FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2007

CONTACT: Steve Dolan
(619) 594-5664
sdolan@mail.sdsu.edu

SAN DIEGO, Wednesday, January 3, 2007 - Disney Institute's renowned professional development program "The Disney Keys to Excellence" will be presented at the Sycuan Resort on Thursday, March 22. Sponsored by San Diego State University's College of Extended Studies, the full-day event reveals the "business behind the magic." Participants learn innovative Disney business strategies that can be implemented in their own organizations.

Disney Institute programs are unique in the business world, according to George Aguel, senior vice president for Walt Disney Parks and Resort. "We don't simply teach theory," said Aguel "We take people inside the Disney operation, showcasing on-stage and behind-the-scenes locations. Attendees see firsthand how Walt Disney World Resort became the benchmark for businesses around the world."

William E. Byxbee, dean of SDSU's College of Extended Studies, says the event is a win-win-win situation for Disney Institute, Sycuan Resort and his College.

"We are always looking for ways to expand upon the excellent academic programs offered by San Diego State University," Byxbee said. "This unique professional development program enables us to provide another quality educational opportunity to the community. The Sycuan Resort, which supports education at San Diego State, is an ideal venue for this event."

The Disney Keys to Excellence program has four 90-minute sessions. Participants can attend one or all.

• Leadership, Disney Style - Effective leadership has been the catalyst at Disney to drive employee/customer satisfaction and bottom-line results, from the company's inception to today.
• Management, Disney Style - The importance of integrating an organization's corporate culture into selection, training, and care.
• Service, Disney Style - World-renowned Disney principles for service excellence.
• Loyalty, Disney Style - Key practices and principles in building and sustaining loyalty that have made Disney a trusted and revered brand around the world for more than 75 years.

Participants must pre-register. Early registration is strongly recommended. Registration fees are $99 per session, and include course materials. The full-day fee of $396 includes lunch. Group rates available. For details, visit www.NeverStopLearning.net/DisneyInstitute or call (619) 594-5640.

Thousands of business leaders from more than 35 countries and 40 industries have attended business programs at Disney Institute. At the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disney Institute offers customized programs, workshops, business presentations, and behind-the-scenes tours tailored to meet the needs of groups meeting at Walt Disney World.

For more information about Disney Institute, call (407) 566-2620, or visit www.disneyinstitute.com.
SDSU's College of Extended Studies offers a wide variety of lifelong learning classes, seminars, and certificate programs. Career advancement courses are offered in many areas of management, leadership, and quality improvement while self-enrichment courses range from astronomy to web design. Additionally, the College offers over 35 certificate programs, online courses, and many other learning opportunities. To register or for more information, call (619) 265-SDSU(7378) or log on to www.NeverStopLearning.net.