“A sky this big and a ranch this vast contain the hopes, dreams, and actions of a community dedicated to personal, environmental, and societal improvement. Wisdom at work, indeed.” - Christine Sperber, MEA Cofounder
The Wisdom Retreat for Better Tourism
This fall the Transformational Travel Council's Jake Haupert and MEA’s Wisdom School’s Chip Conley team up to convene a gathering of tourism leaders, philanthropists, and thought leaders for a wisdom retreat to unlock travel’s unique potential for personal and societal change.
As you know, we’re striving for homeostasis and wholeness in our lives and our communities, and new systems are emerging to foster vital healing, growth, and resilience, including in tourism.
Through rigorously designed frameworks, techniques, and practices, we’re lighting a new path for tourism. With that, we are excited to be hosting this inaugural gathering of innovators who believe that travel is our most powerful lever of change, capable of shifting the collective consciousness of humankind to regenerate and thrive.
This retreat and think-tank was intentionally designed as a transformative experience, catalyzing personal growth, professional development, and human connection into powerful industry visioning and strategizing.
In an era when knowledge is increasingly commoditized, wisdom shines as an invaluable treasure—the key to unlocking true essence and transforming life experiences into profound compassion and insight. Together, we will delve into wisdom teachings to uncover insights to enlighten and reignite our shared values and aspirations.
The opportunity to leverage Chip Conley’s vast experience is monumental. After disrupting the hospitality industry twice, first as the founder of Joie de Vivre Hospitality, the second-largest operator of boutique hotels in the world, and then as Airbnb’s Head of Global Hospitality and Strategy, Chip is leading a worldwide revolution in travel. As co-founder of Modern Elder Academy and TTC Advisory Council Member, he will play the role of host at one of the first major events hosted at MEA’s new Rising Circle Ranch near Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA.
This inaugural event will offer a glimpse into tourism’s hidden potential and establish meaningful connections that will ripple through generations, reshaping travel and tourism to become fairer, just, compassionate, and eco-conscious.
a message from our host
Our gracious host, Chip Conley, invites you to explore your deepest gifts, unlock your hidden potential, and establish meaningful connections that will ripple through generations. In an era when knowledge is increasingly commoditized, wisdom shines as an invaluable treasure—the key to unlocking your true essence and transforming life experiences into profound compassion and insight.
Chip Conley is the Founder of MEA, TTC Advisory Council member, and donor
Watch Chip, Hoda, and Jenna talk about Chip’s new book, “Learning to Love Midlife.” - January 17th, 2024
“At the heart of great leadership is a curious mind, heart, and spirit.”
when and where
October 21 - 24, 2024
MEA's Rising Circle Ranch embodies the American West with its endless skies and canvas for contemplation. Embrace the desert pace and our supportive container to explore big questions.
the agenda
a uniquely impactful blend of personal and professional development
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12:00 PM - 1:15 PM Arrivals and Welcome Refreshments
1:15 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Free Time
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM Orientation, If You Really Knew Me, Anatomy of a Transition Led by Chip Conley
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM Free Time
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Gourmet Dinner by Chef Krista and Team with Chip Conley
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6:30 AM - 7:30 AM Coffee + Tea + Fruit
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Mind - Body Session
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Gourmet Breakfast
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Circle
11:15 AM - 1:15 PM TTC Session: Turning the TTC Theory of Action | Self + Spirit, Others + Bridging, Systems + Stewardship
1:15 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Free Time
3:00 PM - 5:30 PM How to Be A Modern Elder Led by Chip Conley
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM Sound Bath (Additional fee)
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Dinner by Chef Krista
8:00 PM Fireside Music and Stories with Sam
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6:30 AM - 7:30 AM Coffee + Tea + Fruit
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Mind-Body Session
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Breakfast 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Circle 11:00 AM - 1:15 PM Cultivating Purpose and Owning Wisdom Led by Chip Conley
1:15 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Free Time
3:00 PM - 5:30 PM TTC Session: The Transformational Economy as a Pathway to Personal and Societal Change and Become a TTC Partner in Change
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM Free Time
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Gourmet Dinner by Chef Krista - Grill Night
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6:30 AM - 7:30 AM Coffee + Tea + Fruit 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM Closing Circle and Where Next? with Jake
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Gourmet Breakfast/Departures
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM 11:00 Check Out and Departures
transform tourism with us
“Can 'transformational' travel be more than a buzzword?” - Arnie Weissman, Travel Weekly
Jan 31, 2024
Tourism is an existential crisis, dealing with systemic issues that diminish its inherent potential to be additive rather than extractive in our lives and in our society.
A more mindful approach to travel and tourism is a powerful antidote. We mean this in a very real sense, when connections and relationships with self, others, and nature evolve, our systems evolve, which positively impacts travelers, hosts, and communities.
At this retreat, led by Chip Conley and Jake Haupert, we’ll experience firsthand how a deeper way of experiencing travel leads to a deeper and more conscious way of experiencing life and this is good for all.
It’s time to go beyond wellness and sustainability -reinvigorating travelers and travel brands to their ideal states, yielding lasting positive outcomes for all.
“Travelers have also developed an appetite to connect with the soul of a destination like never before. The latest industry buzzword is ‘transformational travel’ — this refers to a type of travel that provides deeper and more meaningful experiences. The Transformational Travel Council, an industry group is spearheading the trend.”
exploring the confluence of transformative tourism, regenerative development, wisdom and philanthropy
This is a transformative wisdom retreat for tourism leaders, philanthropists, and impact investors who believe that travel is our most powerful lever of change, capable of shifting the collective consciousness of humankind to regenerate and thrive.
Ready to explore your deepest gifts, unlock your hidden potential, and establish meaningful connections that will ripple through generations? Welcome to the Owning Your Wisdom workshop, where you’ll embark on an archeological journey to unearth your innate wisdom. In an era when knowledge is increasingly commoditized, wisdom shines as an invaluable treasure—the key to unlocking your true essence and transforming life experiences into profound compassion and insight.
Campus Features
4-square miles of dedicated, private space – a crucible for big thoughts
Lush high-desert mountain views with uniquely Santa Fe breathtaking sunsets
Plenty of room to roam – MEAnder around the arroyo or hike the ridge
Horses, donkeys, ranch dogs...and more than a few hawks and eagles
rising circle ranch, new mexico
your participation
Whether it’s horseback riding and astronomy, cooking classes and music by the fire, or immersion into regenerative ranching and soil science, you will experience learning, inspiration, and connection in new and unexpected ways.
In this dynamic and immersive workshop, you’ll learn how to:
Make more informed and ethical decisions about your travel choices
Develop a goal-oriented, transformative travel practice
Catalyze travel experiences into compassion and wisdom that enrich your life and the lives of others
Discover your unique gift, nurture its growth, and generously share it
Cultivate the art of being a "motivational listener" and a perceptive "first-class noticer"
Build wisdom-centric practices that benefit both you and your teams or groups
Develop “crystallized intelligence” to become a holistic thinker
Embody the belief that “wisdom is not taught; it’s shared”
Foster stronger intergenerational connections through the power of mutual mentorship
Join a collective movement dedicated to co-creating a more ethical tourism and a wiser world
The goal is for you to confidently walk away from this retreat into the next chapter of life, ready to share your precious gifts with the world.
a journey into wisdom
looking closer
Wisdom and Transformative Tourism as the Path to Personal and Societal Change
As globally recognized experts in transformative tourism, we’re dedicated to catalyzing tourism to change the global narrative from separation and dysfunction to unity and thrivability by helping people live better lives.
who’ll be there
Philanthropists and Values-Based Investors
why
Opportunity to do something impactful for yourself and the world at the only mid-life wisdom school
Network with other leaders in tourism and philanthropy including Jake Haupert, Chip Conley, Anu Taranath (author of Beyond Guilt Trips), Jared Meyers (of B-Tourism), Sunniva Sorby, (Arctic research and climate action) Sallie Fraenkel (wellness tourism thought leader), and many others good humans
List of expert tourism participants as of June 1st!
Help us transform and retool tourism to become fairer, just, compassionate, regenerative, and eco-conscious
investment
Single $5,000 USD
Double $4,000 USD per person
Prices do not include lodging tax and gratuity
inclusions
3 nights at Rising Circle Ranch
Experiences, meals, and beverages
not included
Wanderwell Travel Insurance - B-Corporation
Flights and transportation to/from The Rising Circle Ranch
Travel Responsibly and Invest in Clean Air
pre-night dinner
Rancho Gallina Inn & Eco-Retreat
recommended pre and post-accommodation
Rancho Gallina Inn and Eco Retreat
All contributions are eligible for tax deduction as permitted by law
The Transformational Travel Institute is a 501(c)3 EIN 26-4490451
Gratitude for our Partners
your support plants the seeds of our future
Eventually, we plan to build the The Transformational Travel Institute, a living building retreat center in the coastal rainforest outside of the Olympic UNESCO World Heritage Site in Washington State, USA.
A retreat center for wellbeing, peace and climate action through travel for tourism and travelers in transition, from youth to elder.
Thank you for helping us create a new future for tourism and the many lives it touches.