America’s Favorite Travel Shows Have the Most Comprehensive Educational Content That You Can’t Find Anywhere Else..
You’ll be inspired to take your dream vacation. Learn how to be your own travel expert on your next vacation, from top celebrity travel personalities and leading local experts at dozens of travel workshops on 3 theaters located on the show floor.
Check back often as speaker information is being updated daily!
3 Theaters and Over 30+ Sessions
Travel Theater: Hear from the top travel celebrity personalities such as Josh Gates, Peter Greenberg, and Andrew McCarthy as they inspire you to take your dream vacation.
Destination Theater: From where to go and when to go, to what to do and how to get there, destination experts will give you the in depth information you need to travel like a local.
Savvy Traveler Theater: Showcasing travel tips, tricks and actionable advice, you’ll learn how to travel like a pro straight from the experts. Topics include packing tips, technology skills, travel safety methods, budget travel hacks, etc.
Speakers and schedule are subject to change without prior notice, please check back often for updates.
Saturday, February 23
10:30 am – 11:30 am
Travel Theater
Embracing the Unknown
Josh Gates, Host, Executive Producer of Discovery Channel’s Expedition Unknown
Explorer Josh Gates is the host and executive producer of Discovery Channel’s hit series Expedition Unknown. Armed with a deep-rooted passion for adventure, Josh travels around the world and off the map to find the truth behind iconic legends and thrilling archaeological mysteries. Join Josh in-person for an exclusive talk about his most daring expeditions and close calls as well as real-world advice on how to make your next vacation the adventure of a lifetime. Whether you’re looking to climb a mountain or kick back on an all-inclusive cruise, Josh shares practical tips from his travels to help shift your next vacation into another gear.
Autograph Signing Immediately Following
11:30 am – 12 Noon
Destination Theater
The Islands of Tahiti: Paradise on Earth
Kristin Carlson, Managing Director, Tahiti Tourisme US
With so many options, you can do as much or as little as you like. The Islands of Tahiti, officially known as French Polynesia, possesses one of the most spectacularly beautiful and diverse environments on earth. A mixture of high volcanic islands and low-lying atolls, these specks of land – 118 islands in all – are strewn across four million square km of the South Pacific. Clustered into five archipelagos: The Society Islands, the Tuamotu Islands, the Gambier Islands, the Marquesas Islands and the Austral Islands, The Islands of Tahiti have in common a delightful blend of Polynesian and French cultures, and a consistently tropical climate. Come hear what sets this destination apart and learn how you will be “Embraced by Mana.”
11:30 am – 12:15 pm
Savvy Traveler Theater
Know Before You Go!
Michelle Bernier-Toth, Managing Director
The Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Overseas Citizens Services at the U.S. Department of State offers important safety and security tips for U.S. citizens interested in traveling and living abroad. Our mission at the Department of State is to give you reliable, up-to-date safety and security information before and during your trip. If an emergency happens overseas, know that we’ll be here, ready to help. Join us to learn how to travel safe, travel smart, and travel well.
12:15 pm – 12:45 pm
Destination Theater
Alaska Myth Busting: Uncover the Truth About an Alaska Vacation
Ruth Rosewarne Kimerer, Tourism Development and Sales Manager, Visit Anchorage
Local experts from Anchorage, Alaska bust popular myths and legends of Alaska while highlighting the hidden gems and can’t-miss experiences in Anchorage and Southcentral Alaska. Come learn what your Alaska adventure will be.
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Travel Theater
Beating the Airlines, Hotels and Cruise Lines at Their Own Game, Playing by Their Rules.
Peter Greenberg, Emmy Award-Winning Investigative Reporter and Producer and CBS News Travel Editor
How to be a true road warrior at the hottest destinations for 2019.
Autograph Signing Immediately Following
12:30 pm – 1:15 pm
Savvy Traveler Theater
Colorado Content Creators – You Get to Travel for a Living!
Moderator:
Dave Fluegge, Social Media Expert
Panelists:
Juliana Broste, Travel Video Journalist + TV Personality, TravelingJules
Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer, Mayor at HeidiTown.com
Sherry Ott, Travel Blogger and Photographer, Ottsworld
Rich Grant, Co-Author, “100 Things to Do in Denver Before You Die”
Connect with some of Colorado’s favorite travel bloggers and vloggers who are living the dream and sharing stories from the road. Social Media expert Dave Fluegge will moderate a lively panel of Colorado-based creators including: Travel filmmaker and host Juliana Broste “TravelingJules”, Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer of HeidiTown.com, Sherry Ott of Ottsworld and Rich Grant, co-author of “100 Things to Do in Denver Before You Die.” Listen and learn about adventures near and far. Plus, get advice from fellow travelers on documenting your adventures. Bring any questions you have, we’ll save time for Q&A as well.
1:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Destination Theater
Nevada: Go Home with More Stories Than Souvenirs
Teri Laursen, Director Sales and Industry Partners, Division of Tourism
Nevada is a land of dramatic contrasts that beckons adventurers to breathtaking landscapes of rugged mountains, rivers, parks and lakes in the scenic high desert, and dazzles visitors with exciting resorts, elegant dining, world-class shopping, big-name entertainment, professional sports and cultural experiences in 24-hour cities Reno, Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas. From neon to nature, we’ll explore the world of adventure in Nevada enticing you to “Go Home with More Stories Than Souvenirs”. Discover Nevada’s many things to do, places to go and places to stay.
1:30 pm – 2:15 pm
Savvy Traveler Theater
The Ultimate Packing & Travel Tips for the Best Trip of Your Life
Angel Castellanos, World Traveler, Travel Expert, Writer, AngelsTravelLounge.com
Make your next trip, the next best trip of your life and “Travel Like a Pro”! Angel Castellanos, The Travel Ambassador, delivers his popular and energetic talk on packing tips & savvy travel skills drawing from his experience as a full time professional traveler. This highly informative presentation is packed with the most up to date savvy travel tips and inspirational stories from all over the world to help travelers travel smarter, better and cheaper. Angel will deliver the best travel tips on packing smart, safety, de-stressing the airport experience, saving money, sightseeing hacks, traveling with technology and much more! 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! www.AngelsTravelLounge.com
1:45 pm – 2:15 pm
Destination Theater
How to Become A Home-Based Travel Agent and Change Your Life
Scott Koepf, VP of Strategic Development, Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative
Join VP of Strategic Development with Cruise Planners, Scott Koepf, for a fun and informative session on how owning your own travel agency business can transform your life. Hear real-life examples of Cruise Planners travel advisors who started their own agency and how they help make dreams and memories for their clients every day for a living. Come find out how to do what you love, all while making money and taking advantage of travel perks!
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Travel Theater
The Longest Way Home
Andrew McCarthy, Award-Winning Travel Writer, Actor, and Director
Join Andrew to hear about his personal journey and how travel and self-reflection changed his life. Aside from his successful acting and directing careers, he is now a successful writer and editor at large for National Geographic Traveler. He’ll discuss fear of the unknown, taking the time to enjoy the precious moments in life, pushing yourself to try new things, and looking at the world with new eyes.
Autograph Signing Immediately Following
2:30 pm – 3:15 pm
Savvy Traveler Theater
Tales from Behind the Concierge Desk: Travel Tips, Tricks, and Lessons
Sarah Dandashy, Award-Winning Concierge and Producer/Host of Ask A Concierge
With over 15 years of hospitality experience, Sarah has seen it all! Join her session to get the scoop from an industry insider! Learn how to travel smarter, what pitfalls to avoid, and a few travel tips from an award-winning concierge.
3:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Destination Theater
New! Leave No Trace Care For Colorado Principles Aim at Inspiring Visitors to Travel Like Locals
Carrie Whitley, Tour Colorado, Director
With many Colorado residents voicing concerns about impacts of travelers on special places and natural resources, the Colorado Tourism Office laid the groundwork for a new partnership aimed at protecting what makes Colorado such a special destination. The Colorado Tourism Office is encouraging travelers to explore off-peak seasons and less-visited destinations, while inspiring them to travel like a local, engage in “voluntourism” and support causes dear to Coloradans. The foundation of the CTO’s new stewardship platform is being created in a ground-breaking partnership with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.
3:30 pm – 4:15 pm
Savvy Traveler Theater
DNA Travel: Walking in Your Ancestors’ Footsteps
Mickela Mallozzi, Host and Executive Producer of Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi
Join Mickela Mallozzi, Host of the Emmy®-winning travel series on PBS, Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi, on an inspirational journey of travel through one’s own DNA – her upcoming season features destinations based on her DNA map! Learn how you can research and plan your own successful DNA trip, learn how to dig deeper with heritage travel through your genealogy, and find real connection in places around the world where your ancestors come from!
4:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Destination Theater
Open to the New Shades of Thailand
Sobhana Tippi Sucharitakul, Marketing Manager of the Tourism Authority of Thailand – Los Angeles
Known as one of the world’s best destinations with Thai hospitality that wins everyone’s heart. Thailand delivers visitors top-notch experiences ranging from visiting cultural and historical attractions to various types of accommodations and gastronomy. The session will provide knowledge on the highlights of Thailand as well as tips to curate the best Thailand itinerary. Let’s open to the new shades of Thailand together!
Sunday, February 24
11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Travel Theater
Embracing the Unknown
Josh Gates, Host, Executive Producer of Discovery Channel’s Expedition Unknown
Explorer Josh Gates is the host and executive producer of Discovery Channel’s hit series Expedition Unknown. Armed with a deep-rooted passion for adventure, Josh travels around the world and off the map to find the truth behind iconic legends and thrilling archaeological mysteries. Join Josh in-person for an exclusive talk about his most daring expeditions and close calls as well as real-world advice on how to make your next vacation the adventure of a lifetime. Whether you’re looking to climb a mountain or kick back on an all-inclusive cruise, Josh shares practical tips from his travels to help shift your next vacation into another gear.
Autograph Signing Immediately Following
11:45 am – 12:15 pm
Destination Theater
Make Memories, Not Regrets™ – Get the Vacation You Want & Deserve
Mitch Krayton, Travel Expert, Krayton Travel
Did you know that only 1 in 5 Americans has a current passport and nearly half of Americans didn’t take their paid vacation time last year? Mitch Krayton is a trusted professional travel advisor who designs vacations of a lifetime. We’ll follow 3 of his travel clients who struggled with time off. Once they met Mitch and his TRIPS™ system their lives were changed for good. Yours will too. Stop making excuses and start making reservations. It’s never too soon and you’re never too old to get the vacation you want and deserve.
12 Noon – 12:45 pm
Savvy Traveler Theater
How to Capture Your Adventure on Camera! Tips and Tricks to Document Your Trips
Juliana Broste, Travel Video Journalist + TV Personality, TravelingJules
The best travel souvenir is definitely not a refrigerator magnet. Discover creative and unique ways to capture your travel experiences through photos and videos. Travel Video Journalist Juliana Broste (aka TravelingJules) reveals top tips and tricks for travelers who want to document their adventures. Listen in as Jules shares stories from the road and lessons learned from filmmaking assignments around the world. Before you know it, you’ll be capturing engaging video and compelling photographs, sure to make your Facebook friends green with envy.
12:30 pm – 1:00 pm
Destination Theater
Global Adventures, Local Experiences: Why Hiring A Local Guide is the Smartest Travel Decision You’ll Make This Year
Kristopher Fulton, Social Media Specialist, ToursByLocals
A look at 2019’s most exciting travel trends – “Hyper Local” tours – and how to access these personalized, insider experiences in 155 countries around the world.
1:00 pm – 1:45 pm
Savvy Traveler Theater
Traveling Smart with Technology
Angel Castellanos, World Traveler, Travel Expert, Writer, AngelsTravelLounge.com
Learn about the best travel technology, travel apps and how-to-use your device abroad from full time traveler Angel Castellanos. 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 easy 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 and easier. 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
1:15 pm – 1:45 pm
Destination Theater
EXPLORING EUROPE: Top Destinations, Attractions and Experiences
David McGuffin, Founder & CEO of David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe, Inc
Join European travel expert, David McGuffin as he shares savvy travel tips, favorite destinations, and lessons learned from forty years on the road. David spends five months a year in Europe leading his small group tours, writing about his favorite destinations, and sharing his adventures via his YouTube Channel. He is an advocate of traveling off-season, avoiding crowds, 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.
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Travel Theater
Beating the Airlines, Hotels and Cruise Lines at Their Own Game, Playing by Their Rules.
Peter Greenberg, Emmy Award-Winning Investigative Reporter and Producer and CBS News Travel Editor
How to be a true road warrior at the hottest destinations for 2019.
Autograph Signing Immediately Following
2:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Destination Theater
Costa Rica: Experience the Pura Vida Way
Maricruz Pereira, CEO, Unique Adventures
Join me for a lively discussion about all things Costa Rica. I’ll take you on a journey through the culture and lifestyle to the adventures of the outdoors. You’ll learn about the all-encompassing meaning of Pura Vida and walk away wanting to visit this spectacular destination.
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
Savvy Traveler Theater
DNA Travel: Walking in Your Ancestors’ Footsteps
Mickela Mallozzi, Host and Executive Producer of Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi
Join Mickela Mallozzi, Host of the Emmy®-winning travel series on PBS, Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi, on an inspirational journey of travel through one’s own DNA – her upcoming season features destinations based on her DNA map! Learn how you can research and plan your own successful DNA trip, learn how to dig deeper with heritage travel through your genealogy, and find real connection in places around the world where your ancestors come from!
2:45 pm – 3:15 pm
Destination Theater
Australia… Top Travel Experiences
Anthony Saba, CMP, General Manager – Retail Operations, Goway Travel
Australia is a big place! There is a lot of ground to cover, and much to experience…and for many only a limited time to do it. Let us show you some of the top things to see and do, so you can plan your ideal vacation experience Downunder!
2:45 pm – 3:45 pm
Travel Theater
Europe and its Many Don’t-Miss Treasures from Paris to Dubrovnik
Patricia Schultz, Bestselling Author, 1,000 Places to See Before You Die and 1,000 Places to See in The USA & Canada Before You Die
The author of the best-selling travel bible, 1,000 Places To See Before You Die, leads us through the highlights of Europe – from its world-class cities like Vienna and St. Petersburg, to lesser known gems like Kinsale in Ireland’s County Cork and Slovenia’s coastal town of Piran on the Adriatic Sea.
Autograph Signing Immediately Following
3:00 pm – 3:45 pm
Savvy Traveler Theater
Tales from Behind the Concierge Desk: Travel Tips, Tricks, and Lessons
Sarah Dandashy, Award-Winning Concierge and Producer/Host of Ask A Concierge
With over 15 years of hospitality experience, Sarah has seen it all! Join her session to get the scoop from an industry insider! Learn how to travel smarter, what pitfalls to avoid, and a few travel tips from an award-winning concierge.
3:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Destination Theater
Celebrity Cruises – Sailing on The Edge and Beyond!
Chris Sisemore, Strategic Market Manager, Northwest US, Celebrity Cruises
Learn about Celebrity Cruises and their new concept in cruising that is CELEBRITY EDGE, as well as something revolutionary that Celebrity Cruises is doing in The Galapagos Islands!