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 Andrew McCarthy, Peter Greenberg, Patricia Shultz and Pauline Frommer 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.
Stop by the on-floor bookstore to purchase books from your favorite travel authors here at the show.
Saturday, February 25
10:30 am – 11:00 am
Destination Theater
Why Galapagos is Your Ideal Travel Destination
Klaus Fielsch, Product Manager, Metrojourneys
Now, more than ever, the Galápagos Islands is the ideal destination. Isolated but accessible, but above all safe and extraordinary. When is the best month to travel? Is Galapagos a safe Family Destination? What should you know before booking a life changing expedition to Galapagos? The first participants to arrive will receive a special gift to travel to Galapagos!
10:30 am – 11:15 am
Savvy Traveler Theater
Luxury Wilderness Experiences in the American Southwest: Crafted, Chef-Driven Adventure Vacations
Billy Woods, Owner/Founder Canyons and Chefs
10:45 am – 11:45 am
Travel Theater
The Longest Way Home
Andrew McCarthy, Award-Winning Travel WRiter, Actor and Director
Autograph Signing Immediately Following
11:30 am – 12 Noon
Destination Theater
Beijing 2022 and China Ice & Snow Tourism
Joe Sinisi, Director of Marketing, Access China Tours, Denver, CO
Beijing hosted the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in February, becoming the first city ever to host both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games. Coinciding with the Chinese New Year, it offered China a great opportunity to impress the world with its culture, cuisine, and winter tourism resources. Come and join us to see what China can offer for ice & snow tourism!
11:45 am – 12:30 pm
Savvy Traveler Theater
20 Places to See in the USA Before You Die
Patricia Schultz, Author, “1,000 Places to See Before You Die”
and “1,000 Places to See in the United States and Canada Before You Die”
Autograph Signing Immediately Following
12:15 pm – 12:45 pm
Destination Theater
Colorado: Discover the Centennial State
Julianne Fredrick, Director, Tour Colorado
Heidi Pankow, Tourism Project Manager, Visit Glenwood Springs
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Travel Theater
What I Learned from Traveling with Bourdain
Laurie Woolever, Author, Bourdain: The Definitive Oral Biography; World Travel: An Irreverent Guide (co-authored with Anthony Bourdain); and Appetites: A Cookbook (co-authored with Anthony Bourdain) lauriewoolever.com
Laurie Woolever spent nearly a decade as the assistant (or as he called her, “lieutenant”) to world-renowned travel host and writer Anthony Bourdain, a job which included both the mundane (making dentist appointments) and the sublime (co-authoring a cookbook and tracking down a private yacht and captain to sail to the most obscure islands of the Mediterranean). Together, they began writing World Travel: An Irreverent Guide, before Bourdain’s untimely death in 2018. Woolever finished that book, which entered the New York Times best seller list at #1 in 2021, and published Bourdain: The Definitive Oral Biography, another Times best-seller, in the same year. Woolever was lucky enough to accompany Bourdain, the consummate world traveler, on a number of far-flung journeys, and will share stories from her visits to Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Okinawa, Tokyo, and Manila, along with valuable lessons that she learned about travel, writing, cooking and life from her time working alongside him.
Autograph Signing Immediately Following
12:45 pm – 1:45 pm
Savvy Traveler Theater – FAM-TAS Lunch Session
FOR FAM-TAS REGISTERED ADVISORS ONLY
Discover Dominican Republic – A Corner of Paradise
Rocio Diaz, Assistant, Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism
The Dominican Republic is the second largest and most diverse Caribbean country, known for warm and hospitable people. Featuring astounding nature, intriguing history and rich culture, the Dominican Republic is a destination like no other. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the north and the Caribbean Sea on the south, this lush tropical island paradise boasts nearly 1,000 miles of coastline, 250 miles of the world’s top beaches, magnificent resorts and hotels, and a variety of sports, recreation and entertainment options. Join the DR Team for an in-depth look into paradise!
1:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Destination Theater
Ever Dream of Visiting Antarctica?
Paul Girouard, Senior Director of Sales – North America, Atlas Ocean Voyages
Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Ever dream of visiting Antarctica? The words you have heard to describe this vast continent aren’t enough. Antarctica is an experience. Only those who have been and dared to take the icy plunge into these remote waters can add their names to a century of exploration where few have gone. It’s time to check the last (seventh) continent off your list if an expedition adventure is what you seek.
Join Atlas Ocean Voyages for an exciting presentation that will inspire you to come along with us on a luxe-adventure journey aboard one of our new ships to explore the incredible wildlife and icy landscape in style. Learn about what it means to be “all-inclusive all the way” with Atlas Ocean Voyages. You bring the dream, and we’ll provide the excitement, pampering and adventure! One lucky attendee will also get to bring a piece of Atlas home with them!
1:45 pm – 2:15 pm
Destination Theater
Alaska, Fantastic in Every Season!
Tia Froehle, Tourism Sales Manager, Alaska Land & Sea Adventures
Local experts from Anchorage, Alaska share tips on what makes Anchorage a great year-round travel destination! Learn about Aurora viewing, winter adventure tours, and new summer adventure as well! Make this year… ALASKA!
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
Savvy Traveler Theater
Take Your Dream Vacation to the Next Level with Private Tours…Spend a Little More and Get a Whole Lot in Return
Julian Douglas, Travel Writer, Photographer, and Experience Curator, Listen, Journey, Savor
Whether you’re looking to explore ancient sights and museums or eat your way across the Italian countryside in a Ferrari, Julian will share how he’s learned to fully maximize what Private Tours have to offer. Your trip really is just that, “your trip.” Do the things you’ve always dreamed of doing, have once in a lifetime experiences, and check off that Bucket List. 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 will make it happen.
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Travel Theater
A Special Report from the Master Road Warrior: The Brave New World of Smart Travel, Where You Can Go, and Where You MUST Go, in the Next Year
Peter Greenberg, Emmy Award-Winning Investigative Reporter and Producer and CBS News Travel Editor
Autograph Signing Immediately Following
2:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Destination Theater
Discover Dominican Republic, a Corner of Paradise
Rocio Diaz, Assistant, Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism
Dominican Republic is the second largest and most diverse Caribbean country. Known for our warm and hospitable people, Dominican Republic is a destination like no other, featuring astounding nature, intriguing history, and rich culture.
Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the north and the Caribbean Sea on the south, our lush tropical island paradise boasts nearly 1,000 miles (1,609 km) of coastline, 250 miles (402 km) of the world’s top beaches, magnificent resorts and hotels, and a variety of sports, recreation, and entertainment options. Here you can dance to the pulse pounding thrill of the merengue, renew in our luxurious and diverse accommodations, explore ancient relics of centuries past, delight in delicious Dominican gastronomy or enjoy ecotourism adventures in our magnificent national parks, mountain ranges, rivers, and beaches.
3:00 pm – 3:45 pm
Savvy Traveler Theater
Planning the Perfect Road Trip
Theresa Goodrich, Traveler, Author, Speaker, Emmy-Winner the boss at The Local Tourist
There’s nothing like jumping in the car for an adventure, and right now road trips are more popular than ever. Theresa L. Goodrich is an inveterate road trip enthusiast who’s traveled thousands of miles to tell the stories of America’s treasures. She’s celebrating the twentieth year of TheLocalTourist.com and is also the author of COMPLETE Road Trip Guide (for grown-ups), Living Landmarks of Chicago and the Two Lane Gems book series, and contributor to Midwest Road Trip Adventures. 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. Bonus: everyone who attends will get access to a free e-book with fifty tips and tricks for planning an amazing road trip.
3:15 pm – 3:45 pm
Destination Theater
So, you want to go to Antarctica or the High Arctic? Here’s What You Need to Know…
Steve Wellmeier, Managing Director, Poseidon Expeditions USA
There are more choices than ever for the intrepid traveler interested in exploring the polar regions – Antarctica, the Arctic and even the North Pole! With these choices come many questions: what exactly are “the polar regions” and where can we go and what will we do and see on arrival? What kind (and size) of ship do I want to be on? Will the ships and our activities be environmentally friendly? What does the traveler need to know about climate issues, and how these might – or might not – affect tourism operations in the polar regions? Steve will do his best to answer these and many other questions you might have about visiting Antarctica or the Arctic!
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Travel Theater
A Return to Travel
Pauline Frommer, Editorial Director of The Frommer’s Guides and Publisher of Frommers.com
The world is as exciting as ever, but major destinations have changed in many ways over the course of the pandemic. Frommer will discuss how to plan the most appealing vacations for this unusual moment, covering everything from insurance issues to airfares and accommodations, from cultural shifts to modes of travel (tours, cruises, experiential attractions and more). And with pricing all over the map right now, she’ll also help you find the best values, whether you’re vacationing in the lap of luxury, roughing it, or doing something in between.
Autograph Signing Immediately Following
4:00 pm – 4:45 pm
Destination Theater
Make Your Dream Italy Vacation a Reality!
Kathy McCabe, Travel Publisher, Host & Executive Producer of PBS’ Dream of Italy Travel Series
Join Kathy McCabe, host of the hit travel series Dream of Italy on PBS, as she shares her insider secrets for designing an authentic, adventurous and food-and-wine filled dream trip to Italy. Kathy will cover hot Italian destinations, how to take a sabbatical in Italy and how to make your travels more meaningful!
BONUS: Each attendee will receive a complimentary membership to Dream of Italy ($47 value) with immediate digital access to 180 back issues of this award-winning travel magazine!
4:00 pm – 4:45 pm
Savvy Traveler Theater
Photography, Travel, Friendship, and Adventure – The Journey to Great
Photography While Traveling!
David McKay, Master Photographer, McKay Photography Academy
During this presentation, Master Photographer David McKay will share his passion for photography and travel. He will share tips and tricks to help you get great photographs including, the emotional vs. technical aspects of photography and how to combine the two, settings to help you achieve great results, packing your gear for a trip, flying with your gear, and much more! Join David as he helps you on the journey to getting great photographs of your travels!
Sunday, February 26
11:15 am – 11:45 am
Destination Theater
Galapagos, Machu Picchu & South America
Hugo Torres, CEO, Latin Travel Collection
Discover the best kept secrets of travelling in South America. In this Destination Theatre Session Hugo Torres, CEO of Latin Travel Collection will uncover industry secrets for travelling comfortably in unique bucket-list destinations. From the best times to travel to describing what to expect during your journey; he will answer your frequently asked question, give you in-sighter knowledge on South America, and offer pointers to maximize your travel experience.
11:30 am – 12:15 pm
Savvy Traveler Theater
Photography, Travel, Friendship, and Adventure – The Journey to Great
Photography While Traveling!
David McKay, Master Photographer, McKay Photography Academy
During this presentation, Master Photographer David McKay will share his passion for photography and travel. He will share tips and tricks to help you get great photographs including, the emotional vs. technical aspects of photography and how to combine the two, settings to help you achieve great results, packing your gear for a trip, flying with your gear, and much more! Join David as he helps you on the journey to getting great photographs of your travels!
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Travel Theater
A Special Report from the Master Road Warrior: The Brave New World of Smart Travel, Where You Can Go, and Where You MUST Go, in the Next Year
Peter Greenberg, Emmy Award-Winning Investigative Reporter and Producer and CBS News Travel Editor
Autograph Signing Immediately Following
12 Noon – 12:30 pm
Destination Theater
Big Dreams in Big Skies, Forge Your Own Path at Montana’s Trailhead
Aly Eggart, Leisure Marketing, Sales, and Social Media Manager; Visit Billings
With a path for every personality, let Billings, Montana be your trailhead to all the state has to offer. Enjoy the most scenic entrance to Yellowstone National Park, two national monuments, incredible outdoor recreation, walkable brewery district, family friendly activities and more! Learn from the experts why Billings is an incredible destination to include in your travel plans.
12:45 pm – 1:15 pm
Destination Theater
Alaska, Fantastic in Every Season!
Tia Froehle, Tourism Sales Manager, Alaska Land & Sea Adventures
Local experts from Anchorage, Alaska share tips on what makes Anchorage a great year-round travel destination! Learn about Aurora viewing, winter adventure tours, and new summer adventure as well! Make this year… ALASKA!
12:45 pm – 1:30 pm
Savvy Traveler Theater
Take Your Dream Vacation to the Next Level with Private Tours
Julian Douglas, Travel Writer, Photographer, and Experience Curator, Listen, Journey, Savor
Whether you’re looking to explore ancient sights and museums or eat your way across the Italian countryside in a Ferrari, Julian will share how he’s learned to fully maximize what Private Tours have to offer. Your trip really is just that, “your trip.” Do the things you’ve always dreamed of doing, have once in a lifetime experiences, and check off that Bucket List. 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 will make it happen.
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Travel Theater
A Return to Travel
Pauline Frommer, Editorial Director of The Frommer’s Guides and Publisher of Frommers.com
The world is as exciting as ever, but major destinations have changed in many ways over the course of the pandemic. Frommer will discuss how to plan the most appealing vacations for this unusual moment, covering everything from insurance issues to airfares and accommodations, from cultural shifts to modes of travel (tours, cruises, experiential attractions and more). And with pricing all over the map right now, she’ll also help you find the best values, whether you’re vacationing in the lap of luxury, roughing it, or doing something in between.
Autograph Signing Immediately Following
1:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Destination Theater
So, you want to go to Antarctica or the High Arctic? Here’s What You Need to Know…
Steve Wellmeier, Managing Director, Poseidon Expeditions USA
There are more choices than ever for the intrepid traveler interested in exploring the polar regions – Antarctica, the Arctic and even the North Pole! With these choices come many questions: what exactly are “the polar regions” and where can we go and what will we do and see on arrival? What kind (and size) of ship do I want to be on? Will the ships and our activities be environmentally friendly? What does the traveler need to know about climate issues, and how these might – or might not – affect tourism operations in the polar regions? Steve will do his best to answer these and many other questions you might have about visiting Antarctica or the Arctic!
1:45 pm – 2:30 pm
Savvy Traveler Theater
Heritage Travel: Walking in Your Ancestors’ Footsteps
Lisa Vogele, CTA, Chief Tree Climber, Travel Your Tree, Where Ancestry Meets Adventure
You don’t have to be a celebrity on “Who Do You Think You Are?” to travel in your ancestor’s footsteps. Whether you’re interested in planning a trip to visit US battlefields of your patriotic ancestors, walking the streets of an ancestral village or meeting distant relatives, heritage travel offers a rich and rewarding experience. Join us and learn tips for researching, planning, and connecting on your personal journey. A checklist of steps for planning & executing a successful heritage trip; Tips for researching family history and how to avoid common pitfalls; DNA tests: what they reveal and how they can be used for heritage travel when your paper trail ends; Expectations & outcomes for your trip; Inspirational stories from real life heritage travel experiences.
2:15 pm – 2:45 pm
Destination Theater
More Fun Awaits You in the Philippines
Marie Soleil Tropicales, Tourism Attaché of the Philippine Department of Tourism – San Francisco
Join me as I discuss the reopening of the Philippines and what travelers can expect when they arrive.
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Travel Theater
1,000 Places to See Before You Die
Patricia Schultz, Author, “1,000 Places to See Before You Die”
and “1,000 Places to See in the United States and Canada Before You Die”
Autograph Signing Immediately Following
2:45 pm – 3:30 pm
Savvy Traveler Theater
Why Become a Travel Advisor?
Steve Phillips, Senior Director, Education and Training, KORE Travel Industry Education
It is said that travel is food for the soul. Being a travel advisor allows you to be the provider of that sustenance. Travel advisors spend their days and nights making peoples dreams come true. Maybe it’s a family taking their child to Disney for the first time or helping a couple plan a destination wedding and the honeymoon of their dreams or it could be helping a new retiree plan a multi-generational family trip to Europe to celebrate. Regardless of the reasons that people choose to travel, a travel advisor is instrumental to the process. Travel advisors are dream weavers! Why not make people’s dreams come true all while giving yourself the life, career, and financial independence you so crave and deserve. During this session, Steve Phillips will give you all the insight needed to become a travel advisor and provide you with insights into KORE – an innovative and comprehensive travel industry training program.