Traveling The World's Best Events

We all know the downside to frequent global travel but fortunately, many of my journeys take me to world-class events that afford exceptional experiences and the opportunity to liaise with fascinating individuals. The past few months I attended three such events – the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Global Summit in Beijing, the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, and the Shanghai Expo – all which greatly impressed me so I wanted to share my thoughts with you.

WTTC’s Global Travel & Tourism Summit
Attending the World Travel & Tourism Council’s 10th Global Summit in Beijing this past May was an experience like no other. I was honored to have been invited to participate along with such an elite and masterful group of high-level travel and tourism professionals. I was inspired by the enthusiasm and insights of speakers from Accor, Mandarin Oriental, Abercrombie & Kent, Expedia, American Express, Marriott International and Goldman Sachs. Echoing the sentiments of such great speakers, I firmly agree that the travel and tourism industry has the potential of being the engine to fuel global economic recovery. The 2011 WTTC Global Travel & Tourism Summit will take place in Las Vegas May 15 – 19. Visit www.wttc.org or www.globaltraveltourism.com to learn more about the organization’s initiatives.

Food & Wine Classic in Aspen
This annual gastronomic extravaganza was certainly a treat of exquisite culinary and beverage creations! Every year, 5,000 consumers, members of the restaurant industry and press come together in Aspen for an extraordinary program. This year, speakers included Jacques Pépin, Tom Colicchio, Mario Batali and Giada De Laurentis. Exhibitors ran the gamut from Robert Mondavi Winery and Patrón Tequila to Waterford Crystal, Lexus and Williams-Sonoma. For more than 20 years, Food & Wine has been taking over Aspen annually for three days and completely enveloping the town in all things gastronomic – making the event’s success a tribute to the power of marketing and branding. I recommend you mark next year’s Food & Wine Classic on your calendar – June 17 – 19, 2011. http://www.foodandwine.com/promo/classic-in-aspen/index.cfm

Shanghai Expo
The world is taking center stage at the Shanghai Expo, themed ‘Better City, Better Life’ and open now through October 31, 2010. There’s only two months left for you to experience this event! In creative and somewhat larger than life style, the 56-pavilion expo presents blueprints for future cities and urban life styles. I particularly enjoyed discovering the pavilions of Holland, Italy and many of the African countries. If your travels will bring you to Shanghai before the end of October, I encourage you to visit the expo – it’s definitely worthwhile. http://en.expo2010.cn/

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