© Maine Office of Tourism
Steadfast
305 adventure travel industry professionals from 36 countries gathered from 9-11 May, 2023 for the eigth annual AdventureELEVATE in the rugged and beautiful region of Portland, Maine located in the Northeast corner of the United States.
Considered one of North America’s most important and practical professional adventure travel events, the AdventureELEVATE event invited participants to be inspired by thought leaders, partake in provocative breakout sessions and engage in fruitful networking opportunities. The Maine Makers' Market invited delegates to explore locally made products from maple syrup and apparel to table top fire pits and bags made from repurposed fishermen's bibs. In a landscape of rocky coasts, deep north woods, and rugged mountains; small towns with big personalities to wild island ecosystems; a deeply-ingrained culture of land stewardship and artesian gastronimic scene, the venue lent itself to an amazing Day of Adventure including options for birding, wine- and food tastings, sailing on a 1912 wooden scooner, sporting clays, archery, kayaking, biking and hiking. This year’s event theme – STEADFAST – was woven into this intimate event by way of thought-leading educational sessions and creative networking opportunities with plenty of time for fresh air and local exploration.
Known for rocky coasts, deep north woods, and rugged mountains, Maine’s landscapes are as bold and spirited as the people who live there. From small towns with big personalities to wild island ecosystems, a deeply-ingrained culture of land stewardship guides Maine’s way of life – best lived outdoors.
Join the ATTA community in Portland, Maine for AdventureELEVATE
EVENT SNAPSHOT:
- AdventureExchange and MediaConnect
- Plenary sessions and workshops
- Day of Adventure
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- Regionally-focused content and adventure opportunities
- Keynote speakers and educational panels
- Connecting with media and the adventure travel community
AGENDA OVERVIEW:
Tuesday, 9 May
Day of Adventure, Opening Reception
Wednesday, 10 May
Plenary and Concurrent Sessions, MediaConnect Session, Disruptive Networking Adventure (DNA) Happy Hour
Thursday, 11 May
Plenary and Concurrent Sessions, AdventureExchange Networking Session, Closing Keynote, Closing Reception
LOCATION:
Visit the Traveler Information page for location details
New to AdventureELEVATE? Not sure what to expect? Watch this video to see highlights and hear what attendees, media, partners and more had to say about their AdventureELEVATE experiences.
What is AdventureELEVATE?
With a spotlight on education and networking, AdventureELEVATE is an annual three-day regional conference for media, outbound tour operators, and thought leaders in the adventure travel community.
Keynote speakers, workshops, and creative panel sessions feature relevant industry topics such as business and technology, marketing and operations, and travel trends shaping the future of adventure tourism.
In addition to dedicated networking events, delegates have the opportunity to experience the host destination firsthand through a day of adventure, featuring activities offered specifically to highlight the location and season.
"Not only have I had beneficial follow-up communications with several of the people I met, but I also continue to reflect on all that I learned. I especially appreciated listening to the array of diverse voices and perspectives, the open and honest sharing particularly when grappling with challenging questions and scenarios, and the overall supportive and encouraging environment."
– Ann Becker, Travel with Ann Experiential
“The ATTA is unlike any other. Our experience is a community where we can make connections, ask questions and get answers. It’s a community where people are able to grow their own personal learning and be good stewards of responsible adventure tourism.”
– Matt Aubin, Global Rescue
“In the same way that adventure means something different to everyone, AdventureElevate is no cookie-cutter style event – it’s implemented in a way that keeps you coming back for more. I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to the ATTA community!”
– Tiffany Harrison, AAA Exclusive Vacations