Speaker Stages

Moderator: Beth Santos, Founder, Wanderful
Panelists: Hannah Dixon, Founder, Digital Nomad Kit
Paige Watts, Creator, Paige Minds The Gap

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.

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

Jett Hattaway, Sales & Strategic Partnerships, Life Beyond the Room

Learn how slow travel is changing the way we see and understand places and the people that make them special. With mass tourism on the rise, small locally owned businesses are often overlooked in some of Italy’s most iconic destinations. These artisans are often the ones who maintain age-old traditions unique to the region. By investing in these kinds of experiences, we not only can support local families, but we can play an active role in preserving culture & tradition while making meaningful connections with local people. This element of Slow travel is what makes our LBR experiences immersive and fulfilling both for the traveler and our hosts.

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.

Deon Barnard, CEO, Go Touch Down Travel & Tours

We sell tours to people who don’t like going on tours. We offer six spots on a tour. Safari and Cape Town adventures depart every week. Come learn why you should travel to South Africa.

Drew Binsky, World Travel Expert, World Renowned Travel Blogger

Meet and Greet Immediately Following

Laura Powell, Founder, Tourism Well Defined

We look at the latest wellness travel trends and separate the woo-woo from the tried and true.

Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General & CEO, Caribbean Tourism Organization

Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Caribbean tourism, where every destination tells a unique story. This session will explore how the Caribbean offers travelers authentic, one-of-a-kind experiences that leave lasting impressions. From breathtaking natural wonders and thrilling adventures to immersive cultural encounters and culinary delights, learn how the region’s diverse offerings cater to every type of traveler.

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.

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.

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

Katy Ouellette, 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!

Tailor Payton, Food and Travel Blogger and Creator of Hungry Homegirl

Join Tailor Payton as she shares her experiences exploring the world’s most exciting destinations. From local delicacies to international favorites, discover the culinary treasures that make each place unique.

Justin Barnette, Head: Marketing & Comms North America, South African Tourism

From breathtaking beauty to sun-soaked coasts; from wildlife to adventure; from vibrant urban energy to the incredible warmth and cultural diversity of our people – South Africa is a traveler’s dream!

Whether you are thrill-seeking nature lovers, curious history buffs or even a large family that needs to cater to different tastes and personalities, South Africa has something for everyone. With memorable safari, adventure, and cultural experiences, a South African holiday offers impressive value for time and money at any budget.

Join South African Tourism to gather all the info you’ll need to plan an unforgettable vacation that will re-awaken your spirits by connecting with vibrant people and unique experiences in a way that both renews and transforms you.

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.

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

Destinations doing it Right! – Cultural Stories from around the world!

Theresa Goodrich, Traveler, Author, Publisher, Speaker, Emmy-Winner at the Local Tourist

Theresa L. Goodrich is an inveterate road trip enthusiast who’s traveled thousands of miles to tell the stories of America’s treasures. In this fun and energetic session, Theresa shares her best tips for planning your perfect road trip adventure, including choosing your ideal destination, saving money during your travels, and doing it all safely. Whether you’re looking to drive cross-country or just need a weekend getaway, you’ll learn how to plan an experience you’ll love.

Angel Castellanos, World Travel Expert, Journalist & TV Host,
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!

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

Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General & CEO, Caribbean Tourism Organization

Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Caribbean tourism, where every destination tells a unique story. This session will explore how the Caribbean offers travelers authentic, one-of-a-kind experiences that leave lasting impressions. From breathtaking natural wonders and thrilling adventures to immersive cultural encounters and culinary delights, learn how the region’s diverse offerings cater to every type of traveler.

Beth Santos, Founder and CEO, Wanderful

Solo travel has become a powerful way to connect deeply with the world, and it’s a trend that continues to grow. Join Beth Santos, founder of leading women’s travel community Wanderful (sheswanderful.com) and author of Wander Woman: How to Reclaim Your Space, Find Your Voice, and Travel the World, Solo, to share her best tips and latest insights. No matter your experience, you’ll leave with tools, resources, and an exclusive list of our favorite travel gadgets and tools to make your next solo journey unforgettable.

TBA

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

TBA

V. Sheree Williams, Editor, Cuisine Noir

Sustainable travel is not only good for the environment, but also for our well-being. Learn about destinations leading the way and activities, transportation options, products and apparel that help to keep the Earth top of mind.