Free hospitality training set for October 27 with national speaker Shellie Phelps
Highlands County’s hospitality and tourism professionals are invited to take part in a free, interactive workshop designed to make Sebring, Avon Park and Lake Placid, FL shine even brighter. The “Everyone Matters” Hospitality Training will take place on Monday, October 27, 2025, at the Seven Sebring Raceway Hotel, offering two identical sessions: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. or 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Led by nationally recognized speaker and community consultant Shellie Phelps, the training focuses on elevating everyday guest and customer interactions into memorable moments that strengthen the county’s growing reputation as the Heart of Hospitality.
Thanks to funding from Visit Sebring/Highlands County Tourist Development Council (TDC), the workshop is free to attendfor all participants. Space is limited to 24 attendees per session, and early registration online at tinyurl.com/EveryoneMattersHighlandsCounty is required.
“Hospitality isn’t just about service; it’s about how we make people feel,” said Phelps. “When everyone understands their role in creating a positive experience, the entire community benefits.”
Participants will learn how customer experiences shape community identity, explore effective teamwork and communication strategies, and discover practical ways to go from “good” to “great” in every guest interaction. The workshop encourages everyone, from restaurant servers and front desk staff to business owners and community leaders, to take pride in their role as ambassadors for Highlands County.
Instructor Shellie Phelps is a national public speaker, educator, and community consultant known for her role as Executive Director of the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce during HGTV’s Home Town Takeover, Season One. She later worked with Highlands County during its own HGTV spotlight, helping strengthen tourism and community engagement. Today, she continues to help communities across the country elevate their visitor experiences through collaboration and sustainable tourism practices.
Although the workshop is free, pre-registration online at tinyurl.com/EveryoneMattersHighlandsCounty is required. For more information, contact Visit Sebring / Highlands County TDC at (863) 402-6909 or visit www.VisitSebring.com.
