12/17 Brett Runyan, David LaHuta

Brett Runyan - GROUPON FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Hailing from the incredible Mitten State, Brett Runyan is no stranger to all things Groupon.   Starting as an Account Executive for the Grand Rapids market, Brett has managed teams for Groupon Now, Groupon Goods and currently seven Groupon markets in the Midwest.   A former Michigan State University cheerleader, Brett is always the loudest in the room with the most spirit.   On any given weekend you can find him out with his friends, shopping downtown, stopping strangers in River North to pet their dogs or on the couch at home watching Aladdin (his 2nd favorite Disney movie behind The Lion King).  No matter where he is or what he’s doing, it’s safe to say he’s having fun and looking great doing it. Groupon has revolutionized the online shopping experience and has created the gift of the local experience (skydiving, cooking classes, concert tickets, hot air balloon rides, travel adventures, museum memberships…and beyond).  The gift-giver gets a deep discount, and the recipient will never know!   It also allows you to give out-of-town friends/family something they can use locally.



David LaHuta -  International Adventurer, TV Host/Journalist

International adventurer, television host and seasoned journalist David LaHuta has reported on everything from the politics of Cyprus to bonefishing in the Bahamas—a fifteen-year career that has taken him to more than 40 U.S. states and over 50 countries worldwide. A graduate of the University of Maryland College of Journalism, David is a frequent contributor to the New York Times, Travel+Leisure and Caribbean Travel+Life in addition to Budget Travel magazine where the savvy traveler spent six years as an editor.  As the travel and adventure correspondent for the nationally syndicated talk show Rachael Ray, David accompanied guests on adventurous pursuits worldwide, including swimming with sharks in northeastern New York and bungee jumping from North America's highest crane. As a sought after travel expert, David also appears regularly on The Forbes Luxe 11 (Travel Channel), American Morning (CNN), The Sauce (FUSE) and Good Day New York (FOX) while continuing to write for Outside, Every Day With Rachael Ray, Sunset, Cruising World and Concierge.com, among others. Currently David is the host of Outside Film Festival: Mountainfilm and a correspondent on The Buzz, both of which air on Outside Television. He is also the Bermuda Resident Editor of Voyage.TV. Originally from New York City, David has also lived in Bayswater, London; Lund, Sweden; St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands and is currently based in Bermuda where the adventurous outdoorsman enjoys sailing, SCUBA diving and snorkeling near his home in Southampton.  Regardless of how spontaneous your travel plans are, internationally recognized travel expert David LaHuta is available to provide tips on how to best plan a last minute trip.  He will discuss how to overcome the challenges of last minute planning and will provide tips on everything from choosing the best accommodations, road trip checklist to how to get the best deals. He will also provide insight on the latest travel trends and best local places to go in your area.
David is available to discuss: