Have you been laid off, stuck in a rut, or just plain burnt out in your career? Want to follow your dreams of extended travel but afraid it might look bad on your resume? Or are you even looking to create a new lifestyle and career for yourself? Meet some New Yorkers who have done it!

Hear from a panel who will answer your questions and dispense sage advice: travelers who have taken career breaks, and travel planning experts to show you how it’s done. In addition, there will be lots of informal mingling with local travelers of every type to share their experiences, tips, and tricks. At the New York City event you will have the opportunity to meet (among others):

Jennifer Baggett, who is one-third of The Lost Girls, three media professionals who embarked on a year-long search for adventure and inspiration. Prior to the trip, she worked as a marketing and promotions professional and held positions at Sundance Channel, Vh1, and NBC Universal.

Michael Bontempi, who made the transition from Briefcase to Backpack having left his corporate job of 14 years to travel..and then returned to the Briefcase in a new role with a new company.

Marie Elena Martinez is a solo adventurer who left a successful literary publicity job in 2005 for two extended years on the road. She has since parlayed her experiences into a freelance travel writing career, and believes that solo travel is a way to discover the world while simultaneously discovering one’s self.

Sherry Ott, who left her corporate IT job for 16 months of travel, which has now turned into 4 years on the road. She has sworn off the briefcase and is living out of her backpack as she has taken on a new career as a writer and photographer.

Brian Peters, who in February 2008 was laid off from his Information Technology job. While most people would react with disappointment or even anger, he successfully transitioned from working a white-collar 9-5 job to traveling the world.

Michaela Potter, who has incorporated mini-career breaks throughout the past 15 years while transitioning from non-profit event planning to corporate video production to a freelance career.

Brook Silva-Braga, who quit his job at HBO to travel the world for a year. In the process he made the award-winning travel documentary "A Map for Saturday" and now works as a roaming documentary producer.

Doors: 6:30
Panel Discussion: 7:00
Followed by cocktail reception

And if that weren't enough; we have great sponsors giving away travel prizes! You'll have the chance to win a free trip to Peru from Gap Adventures, or a free volunteer abroad trip with GeoVisions, along with a number of other great giveaways.

Sign up today and guarantee your free seat at Meet, Plan, Go! New York City and begin to make your travel dreams a reality! The event is free, but you must register so we can enter you in the drawing for the trip.

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