Ensemble Travel Group has announced a lineup of panels and speakers for its upcoming International Conference, which will take place October 23 – 27 at the Hyatt Regency Seattle. Under the overall theme of Travel With Purpose, many of these are dedicated to how to travel sustainably, as well as with philanthropic travel and social purpose.
Speakers include:
Responsible Travel and the Advisor Role: The Front Line for Purposeful Travel
Dr. Jonathon Day, professor of sustainable travel at Purdue University, will lead a panel of industry experts on how travelers can protect the environment while still enjoying their vacation and the vital role travel advisors play in that process. It will include Jodi Manning, VP, director of marketing, Cool Effect, who will speak about simple ways for individuals and businesses to reduce their carbon emissions and engage in the fight against climate change, and Marié Fukudome, director of environmental affairs, Hyatt Hotels, who will talk about the chain’s efforts to reduce energy and water consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and waste at the company’s hotels, as well as advancing responsible supply chain initiatives.
Travel as a Problem Solver
AFAR Magazine Co-Founder Greg Sullivan will talk about his commitment to opening the minds and perspectives of disadvantaged youth by showing them the world, and Victoria Houle, director of development for Planeterra, will also speak about this non-profit organization’s commitment to turning travel into a problem solver by helping local communities earn an income from tourism.
Other speakers from outside the travel industry will also talk about their personal stories relating to social purpose, including Spencer West, double amputee, activist and motivational speaker, and Howard Behar, retired president of Starbucks.
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