I’m a highly informed, organized and articulate professional speaker who delivers insights into and best practices for the LGBTQ segment — always with a sense of humor and deep respect for the audience. I’ve learned a lot about the motivations, concerns and behaviors of modern diverse travelers. I’m honored to share knowledge and experience gathered over 20 years of helping shape this segment and assisting tourism, travel and hospitality brands market to LGBTQ travelers. I am equally effective as a keynote speaker; leading a hands-on workshop; organizing and moderating a panel; conducting a smart 1:1 interview; or participating on a panel.
I’m also a skilled trainer highly attuned to the needs, unspoken questions and motivations of my audiences, helping executive and marketing teams understand and effectively connect with the LGBTQ segment. I provide customer-facing teams with tools to keep LGBTQ visitors and guests safe. I work closely with colleagues at HospitableMe — global leader in inclusive hospitality which I co-founded — to deliver their Everyone Welcome inclusive hospitality training for customer-facing service providers as well as executives and sales & marketing teams. Email me at ed@edsalvato.com for more information or a price quote.
I love what I do. I’m deeply knowledgeable, and it shows. But … don’t take my word for it!
We brought Ed on as moderator and trainer for a workshop on Designing Trips for and Marketing to LGBTQ+ Travelers at AdventureELEVATE in 2019. From the first outreach, Ed was communicative, friendly, generous with his knowledge and network, and organized. I truly appreciate it when I enlist the help of a professional to moderate and present at our events, and they deliver above and beyond expectations, and this describes Ed to a T. One of our attendees even said that it was “the most informative and helpful session she’s ever been to at an event.” I can’t recommend him strongly enough.
Alice Gifford, Adventure Travel Trade Association
You, sir, are a prince. Thanks so much for coming out west, taking charge of all the cooks in the kitchen, bringing our collective wisdom up a notch, charming the mayor into a selfie and being a lot of fun to hang with. I really enjoyed spending time with you. [At the annual GSBA Business Luncheon.]
David Blandford, VP Communications, Visit Seattle
You’re humorous, and you’ve inspired respect in your peers and colleagues. You’re a rare person who has gravitas.
Dan Bernal, Chief of staff to Nancy Pelosi in her San Francisco Congressional Office
What can I say, but thank you – you were brilliant! Your contribution was relevant, engaging and spot on – funny, thought provoking and entertaining. Ed, you’re amazing.
Murray Harkin, Murray Harkin Associates
Just a note to say thanks for moderating the LGBTQ panel at yesterday’s annual [NYC & Company members] meeting! The feedback from members has been off the hook! And everyone has been mentioning your name and saying how brilliant you were as a moderator. I thought you’d want to know.
Kelly Curtin Executive Vice President, NYC & Company
Everyone is still talking about the luncheon and how the delightful and informative presentation you gave to our membership. [A week after delivering the keynote at the annual GSBA Business Luncheon.]
Louise Chernin, GSBA President and Chief Executive Officer
Ed is a passionate and great teacher who can communicate key concepts very well and enhance them with relevant real-life questions
Prof Jukka M. Laitamaki, Ph.D
Thank you for your wonderful and helpful presentation! You did a great job, and we did get a receptive, positive response.
— Lisa Margaroli, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board
Ed is a great friend of Consular Affairs (U.S. State Department) —we share an interest in keeping all travelers safe—and he is also a lively and engaging presenter. He did a great presentation for us inOverseas Citizens Services last week which someone pronounced the best presentation she’d ever seen in a government building. He’d be a great addition to any course.
— Karen L. Christensen
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Overseas Citizens Services
See Ed in action!
Let me know how I can energize, inform and engage your next meeting or conference!
Check out my award-winning book, the Handbook of LGBT Tourism and Hospitality: A Guide for Business Practice, at Columbia University Press and buy it on Amazon.
The LGBTQ Travel Expert. Educator. Speaker. Author. 