Speaker Stages

Chicago Travel & Adventure Show

Over 30 Travel Sessions Designed to Help You Travel Like a Rockstar

3 theaters provide you with the most comprehensive travel content that you won’t be able to find anywhere else.

Travel Theater: You’ve seen them on TV, you follow them on Instagram, and now you can hear from them LIVE, right on the show floor. Enjoy keynote sessions and meet your favorite personalities in the meet & greet!

Destination Theater: Destination-specific sessions give you the most up to date advice on where to go, what to do, how to get there and how to save in information packed 30 minute sessions.

Savvy Traveler Theater: Learn how to travel like an insider with the latest tips, tricks and actionable advice ranging from packing, travel technology, budget hacks and more, directly from the experts who live on the road.

Check back often as speaker information is being updated daily!

Speakers and schedule are subject to change without prior notice, please check back often for updates.

Stop by the on-floor bookstore to purchase books from your favorite travel authors here at the show.

Visit City Lit Books Bookstore in booth #715

Saturday, February 1

Destination Theater
Casey-OConnell2

10:15 am – 10:45 am

Safari Njema – Planning Your East African Safari

Access 2 Tanzania

Learn More

Casey O’Connell, Safari Consultant, Access 2 Tanzania

Access 2 Tanzania & Treks 2 Rwanda will help you make your bucket list safari adventure a reality, answering questions
about when to go, what you should see and do, and how to get the most from your experience. The specific focus will be on
experiencing the quintessential safari in Tanzania and trekking to visit the mountain gorillas of Rwanda.

Savvy Traveler Theater
Jennifer-Broome

10:30 am – 11:15 am

Dos and Don’ts of Traveling Solo

Jennifer Broome

Learn More

Jennifer Broome, Multimedia Travel and Environmental Journalist

Want to travel solo but don’t know how to start? Travel Journalist Jennifer Broome shares her top tips for traveling solo including the basics, pre-trip prep, road trip safety, while in the outdoors, and traveling internationally.

Travel Theater
Rick-Steves

10:45 am – 11:45 am

European Travel 2024

Rick Steves

Learn More

Rick Steves, Travel Writer, Host of Rick Steves’ Europe, and
Travel with Rick Steves

Join TAS Keynote Speaker, Rick Steves, as he shares lessons from a lifetime of travel so you can learn from his experiences and travel smoother. With his entertaining, information-packed talk you’ll learn the essential skills for smart travel from itinerary planning to venturing off the beaten path. Get Rick’s pro tips on packing light, escaping crowds, avoiding scams and pickpockets; and maximizing your cultural and culinary experiences. Rick also covers the latest on post-pandemic travel in Europe.

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

Destination Theater
Susan_Romero_speaker

11:00 am – 11:30 am

Discover Celebrity’s Galapagos

Celebrity Cruises

Learn More

Susana Romero, Celebrity Cruises Director, Galapagos Sales & Communication

A cruise to the Galapagos Islands is infinitely different than other voyages. Smaller, more intimate, a gathering of people all bound by a fascination with exploration and ecology.  All with renowned Celebrity service at every turn. Our Galapagos sailings prove that you can visit the most ancient places on earth wrapped in modern luxury.

Destination Theater
carmencarbonell-500×500

11:45 am – 12:15 pm

Private Travel to Italy Perfected

Your Own Italy

Learn More

Carmen Carbonell, Founder and President, Your Own Italy

Experience Italy’s Heart and Soul. 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.

Savvy Traveler Theater
Angel_C

12 Noon – 12:45 pm

The Ultimate Guide for Better Travel in 2024

Angel Castellanos

Learn More

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, de-stressing 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

Travel Theater
Phil-Rosenthal

12:15 pm – 1:15 pm

Q/A with Netflix's Phil Rosenthal: How Travel Became His Passion and His Job

Phil Rosenthal and Wendy Altschuler

Learn More

Phil Rosenthal, Host, Creator, and Executive Producer of “Somebody Feed Phil”
Moderator: Wendy Altschuler Seasoned and Prolific Travel and Adventure Writer

– A moderated conversation and Q/A with TAS Keynote Speaker, Phil Rosenthal, Creator, Writer and Producer of Everybody Loves Raymond, and Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil He’ll be talking about his travels, the food along the way, as well as his 2022 release ‘Somebody Feed Phil The Book’ and upcoming book with his daughter ‘Just Try It!’.

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

Destination Theater
Tim-Burtch

12:30 pm – 1:00 pm

What to Expect from Your Antarctica Expedition

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Learn More

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

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.

Savvy Traveler Theater
GoTravel

1:00 pm – 1:45 pm

Travel TV Unplugged: Insider Tips from Solo, Family and Luxury Travel Experts

Christine Drinan, Colleen Kelly and Pamela Holt

Learn More

Christine Drinan, Entrepreneur and Founder and CEO of Galavante
Colleen Kelly, Travel Expert, Executive Producer, and Host Emmy-nominated National PBS Television Series, “Family Travel with Colleen Kelly”
Pamela Holt, Travel Expert, Executive Producer & Host of Me, Myself & The World: The Art of Solo Travel

Travel TV Unplugged: Insider Tips from Solo, Family, and Luxury Travel Experts – a panel showcasing three travel experts: Pamela Holt, a seasoned solo traveler with 81 countries under her belt; Christine Drinan, CEO of Galavante, philanthropist, and explorer of 130+ countries; and Colleen Kelly, an Emmy-nominated PBS host, travel content producer, and brand influencer. Each of them has blazed their own trail in the world of travel and are now coming together to share their wealth of knowledge and experiences with you.

Destination Theater
Klaus-Fielsch2

1:15 pm – 1:45 pm

Journey to the Galapagos: A Life Changing Experience

MetroJourneys

Learn More

Klaus Fielsch, Product Manager

Now, more than ever, the Galapagos Islands are the ideal destination. Isolated but accessible, but above all extraordinary. Join Klaus to learn… when is the best month to travel? What endemic species will I see? What should I consider before booking a life-changing expedition to Galapagos?

Destination Theater
_Barry-Johnston

2:00 pm – 2:30 pm

The World of Viking

Viking Cruises

Learn More

Barry Johnston, 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™.

Savvy Traveler Theater
Theresa-Goodrich

2:00 pm – 2:45 pm

Planning the Perfect Road Trip from Chicago

Theresa Goodrich

Learn More

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

Travel Theater
paulinefrommer-500×500

2:15 pm – 3:15 pm

Life Enhancing Vacations That Won’t Break the Bank

Pauline Frommer

Learn More

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

TAS Keynote Speaker, Pauline Frommer, will discuss the smartest, most up-to-date ways of saving money on airfares, lodgings, sightseeing and more, advice that changes every year since the travel industry is so volatile. But it doesn’t really matter how much you save if the trip doesn’t feed your soul, right? Pauline will also cover methods of travel that allow you to dig deeper into the local culture and/or learn a bit about yourself; the most exciting destinations for 2024/2025; ways to reframe travel planning so it enhances your daily life; and much more.

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

Destination Theater
Heather-Ruhle

2:45 pm – 3:15 pm

Alaska & Anchorage By The Numbers!

Alaska Land & Sea Adventures

Learn More

Heather Ruhle, Tourism Sales Manager, Alaska Land & Sea Adventures

What drives traveler’s decisions when planning for an Alaska trip? In short, the numbers. Learn the distances (Alaska IS Big!), temperatures in all the seasons and when to go, money & how to get the best bang-for-the-buck! And lots of other facts about Alaska wildlife, culture & attractions from a seasoned expert. This engaging and entertaining presentation will get you excited to visit the 49th state!

Savvy Traveler Theater
Julian-Douglas

3:15 pm – 4:00 pm

Top Private Tours Around the World With “The Private Tour Connoisseur”

Julian Douglas

Learn More

Julian Douglas, Travel Writer, Photographer & Experience Curator. The Private Tour Connoisseur.

Whether you’re looking to explore ancient sights and museums or eat your way across the Italian countryside in a Ferrari, Julian will reveal his Top Private Tours around the world. Learn how to maximize what Private Tours have to offer, tips and tricks to find the best tours, save money and make them happen.  

Do the things you’ve always dreamed of doing, have once in a lifetime experiences, and check them off your bucket list. View the Mona Lisa in private, drive a vintage boat on Lake Como, go behind closed doors at Versailles and see Elephants on an African Safari so close you can hear them breathe. Today’s Private Tours are more attainable and less expensive than ever before, so skip the lines and fully experience all that your destination has to offer. If you can dream it, a Private Tour can make it happen.

Destination Theater
David-McGuffins-2

3:30 pm – 4:00 pm

EXPLORING EUROPE: Top Destinations, Attractions and Experiences

David McGuffin's Exploring Europe, Inc.

Learn More

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

Join European travel expert David McGuffin as he shares travel tips, favorite destinations, and lessons learned from forty-seven years on the road. David spends about four 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, educated travel, 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.

Travel Theater
Rick-Steves

3:45 pm – 4:45 pm

European Travel 2024

Rick Steves

Learn More

Rick Steves, Travel Writer, Host of Rick Steves’ Europe, and
Travel with Rick Steves

Join TAS Keynote Speaker, Rick Steves, as he shares lessons from a lifetime of travel so you can learn from his experiences and travel smoother. With his entertaining, information-packed talk you’ll learn the essential skills for smart travel from itinerary planning to venturing off the beaten path. Get Rick’s pro tips on packing light, escaping crowds, avoiding scams and pickpockets; and maximizing your cultural and culinary experiences. Rick also covers the latest on post-pandemic travel in Europe.

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

*Disclaimer: Show Management reserves the right to change speakers and schedules at its discretion. Check back frequently for updates and changes.

Sunday, February 2

Savvy Traveler Theater
Ralph-Velasco

11:15 am – 12 Noon

Think Outside the Camera!

Ralph Velasco

Learn More

Ralph Velasco, Founder and CEO, Continental DRIFTER Experiences

Join travel photographer and veteran international tour organizer Ralph Velasco as he takes you through simple but powerful tips designed to make your travels easier and your photography even better.  Learn easily implemented tips that anyone can use, with any camera.  Now, let’s get out and travel!

Travel Theater
Rick-Steves

11:30 am – 12:30 pm

European Travel 2024

Rick Steves

Learn More

Rick Steves, Travel Writer, Host of Rick Steves’ Europe, and
Travel with Rick Steves

Join TAS Keynote Speaker, Rick Steves, as he shares lessons from a lifetime of travel so you can learn from his experiences and travel smoother. With his entertaining, information-packed talk you’ll learn the essential skills for smart travel from itinerary planning to venturing off the beaten path. Get Rick’s pro tips on packing light, escaping crowds, avoiding scams and pickpockets; and maximizing your cultural and culinary experiences. Rick also covers the latest on post-pandemic travel in Europe.

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

Destination Theater
Garette-Ziem

12 Noon – 12:30 pm

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises – 2024 Offers Unveiled

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises

Learn More

Garette Ziem, Regional Sales Director, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, and Emerald Cruises

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises has grown over its 36-year plus history to include award-winning river and ocean cruises and handcrafted land journeys that take guests to many of the world’s most fascinating destinations. Join us to unveil the 2024 offers and learn how we can fulfill your dream vacations.

Savvy Traveler Theater
Angel_C

12:30 pm – 1:15 pm

Travel Apps & Travel Tech For Easy Travel

Angel Castellanos

Learn More

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! www.AngelsTravelLounge.com

Destination Theater
Brianna-McCarthy

12:45 pm – 1:15 pm

Journey to the Islands of Fiji

Tourism Fiji

Learn More

Brianna McCarthy, Trade Partnerships Manager, Tourism Fiji

Join Tourism Fiji for a fun and informational journey to the Islands of Fiji. If you’re looking for uncrowded islands, pristine environment, and famously friendly people, you’ll love our islands. Join us to hear more about how easy it is to get to Fiji and about the wide array of experiences for all types of travelers and budgets.

Destination Theater
Milagro-Cabrera

1:30 pm – 2:00 pm

Costa Rica, More Essential Than Ever

Costa Rica Tourism

Learn More

Mrs. Milagro Cabrera, Costa Rica expert

Join us as we delve into the enchanting world of Costa Rica. Discover why Costa Rica stands out with its unparalleled beauty, encompassing lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and majestic volcanoes. Unearth the secrets of its rich biodiversity and embrace the Pura Vida spirit that defines the nation’s simple yet joyous way of life.  Dive into a world of thrilling activities – from zip-lining through the treetops to encountering exotic wildlife in national parks. Immerse yourself in the local culture by interacting with friendly locals and savoring traditional cuisine. As we explore the essential aspects of trip planning. So, buckle up for an insightful journey as we uncover the magic of Costa Rica and empower you to plan a trip that captures the essence of this extraordinary destination. ¡Pura Vida!

Savvy Traveler Theater
GoTravel

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm

The Next Travel Star Contest

Christine Drinan, Colleen Kelly and Pamela Holt

Learn More

Christine Drinan, Entrepreneur and Founder and CEO of Galavante
Colleen Kelly, Travel Expert, Executive Producer, and Host Emmy-nominated National PBS Television Series, “Family Travel with Colleen Kelly”
Pamela Holt, Travel Expert, Executive Producer & Host of Me, Myself & The World: The Art of Solo Travel

Step into the spotlight with the last three contestants of the Next Travel Star Contest as they pitch their dream travel shows to industry luminaries Pamela Holt, Christine Drinan, and Colleen Kelly! Who will seize the chance for a coveted development deal with GoTraveler? Discover the art and business of travel television, unraveling the secrets of success in becoming a prominent travel star. Elevate your understanding of the craft and join us for an exclusive glimpse into the future of travel television.

Travel Theater
paulinefrommer-500×500

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Life Enhancing Vacations That Won’t Break the Bank

Pauline Frommer

Learn More

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

TAS Keynote Speaker, Pauline Frommer, will discuss the smartest, most up-to-date ways of saving money on airfares, lodgings, sightseeing and more, advice that changes every year since the travel industry is so volatile. But it doesn’t really matter how much you save if the trip doesn’t feed your soul, right? Pauline will also cover methods of travel that allow you to dig deeper into the local culture and/or learn a bit about yourself; the most exciting destinations for 2024/2025; ways to reframe travel planning so it enhances your daily life; and much more.

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

Destination Theater
Allysa-Westman-

2:30 pm – 3:15 pm

Fairbanks, Alaska: Land of the Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights

Explore Fairbanks

Learn More

Allysa Westman, Tourism Sales Manager

Set deep in the Last Frontier of Alaska, Fairbanks is defined by wild places and natural phenomena that awaken the spirit and nourish the soul. With the midnight sun illuminating the landscape all hours during the summer, winter bringing a playful wonderland of white and some of the best displays in the world of the aurora borealis dancing overheard on clear, dark nights, Fairbanks is truly a place for all seasons Though the locale is remote, Fairbanks offers all the amenities you would expect of a charming city. Discover a thriving arts community, rich Alaska Native culture, our gold rush history, and a myriad of year-round activities and attractions that offer authentic Alaska experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.

Savvy Traveler Theater
Brandon-Hughbanks

3:00 pm – 3:45 pm

How to Save Money on Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance Center

Learn More

Brandon Hughbanks, Agent Representative, Travel Insurance Center

Benefits, features, and pricing: Know before you buy.

*Disclaimer: Show Management reserves the right to change speakers and schedules at its discretion. Check back frequently for updates and changes.