Alan Elliott Merschen — Keynote Speaker, Strategic Advisor & Venture Catalyst
Venture Catalyst
Keynote speaker, board member, strategic advisor, and philanthropist helping organizations move ideas into action.
Current Roles
Leadership & Engagement
Founder & Executive Director
The Sigmund Project is the tourism industry's first digital not-for-profit dedicated to advancing travel through innovation and collaboration. Present your big (or small) ideas to transform travel today.
Co-Founder & Partner
MMGY Global is the world's leading integrated marketing company specializing in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry.
Board Trustee
Webster University is the only private, non-profit U.S.-based university providing a network of international residential campuses in Asia, Europe and North America.
Strategic Advisor to the Board
The Adventure Travel Trade Association inspires, connects and empowers the global community to do good through travel.
Board Member
eat2explore is the only award-winning experiential cooking kit designed to bring cultural education alive through the exploration of world cuisines.
Co-Owner & International Publisher
get lost Magazine is an award-winning digital travel lifestyle media company. Based in Australia and distributed throughout the world, get lost challenges cultural boundaries throughout the world.
Board Trustee
Committed to working with trusted local organisations in countries dependent on Tourism, creating lasting impact on the lives of young children, their families and their communities, together.
Board Member - USA
Zip Zap is a vibrant, uniquely South African social and professional circus. Through circus arts they inspire and empower young people from all walks of life to pursue their destinies.
About
A career built on
curiosity & connection
Alan Elliott began his career in academia. During his time as an educator at several universities, he began consulting projects for a variety of industries. This is where he discovered it was the travel and tourism industry that captivated his real interest.
Merschen created Myriad, specializing exclusively in international travel marketing with private clients and governments on five continents. In 2016 Myriad became part of the MMGY Global portfolio of companies.
With the covid crisis as a catalyst, Alan Elliott created The Sigmund Project to foster innovation and collaboration in the tourism industry. A way to give back by looking forward.
He also serves on several global non-profit and start-up advisory boards. Always the educator, he still conducts marketing presentations throughout the world.
What People Are Saying
“Fantastic information, EXCELLENT DISCUSSION & Great session!”
Keynote Speaker
Challenging audiences to think in creative and entrepreneurial ways
Presenting stimulating presentations throughout five continents, Alan Elliott challenges attendees to think in creative and entrepreneurial ways.
Topics, including "Preparing for the Future of Travel," "The Dim Sum Way: Blending Travel, Work, and Life," and "Small Businesses, Big Dreams," showcase the latest research, predictions, and insights shaping the travel industry.
Contact Alan Elliott To Speak
Strategic Advisor
Turning outside perspective into inside change
Outside perspective translates into inside change. Unlike traditional consulting giving only a 30,000-foot opinion, Alan Elliott uses his combination of experience and fresh perspectives to show how tactical movement can achieve the organization's strategic results.
"Unlike traditional consulting, I quickly analyze and make recommendations that allow the company to make the tactical adjustment needed to achieve their goals."
Board Member
Big-picture thinking with a realistic approach
Board membership demands dedication, governance, fiscal discipline, strategic insight, and creativity. Alan Elliott exemplifies these qualities with big-picture thinking and realistic approach. His experience along with ability to connect and inform enhance his board involvement, offering insights for tackling complex challenges and shaping strategies.
"I always believe that dedication to a board is a 365-day commitment to advancing the goals of the organization."
Let's Connect
Finding the
intersection of
Doing Well and
Doing Good.
For speaking engagements, advisory partnerships, or general inquiries.
Start A Conversation