The Tribune

The Global Leadership Summit Bahamas yesterday announced that Royal Caribbean will be a silver sponsor of its annual event for a third year.

The conference, which will be held from March 5-6, will be held virtually for the first time as it brings prominent business and leadership figures to audiences in The Bahamas.

“In the past, we held blended summits,” said GLS local chairman, Gadville McDonald. “Some speakers would appear in person while others participated via Summit-cast with engaging presentations that benefited our local audience.

"Over the years The Global Leadership Summit has proven that virtual presentations are as impactful and engaging as the in-person ones so, ironically, we got an unintended head start on holding events via a means outside of standing on a stage and interacting with people directly in front of you.”

Mr McDonald said the virtual appearances gave participants an opportunity to link-in and experience the full impact of the Summit's parent event, which is held in Chicago.

“Local facilitators also play a vital role as they contextualise each presentation, which results in more meaningful take-aways. The Summit is known for its intellectually rigorous and world class contents,” he added.

Past presenters have included Patrick Lencioni, Melinda Gates, the president of GE (General Electric), thought leaders, influencers and directors of boards with thousands of shareholders.

“Royal Caribbean has been a great partner for the past two years and we welcome them, especially now with deep appreciation, given the economic challenges cruise lines in particular are facing,” said Mr McDonald. “I think the sponsorship is a further demonstration of Royal Caribbean’s continuing commitment to The Bahamas.”

He added that the Summit, now in its seventh year, brings together 405,000 leaders globally. In The Bahamas, the Leadership Summit will be open to 600 students and 800 attendees. Students will be admitted on a scholarship basis.

“At Royal Caribbean Group we are always looking for ways to support youth development, and the Global Leadership Summit is a powerful tool with lessons that students can take away and remember throughout their lives,” said Royal Caribbean Group's vice-president of government relations for the Americas, Russell Benford.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for hundreds of Bahamian students to listen to, and learn from, a select group of people who have made it to the very pinnacle of their industry or cause.”

Global Leadership Summit 2021 includes speakers such as Life Church senior pastor, book author and podcast leader, Craig Groeshel; motivational speaker, British author of First, Break all the Rules and other publications, Marcus Buckingham; New York Times best-selling author, Rory Vadon, and behavioral investigator and author, Vanessa Van Edwards.