Transformative Thinking

Fast-paced (15 minutes each), thought-provoking talks meant to leave a positive and lasting impression – talks that inspire us, transform us, and can lead to heightened levels of innovation, creativity and productivity. Each talk builds upon the other….tied directly to this year’s Share & Inspire theme, the topics are building blocks, designed to create an atmosphere and tone that the ATTA hopes colleagues in the industry will consider as we collectively pursue a sustainable future. Fifteen minutes will be made available for Q & A with each of the three speakers on stage with a moderator.

Part I

Imagine

John Lennon’s “Imagine” conveyed his strong belief in peace for all of humankind. It was and remains a BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal)! What will you imagine for your business? For the Adventure Travel industry? We’ll build upon the October 4th “Creativity – Give Birth to a Dancing Star” to help us imagine possibilities – starting with the end in mind.

~ Neil Fiske – President & CEO, Eddie Bauer LLC

Innovate

In the midst of intense competition, hyper-speed changes in our businesses and in the world, increased responsibilities we all bear as stewards of people, planet and profit, as well as the ever-shifting attitudes and behaviors of the very people we serve, we must innovate or perish. What does it means to innovate? What does it lead to? What does it cost? Gain guidance on the strategies, tools, mechanisms and mindset required to be an effective innovator.

~ Ellen Bettridge – Vice President, U.S. Retail Travel Network

Share

Sharing intelligence, product ideas and even financials and resources is often perceived as a threat because of its assumed effect on one’s profitability and competitiveness. New perspectives on sharing are important in that sharing is known to stimulate ideas, inspire, create “power in numbers”, reveals potential, and can lead to lasting bonds between yourself and your peers. Passing along knowledge, vulnerabilities, and letting people grow with the giving of your expertise or resources help you and others grow, both within and outside your sphere of influence.

~ Nicky Fitzgerald – Luxury adventure travel industry veteran

Part II

Cooperate

We pick up where the Transformative Thinking topic, “Share” left off. Once we’re in the mindset of sharing, we need to develop our “cooperative IQ” – to learn how to cooperate despite our innate tendencies, to cooperate in the face of competition, to look outside our industry and current circles where we navigate, and how to effectively do so to yield greater mutual results for consenting entities. Innovation and Creativity, coupled with increased interest in Sharing, can lead to powerful and fruitful alliances with unlikely individuals, businesses and organizations.

~ John Sterling – Executive Director, The Conservation Alliance

Nurture

In uncertain times, under competitive pressures, when the business is suffering or thriving, or when we question our own abilities, we may seek support and encouragement from others – mentors who are there to help us through tough periods or simply when we seek professional development support. Adventure Travel industry veterans, large and successful global adventure operators, and influential leaders in the public, academic and non-profit sectors, possess experience and knowledge available nowhere else. Let us train, educate and develop youth and entrepreneurs (regardless of age) to help nurture a new wave of responsible tourism professionals.

~ Keith Bellows – Editor-in-Chief, National Geographic Traveler

Inspire

Storytelling inspires. More than 500 Delegates learned at the 2009 Adventure Travel World Summit in Quebec, Canada, about the inspirational powers of Storytelling. At this, our 2010 ATWS, we’ll look at why and how we should inspire our staff, business partners, clients and travelers, media and the next generations which will take adventure travel forward. We’ll look at inspiration as incredibly powerful motivator, catalyst of creativity, and productive engine on the financial front. Conveyed through “case-in-point”, we’ll show how the proverbial mountain can be moved through the power of inspiration at the right times and right places.

~ Dr. Sakena Yakoobi – Executive Director, Afghan Institute of Learning