Speaker Stages

Rick Steves, Travel Writer, Host of Rick Steves Europe, and Travel with Rick Steve

Rick shares lessons from a lifetime of travel so you can learn from his experience and travel smarter. With his entertaining, information-packed talk you’ll learn the essential skills for smooth travel from itinerary planning to venturing off the beaten path. Get Rick’s pro tips on packing light, escaping the crowds, avoiding scams and pickpockets; and maximizing your cultural and culinary experiences.

Meet and Greet Immediately Following

Mario Herrera, Director of Business Development, Viking Cruises

Viking was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans, and lakes around the world. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture, and cuisine. Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences for The Thinking Person™. Viking has more than 250 awards to its name, including being rated at the top of its categories for oceans, rivers, and expeditions by both Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler. No other cruise line has ever received these same honors by both publications at the same time. Today’s presentation will introduce you to The Viking Way™ of experiencing destination travel. You will learn about Viking’s award-winning ships, and the itineraries that will allow you to Explore The World In Comfort™.

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

The promise and the threat of the travel explosion globally ~ a look at how to navigate the world in a time of overtourism, the decline of seasonal travel, traveler rights you don’t know about, and the brave new world of artificial intelligence.

Meet and Greet Immediately Following

Sarah Dandashy, Travel Expert, Best-Selling Author, Creator, Ask A Concierge

Travel expert, author, and former award-winning Concierge, Sarah Dandashy shares the inside scoop on what the travel landscape looks like from a hotel insider’s perspective–what’s changed, what can you expect moving forward, how can you can increase your chances of getting that coveted hotel upgrade and who you should always remember to tip! She’ll cover exclusive insights that only a former hotelier can reveal, best practices for a smooth trip, the current travel experience, as well as some of the biggest travel trends we can expect moving forward. You’ll leave this talk ready to make 2025 your best travel year yet.

Josh Gates, Explorer, Host, and Executive Producer, Discovery Channel’s Expedition Unknown

Travel and adventure have been the defining words of Discovery Channel’s Josh Gates’ life. Join the Expedition Unknown explorer, host, and executive producer for a spirited talk that takes listeners off-the-map and around the world.

Meet and Greet Immediately Following

TBA

Brendan Halcomb, Celebrity Cruises’ Alaska Expert

You’re invited to get to know the Last Frontier with an exciting presentation from Celebrity Cruises’ Alaska Expert! Learn about the differing itineraries, discover the top excursions, and find out what’s special about a land & sea Alaska experience. Explore Alaska’s incredible wilderness, wildlife, mountains, and glaciers.

Rick Steves, Travel Writer, Host of Rick Steves Europe, and Travel with Rick Steve

Rick shares lessons from a lifetime of travel so you can learn from his experience and travel smarter. With his entertaining, information-packed talk you’ll learn the essential skills for smooth travel from itinerary planning to venturing off the beaten path. Get Rick’s pro tips on packing light, escaping the crowds, avoiding scams and pickpockets; and maximizing your cultural and culinary experiences.

Meet and Greet Immediately Following

Russell Hannon, Ultra-Economical Travel Expert; Best Selling Author ‘Stop Dreaming Start Traveling’

Can’t find a travel deal? Ultra-Economical Travel Expert Russell Hannon of BreakTheTravelBarrier.com reveals amazing and practical ways to travel inexpensively regardless of the ‘going rate’. Russell unpacks loads of practical tools that open new worlds of stunningly affordable travel opportunities. “There’s lots for the 5-star and cost conscientious traveler alike”. Attendees will get a digital blueprint you can use right away to save on every trip.

Meet & Greet and Book Signing Immediately Following in the Book Store.

Jett Hattaway, Sales & Strategic Partnerships, Life Beyond the Room

Learn how slow travel is changing the way we see and understand places and the people that make them special. With mass tourism on the rise, small locally owned businesses are often overlooked in some of Italy’s most iconic destinations. These artisans are often the ones who maintain age-old traditions unique to the region. By investing in these kinds of experiences, we not only can support local families, but we can play an active role in preserving culture & tradition while making meaningful connections with local people. This element of Slow travel is what makes our LBR experiences immersive and fulfilling both for the traveler and our hosts.

Brandon Hughbanks, Senior Travel Insurance Specialist, Travel Insurance Center

We will dive into the benefits and features of travel insurance, and how to save money when purchasing.

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 2025 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 me 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.

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

Meet and Greet Immediately Following

TBA

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.

Josh Gates, Explorer, Host, and Executive Producer, Discovery Channel’s Expedition Unknown

Travel and adventure have been the defining words of Discovery Channel’s Josh Gates’ life. Join the Expedition Unknown explorer, host, and executive producer for a spirited talk that takes listeners off-the-map and around the world.

Meet and Greet Immediately Following

Julian Douglas, Travel Writer, Photographer, and Experience Curator, Listen, Journey, Savor