Brian O'Connor

Brian O’Connor is a proud graduate of The Protocol School of Washington (PSOW), Protocol Officer Training (2011), Intercultural Business Etiquette and Protocol, Licensed Trainer (2021) and past chairperson of the PSOW Global Education Summit (2019) celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the school. 

With a more than three decade career in the global hospitality industry which started with HILTON Corporation as a senior brand manager and later PR Director at The Beverly Hilton, Brian has utilized his PSOW training and network to the benefit of international cruise lines serving as vice president, communications for Princess Cruises, vice president of sales for Princess and Cunard (N. America) and director of marketing & public relations for Cunard (N. America). 

He is principal of his own consultancy practice serving the hospitality industry and diverse clients in the live experiential events industry for Wilson Dow Group, offering an expertise in corporate theater, executive remarks writing & presentation coaching and specialized expertise in ceremonies & dedications celebrating the official naming of new cruise ships.

He is recognized as a Fellow by the College of Communications Arts & Sciences (ComArtSci) at his alma mater, Michigan State University where he is a member of the faculty (part-time) teaching an original curated class on Event Production Planning and Management. His class shares his expertise using analytical and creative skills to innovate the promotion of brands, products and partnerships through integrated communications campaigns and impactful events involving a broad range of VIP’s including executives, celebrities, elected officials (heads of state), dignitaries and royalty. 

He serves in a volunteer leadership role on the national board of governors for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the largest civil rights organization in the United States committed to equal rights for all LGBTQ+ Americans. In this role he also serves as chairperson of the Palm Springs (Coachella Valley), CA Steering Committee for HRC.

Mr. O'Connor is a panelist for the keynote presentation of: Global Event Management and Protocol Coming Together.