Speaker Stages

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!

David Jackson, SVP Business Development, Green Book Experience

Discover the living history of the historic Green Book (1938-1967) as experts share Five iconic locations that bridge nostalgia yet intertwines the past with the present.

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

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

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.

Russell Hannon, Amazon #1 Best Selling Author of ‘Stop Dreaming Start Traveling’ and Ultra Economical Travel Expert for BreakTheTravelBarrier.com

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 is, 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.

Deon Barnard, CEO, Go Touch Down Travel & Tours

Our tours depart every week. We send more than 200 North Americans to South Africa each month. Come see why people that don’t like going on tours like traveling with us.

Juan J Rios, Sales Executive, Copa Airlines

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

Oya Bekisoglu, Sr. Sales Director, South-Central & Key Accounts,’ 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.

Eric Rosen, Director of Travel Content, The Points Guy

As airfares and hotel rates continue to rise, frequent-flier miles and hotel points are more important than ever to help you save money on your travels. The Points Guy’s director of content, Eric Rosen, will walk you through some of the best strategies for harnessing your finances and travel habits to help you rack up the rewards you need for the trips you want to take.

Camila Madero, Galapagos Sales, and Communications Lead, Celebrity Cruises®

Join Camila Madero, Lead of Galapagos Sales & Communications, on a journey to explore the unique flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands. You will hear about how Celebrity combines luxury with sustainability in the Galapagos Islands, our seamless, all-inclusive packages, and the unique experiences Celebrity offers in the Galapagos. Discover the 3 unique vessels including the eco-luxurious, all-suite mega yacht Celebrity Flora, now the first and only resort in Ecuador to earn a Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Rating.

Karen Barclay, Business Development Manager, AAA Member Choice Vacations®

MCV is an escorted group tour experience. Come and learn all about our destination and included amenities. We want to immerse you in the destination experience.

Pamela Holt, Solo Travel Expert, TV Host and Producer of “Me, Myself & The World: The Art of Solo Travel”

Explore the world of solo travel with Pamela Holt. Having ventured to over 90 countries and territories, Pamela inspires both first-time solo travelers and seasoned explorers. Embark on this exciting journey to:

• Acquire tips to spark your inner solo traveler
• Learn strategies to maximize your solo adventures
• Discover the top destinations for solo travelers
• Uncover how solo travel can lead to self-discovery
• And much more!

Don’t miss this opportunity to jumpstart & maximize your solo travels!

For a dose of pre-show motivation, catch Pamela’s TV series “Me, Myself & The World: The Art of Solo Travel” for free on GoTraveler or any of your preferred platforms: Amazon Prime, Tubi, SlingTV, and more. Season 2 is set to launch this February!

Pamela will be giving out exclusive GoTraveler swag for everyone flaunting the downloaded GoTraveler app on their phones or tablets. While supplies last

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

Pauline 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.

Robert Alvarez, Executive Director, Visit Big Bend

Through photos, videos and personal observation, the Exec. Dir of Visit Big Bend (Robert Alvarez) will explain the character and unique appeal of “Texas’ Gift to the Nation”. The Big Bend Region of the Lonestar State includes 5 amazing communities consisting of Big Bend National Park, Marathon, Terlingua, Study Butte and Lajitas. The Big Bend of Texas has more than pristine Chihuahuan desert and the darkest night skies in the continental US to offer visitors. Literally hundreds of miles of hiking trails are available to explore plus the #1 golf course to play in Texas, world class BBQ, river floats, ATV excursions, horseback rides, fine dining, unique boutique hotels…and the list goes on. Come enjoy the session and learn more about one of the largest but least visited National Parks in the lower 48 and the incredible Far West Texas communities that surround it.

Wendy Alexander, TV Host, Executive Producer, Travel, Wine & Dine, and Author, Cooking & Entertaining with Wendy Alexander

Travel, Wine and Dine with me all over the country as I explore the Best Hotels, Resorts, Restaurants and Wineries. Wendy has hosted the # 1 Travel TV show for over 10 years.

Wendy will show you the latest travel tips on packing, changes in tourism, great local eateries, the best bars and of course where to fine the best local fun! So, get packed and ready for the Best Vacation of your life. Remember I Love you for free, and I’ll see you at my next Travel destination.

Karen Seiler, Business Development Manager, Pleasant Holidays and Journese

Come discover everywhere all over the world that Pleasant Holidays and Journese can take you whether it is on land, sea, train, auto, airplane, we can take you there.

Maria Triantos, Sales Development Manager, Rocky Mountaineer

Rocky Mountaineer offers over 40 vacation packages through the Canadian Rockies and American Southwest. Our luxury rail journeys connect the coastal city of Vancouver, British Columbia, to Jasper, Banff or Lake Louise, Alberta, with their US route connecting Denver, Colorado, to Moab, Utah. The unparalleled experience onboard the all-dome fleet offers rich, historic storytelling, world-class cuisine, and impeccable service.

Russell Hannon, Amazon #1 Best Selling Author of ‘Stop Dreaming Start Traveling’ and Ultra Economical Travel Expert for BreakTheTravelBarrier.com

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 is, 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.

Peter Greenberg, Emmy Award-Winning Investigative Reporter & Producer & CBS News Travel Editor
Panelists: Gary Leff, Co-Founder of Frequent Flyer Community, InsideFlyer.com
Scott McCartney, Co-host, Airlines Confidential podcast. Former travel editor and Middle Seat columnist, the Wall Street Journal

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

Laurie Smith, Business Development Manager, AmaWaterways®

Join us to Explore the Beautiful European Rivers and Discover the AMA Difference.

Michelle Pharr, Strategic Account Manager, Royal Caribbean International®

This is more than a vacation upgrade. It’s the best family vacation in the world. Introducing the new Icon of the Seas — a first-of-its-kind Royal Caribbean® adventure. It’s thrills you never dared to imagine and next-level chill nobody ever dreamed possible. Your adrenaline will surge at the largest waterpark at sea, or as they conquer an all-out test of courage dangling high above the ocean. Pick from seven unique pools to satisfy any mood — this is an all-you-can-swim buffet. Fuel bolder bonding with tons to do for everyone in the crew at Surfside, the ultimate stay-all-day family neighborhood right onboard. And discover dishes to delight every appetite with 40 ways to dine and drink. This is the Icon of Vacations — now sailing!

Pamela Holt, Solo Travel Expert, TV Host and Producer of “Me, Myself & The World: The Art of Solo Travel”

Explore the world of solo travel with Pamela Holt. Having ventured to over 90 countries and territories, Pamela inspires both first-time solo travelers and seasoned explorers. Embark on this exciting journey to:

• Acquire tips to spark your inner solo traveler
• Learn strategies to maximize your solo adventures
• Discover the top destinations for solo travelers
• Uncover how solo travel can lead to self-discovery
• And much more!

Don’t miss this opportunity to jumpstart & maximize your solo travels!

For a dose of pre-show motivation, catch Pamela’s TV series “Me, Myself & The World: The Art of Solo Travel” for free on GoTraveler or any of your preferred platforms: Amazon Prime, Tubi, SlingTV, and more. Season 2 is set to launch this February!

Pamela will be giving out exclusive GoTraveler swag for everyone flaunting the downloaded GoTraveler app on their phones or tablets. While supplies last

Mike Norberg, Coastal Resource Coordinator and Chelsea Conley, Destination Stewardship Coordinator

Dive into an underwater adventure exploring the crystal-clear waters off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Whether your family is considering trying out snorkeling, taking the plunge into SCUBA, or even if you’re an experienced diver yourself, Coastal Resource Coordinator Mike Norberg and Destination Stewardship Coordinator Chelsea Conley will have you ready to go! During this interactive session you’ll be introduced to an extensive artificial reef system that ranges from concrete structures to shipwrecks and learn about the next steps to head out and discover a vast array of marine life that call the Gulf of Mexico home.

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

Pauline 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.

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.

Eric Rosen, Director of Travel Content, The Points Guy

As airfares and hotel rates continue to rise, frequent-flier miles and hotel points are more important than ever to help you save money on your travels. The Points Guy’s director of content, Eric Rosen, will walk you through some of the best strategies for harnessing your finances and travel habits to help you rack up the rewards you need for the trips you want to take.

John Smith, Director of Field Sales North Region, MSC Cruises USA

Discover what makes MSC Cruises so unique. From our onboard experiences to the destinations we visit to our mission of responsible traveling. We’ll also talk about MSC Yacht Club, our exclusive private sanctuary available on most of our ships, and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, our private island like no other. Lastly, hear about MSC World America, an LNG-powered trail-blazing designed ship arriving next year!

One lucky attendee will win a bag filled with MSC Cruises goodies for your next dream vacation at sea.

Monique MACAIRE, US. Manager Marketing, Administration & Promotions, Martinique Tourism Authority

Martinique is the ideal Caribbean getaway for nature lovers, with awe-inspiring landscapes and remarkable biodiversity recognized by UNESCO. During this session, you’ll hear the latest updates from this one-of-a-kind destination. Please come and join us.  You may be pleasantly surprised