The Sedona Innovation Summit gathers Arizona’s most dynamic voices—elected officials, business leaders, startup founders, and community changemakers—to tackle the state’s toughest challenges and brightest opportunities.

From workforce to artificial intelligence and the future of state leadership, this summit isn’t just a discussion—it’s your front-row seat to shaping Arizona’s tomorrow.

November 6, 2025

10:00am - 2:30pm

Enchantment Resort

525 Boynton Canyon Rd

Sedona, AZ 86336

Panel Discussion Topics to Include:

Investing In the Future: Sustainable Communities

This discussion will explore how entrepreneurship, education, and housing work together to shape Arizona’s future. Entrepreneurs spark innovation and economic growth, education prepares the next generation with skills and pathways, and housing provides the stability needed for both workers and families to thrive. The panel will highlight where these priorities intersect—such as student-driven ventures, employer-supported housing, and partnerships between business and education—showing how aligned investments can build stronger, more resilient communities.

Moderator: Todd Sanders: President & CEO Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce

The Future of Hospitality

This panel explores how innovation is reshaping hospitality—not just technology, but new ways of thinking about lodging, dining, and shopping. It positions hospitality as an industry at the crossroads of human connection and disruptive change. Hospitality has always been about service, but the future is about blending human warmth with innovation. Guests want authenticity, personalization, and seamless convenience—all delivered at scale. Operators must innovate or risk falling behind. This panel asks: what kind of future do we want to build, and how do we get there?

Moderator: Mark Molinaro, Ed.D,. CEC: Executive Director of the Hotel & Restaurant Management School at Northern Arizona University

Featured Speakers:

Keynote Speaker: "Building a Culture of Success"

Chris Carlisle: Elite Performance Coach, Best Selling Author and Former Strength & Conditioning Coach, Seattle Seahawks 

"Move or Die - Creating a Gameplan from Stuck to Significance" author Chris Carlisle firmly believes "If you are not constantly learning, then you are falling behind". He brings his "Beast Mode Leadership" mindset to Sedona - challenging innovators to push past limits, embrace growth, lead with vision, and cultivate a culture of success.

Keynote Speaker: "The Arizona We Want"

Sybil Francis, PH.D.: Chair, President & CEO, Center for the Future of Arizona 

Sybil Francis, Ph.D. is Chair, President & CEO of the Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA), which she co-founded to bring Arizonans together around shared values and aspirations for the state’s future. Under her leadership, CFA advances The Arizona We Want agenda, focusing on education, workforce, and civic engagement through innovative programs that drive long-term change.

She previously served as a senior policy director in the U.S. House of Representatives and in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, shaping national energy, environmental, and research policy. Widely recognized as a visionary leader, she has been honored as Woman of the Year by the Arizona Capitol Times (2024), named among Arizona’s Most Influential Women by AZ Business Magazine (2024), and received the 2025 Pete C. Garcia Victoria Foundation Advocate for Education Award.

Sybil earned her BA in Chemistry from Oberlin College and her Ph.D. in Political Science from MIT. She and her husband, ASU President Michael Crow, live in Paradise Valley.

Moderator & Speaker: "Future of Hospitality" Panel

Mark Molinaro, Ed.D., CEC:  Executive Director & Professor at The School of Hotel and Restaurant Management at Northern Arizona University

Dr. Molinaro (Ed.D., CEC) is redefining the intersection of hospitality and strategy. Holding both a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration and a Doctorate of Education from Northern Arizona University, he brings academic depth and real-world culinary expertise to his role. A career steeped in culinary excellence and educational leadership has shaped his mission to prepare the next generation of chefs and hospitality professionals to think like innovators. Moderating the Summit's Hospitality Evolution panel, he'll lead discussions on how hospitality can fuel Arizona's next wave of creative and economic growth.

Speaker: "Future of Hospitality" Panel

Chef Mercer Mohr: Corporate Chef, Restaurateur & Founder, Mercer's Kitchen Restaurant Group 

Mercer Mohr, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, built his career with Hyatt Hotels before joining the Four Seasons San Francisco, where he earned “San Francisco Chef of the Year” for his innovative cuisine. His accolades include hosting James Beard Foundation wine dinners and being named “National Hotel Chef of the Year.” Mohr went on to open restaurants for major resorts nationwide and later became Corporate Executive Chef at Tsar Nicoulai Caviar, launching its acclaimed San Francisco café. He eventually purchased Creekside American Bistro, later founding Mercer’s Kitchen after selling his Wild Thyme Restaurant Group in 2015.

Speaker: "Future of Hospitality" Panel

Christopher McGahey: Director Hospitality, Cliff Castle Casino

Christopher McGahey is a seasoned hospitality executive currently serving as Director of Hospitality at Cliff Castle Casino Hotel, one of the largest employers in the Verde Valley region. He has extensive experience in hotel and casino operations, guest services, and leadership in the gaming-hospitality sector. McGahey oversees guest experience strategies, food & beverage operations, lodging services, and facility amenities, working closely with team members to maintain high standards of service, comfort, and operational excellence.

Speaker: "Investing in the Future: Sustainable Communities" Panel

Katie Pettinger, MBA: Chief Innovation Officer, NSF Futures Engine in the Southwest, ASU

Katie Pettinger is Chief Innovation Officer for the NSF Futures Engine at Arizona State University, where she leads commercialization and investment strategies to advance sustainable water, energy, and air solutions across the Southwest. A startup founder and former university commercialization manager, she has guided numerous early-stage ventures and managed federal innovation programs. Pettinger holds an MBA in Technology Commercialization from Oregon State University.

Moderator: "Investing in the Future: Sustainable Communities" Panel

Todd Sanders: President and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce

An influential voice in Arizona's transformation into one of the nation's leading innovation and tech hubs, Todd Sanders has led The Greater Phoenix Chamber since 2009, championing business growth, workforce development, and public policy that drives long-term regional prosperity. Under his leadership, the Chamber has advanced initiatives supporting education, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, shaping the future of Arizona's economy. At the summit, he'll spotlight how collaboration between Sedona and the Phoenix tech corridor can amplify statewide opportunity and innovation. 

Speaker: "Future of Hospitality" Panel

Brett Labit: Co-Founder, President, Creative Gateways Art Galleries

Brett Labit is a Sedona-based entrepreneur and community-builder, best known as the founder and President of Creative Gateways Art Galleries. He is the creator and Chief Empowerment Officer at TribeUp, a platform dedicated to building “thriving tribes” through collaboration, conscious living, and social influence. Combining his passion for art, business, and relationships, Brett focuses on cultivating meaningful connections and empowering communities to live purposefully.

Speaker: "Future of Hospitality" Panel

Steve Segner: Owner Operator, El Portal Hotel Sedona 

Steve Segner is the visionary behind El Portal Sedona Hotel, a boutique inn he and his wife, Connie, opened in 2003. After building a successful career in the pet industry—most notably with natural pet food brands such as AvoDerm—Steve turned his passion for design, antiques, and hospitality into creating a uniquely personal lodging experience. At El Portal, Steve oversees every aspect—from architectural details, interior curation, and guest services to hands-on hospitality and storytelling. His goal has always been to foster warm, intimate connections with guests and to embed the spirit of Sedona in every stay.

Under Steve’s leadership, El Portal has recently earned a 2024 MICHELIN Key designation—an elite recognition held by only a handful of properties in Arizona—alongside a 2025 Arizona Travel Award for excellence in boutique hospitality.

Carlos Alfaro: Founder, Arizona Talks

Carlos Alfaro is a Director, nonprofit executive, and founder of Arizona Talks, an organization dedicated to fostering civic dialogue and bipartisan understanding across the state. With a career devoted to building bridges between business, government, and community, Alfaro brings deep insight into navigating Arizona's evolving political and economic landscape. His work empowers organizations to thrive amid change and challenge, showing how thoughtful governance and collaboration can drive sustainable growth while preserving the landscapes that define Arizona's identity.

Speaker: "Investing in the Future: Sustainable Communities" Panel

Mary Chicoine, MSA, MS: Executive Director Verde Valley Community Development Organization

Mary Chicoine is a collaborative leader dedicated to building resilient, sustainable communities across Northern Arizona. As Executive Director of the Verde Valley Community Development Organization (VVCDO), she leads initiatives that strengthen regional alliances, foster economic vitality, and promote long-term community well-being. A two-time graduate of the University of Notre Dame with master's degrees in Administrative Leadership and Nonprofit Administration, Mary brings strategic vision and a passion for equitable, community-driven progress - championing innovation through cooperation, accountability, and sustainable growth. She is also the principle and founder of Momentum Catalysts, a consulting and coaching firm supporting mission-driven leaders.

Speaker: "Investing in the Future: Sustainable Communities" Panel

Mimi Maher, Owner, BCT Sedona, Secretary, Sedona-Oak Creek USD Educational Foundation

Mimi Maher is an entrepreneur, artist, and community advocate in Sedona. She is the owner of BCT Sedona, which provides long-term, below-market rentals for local families, teachers, first responders, and service professionals. Mimi also serves as Secretary of the Sedona-Oak Creek USD Educational Foundation and was recognized by the Rotary Club of Sedona for her leadership in housing and community philanthropy.

2025 Sedona Innovation Award

Know someone driving fresh ideas or positive change in Sedona? Nominate them - or yourself - for the 2025 Sedona Innovation Award and help us give well-deserved recognition to those redefining what's possible in our community.

2025 Sedona Innovation Award Winner will be announced live on stage at the Summit. Our way of celebrating those who help drive creativity and progress in Sedona.

Sedona Innovation Award Sponsor: