Duane Knapp

Duane E. Knapp is a recognized authority in branding, an author, and the Chairman & Founder of BrandStrategy, Inc. He has delivered presentations to thousands and provided advice to over 300 brands across 15 countries, covering a range of sectors such as travel, hospitality, food and beverage, retailing, healthcare, financial services, and real estate development.

Knapp is the author of influential books including "The BrandPromise," "The BrandMindset," and "Global Destination BrandScience." These books, published by McGraw-Hill and Destination Marketing Association International, delve into how companies can become genuine brands and successfully manage their image and perception. His work has earned recognition, with "The BrandMindset" being a recommended read by corporations such as IBM and American Express for their top executives. His insights have also been featured in major publications like BusinessWeek, Forbes, Fortune Magazine, and others.

Knapp's extensive background includes senior executive roles at prestigious companies such as Westin Hotels, Holiday Corporation, The Promus Companies, and Cinnabon. He has served on the boards of multiple organizations, including Annika, Inc., American University in the Emirates, and Federated Western Properties, Inc. His academic contributions include teaching and lecturing at top institutions like Vanderbilt, Stanford, and the University of California. As a sought-after keynote speaker, he specializes in topics like branding, business visionaries, leadership, and customer service, consistently emphasizing the importance of creating a "Genuine Promise" in branding.