Every great business, brand, and technology starts as an idea. Join a conversation with leaders working across destination marketing, luxury vacation rentals, entrepreneurship, and artificial intelligence. Hear how they’ve built businesses, brands, and experiences by combining creativity, technology, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of people.
Ryan Mack — Chief Communications & Experience Officer, Visit Salt Lake
Ryan Mack leads communications strategy, stakeholder engagement, destination storytelling, and experience development for Salt Lake County’s visitor economy. His work spans media relations, public affairs, government relations, travel trade, and proprietary events, giving him a unique perspective on how destinations build their brands and connect with visitors. Students will gain insight into the business of tourism, destination marketing, and creating experiences that shape how people see and engage with a place.
Clay Partain — Chief Sports Officer, Visit Salt Lake & Executive Director, Sports Salt Lake
Clay Partain leads the strategy, sales, marketing, and operations behind Sports Salt Lake, helping position the region as a premier destination for sporting events and sports tourism. Over more than a decade with Visit Salt Lake, he has helped grow sports into a significant part of the destination’s visitor economy, supporting major events including NCAA tournament rounds, the NBA All-Star Game, USA Volleyball, and national youth sports competitions. Students will gain insight into the business of sports tourism, major event strategy, destination development, and the partnerships that bring high-profile sporting experiences to a community.
Kyle Painter — Co-Founder, Disruptors Media
Kyle Painter is an entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Disruptors Media, where he helps service businesses integrate artificial intelligence into marketing, sales, operations, and data tracking. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all software, Disruptors Media builds AI systems within businesses’ existing technology and workflows. Kyle brings a forward-looking perspective on entrepreneurship, innovation, and how people and technology can work together to reshape the way businesses operate.
From destination storytelling and luxury hospitality to entrepreneurship and AI, these professionals offer very different perspectives on where business and hospitality are headed.
About Table for Four
Table for Four is a free, small-group networking experience for students of all majors, offering the chance to connect with professionals over a hosted meal. Come curious, ask questions, build connections, and discover career paths and experiences both within and beyond the hospitality industry. Please note that table for four participants are limited to two registrations per semester, please prioritize your preferred professionals when signing up for a table for four event.