Over 30 Travel Sessions Designed to Help You Travel Like a Rockstar
3 theaters provide you with the most comprehensive travel content that you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
3 theaters provide you with the most comprehensive travel content that you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
Travel Theater: You’ve seen them on TV, you follow them on Instagram, and now you can hear from them LIVE, right on the show floor.
Destination Theater: Destination-specific sessions give you the most up to date advice on where to go, what to do, how to get there and how to save in information packed 30 minute sessions.
Savvy Traveler Theater: Learn how to travel like an insider with the latest tips, tricks and actionable advice ranging from packing, travel technology, budget hacks and more, directly from the experts who live on the road.
Check back often as speaker information is being updated daily!
Speakers and schedule are subject to change without prior notice, please check back often for updates.
Dive Georgia
Chelsea Dowty, MSDT, Course Coordinator, Dive Georgia
Join Dive Georgia for a captivating presentation that explores the life-changing impact of travel and scuba diving. We’ll share our journey, highlighting how scuba diving not only brought us together but also plays a pivotal role in our local business, fostering a love for travel and underwater exploration. Discover how scuba diving can be a catalyst for change in your own life!
Viking Cruises
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™.
Theresa Goodrich
Theresa Goodrich, Traveler, Author, Publisher, Speaker, Emmy-Winner at the Local Tourist
Theresa L. Goodrich is an inveterate road trip enthusiast who’s traveled thousands of miles to tell the stories of America’s treasures. In this fun and energetic session, Theresa shares her best tips for planning your perfect road trip adventure, including choosing your ideal destination, saving money during your travels, and doing it all safely. Whether you’re looking to drive cross-country or just need a weekend getaway, you’ll learn how to plan an experience you’ll love.
Go Touch Down Travel & Tours
MSC Cruises
John Smith, Director of Field Sales North Region, MSC Cruises USA
Discover what makes MSC Cruises so unique. From our onboard experiences to the destinations we visit to our mission of responsible traveling. We’ll also talk about MSC Yacht Club, our exclusive private sanctuary available on most of our ships, and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, our private island like no other. Lastly, hear about MSC World America, an LNG-powered trail-blazing designed ship arriving next year!
One lucky attendee will win a bag filled with MSC Cruises goodies for your next dream vacation at sea.
Mike Dodge and Megan Johnston
Mike Dodge, Head Writer and Megan Johnston, Community Manager, Daily Drop
In 2023 alone Mike traveled to 52 countries and Megan traveled to 5 all using miles and points. From airlines to hotels to car rentals and more, learn how miles and points can save you thousands of dollars in travel expenses every single year. In one 2023 trip alone, Megan saved over $30,000. These strategies will help you land travel that feels free.
Life Beyond the Room
Jett Hattaway, Sales & Strategic Partnerships, Life Beyond the Room
Authentic Italy – Preserving Culture & Tradition Through Meaningful Travel
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.
Alaska Land & Sea Adventures
Katy Ouellette, Tourism Sales Manager, 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!
Mari Di Chiara, Liz Erhartic, Shanita Miller and Annie Wanyi Jiang
Moderator: Mari Di Chiara, Travel Content Creator @marionthemap
Panelists: Liz Erhartic, Content Creator & Wanderful Charlotte Hub Leader
Shanita Miller, Founder, Black Girl’s Guide to Atlanta
Annie Wanyi Jiang, Travel Content Creator @goanniewhere
Ever considered traveling alone? Whether you’re a veteran solo traveler or thinking about taking that first trip, solo travel is a special way to immerse yourself in the world around you, and many solo travel experts agree that you’ve just got to do it at least once.
Join the leading women’s travel community Wanderful (sheswanderful.com) and a panel of local solo travel experts and content creators who are going to divulge their top tips for going solo – from what to pack and where to go, to favorite travel hacks along the way to make your next solo trip your best one yet.
Scott Mayerowitz
Scott Mayerowitz, Founder of GlobeTrotScott Strategies
Join Scott as shares tips from his years as a travel expert and frequent traveler. Learn how to maximize frequent flier and hotel loyalty programs. Follow his hacks for finding the best airfare and learn how to vet a hotel to make sure it is up to your standards. Discover ways to avoid being stranded during flight delays. And for those of you worried about airlines losing your luggage: find out the three simple steps you can do to protect your suitcase.
Martinique Tourism Authority
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!
Wendy Alexander
Wendy Alexander, TV Host, Executive Producer, Travel, Wine & Dine, and Author, Cooking & Entertaining with Wendy Alexander
Travel, Wine and Dine with me all over the country as I explore the Best Hotels, Resorts, Restaurants and Wineries. Wendy has hosted the # 1 Travel TV show for over 10 years.
Wendy will show you the latest travel tips on packing, changes in tourism, great local eateries, the best bars and of course where to fine the best local fun! So, get packed and ready for the Best Vacation of your life. Remember I Love you for free, and I’ll see you at my next Travel destination.
MetroJourneys
Klaus Fielsch, Product Manager, MetroJourneys
Now, more than ever, the Galapagos Islands are the ideal destination. Isolated but accessible, but above all extraordinary. Join Klaus to learn… when is the best month to travel? What endemic species will I see? What should I consider before booking a life-changing expedition to Galapagos?
*Disclaimer: Show Management reserves the right to change speakers and schedules at its discretion. Check back frequently for updates and changes.
Peter Greenberg
Peter Greenberg, Emmy Award-Winning Investigative Reporter & Producer & CBS News Travel Editor
Panelists: Scott Mayerowitz, Founder of GlobeTrotScott Strategies
Rudy Maxa, Travel Journalist & Broadcaster
Scott McCartney, Co-host, Airlines Confidential podcast. Former travel editor and Middle Seat columnist, the Wall Street Journal
Autograph Signing Immediately Following
Go Touch Down Travel & Tours
Green Book Experience
Pensacola
Lindsey Steck-Jackson, Marketing and Communications Manager, Visit Pensacola | Northwest Florida Beaches Representative
Discover why this underknown Gulf Coast destination is more than just 40-miles of sugar white sand beaches. With over 460 years of history, world class diving and outdoor attractions, a walkable downtown with local cuisines and shops, and surprises around every turn, you’ll see why this Florida destination in a can’t miss vacation spot.
Fresh Tracks Canada
Tamara Mallin, Director, Strategic Partnerships, Fresh Tracks Canada
Learn how to explore the country’s most spectacular sights on a personalized train vacation, and where to see the Northern Lights, polar bears, beluga whales, and more. Fresh Tracks Canada’s local experts can build an itinerary that suits your travel preferences — you choose the train-service level, hotel class and sightseeing activities.
Theresa Goodrich
Theresa Goodrich, Traveler, Author, Publisher, Speaker, Emmy-Winner at the Local Tourist
Theresa L. Goodrich is an inveterate road trip enthusiast who’s traveled thousands of miles to tell the stories of America’s treasures. In this fun and energetic session, Theresa shares her best tips for planning your perfect road trip adventure, including choosing your ideal destination, saving money during your travels, and doing it all safely. Whether you’re looking to drive cross-country or just need a weekend getaway, you’ll learn how to plan an experience you’ll love.
Viking Cruises
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™.
Dive Georgia
Allison Vaelez, MSDT, Dive Instructor, Dive Georgia
Join Dive Georgia for a captivating presentation that explores the life-changing impact of travel and scuba diving. We’ll share our journey, highlighting how scuba diving not only brought us together but also plays a pivotal role in our local business, fostering a love for travel and underwater exploration. Discover how scuba diving can be a catalyst for change in your own life
*Disclaimer: Show Management reserves the right to change speakers and schedules at its discretion. Check back frequently for updates and changes.