Speaker Stages

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Andrew McCarthy, Director, Award-Winning Travel Writer, and Actor

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

Robert Bralić, Founder & Managing Director

Discover how local expertise combined with advanced technology can create genuinely personalized travel and incentive experiences. From bespoke itineraries to seamless execution, learn why choosing a local DMC in Croatia and the Eastern Adriatic delivers unmatched value for both FIT and incentive clients.

Angel Castellanos, World Travel Expert, Writer/TV Host,
AngelsTravelLounge.com, YouTube Channel The Tour Guy

If you want to travel better, smarter and enjoy your vacation, you don’t want to miss this popular talk. The World and travel
have dramatically changed. Angel Castellanos, who’s traveled almost one million air miles since 2020, delivers his updated popular and energetic talk on practical travel tips and savvy packing techniques. This highly informative talk is updated
from Angel’s extensive travels and “packed” with the most up to date actionable travel tips and inspirational stories from all
over the world to help travelers travel smarter, better, and cheaper. In this talk you will learn to plan, book & execute and even pack for the best vacation of your life! Angel will deliver the best travel tips on changes in tourism, health safety, destressing
the airport experience, saving money, sightseeing hacks, traveling with technology and of course updated packing
tips for today’s world! No matter your level of experience, you are bound to come away with practical, current travel tips. The
packing demonstration included in this talk is one you do not want to miss. Packing in a carry on? After this presentation,
packing in any bag will not be a problem! Join us for this insightful and dynamic presentation. Travel smart, well and
often! AngelsTravelLounge.com

Carmen Carbonell, Founder and President, Your Own Italy

Your Own Italy is Tour company operating from Rome. We are proud to offer premier, private vacations throughout Italy, serving travelers who want to be guided through their time in Italy, but do not want to be part of a group, permitting us to personally share the Italy we have come to know and love over our 30+ years of experience in the country. We seek to create unforgettable vacations, with private tours, boat excursions, privately guided hikes, cooking classes, wine tastings, and more, making your trip unique.

Our team works with tested and proven restaurants, wineries, and more ensuring that Your Own Italy vacation excursion will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience you will remember forever and long to repeat with your new friends in Italy, Your Own Italy

Russell Hannon, Ultra-Economical Travel Expert; Best Selling Author ‘Stop Dreaming Start Traveling’

Known for WOW’ing audiences with untold budget travel tips, Ultra-Economical Travel Expert Russell Hannon offers 99 ways to quickly and easily find the best and least expensive options for you. No matter what your travel type, or where you want to go, you will leave with dozens of practical tips and tricks you can put to work right away to save money on your next great escape.

Meet & Greet and Book Signing Immediately Following in the Book Store.

Peter Greenberg, Emmy Award-Winning Investigative Reporter & Producer & CBS News Travel Editor

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Autograph Signing Immediately Following

Allysa Westman, Tourism Sales Manager, Explore Fairbanks

Explore Fairbanks Alaska all year long! The Midnight Sun shines all night in the summer. Aurora Season begins in late August. Our inland location makes Fairbanks the ideal place to see the northern lights. Alaska’s “Golden Heart” interior is the gateway to Denali National Park and the Arctic.

Kathy McCabe, Host and Executive Producer, Dream of Italy, and Dream of Europe

Carl Crews, Director of Business Development, Viking Cruises

Viking was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans, and lakes around the world. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture, and cuisine. Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences for The Thinking Person™. Viking has more than 250 awards to its name, including being rated at the top of its categories for oceans, rivers, and expeditions by both Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler. No other cruise line has ever received these same honors by both publications at the same time. Today’s presentation will introduce you to The Viking Way™ of experiencing destination travel. You will learn about Viking’s award-winning ships, and the itineraries that will allow you to Explore The World In Comfort™.

David McGuffin, Travel Enthusiast, Tour Operator, Musician, and Part-Time European, David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe

European travel expert David McGuffin shares travel tips, favorite destinations, and lessons learned from forty-eight years on the road. David spends about six months a year in Europe leading his small group tours, writing about his favorite destinations, and sharing his adventures via his social media, travel blog, and videos. He is an advocate of avoiding crowds, living like a local, and embracing the culture of the locale. His picture-packed presentation is loaded with pertinent travel information, suggested routes, sage advice, and information about his small group.

Scott Mayerowitz, Reward Points Expert & Strategist, GlobeTrotScott Strategies

Join Scott as he shares tips from his years as a travel expert and frequent traveler. Learn how to maximize frequent flier and hotel loyalty programs. Follow his hacks for finding the best airfare and learn how to vet a hotel to make sure it is up to your standards. Discover ways to avoid being stranded during flight delays. And for those of you worried about airlines losing your luggage: find out the three simple steps you can take to protect your suitcase.

Pauline Frommer, Editorial Director of The Frommer’s Guides and Publisher of Frommers.com

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

Tim Burtch, Regional Sales Director, Midwest, Atlas Ocean Voyages

What to Expect from Your Antarctica Expedition

Description: Come learn about all things Antarctica! With Atlas Ocean Voyages, venture to the seventh continent and see incredible wildlife such as penguins, seals, birds, whales, and many more. Travel on your fully guided expeditions via zodiac as you explore the varying landscape of the great white continent. With Atlas Ocean Voyages, you not only immerse yourself in the destination, but you do so in style and comfort of a small, luxurious yacht with fewer than 200 guests onboard.  When you’re not exploring Antarctica, kayaking, or camping out on the ice, sit back, relax, and enjoy our all-inclusive atmosphere, educational programming, upscale dining, and elegant comforts of our yachts.

Theresa Goodrich, Traveler, Author, Publisher, Speaker, Emmy-Winner at the Local Tourist & Your Chicago Guide

While Chicago’s fantastic, sometimes you just want to get out of town. If you’re thinking of hittin’ the road but don’t know where to go, inveterate road tripper and lifelong Midwesterner Theresa L. Goodrich has you covered. She not only provides a step-by-step method to find destinations, but also recommends several places within a few hours of Chicago and its suburbs.

Adam Lackner, Owner of BrushBuck Wildlife Tours
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David McGuffin, Travel Enthusiast, Tour Operator, Musician, and Part-Time European, David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe

European travel expert David McGuffin shares travel tips, favorite destinations, and lessons learned from forty-eight years on the road. David spends about six months a year in Europe leading his small group tours, writing about his favorite destinations, and sharing his adventures via his social media, travel blog, and videos. He is an advocate of avoiding crowds, living like a local, and embracing the culture of the locale. His picture-packed presentation is loaded with pertinent travel information, suggested routes, sage advice, and information about his small group.

Russell Hannon, Ultra-Economical Travel Expert; Best Selling Author ‘Stop Dreaming Start Traveling’

Can’t find a travel deal? Ultra-Economical Travel Expert Russell Hannon of BreakTheTravelBarrier.com reveals amazing and practical ways to travel inexpensively regardless of the ‘going rate’. Russell unpacks loads of practical tools that open new worlds of stunningly affordable travel opportunities. “There’s lots for the 5-star and cost conscientious traveler alike”. Attendees will get a digital blueprint you can use right away to save on every trip.

Meet & Greet and Book Signing Immediately Following in the Book Store.

Peter Greenberg, Emmy Award-Winning Investigative Reporter & Producer & CBS News Travel Editor

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Autograph Signing Immediately Following

Autumn Sperry, Tourism Sales Manager, Alaska Land & Sea Adventures

Alaska is known for mesmerizing outdoor spaces, captivating arts and culture, sparkling glaciers, abundant wildlife, vast parks, and trails, and dazzling northern lights. This engaging and entertaining presentation will get you excited to visit the 49th state.

Angel Castellanos, World Travel Expert, Writer/TV Host,
AngelsTravelLounge.com, YouTube Channel The Tour Guy

Technology has changed travel for the better and travel has never been easier. There is no doubt that our smartphones can be the most important travel tool in today’s world. Learn about the best travel technology, travel apps and how-to-use your device abroad from full time traveler Angel Castellanos. This highly informative talk is updated every year and “packed” with the most up to date savvy travel tips to help you maximize your tech to travel smarter. Angel Castellanos, The Travel Ambassador, is a travel tech expert with tips to make traveling with your tech easy. Learn to unlock the potential of your device and travel easier and smarter without getting lost in your phone. This informative and popular presentation prepares travelers so they can confidently use their mobile devices as a tool to travel better. Angel will cover the best travel apps to enhance your travels and allow you to communicate effectively without breaking the bank. No matter how tech savvy you are, you will definitely come away with great advice and helpful apps to travel smarter and better with your technology. Join us for this insightful and dynamic presentation. Travel smart, often, and well! AngelsTravelLounge.com

Ina Rodin, Zagreb Tourist Board Representative

Zagreb Tourist Board’s session highlights the city’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant atmosphere, delicious local cuisine, beautiful parks, and exciting events, including the enchanting Advent Zagreb and Festival of Lights Zagreb, making it a captivating destination year-round.

Scott Mayerowitz, Reward Points Expert & Strategist, GlobeTrotScott Strategies

Join Scott as he shares tips from his years as a travel expert and frequent traveler. Learn how to maximize frequent flier and hotel loyalty programs. Follow his hacks for finding the best airfare and learn how to vet a hotel to make sure it is up to your standards. Discover ways to avoid being stranded during flight delays. And for those of you worried about airlines losing your luggage: find out the three simple steps you can take to protect your suitcase.

Solo travel has become a powerful way to connect deeply with the world, and it’s a trend that continues to grow. Join the leading women’s travel community Wanderful (sheswanderful.com) and a panel of solo travel experts and content creators who are here to share their unique stories and latest insights. Together, we’ll explore how to turn solo travel dreams into reality—covering everything from destinations and safety to the latest must-have gadgets and smart budgeting tips. No matter your experience, you’ll leave with tools, resources, and an exclusive list of our favorite travel gadgets to make your next solo journey unforgettable.

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Pauline Frommer, Editorial Director of The Frommer’s Guides and Publisher of Frommers.com

Autograph Signing Immediately Following