Nissan Summer Travel Summit

The Summer Travel Summit, presented by Nissan, gathered leading voices in travel to explore road trips, budget-friendly adventures, and the future of hitting the open road. Featured speaker Lisa Niver, award-winning journalist and author of Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents, and Feeling Fearless After Fifty, shared insights on road trips and budget travel during a lively panel discussion. Following the session, Nissan hosted a book signing, gifting attendees complimentary copies of Brave-ish.

Videos from Lake Arrowhead: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv_jKkCiDQcSLX4M-0ye3pz2kKpOPveCi

PANELISTS:

Lisa Niver: Explorer, Author, TV Host, and International Speaker

Lisa is a Telly Award-winning travel journalist, TV host, and author of the award-winning memoir Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents, and Feeling Fearless After Fifty. She’s explored over 100 countries on all seven continents, with bylines in USA Today 10Best, The Los Angeles Times, and WIRED. Host of the podcast Make Your Own Map, Lisa inspires audiences worldwide through her bold adventures, powerful storytelling, and passion for reinvention.

A former science teacher turned travel expert, Lisa spent seven years at sea working for Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, and Renaissance Cruises, and three years backpacking across Asia, immersing herself in diverse cultures and landscapes. Her memoir shares the story of her personal reinvention, including the 50 challenges she completed before turning 50, proving that adventure and self-discovery can begin at any age.

Whether she’s on stage, on screen, or under the sea, Lisa Niver empowers others to step boldly into the unknown, make their own maps, and embrace the fearless joy of reinvention.

Lori Butler: Interim Executive Director, Lake Arrowhead Chamber of Commerce

Butler is a Certified Fundraising Executive and has directed the development and marketing of countless nonprofit organizations. Among her many corporate affiliations, Lori served on the Greater Riverside Chamber of Commerce Board. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with additional credentials in Public Relations, Events, Meeting Planning and Radio Broadcasting. Her experience includes the arts, marketing, legal community, social services, health, mental health and youth advocacy including the associated community issues of homelessness, addiction, lack of access to services and more.

Jackie Lam: Personal finance writer and accredited AFC® financial counselor 

Jackie is passionate about helping artists, freelancers, and gig economy workers with their finances. She has in-depth experience writing about budgeting, investing, frugality, money, and relationships, and loves finding interesting stories that revolve around money. She has presented in collaboration with organizations such as Consumer Action, California WIC Association, and has facilitated workshops for non-profits and women ERG groups in startups alike.

She is the 2022 recipient of Money Management International’s Financial Literacy and Education in Communities (FLEC) Award and the 2022 Plutus Awards recipient for Best Freelancer in Personal Finance Media.

Terry Sullivan: Director of Sales & Marketing, Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa

Terry Sullivan’s journey in the Hospitality Industry began at just 14, when his family transformed an apartment building into a stunning luxury hotel in Rochester, NY. After earning his BS in Hospitality Management from Florida International University in Miami, he launched his career as a Regional Sales Representative for the Hilton Nevada Corporation. Over an impressive 35 years, Terry has thrived in 15 hotels across 10 cities and 7 states, honing his expertise along the way. Most recently, he joined Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa in October 2023 as the Director of Sales and Marketing. On a personal note, Terry has shared a wonderful marriage with Thanitsara for 23 years; she hails from Thailand. Although they don’t have children or pets, they embrace every opportunity to travel, whether enjoying a weekend staycation or rediscovering the beauty of Southeast Asia.

Jeff Wandell: Communications Manager, Nissan North America 

Jeff currently oversees regional and specialty communications, which includes supporting regional activities, safety and recall, EV infrastructure and finance communications.

Moderator: Jannelle Grigsby – Communications Manager at Nissan, bringing storytelling flair and strategic engagement to guide the conversation.

I look forward to signing your book at one of my events.

More event info: https://lisaniver.com/events/

Order your copy of my book: https://lisaniver.com/braveish/