Speaker Stages

Karin Aaron, President and CEO and David Jackson, SVP, Business Development, Green Book Experience

Group and Family Travel got you down? Dive into the rich history of modern-day cultural tourism. Learn strategies to find discounts, streamline logistics without losing your mind!

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

It’s not the bucket list or the Instagram ops. Travel connects us to the wider world and to ourselves—it can change how we view everything around us. And that connection has the power to transform us in ways we can’t begin to imagine while sitting at home on the couch. And the view is better.

Meet and Greet Immediately Following

Robert Bralić, Founder & Managing Director, Ventula Travel DMC

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, Journalist & TV Host,
YouTube Channel The Tour Guy

Want to travel smarter, stress-free, and actually enjoy your vacation? This talk is your chance to join an exclusive group of savvy travelers who know how to make every trip unforgettable. Angel Castellanos—seasoned traveler with 200k air miles in 2025 and expert who spends almost half the year traveling—will share practical, cutting-edge travel tips and hacks tailored for today’s world.

This high-energy talk is packed with actionable advice that has been the cornerstone of the Savvy Travel Stage for over 10 years, drawn from Angel’s global adventures. You’ll get insider tips on booking smarter, packing lighter (yes, even in a carry-on), and navigating the new technology landscape of travel with ease. Whether you’re a travel pro or just starting to explore, this talk will empower you to take control of your trips, save money, and easily elevate your experiences.

You’ll also discover how to tackle common challenges like stress-free airport navigation, sightseeing like a VIP, and game-changing apps—all while impressing friends and family with your effortless travel game. And that live packing demo? It’s a game-changer you don’t want to miss.

Travel smarter, better, and bolder. Join me for this dynamic, no-fluff presentation, and leave ready to plan the best vacation of your life. By the end, you will have a notebook full of actionable tips, game-changing apps, and real advice from experience. Your next adventure starts here.

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

Leila Krešić-Jurić, Director North America, Croatian National Tourist Office New York

Awe-inspiring views and scenery. A cuisine known for its variety of flavors and aromas. Culture and history that will inspire you. People you will remember fondly. Simply full of life. Get immersed through short videos and destination presentations that will reveal why Croatia is considered one of the most desirable destinations in the world.

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

The promise and the threat of the travel explosion globally ~ a look at how to navigate the world in a time of overtourism, the decline of seasonal travel, traveler rights you don’t know about, and the brave new world of artificial intelligence

Meet and Greet 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

Attend and Enter to Win a $20,000 Voyage from Kensington Cruises (kensingtontours.com)

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 tours in Europe

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

Meet and Greet 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

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

The Balkan Peninsula stretches south along the Adriatic Sea from Austria to Greece. Its people, places, and culture have shifted over the centuries, but its beauty and charm remain unchanged. Many have heard of the clear cruise waters along the Adriatic coast, but there is more! David McGuffin shares his adventures in Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, and the Balkans in this picture-packed travel talk. You’ll leave this presentation with travel ideas, tour routes, timely advice, and information about his small group tours along the Adriatic and Balkans.

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

The promise and the threat of the travel explosion globally ~ a look at how to navigate the world in a time of overtourism, the decline of seasonal travel, traveler rights you don’t know about, and the brave new world of artificial intelligence.

Meet and Greet Immediately Following

Kara Troglin, 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, Journalist & TV Host,
YouTube Channel The Tour Guy

Want to travel smarter, stress-free, and actually enjoy your vacation? This talk is your chance to join an exclusive group of savvy travelers who know how to make every trip unforgettable. Angel Castellanos—seasoned traveler with 200k air miles in 2025 and expert who spends almost half the year traveling—will share practical, cutting-edge travel tips and hacks tailored for today’s world.

This high-energy talk is packed with actionable advice that has been the cornerstone of the Savvy Travel Stage for over 10 years, drawn from Angel’s global adventures. You’ll get insider tips on booking smarter, packing lighter (yes, even in a carry-on), and navigating the new technology landscape of travel with ease. Whether you’re a travel pro or just starting to explore, this talk will empower you to take control of your trips, save money, and easily elevate your experiences.

You’ll also discover how to tackle common challenges like stress-free airport navigation, sightseeing like a VIP, and game-changing apps—all while impressing friends and family with your effortless travel game. And that live packing demo? It’s a game-changer you don’t want to miss.

Travel smarter, better, and bolder. Join me for this dynamic, no-fluff presentation, and leave ready to plan the best vacation of your life. By the end, you will have a notebook full of actionable tips, game-changing apps, and real advice from experience. Your next adventure starts here.

Tea Seremet, Expert Assistant, Marketing Department, Zagreb Tourist Board

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.

Meet and Greet Immediately Following

Moderator: Beth Santos, Founder, Wanderful
Panelists: Cassandra Washington, Founder of Sustah-Girl Chronicles, LLC
Stacey Peters, Creator at Duffelbag Spouse
Stacy Ambrozich, Tour Director
Lanora Mueller, Travel Writer

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.

Julian Schmid, Founder, Rail Escape

Ready to turn your travel days into unforgettable adventures? Discover how European train journeys combine breathtaking landscapes, unmatched comfort, and unique experiences you can’t find anywhere else. Learn why rail travel is the most exciting and effortless way to explore Europe!

Tamara Mallin, Director Strategic Partnerships, Fresh Tracks Canada

Learn how to explore the country’s most spectacular sights on a personalized train vacation, or where to see the Northern Lights, polar bears, beluga whales, and more. The magic is in the details, Fresh Tracks Canada’s local experts can build an itinerary that suits your travel preferences — you choose the region, train, hotel, and sightseeing activities. From the moment you land in Canada until the moment you leave, we’ve got your dream vacation details covered.

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

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

Meet and Greet Immediately Following