Kit Speaks

Whether I’m teaching in a classroom, speaking at a conference or leading a webinar, I draw from my experience as both a professional travel journalist and corporate marketing executive to deliver meaningful content.

I’ve participated as a speaker and panel moderator at travel industry conferences including the New York Times Travel Show, Society of American Travel Writers, Educational Travel Conference, Shop America Alliance ONE Travel Conference, Public Relations Society of America, Travel Media Showcase Family Travel Conference and multiple state tourism conferences.

I’ve taught travel writing courses and publishing strategy at Loyola University of Chicago’s School of Continuing Education, University of Chicago Writer’s Studio and Columbia College, Chicago.

As an active volunteer in the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), I’ve chaired and served on multiple professional development committees for Society council, chapter and annual meetings, including the SATW 2020 virtual conference. In 2004, I created the SATW Geography Education Committee dedicated to developing and supporting young travel writers in elementary and high school and chaired the educational outreach initiative through 2020.

For more, download Kit’s resume.

Kit is a frequent speaker at travel industry events and teaches university travel writing courses.

Watch the presentation video where Kit was named the 2017 TravMedia Journalist of the Year at the ONE Travel Conference:

“Kit Bernardi was our special honoree as the TravMedia Journalist of the Year at the 2017 ONE Travel Conference for Shopping, Dining and Cultural Tourism in Las Vegas.  She brought a wealth of travel trend information and great energy to the conference.  Having known Kit for many years, it is so rewarding to see her creativity flourish and to cheer her ongoing success. Congratulations Kit!”

—Rosemary McCormick
President, Shop America Alliance and US Cultural & Heritage Tourism Marketing Council
Producers of ONEtravelconference

“I asked Kit to be my interviewer at an author’s event at Seminary Co-op Bookstore in Chicago because she’s smart, engaging, and good at public speaking. She more than exceeded my expectations as an interlocutor. She’d read my book carefully in advance and asked thought-provoking questions that led to a great discussion. And we had fun in the process too–one of her strengths is her wonderful sense of humor.”

—Lori Erickson
Author of Holy Rover

“At the 2017 New York Times Travel Show’ Family Travel Association’s pavilion Kit, moderated and led our session ‘Getting Around Family Travel Roadblocks — Top Challenges Keeping Families from Traveling and How to Overcome Them.’ Kit did a fabulous job attracting high profile travel industry professionals to participate as panelists in the discussion, including MSC Cruises and Travel with Kids TV & Family Adventure Tours. Kit presented relevant family travel information in a clear, concise and inclusive manner that engaged the audience during the successful hour-long panel discussion. Thanks to Kit’s outstanding work, I am sure the association will be asked to return to the New York Times Travel Show.”

— Rainer Jenss
President & Founder Family Travel Association

“Kit offers years of travel writing and marketing experience, with a keen understanding of what the print and online editor, journalist and blogger is looking for to craft compelling travel stories about your community, no matter it’s size. Kit is a passionate about sharing with travelers the Midwest’s rich experiences, and particularly telling stories about the treasures in Kansas, of which Kansas tourism officials are deeply appreciative. In 2013, Kit was the recipient of the prestigious Kansas Parks, Wildlife and Tourism “Travel Journalist of the Year Award.” So our 2014 Kansas Tourism Conference attendees found enlightening all that she had to say.”

— Karen Hibbard
2014 President of the Travel Industry Association of Kansas
Director of the Manhattan Kansas Convention & Visitors Bureau

“Kit’s presentations at the ETC 2014 and 2103 conferences were exceptional — timely, relevant and engaging. She is a highly skilled moderator as well as an insightful and entertaining presenter.  Kit received very high ratings on her session evaluations, both for delivery and content. “Kit is a fount of knowledge and has a great ability to share her skills with a group.”  She was willing to accommodate any unscheduled changes with grace and professionalism.  I felt very fortunate to have a presenter of Kit’s caliber at the conference.  As such she has a standing invitation to participate in future ETC travel industry events!”

— J. Mara DelliPriscoli
Founder, Educational Travel Community President, Travel Learning Connections, Inc.,
www.travelearning.com

Kit Bernardi has been an adjunct instructor for Loyola University Chicago for four years, teaching a variety of writing-related courses for our non-credit program, Continuum. Through the years, Kit has developed a loyal following of students as a result of her challenging and engaging course content. She remains one of our most popular instructors, and continues to bring new and innovative programming to our diverse audience.

— Caroline Gosselin
Program Manager Loyola University Chicago, School of Continuing and Professional Studies
www.luc.edu