing and leveraging the Evolusen platform to help their businesses grow. Experts from different industries will share their experiences fostering communities that support business success and provide practical tips for attendees.

Panel Format:

  • Duration: 60-90 minutes (includes Q&A)

  • Moderator: Nadya Rousseau, CEO of Alter New Media

  • Welcome & Introduction (5-10 minutes)

    • Host: Nadya opens with a welcome and introduction to the space and the event’s purpose.

    • Moderator: Nadya introduces herself, Wendy, and the panelists, providing context for the importance of community in business growth.

  • Panel Discussion (45-60 minutes)

    • Topics to Cover:

      • Why Community Matters for Entrepreneurs:

        • Nadya explains the concept of community as a critical driver of success, building a loyal customer base, and driving visibility through strategic connections (influencer marketing).

      • Building a Community from Scratch:

        • Each panelist shares their story of building or joining a community and how it helped their business thrive.

      • Leveraging Community for Growth:

        • Practical examples of how a strong network can unlock opportunities for business development, marketing, and partnerships.

      • Overcoming Challenges in Community Building:

        • Panelists discuss roadblocks they faced in building or maintaining a community and how they overcame them.

      • The Role of Collaborative Spaces:

        • Emphasize the importance of coworking spaces and local hubs like Bottega Exchange in fostering entrepreneurial communities. Discuss the importance of tech in fostering real human capital. 

  • Q&A Session (15-20 minutes)

    • Open the floor for attendees to ask the panelists about building and leveraging the community.

  • Networking Opportunity (15-30 minutes)

    • After the panel (or demonstrations), encourage participants to mingle, exchange ideas, and discuss potential partnerships within the Bottega Exchange space.