Speaker Stages

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

From iconic Big Five safaris and sun-soaked coastlines to vibrant cities and rich cultural heritage, South Africa is a land of unforgettable experiences. Discover a soul-stirring journey filled with beauty, adventure, and the warm spirit of Ubuntu—where joy is just the beginning.

Joseph Resendo, Executive Producer/Host/Director/Writer, Travel with Joseph Rosendo

For a memorable view of transformative travel, don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Joseph Rosendo, Emmy Award-winning travel journalist, broadcaster, television personality, public speaker and host of the PBS and CreateTV series “Joseph Rosendo’s Travelscope” and “Joseph Rosendo’s Steppin’ Out”.  Joseph will share his five decades of travel experiences, and talk about how travel can be a life-changing and world-changing experience by opening up your heart and mind, paving the way for personal and national growth.

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

Join European travel expert David McGuffin as he shares travel tips, favorite destinations, and lessons learned from forty-eight 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 advocates avoiding crowds, living like a local, educated travel, and embracing the locale’s culture. His picture-packed presentation comes loaded with pertinent travel information, suggested routes, sage advice, and information about his small-group tours in Europe and beyond.

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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 2026 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 us 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.

Michelle Eyrich, Travel Writer and Content Creator
Alyse Tatum, Travel Writer and Content Creator, Wanderful Austin Hub Leader
Audra Morris, Creator, The Nerd Traveler
Clementine Koa Affana, Adventure and Sustainable Travel Writer

Solo travel isn’t just a trend—it’s a movement empowering travelers to explore the world on their own terms. Join Wanderful, the global community of women travelers (sheswanderful.com), and a panel of seasoned solo travel experts and creators for an inspiring and practical conversation. We’ll dive into the newest solo travel trends, from emerging destinations and digital safety to mindset shifts and tech that’s changing how we explore. You’ll walk away with fresh ideas, insider tips, and a curated list of our must-have tools to help you plan your next adventure with confidence and joy.

This session is open to all genders, all ages, and all travel backgrounds!

Phil Keoghan, Host and an Executive Producer of CBS’ Emmy Award-Winning Reality Series THE AMAZING RACE and Critically Acclaimed Series TOUGH AS NAILS

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Get an inside look at the newest ships, onboard experiences, and destination highlights from Celebrity Cruises. This session brings you up to speed on what’s fresh, exciting, and redefining premium cruising.

Deon Barnard, CEO, Go Touch Down Travel and Tours

Our tours depart every week. No middleman and solo friendly rates. Join me to learn why you should travel to South Africa.

Ralph Velasco, Founder and CEO, Continental DRIFTER Experiences

Tired of coming home from a trip wondering if you actually experienced the place—or just checked it off your list? In this engaging talk, travel photographer, tour leader, and creator of the Continental DRIFTER^® brand, Ralph Velasco, shows you how to slow down, travel deeper, and create truly memorable adventures.

Drawing from his Mindful & Intentional Traveler book series—including his brand-new release, Bucket Lists for Travel: Places to Go Before Your Knees Give Out!—Ralph shares fun, practical ways to:

• Travel with more purpose and presence
• Use your 5+ senses to engage deeply with your surroundings
• Reflect on what truly matters—before, during, and after your trip
• Seek more meaningful experiences instead of rushing from site to site

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.

Lizeth Pérez Marín
Promotion Manager, Quintana Roo Tourism Board (Mexican Caribbean)
Discover what’s new in this iconic destination—from the Maya Train to exciting new resorts and immersive experiences. This session will give you fresh tools and inspiration to confidently sell the Mexican Caribbean in 2026 and beyond.

Jen Ruiz, Creator, Jen on a Jet Plane

Step beyond tourist hotspots and learn how to connect deeply with local communities through food, traditions, and everyday life, transforming your travels into meaningful cultural exchanges.

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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.

Joseph Resendo, Executive Producer/Host/Director/Writer, Travel with Joseph Rosendo

For a memorable view of transformative travel, don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Joseph Rosendo, Emmy Award-winning travel journalist, broadcaster, television personality, public speaker and host of the PBS and CreateTV series “Joseph Rosendo’s Travelscope” and “Joseph Rosendo’s Steppin’ Out”.  Joseph will share his five decades of travel experiences, and talk about how travel can be a life-changing and world-changing experience by opening up your heart and mind, paving the way for personal and national growth.

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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 2026 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 us 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

Jane Rooney, Corporate Account Manager

Discover how Cathay Pacific elevates every journey through premium cabins, award-winning service, and a modern, thoughtfully designed fleet. As your gateway to Hong Kong and beyond, explore how Cathay Pacific makes every journey a part of your unforgettable adventure.

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

Meet and Greet Immediately Following

Tracey McMahan, Director of Sales, South Central Region

Come Learn About Exoticca Tours, a leading provider of diligently curated tours to over 60 worldwide destinations, offering more than 300 magical tour itineraries along with Exoticca‘s unique selling propostion.

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.