Delta And LinkedIn Let You Meet Industry Leaders On Board

Delta Airlines and LinkedIn have launched a surprising partnership to let LinkedIn users meet each other on board a flight in their new ‘innovation class’.

How does Delta Innovation Class work exactly?

Well, Delta calls it a mentoring-program at 35,000 feet. Established leaders in various fields, some of the smartest people in the world, are paired up with up-and-coming young professionals during a flight. These young professionals can ask their mentors everything they want.

Delta and LinkedIn choose the mentor, and everyone can apply to become the young professional sitting next to that industry leader. Applying can be done through linking your LinkedIn information to the website.

Your application will then be reviewed. If chosen, you’ll be contacted by Delta. You will get a free first-class flight, and will get to sit next to the leader of your choice during the flight to pick his or her brain about anything and everything.

The first pair to try out the Innovation Class were Eric Migicovsky, the inventor of the Pebble Smartwatch, and James Patten, an interaction designer. Take a look at the video:

Mauricio Parise, Delta’s director of worldwide marketing communications, tells CNBC:

We have customers flying with us who are big thinkers and innovators and are changing the world. We want to bring the ones succeeding in their field together with people who aspire to follow them.

The next Innovation Class flight’s leader will be Sean Brock, an executive chef. If you want a chance to be seated next to him to pick his brain, apply on the website.

My Opinion

This is great. As a ‘normal’ young professional it’s not every day you get to meet some of the best leaders in the marketing, tech, or art industry. LinkedIn and Delta are making it possible for everyone to come in contact with their professional heroes.

This could mean new opportunities and fresh views about existing businesses and practices, which is always a good thing. I’m excited to see what is going to happen, and who else will participate in the innovation class.

What Do You Think?
Are Delta and LinkedIn doing good? What do you think?

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About The Author
Marion aan ‘t Goor is a Social Media Consultant. You can connect with Marion via Twitter and LinkedIn.