Atlas Obscura and Intrepid Travel Present: The Power of Local Storytelling

Join us for a discussion exploring the power of place-based storytelling narrated by a diverse set of local voices. While the travel industry has historically fallen back on covering destinations in a fairly one-dimensional way, we’ll look at how hearing from a multitude of perspectives and local communities can help to change a region’s narrative—and build a much more interesting and dynamic travel experience for the visitor.

It’s an apt discussion to celebrate the launch of the Atlas Obscura and Intrepid Travel partnership with a new line of multi-day trips that are inspired by storytelling and experience. By combining Atlas Obscura’s unique storytelling sensibility, special access, and vast network of experts with Intrepid’s 30+ years of experience delivering positive-impact travel experiences around the world, we’re bringing the Atlas to life for thousands of travelers every year.

We’ll be joined by three thought leaders in travel working to amplify local voices often left out of traditional tourism. We’ll hear from Anna Huang of Mott Street Girls, a New York-based organization working to make Chinese American history and culture more accessible to the public. We’ll also hear from Lisa Gross of League of Kitchens (NYC), who produces cooking classes that build cross-cultural understanding, increase access to traditional cooking knowledge, and provide meaningful, well-paid employment for immigrants. We’ll also be joined by Crystal Díaz of El Pretexto (PR), a project that began as a local revitalization effort in a small mountain town following Hurricane Maria, and later transformed into a lodge and business helping visitors connect with communities.

The panel will be moderated by Samir Patel, Editor-in-Chief of Atlas Obscura and overseeing editor of Atlas’s decolonization project, which seeks to disentangle travel media from a Western perspective.

Join us early for a pre-panel reception featuring local food and drink vendors curated by Gastro Obscura and League of Kitchens, and a chance to win a trip!

6:30 PM – Reception

7:30 PM – The Power of Local Storytelling

Tickets are $10 USD, with 100% of proceeds* going to the Intrepid Morocco Earthquake Appeal to provide assistance to the local community.

*The Intrepid Foundation is covering all administration costs so that every dollar donated goes where it’s needed most – supporting the people affected by this disaster.