Speaker Stages

Jeanine Romo, Travel Writer & Content Creator
Nailah Hayward, Founder, There’s So Much to See
Sarah Meyer, Lifestyle Blogger & Freelance Journalist

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!

Christian Mani, General Manager North America

Discover the Cook Islands, where no building is taller than a coconut tree. We’ll show you why this unspoiled, authentic destination offers Americans incredible value ($1 USD approx $1.71 NZD) and and experience far beyond the typical tropical resort.

Phil Rosenthal, TV Creator, Writer, Producer, and Author Phil Rosenthal

Moderated conversation and Q/A with, TV creator, writer, producer, NYT best-selling author, Phil Rosenthal. He’ll be talking about his travels, while filming Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil and discovering the best food along the way as well as the release of his second kids’ book, ‘Just Try It! Someplace New!

Meet and Greet Immediately Following

Kristin Erz and Tim Amm, Directors of Expedition Sales, Silversea Expeditions

Journey to the planet’s most remote and breathtaking destinations, from Antarctica to the Galápagos, with Silversea Expeditions. Discover how luxury and adventure come together for an experience unlike any other.

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

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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.

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Meet and Greet Immediately Following

Jeannette Ceja, Bilingual, Travel Journalist, TV Host, Travel Advisor and a Global Public Speaker

How and why women travelers (whether solo, couple, or with a family) are leading the movement as a high demographic of travelers in 2026, and beyond.

Mary Lee, Director of Business Development, Viking Cruises

Discover why Viking is the world’s leading river, ocean, and expedition cruise line.  Learn how Viking’s destination-focused itineraries, culturally enriching experiences, and all-inclusive value allow you to explore the world in comfort.

TBA

Heather Ruhle, Tourism Development Sales Manager, Alaska Land & Sea Adventures

Alaska’s Southcentral region is full of adventure and culture. Use Anchorage as your base camp to take in the mountains, explore glaciers, encounter wildlife, learn about Alaska Native history, and savor the local food scene.

Frederic Perrin, Global Business Development Manager, Lazy Bear Expeditions

Imagine a magical place where 1,000 polar bears rule the land, 60,000 beluga whales roam the sea, and the northern lights paint the sky 300 nights each year. In this presentation, we will introduce you – Up North and Personal™ – to one of nature’s wonders of the world.

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.

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

Frommer will discuss the best places to go in 2026; ways to save money on airfares, lodging, attractions, and dining; how AI is shaping travel pricing (and strategies for tricking it); and much more.

Meet and Greet Immediately Following

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.

Jennifer Broome, Multimedia Travel and Environmental Journalist

From surfing in Costa Rica to searching for northern lights in Iceland to going on safari in the Serengeti, I’m sharing the best destinations and outfitters to go if you want ro adventure solo.

Klaus Fielsch, Product Manager and Expert Naturalist in the Galapagos Islands

Discover the Galapagos Islands, a must-see destination for families, couples, and solo travelers, where natural wonders and vibrant wildlife await. This talk highlights why the Galapagos should top your bucket list, revealing how your visit positively impacts the islands. Far from being harmful, tourism here supports the preservation of the Galapagos’ pristine beauty and aligns with sustainability goals, countering the overtourism narrative by showcasing responsible practices. By choosing the Galapagos, you contribute to conservation efforts and a sustainable future, making your journey part of a commitment to preserve this paradise for future generations.

TBA

Meet and Greet Immediately Following

Laura Powell, Founder, Tourism Well Defined

Slow Travel, Agritourism, Cool-cations and Longevity programs are just a few of the wellness experiences you’ll be hearing more about in the coming year. This session will explain the art and the science behind the trends, along with offering up a plethora of suggestions for affordable wellness getaways.

Mary Lee, Director of Business Development, Viking Cruises

Discover why Viking is the world’s leading river, ocean, and expedition cruise line.  Learn how Viking’s destination-focused itineraries, culturally enriching experiences, and all-inclusive value allow you to explore the world in comfort.

Marcus Bobb, Tourism Senior Manager

Brief history of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and speak about our area as a tourist destination.

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.

Carman Chan, 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.

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

Frommer will discuss the best places to go in 2026; ways to save money on airfares, lodging, attractions, and dining; how AI is shaping travel pricing (and strategies for tricking it); and much more.

Meet and Greet Immediately Following

TBA

Jeannette Ceja, Bilingual, Travel Journalist, TV Host, Travel Advisor and a Global Public Speaker

How and why women travelers (whether solo, couple, or with a family) are leading the movement as a high demographic of travelers in 2026, and beyond.

Brandon Hughbanks, Senior Travel Insurance Specialist, Travel Insurance Center

Join me to learn about travel insurance benefits and tips and tricks on how to save money when you purchase.