Lisa Linden is a seasoned creative consultant specializing in strategic ideation, event concepting, and credibility lending to help you achieve your business goals
The creative mastermind and owner of Creative Recommendations, boasts over 30 years of experience in the industry. She is an innovative leader and enthusiastic trainer with a strong background in customer service, planning, and directing activities and programs, as well as marketing recreation services
Lisa holds a B.S. in Parks and Recreation Administration with emphasis on Commercial Recreation from Illinois State University
Lisa has extensive experience in the hospitality industry and has worked with several world class companies and properties
Operational Leadership & Revenue Generation
Spearheaded the creation and rollout of standard operating procedures across diverse departments—guest activities, water sports, beach and pool operations, fitness, tennis, and youth programs. Partnered with cross-functional teams to develop and implement initiatives that boosted revenue and enhanced guest experience. Played a key leadership role in launching operations at Viceroy Anguilla (now Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla), overseeing programming and departmental execution during the fast-paced opening of the 35-acre, $550 million luxury resort
Directly responsible for 8 operations – Atlantis Kids Adventures, Atlantis Movie Theater, Club Rush, Library, Atlanteans, Atlantis Pals, Earth and Fire Pottery Studio and Climbers Rush. 75 employees inclusive of an 8,777 sq. ft. world class children’s facility for ages 3-12. Over $1.7 million in annual revenues with over 33,000 participants from design brief to the development, training and implementation of programs for Atlantis Kids Adventures, Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas
Guided operational and capital budget planning, tracked performance against targets, and identified new income streams without eroding perceived guest value
Planned and delivered resort-wide events for up to 10,000 attendees, including conventions and incentive groups
Designed and facilitated inventive team-building and interactive guest experiences
Orchestrated virtual events (escape rooms, murder mysteries, etc.) during COVID-19 restrictions; concurrently served as COVID-19 Compliance Officer
Recruited, evaluated and developed staff across multiple disciplines, improving retention and cultivating future leaders
Set divisional KPIs, measured results and steered continuous improvement initiatives
Championed and managed membership process and conferences for the Resort and Commercial Recreation Association (currently Recreation Experience Community Network) as Executive Director
Contributed feature articles to leading recreation journals
Interviewed and quoted in Introduction to Commercial Recreation and Tourism: An Entrepreneurial Approach (university textbook)
Dynamic presenter on the Recreation Industry to universities and colleges, Illinois State University, University of Illinois, Western Colorado, Michigan State University
Coordinated and managed special event logistics, transportation and VIP services
Constance Lemuria
Lisa Linden has been a pioneer in the field of Resort Recreation. Her ability to evaluate programs and offer solutions has created a vehicle for success for so many of us in the industry. It is her creative intuition and professional drive that makes her stand above other consultants I have worked with.
Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa
Working with Lisa as a Kids Club consultant has been a truly rewarding experience. Her expertise in creating engaging, age-appropriate programs and her keen understanding of family expectations have brought exceptional value to our resort. Lisa approaches every project with professionalism, passion, and an eye for detail that ensures our Kids Club remains a standout feature of the guest experience. Her guidance has helped us elevate our offerings, and we greatly appreciate the positive impact she continues to make at Constance Belle Mare Plage.
Constance Belle Mare Plage
Lisa and I have worked and collaborated together in the recreation, entertainment and hospitality industries for over 30 years. She has a genuine passion and expertise which translates to creative ideas, development and implementation of youth and teen programming based on the client’s demographic. She thrives when challenged with initiatives on how to drive process improvements. Her experience, knowledge and attention to detail are attributes that have a major impact on training teams to deliver an enhanced program that ultimately has a positive impact on the guest experience.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises.
This communication serves as the highest possible praise and reference for Lisa Linden. In the very tough and demanding event and experience landscape there are seldom people we get to work with that are 100% committed to excellence and service. Lisa Linden is one in a million. Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence in her every action is beyond commendable. I cannot speak highly enough of her abilities and her all round “can do” attitude and spirit. When you are pulling together a team and need a quarterback…Lisa Linden is the one. She has been mine for more than 10 years and I cannot imagine assembling an all-star team without her.
The Orchard, Experiences > < Operations
Lisa is a very dynamic speaker who demonstrates excellent leadership qualities while speaking. I have seen her work with students, young and middle age professionals, and older adults, and she was commanding in every presentation. She creates a focused agenda and facilitates quality discussions when leading professionals in meetings. Lisa is extremely knowledgeable in every aspect of the hospitality and tourism industry.
Slippery Rock University
One of Lisa’s most admirable qualities is her innate ability to lead teams. She is a focused and passionate leader who inspires action and delivers results. The quality of the relationships she builds with her clients is reflected in her long-standing contracts that span decades. Lisa is truly a partner in every sense—not just a contract service provider. She consistently operates with her clients’ best interests at heart and maintains a sharp awareness of the consumer’s perspective, always working to create high-quality experiences that exceed expectations. I wholeheartedly recommend Lisa Linden for any opportunity that values strategic vision, operational excellence, and a proven record of leadership and results.
Resort Sports, Inc.
Working with Lisa has allowed us to redefine our offer and implement a strong and innovative concept, which has been instrumental in positioning our hotel as a luxury family-friendly establishment. Lisa connects very well with team members from different cultures and nationalities, and her interventions are always very much appreciated. Every visit allows us to widen our scope of activities and especially those related to the beautiful environment and culture of the Seychelles. It’s a great pleasure to collaborate with Lisa!