Dr. Richie Karaburun, known to his students and industry peers simply as Dr. K, has built a career out of turning uncertainty into opportunity: as an immigrant building a life in a new country, as a global hospitality executive navigating industry upheaval, and now as an award-winning NYU professor shaping the next generation of leaders. In this session, he distills the 10 principles from his book The Power of Perseverance into a practical playbook for in-destination experience companies facing their own uncertain stretch, from staffing swings to shifting demand to constant disruption. Expect real, relatable lessons you can put to use the moment you leave the room, not abstract theory.
As artificial intelligence transforms travel, tourism, and hospitality, experience creators face a critical question: what human capabilities will define success in the years ahead? While AI can predict traveler behavior, automate workflows, and generate content, the future of in-destination experiences and tourism will depend on leaders who can inspire, communicate, build relationships, and create meaningful experiences.
This session explores how experience creators can combine the power of AI with the uniquely human skills that drive innovation, trust, and long-term growth.
