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
