Rick Antonson
Acclaimed author Rick Antonson also enjoyed over 30 years as a leader in the international tourism industry.
Rick served as chair of Destination International (DI) based in Washington, D.C., and as deputy chair of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) based in Bangkok, Thailand and as a Games Ambassador for the 2010 Olympic Winter and Paralympic Games held in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada.
These and many other volunteer roles anchored Rick’s full-time career as President and CEO of Tourism Vancouver, an international award winning, 1,000 member organization widely recognized as a global leader in destination marketing, sales, management, and visitor experiences.
Tourism Vancouver launched the bid to bring the 2010 Olympics to Canada. And they initiated the Vancouver Convention Centre Expansion Taskforce, which led to the new centre funded by Tourism Vancouver’s $90-million investment along with investments from the federal and provincial governments.
Speaking topics
- VISIONARY LEADERSHIP: Seize Tomorrow, Today
Leaders today operate in a sphere of disrupted plans—a spinning new world where thinking like a Cathedral builder provides a proven mindset for the coming years. This keynote is a catalyst to deeper, broader envisioning—and bold action.
Acclaimed author and tourism executive Rick Antonson challenges audiences to embrace the strategic concept of “Cathedral Thinking”. It prepares leaders to keep one eye on the horizon and the other eye looking over their shoulder. Future forward thinking ensures the living generation is tethered to the future. Lasting accomplishments are built upon solid foundations.
Rick shares lessons from decades managing sceptics, taking on enemies of fresh ideas, and keeping a workforce focused, motivated and productive. He asserts that “Visionary Leadership ” embraces awkward ideas, anticipates new markets, and adapts tools—to benefit beyond this quarter, this year — into the long term.
Cathedral builders of the 16th century confronted their share of pandemics, supply chain disruptions, staffing challenges, tariffs, and funding chaos. To get through uncertain times and achieve their visions, they needed what you need today—Visionary Leadership—short-term actions, measurable results, and a long-term vision. Fortune favours the bold!