Chiapas has long been on my list of places I'd like to visit. So, what better reason to make my first trip there than for an adventure travel conference? I will be in Mexico all next week on behalf of Aurora Photos presenting at the Adventure Travel World Summit, hosted by the Adventure Travel Trade Association. The ATTA is a global organization made up of travel agents, tour guides, tourism boards and the media who have all come together to foster a common goal, to promote adventure travel. Joined by Brett Wilhelm from Rich Clarkson & Associates, I will be on hand to discuss the role visual storytelling plays in the adventure tourism industry. I will present my talks "Storytelling for a New Era" and "The Big Picture" to a group of over 650 delegates from around the world. Before I take the stage, the opening address at the summit will be delivered by Felipe Calderón, the President of Mexico. A pretty impressive start to the week!
This year's summit offered two scholarships to up and coming storytellers who are already making their name in promoting adventure around the world. I'm excited to announce that both scholarships went to fellow Aurora photographers and all around great guys, Trevor Clark and Rachid Dahnoun. I look forward to catching up (and drinking Mexican tequila) with them, along with good friend and fellow speaker Eric Jackson. (I hope I get to talk first, because his is a tough act to follow.) Many thanks go out to Greg Bleakney, as he was instrumental in connecting the right people and making all of this possible.
The summit sold out quickly after registration opened, though you can check out all the happenings and read about the speakers on the ATTA summit website. Also, check back here in the coming weeks for a full report from Chiapas. ¡Adios!
