Highlights from Condé Nast Traveler's signature event

Matt Damon, the headliner of the magazine's September "Power of Travel" issue, began the event in a video greeting in which he touched upon on of the main themes of the day: the unique ability of travel to eradicate differences. "There is no greater way to combat ignorance, small-mindedness, and otherness than travel."

Keynote speakers Jeffrey D. Sachs, the influential economist and special advisor to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and Queen Rania Al Abdullah, of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, a tireless education advocate, echoed Damon's sentiment. Sachs charged those present with the responsibility to use their tremendous power—the industry is projected to generate $8 trillion this year alone—meaningful change. "You are the essence of globalization: you are massive, you are influential, you hold the world together. You are at the very center of the potential solution; the most important thing we need in the world today is understanding, empathy. Travel is the only way to see the world through the eyes of others."

Actress Ashley Judd also spoke on behalf of Population Services International, the magazine's partner in its Five & Alive Fund, and demonstrated how a tiny purification packet can make 10 liters of water safe to drink.

Throughout the day, there were expert panels on key issues moderated by Condé Nast Traveler editors: consumers and social responsibility; green technology; China's rapid expansion; and development in the Middle East.