Speaker Stages

Mini Kao, Senior Marketing Manager, Taiwan Tourism Administration

Taiwan, the waves of wonder. The new logo of the Taiwan tourism brand integrates imagery such as Taiwan’s mountains, oceans, winding roads, and railways, presenting a design with wave-like contours.  Join us to hear about the top 10 reasons why you should visit Taiwan, the destination that will bring you promising endless surprises.

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

Ed Lefkowicz, New York-based photographer of people and places, and has photographed two guidebooks to the city: 111 Museums in New York That You Must Not Miss and 111 Places in Brooklyn That You Must Not Miss

Their most visited tourist attractions typically define big cities around the world. New York City is no different. But hidden within New York’s 5 boroughs are a host of places that hold keys to the uniqueness of its history, peoples, and cultures. Yet even locals rarely know these places exist. I’ll be using examples from the guidebook 111 Museums in New York That You Must Not Miss to show you that dedicating some of your visit to less obvious sites in New York or anywhere can be exciting, educational, and, most importantly, fun, while also costing you less in time, energy, cash, and agita.

Casey O’Connell, Safari Consultant, Access 2 Tanzania

Access 2 Tanzania & Treks 2 Rwanda will help you make your bucket list safari adventure a reality, answering questions about when to go, what you should see and do, and how to get the most from your experience. The specific focus will be on experiencing the quintessential safari in Tanzania and trekking to visit the mountain gorillas of Rwanda.

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.

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.

Jordan Campbell, Brand Partnerships Manager, Wanderful

Dreaming of becoming a successful travel content creator? Sharing your adventures with a dedicated audience and collaborating with top brands is an exciting career path—but it takes more than a passport and a camera to get started.
In this workshop, led by Jordan Campbell, brand partnerships manager for leading travel creator community Wanderful and the WITS Travel Creator Summit, you’ll discover the essential steps to launching your creator career in 2025. Learn how to define your purpose, craft a winning pitch, and identify the platforms that work best for you. Plus, dive into the many ways to monetize your content and build a sustainable, long-term business in the ever-evolving creator economy.
You’ll walk away with a comprehensive starter worksheet, actionable tips, and exclusive resources to help you take the first steps toward your dream career.

Andrew McCarthy, Director, Award-Winning Travel Writer, and Actor

It’s not the bucket list or the Instagram ops. Travel connects us to the wider world and to ourselves—it can change how we view everything around us. And that connection has the power to transform us in ways we can’t begin to imagine while sitting at home on the couch. And the view is better.

Meet and Greet Immediately Following

David Kasser, Senior Vice President of Sales, Alaska Land & Sea Adventures

Alaska is known for mesmerizing outdoor spaces, captivating arts and culture, sparkling glaciers, abundant wildlife, vast parks, and trails, and dazzling northern lights. This engaging and entertaining presentation will get you excited to visit the 49th state!

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

Known for WOW’ing audiences with untold budget travel tips, Ultra-Economical Travel Expert Russell Hannon offers 99 ways to quickly and easily find the best and least expensive options for you. No matter what your travel type, or where you want to go, you will leave with dozens of practical tips and tricks you can put to work right away to save money on your next great escape.

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

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.

Carl Crews, 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™.

Kathy McCabe, Host and Executive Producer, Dream of Italy, and Dream of Europe

Enter to Win a $20,000 Trip to Europe From Kensington (kensingtontours.com)

Rodney Walsh, Leisure and Outdoor Marketing Specialist, Newfoundland & Labrador

Mickela Mallozzi, Emmy^® Award-Winning Host and Producer of Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi

The Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Loneliness and Isolation Epidemic in the United States is a wake-up call for Americans to combat this problem through both international and domestic travel.  Join Emmy Award-winning TV Host Mickela Mallozzi for an informative and inspirational presentation on how YOU can connect with the world deeply, as you prepare for your next trip wherever it may take you.  Mickela has traveled to over 50 countries, learning over 100 dances from across the globe, connecting with thousands of people through the universal languages of dance and music – from indigenous communities to bespoke experiences, Mickela gives a deep dive into how you can truly connect with the world on your next trip!

Clint Henderson, Managing Editor at The Points Guy

Hear how Clint finds the best possible deals on flights and hotels using cash or redeeming airline hotel and bank points. You’ll learn some booking tricks and a few of Clint’s favorite programs for scoring cheap business class flights using points.

Liana Pyne, Business Development Sales Manager, Florida Keys & Key West

Take a journey with us through the Florida Keys as we highlight the five unique regions here: Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, the Lower Keys (also referred to here as “the natural keys”) and finally, the world-famous Key West.

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

Meet and Greet Immediately Following

Anthony Iozzia, Regional Sales Director, Northeast, Atlas Ocean Voyages

Come learn about all things Antarctica!  With Atlas Ocean Voyages, venture to the seventh continent and see incredible wildlife such as penguins, seals, birds, whales, and many more. Travel on your fully guided expeditions via zodiac as you explore the varying landscape of the great white continent. With Atlas Ocean Voyages, you not only immerse yourself in the destination, but you do so in the style and comfort of a small, luxurious yacht with fewer than 200 guests onboard.  When you’re not exploring Antarctica, kayaking, or camping out on the ice, sit back, relax, and enjoy our all-inclusive atmosphere, educational programming, upscale dining, and elegant comforts of our yachts.

Join Roni Weiss, Executive Director, Travel Unity and Kristy Durso, Army veteran, Air Force Wife, and bio- and adoptive mother, as well as the owner of Incredible Memories Travel, a full-service travel agency for an important conversation on reframing accessibility in travel. Kristy, who is also a full-time wheelchair user, will speak about how she has made travel a joyful experience for herself and others and what we can all do to be more thoughtful about disability and accessibility.  Through personal stories and real-life examples, Kristy illuminates the transformative experiences that accessible travel can provide—not just for those with disabilities, but for everyone. Her insights reshape our understanding of accessibility, emphasizing that it’s not merely about removing barriers, but about creating enriching experiences for all. Prepare to be inspired!

Audience members will be encouraged to share their questions and stories.

Kristy Durso, an Army veteran, Air Force Wife, and bio- and adoptive mother, Kristy Durso is the owner of Incredible Memories Travel, a full-service travel agency as well as a full-time wheelchair user and mom to three kids with neurodivergencies, invisible disabilities, and food allergies.

Travel Unity is a non-profit focused on making travel welcoming to people of all backgrounds and identities.

Kiara Di Paola CEO, NYC Travel & Tourism Expert, Award-Winning Content Creator, NYC Press, Storyteller

What makes a city truly unforgettable?  It’s not just the landmarks but the stories, hidden gems, and authentic experiences waiting to be discovered and lived. Join Kiara Di Paola, CEO, NYC licensed tour guide and award-winning travel storyteller, as she shares insider tips on uncovering the soul of a city—whether you’re exploring NYC, your own city or traveling the world. From connecting with locals to discovering off-the-beaten-path treasures, you’ll learn how to immerse yourself in the culture and create meaningful memories that go far beyond the guidebooks. Leave inspired and ready to travel deeper in the most impactful way.

Gale Malic-Ozaeta, Marketing & Communications Manager, Belize Tourism Board

To encourage travelers to hold fast onto the reigns of their adventure and grab life…in Belize. To highlight everything Belize from the Blue Hole, to the 2^nd largest Barrier Reef in the World.

Scott Harner, Sales Director, East & Key Accounts, Aurora Expeditions

Moderator: Ashley Westbrook, Adventure Travel Creator
Panelists: Jen Ruiz, Creator, Jen on a Jet Plane
Stephanie McKnight, Travel Blogger, Points 2 Wanderlust
Tomika Bryant, Creator, Tomika Talks
Rachel Miller, Content, Blond Wayfarer

Solo travel has become a powerful way to connect deeply with the world, and it’s a trend that continues to grow. Join the leading women’s travel community Wanderful (sheswanderful.com) and a panel of solo travel experts and content creators who are here to share their unique stories and latest insights. Together, we’ll explore how to turn solo travel dreams into reality—covering everything from destinations and safety to the latest must-have gadgets and smart budgeting tips. No matter your experience, you’ll leave with tools, resources, and an exclusive list of our favorite travel gadgets to make your next solo journey unforgettable.

Karin Aaron, President and CEO and David Jackson, SVP, Business Development, Green Book Experience

Group and Family Travel got you down? Dive into the rich history of modern-day cultural tourism. Learn strategies to find discounts, streamline logistics without losing your mind!

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

Phil’s lust for adventure came from a near-death experience while shipwreck diving when he was only 19. Faced with his own mortality, Phil was suddenly filled with a sense of urgency, an overwhelming hunger to live life to the fullest. As a result, he developed a BUCKiT™ #TickitbeforeYouKickit mindset, a call to action to tick things off your BUCKiT™ list while you still can. BUCKiT™ is about swerving off the predictable road you’ve been following for years – on to a completely strange and bumpy path that will hopefully get you completely lost and toward a life full of adventure. In his talk, Phil will introduce his 8 steps to living the BUCKiT™ lifestyle.

Meet and Greet Immediately Following

Lindsey Steck-Jackson, Marketing and Communications Manager, Visit Pensacola, Northwest Florida Beaches Representative

While best known for white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, the Northwest Florida Beaches bring adventures to life on and off the beach, connecting visitors with passionate outdoor experts in breathtaking natural settings. This interactive presentation will give you the local lowdown about this unique 8 county region and introduce you to the surprising adventures and locations that await.

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.

Jonathan DeLise, Food and Travel Writer, Budding Food Consultant Multilingual Serial Expat

Join me on a culinary journey to discover new ways to try local food without entirely depending on four walls and a table. From wasabi farms in Japan and Oregon and homestay-style feasts in Georgia (Sakhartvelo) and Turkey to wineries, distilleries, and breweries, there’s a host of delicious venues vying to please your palate.

Leila Krešić-Jurić, Director North America, Croatian National Tourist Office New York

Awe-inspiring views and scenery. A cuisine known for its variety of flavors and aromas. Culture and history that will inspire you. People you will remember fondly. Simply full of life. Immerse yourself in Europe’s hottest destination through short videos that will reveal why Croatia is considered one of the most desirable destinations in the world. Immediately following the screening, the Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board, Kristjan Staničić and the Minister of Tourism and Sport, Tonči Glavina will join and give away exclusive prizes to attendees in the audience!

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

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.

Diana Ditto, Senior Director of Product Marketing, Collette

Journey through 2025’s Most Undiscovered Destinations with Collette’s Small Group Explorations tours. Experience the charm of Umbria, Italy and the allure of Crete, Greece, along with other hidden gems that promise unique and unforgettable adventures.

Panel Moderator: Carolyn Worthington, Publisher, Healthy Aging^® Magazine

Grammy Award-winning Tom Chapin will perform on Travel Workshops Theater. Tom Chapin is a singer-songwriter, storyteller, and humanitarian known for his wide-ranging musical contributions to both children’s and adult audiences.

Inspirational speakers will also be present, offering many ideas on active (and not-so-active) travel, including Gregario Tours for curated cycling tours in Spain and Kensington Tours which offers personalized, private-guided journeys in more than 100 countries worldwide.

Meet, Greet and Autograph Signing Immediately Following and at Healthy Aging^® booth #743

**Surprise travel show drawings for attendees, including the random drawing for the prize of 5 nights for two at the elegant IBEROSTAR SELECTION ES TRENC in Mallorca.

Melanie Lieberman, Travel Expert and Writer

Tips and tricks for protecting your trips, saving time, and getting ahead, no matter where you’re going or how often you travel.

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.

Kirstie Pike & Christine Diaz, Award-Winning Content Creators & Speakers, On Airplane Mode

Learn from Kirstie Pike and Christine Diaz, an award-winning LGBTQ+ creator couple. We’ll break down each major platform (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and more), help you define your “why,” and provide actionable tips on where to start. You’ll gain insights into creating engaging content, building an authentic voice, and developing a strategy tailored to your goals. Whether you’re dreaming of becoming a travel influencer, growing your personal brand, or simply documenting your adventures for the world to see, this session will empower you to take your social media presence to the next level.

Patricia Schultz, Author, “1,000 Places To See Before You Die”, “1,000 Places To See in the United States & Canada Before Your Die”, and “Why We Travel: 100 Reasons To See The World”

Patricia Schultz is the travel guru and author of the NYT #1 best-selling 1,000 Places To See Before You Die and 1,000 Places to See in the USA & Canada Before You Die. Continent by continent, she takes you along to some of her favorite destinations around the world – both predictable and surprising, well known and unsung – or perhaps some special place just a road trip away. Visually beautiful, Patricia’s presentation is filled with insights and practical tips she’s collected along the way, anecdotes and suggestions about how to make each trip a lasting memory.