Speaker Stages

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.

Laura Powell, Founder, Tourism Well Defined

We look at the latest wellness travel trends and separate the woo-woo from the tried and true.

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

Join Rick as he shares lessons from a lifetime of travel so you can learn from his experiences and travel smoother. With his entertaining, information-packed talk you’ll learn the essential skills for smart travel from itinerary planning to venturing off the beaten path. Get Rick’s pro tips on packing light, escaping crowds, avoiding scams and pickpockets; and maximizing your cultural and culinary experiences. Rick also covers the latest on post-pandemic travel in Europe.

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

Tim Harrison, Travel Specialist, Inspiring Vacations

Inspiring Vacations, award-winning tour operator, has been guiding countless travelers on remarkable journeys through Japan every year. Immerse yourself in the culture, breathtaking sights, unique experiences, and rich history of this incredible nation.
Their premium selection of Japan tours includes iconic destinations like majestic Mt. Fuji, the ancient beauty of Kyoto, and the vibrant energy of Tokyo. Whether you prefer fully escorted classic touring, small group adventures, premium experiences, tailor-made itineraries, or independent exploration, there is the perfect tour to match your travel style.
Discover expert tips and insights, and what to expect when touring the Land of the Rising Sun with the industry leaders. Your unforgettable Japanese adventure awaits!

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

Sustainability in travel can be daunting, but it doesn’t mean you have to give anything up – instead, you gain so much from proactively seeking authentic travel experiences. Learn from world traveler and Emmy-winning travel host on PBS, Mickela Mallozzi, on how to make sure your next travels are culturally sustainable, by connecting with the locals and making the most authentic travel experiences into lasting memories wherever you go! Be sure to attend this session if you have a trip already booked or if you’re looking for travel inspiration for your next trip.

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 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.

Ashley Westbrook, Adventure Travel Creator, Adventuress Ashley

Are you a traveler who has dreamed of becoming a travel content creator and/or someone who has already started your journey into travel content and looking to take it to the next level? Then this session, led by Ashley Westbrook (aka @adventuressashley) a full-time Adventure Travel Creator is for you! You’ll get to learn about how to define your niche focus, build an online presence and community, tips to elevate the content you are creating, ways to monetize your content, and much more!

Phil Rosenthal, Host, Creator, and Executive Producer of “Somebody Feed Phil”

– A moderated conversation and Q/A with Phil Rosenthal, creator, writer and producer of Everybody Loves Raymond, and Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil He’ll be talking about his travels, the food along the way, as well as his 2022 release ‘Somebody Feed Phil The Book’ and upcoming book with his daughter ‘Just Try It!’.

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

Carmen Carbonell, Founder and President, Your Own Italy

Experience Italy’s Heart and Soul. 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.

Angel Castellanos, World Travel Expert, Writer/TV Host, AngelsTravelLounge.com, YouTube Channel The Tour Guy

If you want to travel better, smarter and enjoy your vacation, you don’t want to miss this popular talk. The World and travel have dramatically changed. Angel Castellanos, who’s traveled almost one million air miles since 2020, delivers his updated popular and energetic talk on practical travel tips and savvy packing techniques. This highly informative talk is updated from Angel’s extensive travels and “packed” with the most up to date actionable travel tips and inspirational stories from all over the world to help travelers travel smarter, better, and cheaper. In this talk you will learn to plan, book & execute and even pack for the best vacation of your life!  Angel will deliver the best travel tips on changes in tourism, health safety, de-stressing the airport experience, saving money, sightseeing hacks, traveling with technology and of course updated packing tips for today’s world! 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! AngelsTravelLounge.com

Juliana Broste (TravelingJules), Travel Filmmaker and Host

Whether you’re doing it for the ‘gram or for your personal archives, there’s nothing like having your memories saved for all time. Discover creative ways to capture your adventures through photos and videos in this special session.  We’ll talk about what gear to pack and how to use it in various on-the-go scenarios—from capturing sunsets to mastering selfies and more.  Don’t miss this informative and inspiring session with 12x Heartland Emmy award winner, Juliana Broste, aka TravelingJules.  Before you know it, you’ll be capturing engaging video and compelling photographs, sure to make your friends and fans green with envy.

Deon Barnard, CEO, Go Touch Down Travel & Tours

Our tours depart every week. We send more than 200 North Americans to South Africa each month. Come see why people that don’t like going on tours like traveling with us.

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 1000 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.

Book Signing Immediately Following

Sara Moulton, Host, Sara’s Weeknight Meals
Christina Pirello, Host, Christina Cooks: Back to the Cutting Board

Take travel — and cooking — inspiration from Create hosts Sara Moulton and Christina Pirello as they share how their travel experiences have shaped the cooking and dishes they enjoy, both at home and abroad… and their favorite tips from along the way. Create TV, available in the New York Metro area as WLIW Create, is public television’s home for series and specials on food, travel, home and garden, arts and crafts, fitness, and other lifestyle interests.

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

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

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

What drives traveler’s decisions when planning for an Alaska trip? In short, the numbers. Learn the distances (Alaska IS Big!), temperatures in all the seasons and when to go, money & how to get the best bang-for-the-buck! And lots of other facts about Alaska wildlife, culture & attractions from a seasoned expert. This engaging and entertaining presentation will get you excited to visit the 49th state!

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.

Markham McGill, Director of Sales, The 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.

Brian Cicioni, Travel Writer & NYC Tour Guide, IMayRoam.com

There’s a reason that the welcome sign on the Brooklyn side of the Carey Tunnel boasts, “Brooklyn: Name It…We Got It!” NYC-based tour guide and travel writer Brian Cicioni will be sharing more than ten years’ worth of suggestions from exploring Brooklyn’s food scene. Get ready for some life-changing tips and mouth-watering shots from some of his favorite restaurants and food halls in NYC’s most populous borough!

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

Pauline will discuss the smartest, most up-to-date ways of saving money on airfares, lodgings, sightseeing and more, advice that changes every year since the travel industry is so volatile. But it doesn’t really matter how much you save if the trip doesn’t feed your soul, right? Pauline will also cover methods of travel that allow you to dig deeper into the local culture and/or learn a bit about yourself; the most exciting destinations for 2024/2025; ways to reframe travel planning so it enhances your daily life; and much more.

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

Barry Johnston, 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™.

Jennifer Broome, Multimedia Travel and Environmental Journalist

Jennifer Broome has visited over 200 National Park Service sites and shares her top ten tips to visiting national parks, how to avoid crowds, how she road trips to see multiple NPS sites, and which parks and sites you should visit each season.

Pamela Holt, Solo Travel Expert, TV Host and Producer of “Me, Myself & The World: The Art of Solo Travel”

Explore the world of solo travel with Pamela Holt. Having ventured to over 90 countries and territories, Pamela inspires both first-time solo travelers and seasoned explorers. Embark on this exciting journey to:

• Acquire tips to spark your inner solo traveler
• Learn strategies to maximize your solo adventures
• Discover the top destinations for solo travelers
• Uncover how solo travel can lead to self-discovery
• And much more!

Don’t miss this opportunity to jumpstart & maximize your solo travels!

For a dose of pre-show motivation, catch Pamela’s TV series “Me, Myself & The World: The Art of Solo Travel” for free on GoTraveler or any of your preferred platforms: Amazon Prime, Tubi, SlingTV, and more. Season 2 is set to launch this February!

Pamela will be giving out exclusive GoTraveler swag for everyone flaunting the downloaded GoTraveler app on their phones or tablets. While supplies last

Natasha Lee Soy, Sales Manager NY, NJ & CT, Aruba Tourism Authority

Learn why Aruba is the perfect year-round destination. Learn about their award-winning beaches and the many activities for land and sea. There is something for everyone of all ages.

John Smith, Director of Field Sales North, MSC Cruises USA

Learn about what’s new with MSC Cruises, the ultimate luxury experience with MSC Yacht Club, the totally unique Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve (our private island), and so much more. We can’t wait to share with you the beauty of cruising with us!

Rachel Miller, Creator at Blond Wayfarer
Ashley Westbrook, Creator at Adventuress Ashley
Jennifer Hammel, Hub Manager, Wanderful Boston
Damaris Mercado, Founder of Making IT Happen LLC

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

Join Rick as he shares lessons from a lifetime of travel so you can learn from his experiences and travel smoother. With his entertaining, information-packed talk you’ll learn the essential skills for smart travel from itinerary planning to venturing off the beaten path. Get Rick’s pro tips on packing light, escaping crowds, avoiding scams and pickpockets; and maximizing your cultural and culinary experiences. Rick also covers the latest on post-pandemic travel in Europe.

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

Karin M. Aaron, President/CEO Green Book Experience
Raymond Bud Geissler, President, Group Collect

Discover the living history of the historic Green Book (1938-1967) as experts share Five iconic locations that bridge nostalgia yet intertwines the past with the present.

Alex Fogg, Coastal Resource Manager, Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida

While best known for its beautiful white-sand beaches, the crystal-clear waters off the coast of Northwest Florida Beaches invite families to head out on adventure. Join Destin-Fort Walton Beach’s Coastal Resource Manager Alex Fogg and discover opportunities to explore in new ways whether you’re a first-time snorkeler or considering becoming dive certified. This interactive session will showcase some of the region’s most unique underwater offerings from deep spring caves to an underwater museum, to artificial reefs and the Shipwreck Trail.

Brianna McCarthy, Trade Partnerships Manager, Tourism Fiji

Join Tourism Fiji for a fun and informational journey to the Islands of Fiji. If you’re looking for uncrowded islands, pristine environment, and famously friendly people, you’ll love our islands. Join us to hear more about how easy it is to get to Fiji and about the wide array of experiences for all types of travelers and budgets.

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”

As author of the best-selling travel book 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, author Patricia Schultz has been telling travelers where to travel for 20 years. But her most recent book Why We Travel: 100 Reasons to See the World focuses on how travel enriches us and why we choose to do it. Leading with the idea that travel is food for the soul, Patricia passionately makes the case that travel is one of the most rewarding experiences we can have – and in this presentation using vibrant photos pulled from the book, she includes quotes, insights and anecdotes that feature some of her favorite destinations around the globe.

Book Signing Immediately Following

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

Pauline will discuss the smartest, most up-to-date ways of saving money on airfares, lodgings, sightseeing and more, advice that changes every year since the travel industry is so volatile. But it doesn’t really matter how much you save if the trip doesn’t feed your soul, right? Pauline will also cover methods of travel that allow you to dig deeper into the local culture and/or learn a bit about yourself; the most exciting destinations for 2024/2025; ways to reframe travel planning so it enhances your daily life; and much more.

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

Muriel Wiltord, Director Americas, Martinique Tourism Authority

Martinique is the ideal Caribbean getaway for nature lovers, with awe-inspiring landscapes and remarkable biodiversity recognized by UNESCO. During this session, you’ll hear the latest updates from this one-of-a-kind destination. Please come and join us.  You may be pleasantly surprised!

Ralph Velasco, Founder and CEO, Continental DRIFTER Experiences

Join travel photographer and veteran international tour organizer Ralph Velasco as he takes you through simple but powerful tips designed to make your travels easier and your photography even better.  Learn easily implemented tips that anyone can use, with any camera.  Now, let’s get out and travel!

Valerie Bryan, Reservations Manager, Poseidon Expeditions

Come explore some of the most remote and pristine areas of the world with us.  Learn about expedition cruising to the Arctic and Antarctic.  Follow Shackleton’s travels in the South and the path of the Vikings in the North.

Julian Douglas, Travel Writer, Photographer & Experience Curator. The Private Tour Connoisseur.

Whether you’re looking to explore ancient sights and museums or eat your way across the Italian countryside in a Ferrari, Julian will reveal his Top Private Tours around the world. Learn how to maximize what Private Tours have to offer, tips and tricks to find the best tours, save money and make them happen.  

Do the things you’ve always dreamed of doing, have once in a lifetime experiences, and check them off your bucket list. View the Mona Lisa in private, drive a vintage boat on Lake Como, go behind closed doors at Versailles and see Elephants on an African Safari so close you can hear them breathe. 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 can make it happen.

Drew Daly, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Dream Vacations

Join Drew Daly as he dishes out some insider cruise, resort, and tour vacation know-how. Daly’s nearly 30 years of experience will empower attendees on where to go, what to do, how to get there, and, most importantly, how to save, in this information-packed 30-minute session. The master key, you ask? Your friendly neighborhood travel advisor and the value they provide.

One lucky attendee will have the chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card!

Peter Greenberg, Emmy Award-Winning Investigative Reporter
& Producer & CBS News Travel Editor
Panelists: Zach Griff, Senior Reporter at the Points Guy
William J. McGee, Senior Fellow for Aviation & Travel at American Economic Liberties Project, and Author of “Attention All Passengers” and “Half the Child”
Seth Kugel, Tripped Up Columnist, The New York Times

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

Mrs. Milagro Cabrera, Costa Rica expert

Join us as we delve into the enchanting world of Costa Rica. Discover why Costa Rica stands out with its unparalleled beauty, encompassing lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and majestic volcanoes. Unearth the secrets of its rich biodiversity and embrace the Pura Vida spirit that defines the nation’s simple yet joyous way of life.  Dive into a world of thrilling activities – from zip-lining through the treetops to encountering exotic wildlife in national parks. Immerse yourself in the local culture by interacting with friendly locals and savoring traditional cuisine. As we explore the essential aspects of trip planning. So, buckle up for an insightful journey as we uncover the magic of Costa Rica and empower you to plan a trip that captures the essence of this extraordinary destination. ¡Pura Vida!