Two organizations at the University of Arkansas have joined together to bring the Disney Institute's renowned professional development program to Northwest Arkansas.

The Center for Management and Executive Education in the Sam M. Walton College of Business and the Office of Human Resources are sponsoring "The Disney Institute Keys to Excellence." The full-day program will be held from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 18, in the Donald W. Reynolds Center for Enterprise Development on the University of Arkansas campus. For more information and to register, call (888) 824-3933 or (479) 575-2856 or go to http://execed.uark.edu/disney.

Having trained tens of thousands of leaders from more than 35 countries and more than 40 industries, the Disney Institute is a leader in professional development programs in the areas of leadership, loyalty, management, service and creativity. Using the successful management principles and business philosophies of the Walt Disney World Resort, the Disney Institute provides a unique and compelling behind-the-scenes program for all managers and career-minded employees.

"This full-day event will give area business professionals a chance to discover the business behind the Disney magic," said Théres Stiefer, director of the Center for Management and Executive Education. "Professional development programs at Walt Disney Resort have been extremely popular. Last fall's program on campus was very successful so we are very pleased to be able to offer it again in Arkansas.

Debbie McLoud, director of employee development at the University of Arkansas, and recently a participant in the Disney Institute Management program in Orlando, Fla., said, "Participants will discover Disney success stories and learn about management philosophies and behind-the-scenes operations that have made the Walt Disney World Resort a benchmark for businesses around the world."

"The Keys to Excellence" program showcases philosophies and strategies that have made the Walt Disney World Resort a success - ideas that are easily adaptable to other organizations. The sessions take people inside the Disney operation, showcasing on-stage and behind-the-scenes locations so attendees see firsthand how it all happens.

The program comprises four 90-minute sessions, covering leadership, management, service and loyalty - all presented through the Disney style. Participants will discover how leadership has been the catalyst at Disney to drive employee/customer satisfaction and bottom-line results; understand the importance of integrating corporate culture into the selection, training and care of employees; explore world-renowned Disney principles of service excellence; and learn the key practices and principles in building and sustaining loyalty that have made Disney a trusted and revered brand around the world for more than 75 years.

Registration and tuition fees for the program are $399 per person for the day and include materials, lunch and the experience.