Speaker Stages

Chris Durgin, Chief Revenue Officer, SkyMed Travel

Are you Protected? SkyMed is the Premier Emergency Travel Membership Service. Come join us at one of our informational sessions to learn about our 18 comprehensive services.

Jennifer Broome, Multimedia Travel and Environmental Journalist

Want to travel solo but don’t know how to start?  Travel Journalist Jennifer Broome shares her top tips for traveling solo from a Southwest road trip to an African safari.  She’ll share pre-trip prep, safety strategies, and where to go to enjoy some of 2025 hottest travel trends like adventure trekking, Astrotourism and oenotourism.

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

Deon Barnard, CEO, Go Touch Down Travel & Tours

We sell tours to people who don’t like going on tours. We offer six spots on a tour. Safari and Cape Town adventures depart every week. Come learn why you should travel to South Africa.

Laura Powell, Founder, Tourism Well Defined

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

Oya Bekisoglu, Sr. Sales Director, South-Central & Key Accounts, 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.

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

Attend and Enter to Win a $20,000 Voyage from Kensington Cruises (kensingtontours.com)

Meet & Greet Immediately Following

Chef Corso, Classically Trained Chef Turned Outdoor Cooking Expert and Host of Outdoor Eats TV

Heading outdoors this season? Chef Corso of Outdoor Eats TV has you covered. In this session, he will share easy tips and tasty recipe ideas for your hiking, camping, backpacking and road trip adventures.

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.

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™.

Becky Blaine, Senior Editor, The Points Guy

Drew Binsky, World Travel Expert, World Renowned Travel Blogger

Meet and Greet Immediately Following

TBA

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.

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.

David McGuffin, Travel Enthusiast, Tour Operator, Musician, and Part-Time European, David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe

European travel expert David McGuffin shares travel tips, favorite destinations, and lessons learned from forty-eight years on the road. David spends about six months a year in Europe leading his small group tours, writing about his favorite destinations, and sharing his adventures via his social media, travel blog, and videos. He is an advocate of avoiding crowds, living like a local, and embracing the culture of the locale. His picture-packed presentation is loaded with pertinent travel information, suggested routes, sage advice, and information about his small group tours in Europe.

TBA

Meet and Greet Immediately Following

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.

Dreaming of your next adventure but unsure where to go? Join Wanderful and a panel of savvy travel content creators as they reveal their top picks for 2025’s must-visit destinations. Whether you’re looking for hidden gems, sustainable travel spots, cultural immersions, or epic natural wonders, this session has it all! Our experts will dive into the best destinations across the globe, sharing why these places should be on your radar and how to make the most of your visit. Get insider tips on navigating these locales, and leave with a fresh list of places you’ll be excited to explore in 2025!

Janet Anderson, Pavlus Travel, Director of Luxury Sales Development

Join Pavlus Travel, one of the leading names in luxury travel, for an exclusive behind-the-scenes presentation with Janet Anderson, and meet Pavlus Team members. For over 30 years, we’ve partnered with top brands like Viking and Tauck, earning a reputation as a top seller in river and ocean cruises, as well as land vacations.

Discover “What Travel Agent’s Don’t Tell You” and how Pavlus Travel sets itself apart with personalized service, our Best Price Guarantee, and the opportunity to earn up to $500 through our Travel Referral Program. Plus, be the first to learn about our exclusive show special! Don’t miss your chance to win big – stop by Booth 901 for a chance at Gift Card Giveaways of $500, $250, and $150 and exciting Spin the Wheel of Prizes!

Brandon Hughbanks, Agent Representative, Travel Insurance Center

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

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

Attend and Enter to Win a $20,000 Voyage from Kensington Cruises (kensingtontours.com)

Meet & Greet Immediately Following

Tia Froehle, Tourism Sales Manager, 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.

Travis Swann Taylor, Author & Photographer, 111 Places in Phoenix That You Must Not Miss

Set your compass to “curiosity” and bring along your sense of wanderlust! Travis Swann Taylor, world traveller and local “tourism” geek, is the author and photographer of 111 Places in Phoenix That You Must Not Miss (2024). This guide unveils places that even lifetime locals may not know about – all through the lens of awe and wonderment. Whether your passions lead you to fascinating finds, nearly lost history, cultural gems, must-see playful art, or satiating a fearless palette, Travis offers insights only the most enthusiastic local can share. Travis is also the author and photographer of 111 Places in Atlanta That You Must Not Miss (2020). The international “111 Places” series publishes guidebooks for locals and experienced travellers.

David McGuffin, Travel Enthusiast, Tour Operator, Musician, and Part-Time European, David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe

The Balkan Peninsula stretches south along the Adriatic Sea from Austria to Greece. Its people, places, and culture have shifted over the centuries, but its beauty and charm remain unchanged. Many have heard of the clear cruise waters along the Adriatic coast, but there is more! David McGuffin shares his adventures in Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, and the Balkans in this picture-packed travel talk. You’ll leave this presentation with travel ideas, tour routes, timely advice, and information about his small group tours along the Adriatic and Balkans.

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.

Robert Alvarez, Executive Director, Visit Big Bend

The Big Bend Region of Texas is home to two international Dark Sky Parks giving “stargazing” a whole new meaning. If hiking, mountain biking, kayaking the Rio Grande or exploring iconic West Texas on horseback is of interest, over one million acres await. Add in the surrounding communities of Marathon, Terlingua and the Lajitas Golf Resort and you have a Texas vacation destination like no other in the Lonestar State.

Chef Corso, classically trained Chef turned outdoor cooking expert and Host of Outdoor Eats TV

Heading outdoors this season? Chef Corso of Outdoor Eats TV has you covered. In this session, he will share easy tips and tasty recipe ideas for your hiking, camping, backpacking and road trip adventures

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™.

TBA

Meet and Greet Immediately Following

Becky Blaine, Senior Editor, The Points Guy

Chris Durgin, Chief Revenue Officer, SkyMed Travel

Are you Protected? SkyMed is the Premier Emergency Travel Membership Service. Come join us at one of our informational sessions to learn about our 18 comprehensive services.