“Sarah Benoit has a way of making that which may seem daunting seem easy and logical. She has an ease about presenting that allows all in attendance, no matter their level of education on a subject feel comfortable and ready to ask for help.
Her knowledge of social media marketing, search engine optimization, and websites is amazing. Our attendees immediately asked: When is she returning for another educational program? We will definitely be getting her back to present again. This was the 3rd time I attended a seminar with her, and all 3 times I left with information that I put to use in my current position.”
Make Your Next Event Unforgettable
We Love to Share Actionable Digital Marketing Knowledge!
The experts on the Learn Tourism team love sharing our knowledge with others. From large-scale conferences to small local events, we’re excited to help many different audiences grow their digital marketing, education, and leadership skills and capabilities.
Keynotes, Special Presentations, and Technical Labs Designed for Your Community’s Needs
Our speaking engagements cover topics including storytelling, content strategy, AI prompting, social media, SEO, organizational and marketing ethics, e-commerce, crowdfunding, online advertising, public relations, branding, and much more. Sarah also shares her story of entrepreneurship, passing on lessons she’s learned from that experience.
Learn Tourism’s Speaker’s Bureau Can Go Anywhere, Online or In Person
The DIY Tourism Conference and educational programs are brought to you by Learn Tourism. Learn Tourism is home to a professional speakers bureau made up of some of the tourism and travel industry’s best and brightest. Sarah Benoit, along with Learn Tourism’s CEO, Stephen Ekstrom, and our roster of experts, provide technical talks, training presentations, inspirational keynotes, and full and multi-day workshops for companies, business associations, non-profits, government entities, destination leadership groups, arts councils, and much more. We’re experienced with presenting educational content in a variety of environments and locations and can ensure your event delivers value to every attendee.
Sarah D. Benoit
“I love Sarah!! Sarah is an inspiration!! She takes what can be an intimidating process and makes it so approachable. You leave one of her programs feeling inspired and ready to take up the challenge.”
Part Marketing Maven, Part Tourism Nerd, All Heart
Sarah Benoit is the kind of speaker who makes audiences lean in, laugh, and leave with a to-do list they’re actually excited to tackle. With over 20 years in digital strategy and entrepreneurship (yes, she remembers when you had to explain what SEO stood for), Sarah has helped thousands of professionals and organizations navigate the ever-changing world of online marketing—without the fluff.
As Lead Instructor at Learn Tourism and producer of the DIY Tourism Conference, Sarah blends deep industry knowledge with a deeply practical teaching style. She’s passionate about learning and challenging audiences to think differently, get creative, and implement with intention.
Her workshops and keynotes aren’t just motivational—they’re mission-driven, real-world relevant, and full of honest advice that gets results. Whether she’s coaching destination marketers, training small business owners, or inspiring community leaders, Sarah delivers clarity, candor, and a hefty dose of compassion.
She’s been featured on stages and in classrooms nationwide, recognized as the 2017 Woman Executive of the Year by WomanUp and one of Asheville’s 40 Under Forty. She’s a proud graduate of Leadership Asheville and the Hive Global Leaders Program—but what really drives her is helping people show up, speak up, and level up.
Want a speaker who’ll keep it real, make it fun, and inspire change that lasts long after the mic drops? Connect with Sarah!
Book time with Sarah to discuss your next event!
See Sarah in Action
WordCamp US Nashville, TN 2017
Virtual Class
WordCamp Asheville, NC 2018
Virtual Workshop
Monthly Digital Drop-in Webinar
DIY Tourism Keynote
What People Are Saying!
Where Has Sarah Been?
2023
Topic: Tell Your Story – Personal Branding & Social Media Strategy
Event: Movement Mortgage
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
Topic: Everyone Knows Marketing Sucks
Event: Asheville Chamber of Commerce
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
Topic: GA4 and Creative Digital Strategies
Event: Visit Laurel Highlands PA
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
Topic: Social Media Trends, Engagement, and Chatbots
Event: PRSA of WNC
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
Emcee
Event: 2023 Western Womens Business Center Conference
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
Topic: Makers Mixer – Marketing Real Talk
Event: Craft Your Commerce
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
Topics: Online Sales, Social Media Marketing, Digital Marketing Basics, Google Business Listings, and Email Marketing
Event: TACTIX App and Course
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
Topic: Website Usability Basics, Marketing Online without a Website, and LinkedIn Marketing Strategy
Event: Western Womens Business Center
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
Topic: How to Create an Actionable Social Media Strategy
Event: Craft Your Commerce and Blue Ridge National Heritage Area
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
Topic: How to Create Instagram Reels and TikTok Videos
Event: Blue Ridge Parkway Association
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
Topic: GA4
Event: Asheville Bed & Breakfast Association and Romantic Asheville
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
2022
Topic: SEO Basics & Google Analytics
Event: Visit North Alabama
Speakers: Sarah Benoit
Topic: Email Marketing for Creatives Part 1 and 2
Event: Craft Your Commerce
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
Topic: DIY Audio, Video, & Photo Basics
Event: EBCI Virtual Training
Speakers: Sarah Benoit
Topic: The Power of Great Customer Service & Marketing Partnerships
Event: Explore York PA Virtual Summit
Speakers: Sarah Benoit
Topic: Marketing and Small Business Panel Moderator
Event: Craft Your Commerce
Speakers: Sarah Benoit
Topic: Non-profit Staff and Board Retreat
Event: Literacy Together
Speakers: Sarah Benoit
Topic: Everyone Knows Marketing Sucks
Event: Asheville Chamber of Commerce
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
Topic: Build a Creative Brand with Heart and Authenticity
Event: BRCC – The Art of Business Event
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
Topic: Introduction to GA4 and GA4 Data Overview
Event: American Booksellers Association
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
2021
Topic: Social Media Advertising Bootcamp
Event: JB Media Institute
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
Topic: Innovation & Resilience – Reinvent Your Path to Success
Event: Western Women’s Business Center
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
Topic: How to Stay Productive – Tips for Working from Home
Event: Western Women’s Business Center
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
Topic: Innovation & Listening – The Keys to Success
Event: Visit Hendersonville Tourism Summit
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
Topic: Current & Tested Social Media Strategies for Digital Marketing
Event: Western Carolina University Digital Marketing and Public Relations Certification
Speakers: Justin Belleme and Sarah Benoit
Topic: Best Practices for including Video in Your Content Strategy
Event: Western Carolina University Digital Marketing and Public Relations Certification
Speakers: Justin Belleme and Sarah Benoit
Topic: Analyzing the Stats and Effectiveness of a Digital Marketing Campaign
Event: Western Carolina University Digital Marketing and Public Relations Certification
Speakers: Justin Belleme and Sarah Benoit
Topic: Innovation & Resilience – Reinvent Your Path to Success
Event: BRCC Prospering Conference
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
Topic: SEO & Content Marketing
Event: Asheville SCORE Mentors
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
Topic: Navigating Cultural Change and Customer Service & Chatbots
Event: PRLA – PA Tourism Summit
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
2020
Topic: YouTube Marketing for Small Businesses
Event: AB-Tech Small Business Center
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
Topic: The Truth About SEO
Event: AIGA Asheville
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
Topic: Increase Emotional Intelligence to Improve Digital Marketing Effectiveness
Event: Young Professionals of Asheville
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
Topic: Social Media Workshop
Event: UC Berkeley – Haas School of Business
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
Topic: Content Marketing Roadmap
Event: Start Some Good
Speaker: Justin Belleme
Topic: Change Your Game Online Series
Event: Chef AJ
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
Topic: Women Empowering Women Series
Event: Chef AJ
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
Topic: Local SEO Basics and Social Media Strategy
Event: Tryon Together
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
Topic: Break through the Screen
Event: JB Media Institute & Ignite CSP
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
2019
Topic: Facebook Marketing Series – Trends, Best Practices, and Advertising Strategies
Event: Buncombe County Training Series
Speakers: Sarah Benoit
Topic: How to Tell Your Story and Grow Your Business on Instagram
Event: Beech Mountain Resort Lunch & Learn
Speakers: Sarah Benoit
Topic: Social Media Marketing
Event: Asheville Independent Restaurants
Speakers: Sarah Benoit
Topic: Social Media Trends to Watch
Event: BRMH
Speakers: Sarah Benoit
Topic: Social Media Marketing and Building a Successful Online Presence
Event: Natahala Outdoor Center Partner Event
Speakers: Sarah Benoit
Topic: Telling Your Story with Digital Content & Social Media and Your Story Has Power Keynote
Event: PA Route 6 Alliance Partner Summit
Speakers: Sarah Benoit
Topic: Putting People First – Serve Your Audiences with Website Design and Social Media
Event: NC School Public Relations Association
Speakers: Justin Belleme and Sarah Benoit
Topic: How Storytelling Gneerates Connection, Engagement & Conversions
Event: Blue Ridge Parkway Association
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
Topic: Digital Marketing for Tourism Businesses
Event: DIY Tourism and Local Marketing Workshop
Speakers: Justin Belleme and Sarah Benoit
Emcee
Event: 2019 Western Womens Business Center Conference
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
Topic: Current & Tested Social Media Strategies for Digital Marketing
Event: Western Carolina University Digital Marketing and Public Relations Certification
Speakers: Justin Belleme and Sarah Benoit
Topic: Best Practices for including Video in Your Content Strategy
Event: Western Carolina University Digital Marketing and Public Relations Certification
Speakers: Justin Belleme and Sarah Benoit
Topic: Analyzing the Stats and Effectiveness of a Digital Marketing Campaign
Event: Western Carolina University Digital Marketing and Public Relations Certification
Speakers: Justin Belleme and Sarah Benoit
2018
Topic: Event Emcee
Event: Western Women’s Business Center Annual Conference 2018
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
Topic: The Magic of Branding and Marketing
Event: Camp Girl Boss
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
Topic: Take Your Social Media to the Next Level
Event: ABC Children’s Institute 2018
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
Topic: Digital Marketing to Engage People and Build Your Business
Event: FemCity Tenacious Tuesdays
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
Topic: Social Media Marketing, Video Marketing, Digital Marketing Tracking
Event: Western Carolina University Digital Marketing and Public Relations Certificate
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
Topic:Take Your Social Media to the Next Level
Event: EUREKAsiba
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
Topic: Women Inspiring Women Panel
Event: WomanUP Workshop
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
Topic: Take Your Social Media to the Next Level
Event: American Booksellers Association Winter Institute 2018
Speaker: Sarah Benoit
What is Learn Tourism – the nonprofit academy?
At Learn Tourism, we’re tourism nerds and we’re passionate about exploring, understanding, and advancing the tourism industry from every angle. Founded by experienced educators and industry experts, we’re driven by an unwavering curiosity. We’re on a mission to empower tourism professionals, community leaders, and frontline workers with practical knowledge, innovative tools, and sustainable strategies. We combine science, business psychology, and adult education to fuel growth, foster inclusion, and build stronger, more resilient tourism economies. >>>Learn More
WE APPRECIATE OUR SPONSORS & PARTNERS
