As part of our on-going "5 Minutes With" series, every month we’ll introduce you to a new member of our Disney Meetings team at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disneyland Resort in California or Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii. Whether they work in our Disney Convention Resorts, Theme Park Operations, Catering and Convention Services, Sales, Entertainment or dozens of other event-support areas, these Cast Members and their teams are responsible for creating magical experiences and unforgettable events for meeting and event industry professionals, and their important attendees and guests, every single day.

Let’s meet Steven Fisher, Event Services Director at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort:

How do you and your team work with meeting and event planners? 

Planners should expect us to ask a lot of discovery questions throughout the planning process to ensure we are meeting all of their needs and advocating in their best interest. We consult with our partners in operations throughout the planning process to ensure we are providing our clients with the best choices and options, while serving as their “go to” for all things Disney. 

Can you describe one of your best Disney memories related to your position assisting a convention/meeting group? 

We hosted the Board of Directors of a large national food and beverage association, and they wanted something unique, different, and relevant to their group. We arranged to get them a private tour of our Land Pavilion at Epcot to show them how we grow and produce local and sustainable vegetables, fruit, and fish. Then our talented culinary team created a special tasting menu for them right inside the gardens.  

What is one of the greatest Disney Differences for attendees meeting at a Disney destination? 

Creative resources! We have a lot of “toys” in the toy box…and we keep adding!  We can access the incredible talent and services of our Disney entertainment teams to create unique and personalized offerings only available at Disney. Whether we are converting a resort ballroom into the Haunted Mansion for a dinner event, or hosting an event at a unique park venue like Harambe Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, there are endless “Disney” differences that we can offer. 

What are some of the latest, most innovative meeting trends you are seeing in the industry? How do you incorporate these trends into your client’s meeting? 

Digital technology is continuing to grow and evolve in the meeting industry. The use of convention apps instead of printed materials, RFID and Bluetooth readers built into convention credentials for attendee tracking and registration, and the use of interactive tools like live streaming and polling in general sessions are helping attendees be more engaged and cutting-edge. These are all services we can provide through our technology and creative teams, and the fact that we now provide complimentary WiFi bandwidth in our meeting rooms and convention centers is a major cost savings for meeting planners holding their events with us. 

What is your favorite part of your role?

Being a solution provider for my team and our clients. Whether it’s creative brainstorming on an event concept, problem-solving for an unforeseen bump in the road, or just working with a limited budget…I like creating win-win scenarios that help our clients accomplish their goals. 

What can attendees look forward to when meeting at a Disney destination? 

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention all the incredible additions coming to Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort! The addition of over 500 deluxe rooms and suites in a 15-story tower with an air-conditioned connector to our convention space is a game-changer for us. Attendees will enjoy a wealth of new and unique networking areas, including intimate outdoor seating areas around a new event lawn; a new lounge in the middle of our lake with private, open-air seating areas; a new lobby coffee bar; and a stunning new lounge on the 15^th floor of the tower with indoor and outdoor seating and amazing views over Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. 

Tell us – How does Steven’s story inspire you? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn using hashtag #DisneyMeetingsBlog. 

We're eager to help you create the perfect meeting or private event for any size group, theme and objective. To speak with a Disney Meetings representative about our pricing and options available at our Disney Parks & Resorts destinations in Florida, California, Hawaii, or at our international destinations, please Contact Us or Submit a Request for Proposal. Or, Sign Up to stay in touch and continue learning more about Disney meetings and events.