Seth Ryan is one of five David Riddell Scholarship recipients who will be attending SITE Global Conference 2025 thanks to the generous support of SITE Foundation.
Here is Seth’s winning essay about his memorable introduction to the incentive travel industry.
In 2003, my life took an unexpected turn that set me on a path I hadn’t initially envisioned but would come to define my professional and personal growth.
As a car salesman, I was focused on meeting quotas and hitting sales targets. My dedication paid off when I earned a coveted incentive trip for being one of the top Chrysler salespeople in the state of Minnesota the reward was, an all-expenses-paid trip to Super Bowl XXVIII in Houston, Texas.
It was not just a recognition of my hard work; it was a transformative experience that opened my eyes to the power of incentive travel. Attending the Super Bowl was more than just witnessing a historic football game; it was an immersive experience that highlighted the profound impact that incentive travel can have on an individual.
The excitement of being among thousands of passionate fans, the unparalleled access to exclusive events, and the sheer joy of celebrating a personal achievement in such a grand setting were exhilarating. It was a high point that I had not anticipated in my career, and it made me realize the true value of incentive programs.
This experience underscored how incentive travel can serve as a powerful motivator, fostering dedication and excellence among individuals. It was a revelation that such rewards could inspire people to reach new heights, not only in their professional endeavors but also in their personal aspirations, which can lead to a happier healthier employee.
The profound impact of this experience was not limited to my own career aspirations. It ignited a deep passion within me for the incentive travel industry. I became determined to be part of this dynamic field that has the ability to transform ordinary achievements into extraordinary experiences.
The realization that I wanted to work in this industry led me to pursue opportunities to build a career in the hotel business where I could help create and manage incentive travel programs for my clients.
The Super Bowl trip was a pivotal moment that shaped my career trajectory and affirmed my commitment to a field that I now understand can significantly impact individuals and organizations alike.
Beyond my personal journey, the incentive travel industry has had a ripple effect on my family and community.
This is the industry I belong in and I feel like I am among family.
I have been an active member in SITE Minnesota where I served multiple terms on the board including and not limited to being the Chapter’s President from 2015-2019.
This is where I saw the profound impact on younger professionals entering this dynamic industry, where I was able to help nurture their success with multiple opportunities to get involved in the chapter and their community.
In my time on the board we helped several organizations in the community with some amazing give-back opportunities such as partnering with YouthLink, an organization that aids in finding a safe space for teens in need of housing, education, physical and mental health to name a few; The Link, who serves at risk youth with programs and assistance to keep them on the right path and out of trouble; lastly, packing opportunities such as Kids in Need Foundation, where we packed school supplies for kids in need and of course Feed My Starving Children, which is an organization that sends prepacked meals around the world for those in need.
The experience of attending the Super Bowl as an incentive that I worked so hard to achieve was a defining moment in my life. It not only fueled my passion for the industry but also had a broader impact on my family and community.
This journey has been a testament to the power of recognition and motivation, illustrating how such experiences can inspire personal growth, professional development, and community engagement. 20+ years later I am still wildly passionate about this amazing industry and I am so thankful for all the relationships and opportunities that it has afforded me.
The old saying of love what you do and you’ll never have to work a day in your life holds true! I continue to be driven by the desire to create impactful experiences that can transform lives and communities in a meaningful way.
