Disney Institute is bringing its renowned professional development program, the "Disney Keys to Excellence," to Little Rock on Thursday, Sept. 24. Sponsored locally by the Center for Executive Education and Development, Global Campus and the human resources office at the University of Arkansas, the full-day event will give professionals an opportunity to experience the business behind the Disney magic and explore topics of leadership, management, service and loyalty.

"This is the only program that Disney Institute brings to the local business community," said George Aguel, senior vice president for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts who also leads the Disney Institute. "Participants from the Little Rock area will discover Disney practices that they can incorporate into their own businesses. These strategies and tactics have been proven successful for more than 50 years."

The "Disney Keys to Excellence" registration is $399 per person and includes all course materials. A 10 percent discount off the full price is offered with four or more people from the same organization. Early bird registration is $299 until July 15. The program will be held in Little Rock at the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, 2130 S. University Ave. For more information or to register, go to http://execed.uark.edu or call 479-575-2856.
Disney Institute programs are unique in the world of training.

"What makes the Disney learning experience so different and meaningful is that we don't simply teach theory," said Aguel. "We give participants an `insider's look' at business philosophies that have helped Disney to consistently rank as one of the world's most admired companies and brands. Engaging content is presented in an entertaining fashion and provides participants with tools that can literally transform their organizations."

The full-day "Disney Keys to Excellence" program is made up of four 90-minute sessions:

• Leadership, Disney Style - Highlights how effective leadership has been the catalyst at Disney to drive employee and customer satisfaction from the company's inception to today. Participants discover how Disney leaders exhibit values and behaviors that generate bottom-line results.
• Management, Disney Style - Examines the importance of integrating an organization's corporate culture into selection, training and care. Participants gain insight into ways Disney fosters a supportive environment that inspires employee pride and ownership.
• Service, Disney Style - Explores world-renowned Disney principles for service excellence. Participants learn how to leverage a service infrastructure and service standards to constantly exceed expectations.

Loyalty, Disney Style - Showcases practices that have helped Disney build and sustain loyalty while creating one of the world's most trusted and revered brands. Participants discover ways to create powerful relationships that can help retain customers for life and techniques for effectively delivering a brand promise.

Since the premiere of its first professional development program in 1986, millions of business leaders have attended Disney Institute programs. Today, that portfolio has grown to encompass a wide range of workshops, presentations, behind-the-scenes tours and fully customized programs. Programs are available at Disney Resort Destinations around the world or can travel to client sites. They are also accredited by numerous professional bodies, including the American College of Healthcare Executives, Human Resource Certification Institute, National Association of State Boards of Accountancy and the Annenberg Center for Health Sciences. For more information about Disney Institute, call 407-566-2620, or visit www.disneyinstitute.com.