The Adventure Travel World Summit may be in the books, but now’s the chance to write a good next chapter.

“Now is the time to solidify relationships for the summit,” said David Kasser. “We had a strong Alaska presence at summit, delegates got to explore, so this is the time to stay engaged with the adventure tourism community. Follow up is key.”

Visit Anchorage plans to follow up on the Alaska summit with big presence at the group’s 2017 summit, in Argentina.

“A big Alaska delegation next year is significant to keep the momentum. But more important is the follow up work that can be done right now to build on the Alaska summit.” said Kasser.

More than 870 delegates from around the world converged on Anchorage in late September for the Adventure Travel Tourism Association’s summit. The summits first visit to North America was also their largest event on record. Normally summit draws approximately 700 people annually. The meeting itself had an estimated economic impact of $1 million. The business generated as a result of the conference could be even more significant.

International travel operators, buyers and media attending explored Alaska on 24 different pre-summit adventures, multi-day itineraries designed to showcase all corners of the state in advance of the conference. Delegates also got a single day taste of Anchorage and the surrounding area on one of 38 day of adventure itineraries that served as the first day of summit.

Attending media have already started sharing their experiences in Alaska with a wider audience. Forbes and Travel Weekly each published Alaska stories based on experiences included in pre-summit adventures.

ATWS charitable events at Hard Rock and Koot’s during summit raised $4,000 for Alaska charities. The Anchorage Park Foundation and Alaska Center for the Environment youth programs will split the proceeds of summit’s evening events.

Delegates from around the world and members of Visit Anchorage also gathered 99 pairs of socks for Covenant House’s annual sock drive known as Socktember. The donations will go to homeless youth in Anchorage. Helping Anchorage, Visit Anchorage’s charitable arm, sponsored the effort.

Thank you to the summit’s sponsors, donors, pre-summit adventure and day of adventure, and evening event hosts for helping make the Anchorage summit a success.