September 20, 2023

WYTHE HOTEL

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK

 

about

The Summit

As the future of tourism is increasingly being shaped by regenerative principles, we aim to take the lead in this paradigm shift. The Regenerative Travel Summit event is designed to inspire and showcase diverse and unexpected thought leadership, challenging participants to build an industry that generates abundance for all.

We believe in creating a non-extractive, immersive, inclusive, and equitable tourism industry that benefits everyone involved. Through this summit, we hope to push participants to embrace regenerative principles and become active agents of positive change in the travel industry in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

key themes

Our Program

Join us for the Regenerative Travel Summit where we will explore how travel can be a force for good. We are dedicated to promoting sustainable and regenerative travel that prioritizes environmental and community well-being. The summit brings together experts and leaders in the travel industry to discuss innovative solutions and best practices for creating unique and unforgettable travel experiences that also have a positive impact.


Do you have valuable insights into regenerative tourism? Apply now to become a speaker at our summit and share your expertise with our audience. Be a part of the conversation and help shape the future of sustainable travel. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to make a difference in the world of tourism.

Key Themes

Leading the Way: Regenerative Destinations and Policy Frameworks

Discover leading regenerative destinations that prioritize the well-being of natural and cultural resources. This panel showcases successful initiatives such as reforestation, conservation, and sustainable agriculture, with a focus on renewable energy sources. Learn about the benefits of these practices for the environment, local communities, and visitors. 

How Startups and Tech Innovations are Revolutionizing Climate and Travel

Discover how startups and tech innovations are transforming the travel industry in the fight against climate change. This panel highlights sustainable tourism practices and solutions developed by startups and tech companies to address the environmental impact of travel, such as reducing emissions. Hear leading examples of tech innovations and explore the challenges and opportunities of integrating these solutions on a larger scale. 

Building Regenerative Travelers: The Importance of Engaging with Local Communities

Regenerative tourism advocates argue that involving local communities in deciding what makes a place better is crucial. It the responsibility of travel operators to contribute more to the environment and local communities than they extract from them. How can travelers and the industry alike contribute to the restoration and regeneration of natural and cultural resources, as well as creating economic opportunities for local communities?

Decarbonization in Travel: The Road to Net-Zero

 As travel contributes to roughly 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, changes in purchasing behaviors and travel patterns, such as providing travelers with carbon footprint information at the point of booking and reducing the environmental impact of long-distance trips, will be key to achieving decarbonization. We will explore how to reduce carbon emissions in the travel industry through strategies, technologies, and initiatives that travel companies can adopt to reduce their carbon footprint and achieve their net-zero goals. 

The Power of Measuring and Benchmarking: 

Defining Regenerative Impact

This panel will focus on measuring and benchmarking sustainability practices in the hotel industry. It helps hotels understand their environmental impact, set goals, and track progress, enhancing their reputation and competitiveness. Through measuring and benchmarking sustainability we can drive innovation, collaboration, and progress towards a more regenerative future.

From Farm to Table: The Future of Food Systems and Regenerative Agriculture 

This panel explores the connection between regenerative agriculture, food systems, and the hotel industry. Regenerative agriculture practices prioritize soil, water, and biodiversity restoration, leading to healthier food systems and environments. Learn how hotels can incorporate regenerative agriculture into their food sourcing and menu offerings, creating unique guest experiences while enhancing sustainability efforts.

11:15am-11:55am EDT

Our Keynote

Jeff Tkach

CEO of Rodale Institute

Recently appointed as CEO of Rodale Institute, Jeff has been the Chief Impact Officer at Rodale Institute, expanding the nonprofit's global influence and developing partnerships for philanthropic and programmatic initiatives since 2017. Rodale Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to growing the regenerative organic agriculture movement through rigorous research, farmer training, and education. Rodale's groundbreaking science and direct farmer-support programs serve as a catalyst for change in farming and food production worldwide.

Meet our Featured Speakers

Katie Hoffman

Partner at Regeneration VC

Katie Hoffman is a financial innovator, investor, and entrepreneur. Katie has over a decade of experience building and advising companies that drive measurable environmental impact in public and private markets. She has shaped policy and practice around Environmental, Social and Governance standards for individual, family and institutional investors, including the California public funds and members of the $40.4T+ AUM Divest–Invest initiative, which she helped lead.

Bill Reed

Principal at Regenesis Group

Bill is a global sustainability and regeneration advocate/practitioner. He leads Re-source Group and Regenesis, which combine green/regenerative practices and education. Regenesis unites ecological design, permaculture, biophilia, integrative design, and organizational psychology into a whole system meta-discipline. Reed manages complex teams to integrate building and community planning with living systems.

Jeremy Raguain

Communications and Outreach at Seychelles Islands Foundation

Jeremy is an AOSIS Fellow and advisor on climate change and ocean issues for the Seychelles Permeant Mission to the United Nations. In his current role he focuses on advancing the needs of Small Island Developing State / Big Ocean States in international environmental law with specific work being carried out on the high seas treaty, climate change and treaty on plastic pollution. 

Jake Kheel

Vice President of Environment of
Grupo Puntacana

Jake is a sustainability innovator, author, and award-winning documentary filmmaker with sixteen years of experience as VP of Grupo Puntacana Foundation in the Dominican Republic. He’s launched numerous groundbreaking initiatives in tourism sustainability, including the country’s first Zero Waste project and one of the most expansive coral reef restoration initiatives in the Caribbean. 

Kristy Drutman

Co-Founder and CEO of
Green Jobs Board

Kristy, aka “Browngirl Green”, is an environmental educator, media producer, and consultant, focused on the intersection of media, diversity, and environmentalism. As a speaker and workshop facilitator, she has educated global audiences on modern-day environmental issues. Kristy is also Co-Founder of the Green Jobs Board, a climate tech start-up promoting equity and inclusion in the green economy.

Brittany DeGirolamo

CEO and Founder of Phocus Creative

As Founder of Phocus Creative, Brittany is a climate storyteller with a passion for the intersection of sustainability, food and travel. She has 10+ years of expertise in experiential marketing, brand strategy, social media content as well as cultivating strategic corporate partnerships and sponsorships in the climate sector including working with small to large NGO’s and official United Nations and government agencies. 

Renee Kimball

Owner of Tranquilo Bay

Renee is an experienced attorney and owner of Tranquilo Bay in Panama. Renee serves as a volunteer board member for local tourism chambers, sustainability organizations, and a hotel advisory board. Renee is dedicated to supporting people and places to flourish, currently through her work at a lodge, community volunteerism, mentorship, and education in Bocas del Toro, Panama.

Anthony Karefa Rogers-Wright

Director of Environmental Justice at New York Lawyers for the Public Interest

Anthony is NYLPI’s Director of Environmental Justice, guiding and coordinating the organization’s EJ strategy, litigation, organizing, and advocacy initiatives. He was the Policy Coordinator and Green New Deal Policy Lead at Climate Justice Alliance and has advised various candidates, including Senator Elizabeth Warren and Senator Bernie Sanders. 

Ewald Biemans

Owner and CEO of
Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort

Ewald Biemans, an Austrian-born hotelier with 30+ years in hospitality, follows the CarbonNeutral Protocol to achieve carbon neutrality. The hotel conducted a gap analysis, leading to reduced CO2 emissions through the largest solar panel project on Aruba, efficient stove tops, procurement bundling, and improved waste diversion.

& more speakers to be announced soon

The Program

Welcome

2:00 PM

Amanda Ho, Co-Founder & CEO of Regenerative Travel

Panel Discussions & Screenings

2:10 PM - 5:00 Pm

We will host engaging and informative panel discussions and screenings in the Main Hall and Cinema Room that explore key themes driving regenerative models in tourism. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from a diverse range of perspectives and gain insights into the latest trends and best practices in regenerative travel. 

Presentations & Keynote

5:00 PM - 5:30 Pm

Join us for an informative keynote and presentations on the latest trends and insights in regenerative tourism. Our expert speakers will discuss the principles of regenerative agriculture and how they can be applied to hospitality businesses. You’ll learn about sustainable practices that can help reduce your carbon footprint, promote biodiversity, and support local communities. 

Impact Awards 2023

5:30 PM - 6:30 Pm

Join us at the Regenerative Travel Summit for the exciting announcement of the Impact Award 2023 winners. These awards recognize outstanding individuals and projects that exemplify the regenerative spirit and create a positive impact on our communities and the world. 

Industry Reception

6:30 PM - 8:00 Pm

Our invite only Industry Reception at the Regenerative Travel Summit will be an exclusive networking event that brings together the most influential and innovative leaders in the travel industry. This reception provides a unique opportunity for attendees to connect with like-minded individuals and build valuable relationships.  

the impact awards 2023

Join us at the Regenerative Travel Summit for the launch of the Impact Awards 2023, celebrating individuals and initiatives that exemplify the regenerative ethos. From community empowerment to environmental stewardship, we're searching worldwide for innovators who are making a difference and driving positive change. Learn more and nominate an individual or project.

Our Venue

The Wythe Hotel, a converted textile factory from the early 20th century, is a pillar of sustainable and community-minded practices in the Williamsburg neighborhood. As the first New York hotel of the Regenerative Travel community, Wythe Hotel sets an exemplary standard for sustainable and regenerative tourism practices in an urban environment. The hotel’s unwavering commitment to environmentally responsible and community-minded practices is evidenced through its efforts towards achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Our Impact Partner

We are collecting donations to contribute towards EQTR, a non-profit organization formed to create pathways to entrepreneurship and leadership in the luxury travel industry for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ college-age talent. We are committed to achieving equity in representation from BIPOC and marginalized communities within the luxury travel space, ensuring that the future of the industry reflects the culturally-rich and diverse world our industry serves to connect. 

Climate Week 2022

Get Your Tickets

General Tickets

Access to the Summit is free for all participants
Complimentary Admission
  • In-person access to the Summit to attend day panels and workshops
  • In-person access to attend the Impact Awards 2023 Ceremony
  • 10% discount on RegenerativeTravel+ membership subscription
  • Special offers and exclusives from our Summit partners
  •  

Industry Tickets

Join our Industry Reception
$ 75
  • In-person access to the Summit to attend day panels and workshops
  • In-person access to attend the Impact Awards 2023 Ceremony
  • In-person access to attend VIP Industry Reception for networking
  • Complimentary drink ticket and hors d'oeuvres included at reception
  • 30% discount on RegenerativeTravel+ membership subscription

Our Partners

OUR community & Media partners

For all media inquiries email:
[email protected]

For partnership inquiries email:
[email protected]

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