Speakers:
Djuan
Rivers
Retired Vice President of Disney's Animal Kingdom
Bob
Allen
Retired Vice President of Disney Production Services
Rick
Allen
Retired Disney Resort/Parks General Manager
Bob
Weis
Retired President of Walt Disney Imagineering
Jody
Maberry
Park Ranger, podcaster, and storyteller
Join Us for a One-of-a-Kind Evening of Storytelling
Storytelling isn't just about what you say—it's how you shape culture, communicate purpose, and connect with people. This October, join us for a live, in-person experience that will deepen your understanding of how stories influence leadership, learning, and legacy.
October 18, 2025 | 5 PM - 7 PM
UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management, Orlando, FL
Get Your Tickets
Storytelling is our unique human superpower. Stories are the basis of everything from how we get kids to fall asleep to the most sophisticated movies and immersive entertainment. Storytelling is the root of culture; when, where, and how we tell them defines the characters we all embody in our life narrative.
Talking Story is an exploration of all things story. Join five storytellers to explore some of their favorite tales as they share how they’ve used stories to build everything from better ways to appreciate the natural world to multi-billion-dollar theme parks. In this 2 hour “kitchen table talk” experience, you’ll meet Bob Weis, Author, Speaker and recent past President of Walt Disney Imagineering, Jody Maberry, Entrepreneur and Nationally known Podcast Host, Rick Allen, 43 year Walt Disney World Operations executive, Djuan Rivers, Adventurer, past Disney Resort executive, and Vice President of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Bob Allen, a 26 year Disney creative executive and founder of the experience design firm IDEAS and The Zennovation Network as they swap some great stories, share their philosophy of storytelling and engage in a thoughtful dialogue with the event participants.
Talking Story is a perfect opportunity for anyone curious about how stories work, who wants some tips on how to tell better ones, and is ready to be entertained by the storytellers behind some of the world’s most celebrated places and experiences.
What You’ll Experience
Djuan Rivers
Djuan is known for his extensive travels around the world. Whether he is telling you a story about the mountains of Patagonia or from his time operating Disney's Animal Kingdom, Djuan will always keep you entertained.
Jody Maberry
As a park ranger, Jody mastered interpretation. Now, he brings a park ranger's storytelling to podcasts, boardrooms, and workshops. His stories can get as wild as the wilderness.
Bob Allen
Bob has been telling stories through experience for decades. Not many people can capture the essence of an experience through a story the way Bob can.
Rick Allen
With 43 years of experience in Walt Disney World operations, Rick has seen it all. And he has the stories to prove it.
Bob Weis
Gain behind-the-scenes insight from the former president of Walt Disney Imagineering. Bob will unpack how storytelling drives design, leadership, and guest experience on a global scale.
Learn more about the speakers:
Bob Weis - retired President of Walt Disney Imagineering
Bob Allen - retired vice president of Disney Production Services
Rick Allen - retired Disney Resorts/Parks General Manager
Djuan Rivers - retired Vice President of Disney's Animal Kingdom
Jody Maberry - park ranger and storyteller
This isn't a usual workshop or series of keynote presentations. This is a collection of storytellers gathered together to share stories and examine how a good story works. You will be entertained and leave ready to tell your next story.
Date:
October 18, 2025
5 PM - 7 PM ET
Price:
$50 USD
Only 48 seats available
Location:
UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management, Orlando, FL
Why Attend?
- Exclusive One-Time Event: This group of storytellers has never presented together before.
- Learn How to Tell a Story: Get tips and suggestions on how to tell a story and what makes a story stick with people.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with four Disney speakers and one park ranger. Plus, you will meet like-minded people who came to learn about story.
- Be Entertained: If nothing else, you will hear some good stories.
Don't miss this opportunity!
Secure Your Spot Now!
This is your chance to learn from Disney leaders and storytelling pros. Seating is extremely limited and this event will sell out fast.