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Site launched the Young Leaders Program in 2006 focused on fostering the next generation of motivational experiences leaders by providing education and networking opportunities on a level and in a manner appealing directly to younger professionals. For the program’s fifth anniversary year, Young Leaders from Site were invited to converge in Cancun, Mexico for the Site Academy for Young Leaders. Site Academy provides the opportunity for Young Leaders to network, learn, and work with peers from various cultures around the world.
Young Leaders Program Co-Chair, Kevin Edmunds, Regional Director of Sales, West Coast for Palace Resorts stated, "Delegates traveled to Mexico from South Africa, Iceland and other countries in Europe and North America to engage, inspire and build on this amazing industry we know as Motivational Experiences. From social technology, to adaptation, to capitalizing on your potential; these Young Leaders came with compassion and an eagerness to learn, but left with nothing but determination".
With the 2011 theme ‘Anatomy of Your Future’, delegates engaged in conversations centered on both the business of motivational experiences and professional practices that will sustain their career for the future. Site President Mary MacGregor, Vice President, Account Development, BCD Meetings & Incentives, provided industry insight in the session Thriving in Changing Times, while Site Managing Director Allison Summers reinforced the fundamental principles for the business case of motivational and incentive programs. Technology expert, Patrick Schwerdtfeger, author of Marketing Shortcuts for the Self-Employed: Leveraging Resources, Establishing Online Credibility, and Crush Your Competition, provided case studies and relevant reference information for Young Leaders to best position themselves and their organizations for an advantageous online market presence. Respected business leader Michael Greenberg reinforced value and key differentiators as each Young Leader constructed personal vision statements for the future. Education closed with a panel and group discussion focused on career navigation from Young Leader Program Co-Chair Brian Fehling (Allied PRA) with Young Leaders Faye Bennett (IMEX) and Krzysztof Celuch (Poland Convention Bureau).
Mary MacGregor commented, "The Young Leaders Program remains a valuable part of Site’s mission to invest and cultivate leaders for our industry’s future. We are grateful to our 2011 Co-Chairs Kevin Edmunds and Brian Fehling because this academy was filled with passion, respect and drive. The connectivity this group of young individuals feels for each other and this industry is indescribable and I am thrilled that the Site Board has been able to invest in this program for the last five years."
Young Leaders also had the opportunity to experience the world renowned destination of Cancun, Mexico first hand. Mexico Tourism Board Director of Incentive and Corporate Meetings, Teresa Matamoros, delivered a presentation focused on the value of the Mexican market including a candid conversation on perceived challenges facing the destination and countered with statistical data that demonstrates Mexico is healthy and occupies the 10th place in number of annual tourism visitors compared to other world markets. Young Leaders took advantage of a pre-tour day exploring the destination and enjoying water sports and participated in a team building version of beach Olympics produced by CTA Cancun. Evening events were hosted by Cancun Palace, Beach Palace and the sophisticated Le Blanc Spa.
Site expresses appreciation to event sponsors: Silversea Cruises, Palace Resorts, Allied PRA New York, IVI Destination Management, CTA Cancun, GDS DMC, Lomas Travel, Zuniga Productions, and J&S Audio Visual.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
