Our Professional Educators Program (PEP)

The Professional Educators Program (PEP) unites top trainers, educators, and speakers within and outside the travel industry. These experts share their insights and tips through blogs, white papers, interviews, and engaging PEP Talk sessions.

Since 2011, PEP Talks sessions have brought timely education to our travel advisor community, allowing them to learn from our subject matter experts on industry topics such as sales, social media, customer service, professional fees and so much more! Check out our complete listings on our event calendar.

Free PEP Talks Lecture Schedule

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Professional Educators

Interested in joining our Professional Educator Program? Apply Now.

THARWAT ABOURAYA, CTIE

PRESIDENT, TRAVEL BUSINESS CPR

THARWAT ABOURAYA, CTIE

PRESIDENT, TRAVEL BUSINESS CPR

As a geographer and a Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE), Tharwat Abouraya’s knowledge and experience are broad and deep. He has established travel agencies from scratch, designed and led international tours, and directed travel for more than 20 years as Regional Director of American Express and Vice President of Travel AAA Western & Central New York. Tharwat brings clients the value of 30 years experience in retail/wholesale travel and leisure/commercial travel from small agencies to multinational corporations. He has excelled at operations, including call-center environments, P&L management, field marketing, front line motivation and business building. In addition, he understands the competitive forces in the industry today, current market trends, as well as today’s changing operating environments. A skilled negotiator, Tharwat is uniquely capable of identifying and nurturing strategic partnerships. He is sensitive to the cultural nuances of doing business domestically or globally. In particular, Tharwat is able to demonstrate a comprehensive view of issues and assess their long term impact in order to focus on an executable business strategy.

Phone:202-595-4867
Email:tabouraya@travelbusinesscpr.com

MICHAEL AKANA, CTC, ECCS

SPEAKER, CONSULTANT - MICHAEL AKANA TRAVEL SERVICES

MICHAEL AKANA, CTC, ECCS

SPEAKER, CONSULTANT - MICHAEL AKANA TRAVEL SERVICES

Michael Akana tackles a variety of topics as a writer, speaker and facilitator–Travel Sales, Agency Ownership and Perspectives on the Industry; Government and Community Relations; Organizational Change; Environmental Change; Process Improvement; Ethics and Leadership; Program Design and Logic Models. In addition to general or industry-specific topics, Michael designs and trains on branded, proprietary, or custom systems. He consults on systems design, data management, and finance; program design from concept through funding and execution; consumer life-cycle and contact management; documentation of policies and procedures; as well as budgets and finance. Michael also offers a small travel agency owner’s perspective on the travel industry. Current projects include authoring, co-authoring, and advising on books for agents, consumers, and students of travel. Michael sees his contribution to travel education as distinct–“We are fortunate in the travel industry to already have many good educators and training programs. I am more interested in gaps in concept, organizational structure, and program design. There is tremendous opportunity in seeing our flaws—to identify processes that are not helpful. Let me apologize in advance for saying ‘We do more when we do less.’”

Phone:650-224-7541
Email:travel@michaelakana.com

VICTORIA ANN AKKERMAN, CTIE

OPERATIONS MANAGER, ABT

VICTORIA ANN AKKERMAN, CTIE

OPERATIONS MANAGER, ABT

Victoria's experience lies in operations management, team leadership, and corporate travel logistics, as well as overseeing a team of agents, ensuring they're trained, motivated, and meeting set targets. She earned her CTIE designation in 2025 and will educate advisors about DISC personality styles and teamwork within the industry.

Email:victoria@abt-us.com

MONICA ARUN

FOUNDER & DESTINATION SPECIALIST - GLOBETROTTER, LLC.

MONICA ARUN

FOUNDER & DESTINATION SPECIALIST - GLOBETROTTER, LLC.

With 27 years of travel & tourism industry experience, Monica Arun is the Founder & Destination specialist at Globetrotter LLC. She is a tourism board certified Hawaii & Alaska destination expert as well as Lindblad Expedition National Geographic specialist. She has traveled to Europe, Canada, Bahamas, South Africa, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Qatar, Dubai, India, Hongkong-Macau and USA. Her customer centric approach, knowledge of multiple destinations, expertise in the travel industry and an eye for detail, makes her the perfect go-to person in planning memorable holidays. An ardent travel enthusiast herself, Monica brings down her expertise in planning and booking travel for people who love to explore. Owing to her diligent attitude and unrivaled customer service, Monica has garnered herself a lot of appreciation and acknowledgment not only from her customers, but also across different media platforms. The Story Exchange, an award-winning media organization who covers success stories of women entrepreneurs, refers Monica as someone who has ‘carved her niche in the travel industry’. Additionally, ICICI, a reputed Indian bank, has referred her as a 'Travelpreneur' who 'thinks out of the box.' It is her deep insights on aspirational holiday destinations and a customer-oriented attitude that stands her out from the rest.

Email:monica@globetrottertrip.com

GLENDA BEAGLE

SPEAKER, BUSINESS COACH, FOUNDER - ART OF SELLING TRAVEL

GLENDA BEAGLE

SPEAKER, BUSINESS COACH, FOUNDER - ART OF SELLING TRAVEL

Glenda, a former travel advisor with a two-decade history of sales excellence, has transitioned her expertise into coaching travel professionals. She is dedicated to helping advisors increase sales, refine business operations, and foster lasting client relationships. Glenda's insights empower advisors to close more deals, earn referrals, and build a thriving business.

Email:glenda@artofsellingtravel.com

SALLY BLACK, CTA

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER - TRUE RANCH COLLECTION

SALLY BLACK, CTA

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER - TRUE RANCH COLLECTION

Sally caught the travel bug herself as a single mother with three young children. She left her position as a pediatric nurse to become marketing director for one of the first online travel companies. She quickly found herself speaking, consulting and traveling the globe, often with her kids along for the ride. This practical experience, parental multitasking and first-hand travel knowledge is what she shares with her clients. She’s also offers this unique insight during national TV interviews on CNN, ABC and NBC. Sally has also been quoted by the New York Times, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. To celebrate the 15th anniversary of Vacationkids, Sally published her first book “Fearless Family Vacations – Make Everyone Happy Without Losing Your Mind”. In the book, Sally acts as a tour guide leading parents to the perfect family vacation. Sally teaches families how to confidently plan enjoyable, affordable vacation experiences with their children at every age. The book also addresses the unique needs of today’s families offering specific travel tips for divorced, blended, gay, single-parent and multi-generational families. Sally resides in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania with her husband Brian and her collies. She’s recently been promoted to the most thrilling position of her entire career and has added the honored title of “Grandma” to her illustrious resume.

Phone:610-681-7360
Email:mom@vacationkids.com

GUIDA BOTELHO, CTIE

VICE-PRESIDENT, THE TRAVEL INSTITUTE

GUIDA BOTELHO, CTIE

VICE-PRESIDENT, THE TRAVEL INSTITUTE

Guida Botelho, CTIE, director of education for The Travel Institute, is responsible for designing travel agent training programs for all levels of experience and business models. A 11-year veteran of The Travel Institute, Botelho has also served as manager of travel solutions and coordinator of national accounts for the organization. Her career also includes serving as training manager at Atlas Travel where she created and implemented departmental and individual training for the agency’s 200+ employees. In addition, Botelho worked as a teaching assistant at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, RI where she earned her bachelor’s degree in hospitality management. Botelho’s job experience on both sides of the travel business has been extremely valuable in identifying and responding to customers’ needs at The Travel Institute. Her consultative approach to solutions is particularly helpful to those who are considering a position in travel or ready to take the next step as they advance in their career track.

Phone:800-542-4282
Email:gbotelho@thetravelinstitute.com

STACEY CABELL, CTIE

SENIOR LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, THE TRAVEL INSTITUTE

Head Shot Stacey Cabell - FOUNDER AND OWNER - STARSTUFF TRAVEL

STACEY CABELL, CTIE

SENIOR LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, THE TRAVEL INSTITUTE

Stacey Cabell is the founder and owner of Starstuff Travel, a full-service travel agency with over 13 years of experience and nearly 100 independent contractors. Known for her passion for empowering others, Stacey specializes in mentoring travel advisors, helping them grow their businesses and step outside their comfort zones to achieve their goals. She now focuses on speaking engagements and developing resources for travel professionals, combining her industry expertise with her dedication to helping others succeed.

Phone:800-314-0624
Email:staceyc@starstufftravel.com

STEPHANIE CANNON, MBA

FOUNDER - SC TRAVEL DESIGN AND WITH STEPHANIE CANNON

STEPHANIE CANNON, MBA

FOUNDER - SC TRAVEL DESIGN AND WITH STEPHANIE CANNON

Stephanie is a fellow travel advisor, accountant, and spreadsheet expert and lives life by the numbers. She began her professional career as a small business accountant and has spent over three decades hands-on with the many intricacies of bookkeeping, financial planning, reporting, analysis, and tax preparation, not only from the practitioner’s side but also as a multiple small business entrepreneur. During the pandemic, she began helping other travel professionals setup, track, manage, and grow their profitability without hours of number crunching or the need for a finance or accounting degree to do it. She is a licensed CPA (inactive) and uses that experience and expertise in creating a variety of resources and workshops to help simplify this area of business for the travel advisor community. “Profit isn’t a once-a-year event! It’s the result of every action and transaction that happens in your business daily.”

Email:hello@withstephaniecannon.com

THOMAS R. CARPENTER

ATTORNEY AT LAW - SPECIALIZING IN TRAVEL INDUSTRY LAW

THOMAS R. CARPENTER

ATTORNEY AT LAW - SPECIALIZING IN TRAVEL INDUSTRY LAW

Thomas R. Carpenter is an attorney in private practice, representing clients in the arts, entertainment, media, and travel industries. With more than 25 years of experience, he has run the legal department of two major entertainment industry labor organizations. He currently represents hundreds of travel agencies and tour operators in his practice. In addition to his law practice, he is the co-founder and co-owner of Huckleberry Travel, an award-winning travel business. He serves on the Advisory Board of Uniglobe Travel Center, and participates in the International Forum of Travel and Tourism Advocates (“IFTTA”). Don’t miss Thomas’s webinar featured in the Premium Access Lounge: Managing Legal Risk in Your Travel Business

Phone:646-677-5195
Email:tcarpenter@carpentertaylor.com

MICHELE CARTWRIGHT, CTA

PRESIDENT AND OWNER, DESTINATIONS BY DESIGN, LLC

MICHELE CARTWRIGHT, CTA

PRESIDENT AND OWNER, DESTINATIONS BY DESIGN, LLC

A science educator by trade turned stay-at-home mom, Michele Cartwright has always loved travel. The teacher in her wanted to teach people about the world, while the mom in her wanted families to experience it. Her passion led to “booking” travel for friends and family prior to gaining the courage to join the industry without formal training. Cartwright founded Destinations by Design in January 2013. The journey over the past several years has reinforced that education is a never ending process. Cartwright earned her CTA and continues to learn by attending industry events, touring destinations, and reading industry publications. She is passionate about sharing her expertise with other travel professionals, including her team of independent contractors and as a panel expert for large conferences including the Las Vegas Travel Agent Forum, TPI Rocks, and the Travel Agent Forum Cancun. Cartwright is also cited in numerous industry publications including: Travel Weekly, Travel Market Report, Skift, and Travel Professional News. Cartwright is excited to announce the birth of her consulting business in 2020, The Savvy Advisor, with a single mission: to provide travel professionals with the tools necessary to be successful. Every client is treated as an individual with a highly customized plan for their business. Cartwright currently lives in Columbia, SC with her high school sweetheart turned husband, three incredible children, two rambunctious German Shepherds, and adopted black lab.

Phone:866-323-8728 x1
Email:Michele@dbdtravel.net

DAN CHAPPELLE

FOUNDER, DANCHAPPELLE.COM

DAN CHAPPELLE

FOUNDER, DANCHAPPELLE.COM

In his various industry roles, Dan recognized a common denominator in virtually all travel agents he encountered – They did not know how to sell luxury travel. They may of had the product knowledge & taken basic sales classes, but when it came to actually selling luxury travel as a main component of their business- they were lost. Dan’s teachings are based on developing the mental mindset and the skill sets needed to transform yourself into a successful luxury salesperson. A resume that encompasses a 360 degree view of the industry & more than 25 years of travel industry experience, Dan Chappelle is uniquely qualified. As the founder of The Wealthy Travel Agent Academy focused on transforming travel sales professionals into peak performers. Most recently Dan was Vice President of Sales at Windstar Cruises for 3½ years as key member of the team that took the line from bankruptcy to Conde Nast’s #1 Small Ship Line in the World. Prior to that time, Dan was with Expedia Cruise Ship Centers for 5 years where he served as Vice President of U.S. Sales and Operations – growing the US to 1000 Independent consultants. Prior to his time at Expedia Cruise Ship Centers, Mr. Chappelle held the position of Director of Sales and Vendor Strategy for Cruise Holidays, which was then part of Carlson Leisure Group and now Travel Leaders. While there he guided franchise and supplier relations as well as agent sales and training programs. Before Cruise Holidays, Dan co-founded The Cruise Shoppe of Austin developing it into one of the larger cruise agencies in the United States at that time. Mr. Chappelle attended the University of Georgia, holds a Master Cruise Counselor Certification from Cruise Lines International Association, and is a frequent speaker on sales training and business development at industry events.

Phone:206-450-7448
Email:dan@danchappelle.com

STUART L. COHEN, MCC

CHIEF MOTIVATION OFFICER, STUARTLLOYDCOHEN.COM

STUART L. COHEN, MCC

CHIEF MOTIVATION OFFICER, STUARTLLOYDCOHEN.COM

If you can think big, Stuart will help you do big! Meet a master motivator, enter- trainer and serial solopreneur. Stuart is an inspiring voice in entrepreneurship, salesmanship, leadership, and stewardship (aka personal performance). He elevates success and happiness with insightfully fresh perspectives, endearing humor and a contagious positive energy. An accomplished corporate executive turned full-time entrepreneur, he has keynoted internationally and coached since 2007. Abundant experiences equip him to share teachable stories and strategies. He calls to action and drives measurable change. A 28-year travel industry veteran, Stuart served in leadership positions with World Travel Holdings, Celebrity Cruises and Insight Vacations. His entrepreneurial spirit introduced many cutting-edge business practices and successful brands including Vacation.com, NEST and the Home-Based Success Series. Stuart is the founder of Resort for a Day™ which he built from the ground-up. World Travel Holdings acquired the business in 2012 and today it is the world’s largest seller of hotel day passes for cruisers. He has produced hundreds of training webinars, videos and continues hosting informative talk shows. He has published two transformational sales booklets.

Phone:901-602-4543
Email:Stuart@stuartlloydcohen.com

DREW DALY, CTIE

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & GENERAL MANAGER - WTH/DREAM VACATIONS

DREW DALY, CTIE

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & GENERAL MANAGER - WTH/DREAM VACATIONS

Drew Daly is a Certified Travel Industry Executive and a longtime member of the World Travel Holdings family. He is an ASTA member and began his career as a travel agent and quickly rose through the ranks into sales management before joining the World Travel Holdings executive team. Drew has been honored with one of the industry’s highest accolades—the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award. A recognized leader in the travel industry, Drew serves on several boards and is a strong advocate for travel advisors. He has chaired CLIA’s Strategic Travel Agent Review Board and has held board positions with The Travel Institute and PATH – the Professional Association of Travel Hosts. He is also a member of the American Society of Travel Advisors Drew has spoken alongside Oprah Winfrey at the dedication ceremony for Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam and has been a featured speaker at industry events and Conferences. He has been interviewed by CNN, NBC and FOX affiliates, and is frequently cited as an expert in travel trade publications.

Phone:954-958-3614
Email:ddaly@wth.com

CAROL A. DIMOPOULOS, MBA, Ed.D.

CEO AND FOUNDER - LEARNING JOURNEYS

CAROL A. DIMOPOULOS, MBA, Ed.D.

CEO AND FOUNDER - LEARNING JOURNEYS

By nature, I am an explorer and transformer. I see the positive in all and work to help others find their unique life purposes. Through education and tourism entrepreneurship. As a high profile executive and CEO in the tourism industry, I have led and grown innovative businesses that offer customized and responsible travel experiences for diverse and niche markets. As the founder and CEO of Learning Journeys, our focus is on transformation and restoration. We deliver programs that combine cultural immersion with hands-on education, igniting learners' passions in various disciplines, such as art, music, language, wellness, and more. As an educator and researcher, I have 15 years of university-level teaching experience, both online and on-campus, in business management and entrepreneurship. I currently teach at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, where I also hold a Doctor of Education degree in International/Global Studies. My research interests include creating accessible educational opportunities that lead to vocation in underserved communities globally, as a pathway out of poverty and toward human empowerment. I also have a certification in DEI teaching and learning, and I strive to foster an inclusive and respectful learning environment for my students.

Phone:518-260-9305
Email:carol@learningjourneys.com

RICHARD EARLS

PUBLISHER, TRAVEL RESEARCH ONLINE

RICHARD EARLS

PUBLISHER, TRAVEL RESEARCH ONLINE

For a travel agent’s brand to be clear and strong, it must be “authentic” – honestly presented with integrity. Travel consulting is particularly dependent upon authenticity. If a consumer believes that a company or service is authentic, they will gravitate to it, support it and even promote it to others. Without authenticity, they will shun it as little more than noisy marketing clutter. TRO’s Richard Earls helps agents learn how to stand out from the crowd and to develop an authentic brand for any travel practice. Richard Earls has spent the last 24 years in the travel industry as an agency owner, a technologist, a publisher and a writer. A serial entrepreneur, Richard has sold two of his start-up companies prior to his current project, Travel Research Online Richard believes a new breed of travel agent is ready to emerge from the masses. The days of the casual travel agent are gone and only those who take the art and science of marketing and sales to heart will truly be in demand and succeed. The publishing credits to Richard’s resume are many, including Weissmann Travel Reports, STAR Service, Intelliguide, BTP24, Voyager Travel Guides and Travel Research Online. During his tenure at Northstar Travel Media (parent of Travel Weekly), he learned just how unemployable he is and thus has the greatest of affection for the self-unemployed. Richard is a frequent speaker at industry events and a contributor to other industry publications. Richard graduated from Wake Forest University with a BA in Religion and English and from Washington and Lee University with a Juris Doctorate.

Phone:904-371-2991
Email:rearls@travelresearchonline.com

KRISTI FARRELL, CTA

FOUNDER, ANCHOR TRAVEL EXPERTS

KRISTI FARRELL, CTA

FOUNDER, ANCHOR TRAVEL EXPERTS

Kristi is the Founder and CEO of a Certified Travel Agency® Anchor Travel Experts, built after experience with both a small hosted agency and then under a large host. She is a Travel Institute Certified Travel Associate (CTA), a Wanderlust Campus Careers on Vacation graduate, and a Wanderlust CEO® graduate. Her agency is independent and hosts independent agents under her brand. With a background in local government working heavily with systems, Kristi is passionate about equipping new and experienced travel advisors with practical, system-driven processes that support sustainable agent growth.

Phone:336-439-5263
Email:kristi@anchortravelexperts.com

SHEILA FOLK

CO-FOUNDER AND PARTNER, TRAVEL INDUSTRY SOLUTIONS

SHEILA FOLK

CO-FOUNDER AND PARTNER, TRAVEL INDUSTRY SOLUTIONS

Sheila has more than 15 years’ experience as a hospitality industry executive, where she spearheaded acquisition, retention and referral programs for hotels, tour operators and destination management companies. During this tenure, she also worked with large hospitality industry product suppliers, technology companies and start-ups on market penetration and growth strategies. After venturing out on her own, Sheila opened and steered her own travel agency to $8 million in revenue in its first two years. Through this experience, she identified an overwhelming need for travel advisors to have tools that support the administrative functions of their business. This is where Travel Industry Solutions (TIS) comes in. In 2020, Sheila brought together a team of compliance and legal experts and coupled her experience to create Travel Industry Solutions— the industry’s first and only legal contract and document solution. The contract solutions provide advisors with the greatest protections and is backed with a warranty by a billion-dollar insurance giant. The supportive tools that round out the product have been field-tested and used by Sheila in her own agency to gain efficiencies and grow her agency to where it is today.

Phone:833-746-7272
Email:sheila@travelindustrysolutions.com

ANKE FOLLER CARROLL

PROFESSOR - HUMBER POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE

ANKE FOLLER CARROLL

PROFESSOR - HUMBER POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE

Anke was born and raised in Germany, where she began her career in travel and tourism. Her 20+ years journey in the industry saw her fill a variety of positions in travel retail and wholesale, research & product development, sales and marketing, destination management and MICE. Since 2008, she has been teaching across all tourism and hospitality programs at Humber Polytechnic (diploma, degree, and postgrad certificates), and became a full-time professor in 2015. In addition, she has been a guest lecturer at educational partner institutions in France, the Netherlands, and Taiwan. Besides industry-specific designations, Anke holds a bachelor’s degree in Tourism and Business Administration from Heilbronn University in Germany, an MBA in Hospitality and Tourism Management from the University of Guelph and is currently a PhD Candidate at the University of Waterloo in pursuit of her doctorate in Recreation and Leisure Studies. Anke’s passion lies with sustainable and regenerative tourism, particularly as it relates to socio-cultural interactions. She published a study in the area of VolunTourism and its application in tourism careers based on her work with students involving field trips, curriculum-based study trips and service-learning projects. Her PhD research is dedicated to exploring the potential of Indigenous tourism as a learning opportunity for settlers and non-Indigenous visitors on their journey towards Truth and Reconciliation, framed by decolonial theory. In addition to her extensive travel experience, she has lived, worked, taught, and studied on multiple continents, affording her a unique global perspective in her approach to teaching and research. She is passionate about assisting students in exploring their chosen career paths and discovering and seizing the many opportunities that the tourism industry holds as a force for peace and social justice.

Phone:416-675-6622 ext. 2988
Email:anke.foller-carroll@humber.ca

JOHN W. FRENAYE, JR.

EDITOR, TRAVEL RESEARCH ONLINE

JOHN W. FRENAYE, JR.

EDITOR, TRAVEL RESEARCH ONLINE

ohn Frenaye is a long-time veteran of the travel industry having purchased his first agency in 1996. He grew a single, full-service location into 5 before selling them to pursue his niche travel concept of Single Parent Travel which now is a home-based operation with several independent contractors. Frenaye has written extensively for the industry as the Editor of Travel Research Online since 2008 and for the public with MSNBC.com, Tripso, and Consumer Traveler. He is very strong in social media marketing with emphasis on WordPress, direct e-mail, Facebook, and Twitter. He is the wrong sex for Pinterest, and sorely needs to work on his Instagram game. Frenaye is a single father of three children and lives in Annapolis, Maryland.

Phone:410-280-0231
Email:john@singleparenttravel.net

TRISH GASTINEAU, CTC, MCC

SIMPLY CUSTOMIZED TRAVEL

TRISH GASTINEAU, CTC, MCC

SIMPLY CUSTOMIZED TRAVEL

Trish Gastineau of Simply Customized Travel is a passionate advocate for the travel industry and ongoing travel professional education. During her 23-year-long career in travel, she’s experienced first hand the changes that have rocked the industry. But to her, one thing hasn’t changed: the need for travel professionals to continually upgrade their knowledge of cutting-edge travel, business, and marketing concepts. Trish understands that the days of the travel “agent” are over; today, travel professionals must develop business savvy, an entrepreneurial spirit, and in-depth expertise to woo clients in desperate need of travel advice that cuts through the clutter. Trish been cited in travel industry publications such as Virtuoso Life Magazine, Agent at Home and Travel Pulse, and she’s spoken to scores of travel professionals at industry events, brick-and-mortar agencies, and through supplier webinars. Recently, Trish roused the crowd at the inaugural Book More Travel Workshop in Charlotte, NC, with her panel discussion on how to charge service fees. A customized itinerary expert with a deep passion for Europe, Trish received Avalon Waterways’ Top Selling Specialist of the Year award in 2011. She also holds CTC and MCC certifications, as well as numerous specialty certifications in river cruising and Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

Phone:334-356-0490
Email:trish@simplycustomizedtravel.comel.com

STEVE GILLICK

PRESIDENT, TALKING TRAVEL/GILLICK'S WORLD

STEVE GILLICK

PRESIDENT, TALKING TRAVEL/GILLICK'S WORLD

Steve Gillick loves to travel and loves to talk to people who love to talk about travel. He’s been at it since 1967 when he visited nine European destinations on a school trip and kept a detailed diary of all his experiences. Steve worked as a tour guide, served as Vice President of an educational tour company, directed a summer camp organization and then in 1995, joined the Canadian Institute of Travel Counsellors where he ultimately served as President and Chief Operating Officer. In 2012 Steve founded his own consultancy, Talking Travel, as a platform for coaching travel professionals to enhance their destination, niche market and specialist skills, with the ultimate goals of revenue generation, client growth and retention, and career satisfaction. Wearing his “Travel Writer” hat, Steve’s articles (over 300 published to date) emphasize the need to connect with destinations. His unique insights into people, places, niche markets and travel trends have been featured in consumer publications such as Dreamscapes Travel and Lifestyle Magazine, Canadian (and American) World Traveller Magazine (Senior Writer), e-Tokyo News and others. Steve writes a monthly travel trade column for Travel Market Report, a US based daily online trade publication with American and Canadian readership. His article, “A question of Travel Safety in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico” was identified by the readership as one of the top 10 articles in 2019. Steve’s website is www.talkingtravel.ca (a.k.a www.gillicksworld.ca). The page “Steve Writes” includes a listing of his published articles. The page “publications” lists the story-board-version of some of Steve’s adventures over the years. As an accomplished travel photographer, Steve has an archives of slides and digital photos that cover his own connections with people, places, history, culture, food, drink and nature, in most of the 84 countries and territories, comprising over 750 destinations (and 84 return visits) that he has explored to date. Steve is a popular speaker at both travel trade and consumer events. His style has been described as ‘energetic, electric, interactive and effective’. His use of highly creative visuals is both educational and entertaining. Over the years, Steve has delivered keynotes, seminars and webinars, based on his travel experiences, for events in Canada, the United States, and Internationally.

Email:steve@talkingtravel.ca

CHERYL GREGORY, CTM

PRESIDENT, STRATEGIES4TRAVEL

CHERYL GREGORY, CTM

PRESIDENT, STRATEGIES4TRAVEL

Cheryl specializes in coaching travel professionals on how to attract and retain good clients and make more money selling travel. Having “been there” and learned firsthand how to transform herself and her sales teams through challenging times, Cheryl helps travel professionals discover your personal values, strengths and gifts of expertise you bring to your clients. She knows the importance of differentiation and helps those who are eager and ready to advance to the next level, create ways to stand apart from the others, build deeper, trusting relationships with your prospects, attract good-paying clients and make more money by becoming the First and Only One Your Clients Call™. Cheryl works with Travel Agents who want to: Annihilate the frustrating guessing game of what prospects want Separate the tire kickers from serious buyers Put an end to the anxiety around closing sales, in favor of a natural, comfortable way of helping prospects to buy Stop wasting time with “drive-by” clients and start to build trust and loyalty into relationships that keeps your clients coming back Boost disappointing sales results so they rise to meet your goals Alleviate overwhelm and the discomfort you feel around marketing, networking and asking for referrals As a speaker, Cheryl leaves audiences brimming with new ideas and rekindled motivation. In a workshop setting, Cheryl applies her experience as a coach along with a number of tools and techniques to help walk you through the steps. There is lots of audience participation in a fun, energetic, supportive, engaging environment. An International speaker and proud member of CAPS (the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers), Cheryl shares over 35 years of sales and marketing success secrets in her keynotes and workshops. Nearly 30 of those years were spent in the Travel Industry selling groups, working for Tour Operators and most recently, 13 years as President of Trafalgar Tours of Canada.

Phone: 416-704-0413
Email:cheryl@strategies4travel.com

KELLIE GREAUX

VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBERSHIP AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT - THE WANDER NETWORK

KELLIE GREAUX

VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBERSHIP AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT - THE WANDER NETWORK

Kellie's adventure in the travel industry began in 2010 after earning her degree in International Hospitality and Tourism. She currently serves as the Vice President of Membership and Business Development at The Wander Network, a vibrant new host travel agency, where she partners alongside CEO and Founder, Shannon Kittner. A proud fourth-generation U.S. Virgin Islander, Kellie's deep connection to her island heritage brings a unique authenticity to her work. She is passionate about cultural travel, believes in the importance of giving back to local communities, and advocates for sustainable travel practices, which shape her approach to the industry. With 14 years of experience in hospitality, tourism, and travel, Kellie started as an event manager at various hotels before transitioning to the host travel agency side of the business. She is dedicated to empowering travel agents not only as they embark on their careers but also throughout their professional journeys. She provides valuable guidance in navigating the complexities of the industry—from building strong client relationships and forming positive partnerships to sharing effective networking strategies and essential business tips. Her commitment to mentoring ensures that agents develop the skills and confidence needed for success, all while approaching each challenge with innovation, care, detail, and unwavering dedication.

Phone:340-642-0650
Email:kellie@thewandernetwork.com

STEPHANIE GRIES

SENIOR EDUCATION MANAGER, TRAVEFY

STEPHANIE GRIES

SENIOR EDUCATION MANAGER, TRAVEFY

Stephanie Gries is a passionate travel industry professional who joined the Travefy team in 2015 and immediately fell in love with the industry. She has since devoted herself to helping travel advisors grow their businesses through her work on Travefy Academy, a free educational resource for travel professionals. In this role, Stephanie has led numerous webinars with industry experts, launched The Lounge podcast, hosted live events, and created valuable articles and downloadable content focused on sales, marketing, and industry best practices. With her expertise and dedication, Stephanie is committed to empowering travel advisors to succeed in the constantly evolving travel industry.

Email:stephanie@travefy.com

ANDREA GRISDALE

CEO, IC BELLAGIO

ANDREA GRISDALE

CEO, IC BELLAGIO

Andrea Grisdale spent her formative years in England’s gorgeous Lake District, before embarking on a career in the travel industry in the 1990s. After traveling the four corners of the world as an overseas representative for a British tour operator, she ended up in Northern Italy as a guide and tour manager in the Dolomites and Lake Como. Just before the start of the new millennium, Andrea decided to strike out on her own and form IC Bellagio, a travel company providing Italian experiences for high-end travelers ranging from villa rentals and exclusive guided tours to luxury hotels. Andrea is a very vocal advocate of the travel industry, inspiring students at colleges and universities to follow in her footsteps with her many speaking engagements. She is also very conscious of the role inspiration plays for her staff as well, encouraging IC Bellagio staff to travel abroad and offering exciting career development opportunities.

Phone:+39 031 952059
Email:andrea@icbellagio.com

ROSE HACHE, ESQ.

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR EMERITUS

RICHARD HARDIE, CTA, CCC, CATA, CATP

R. P. HARDIE CRUISE AND TRAVEL, LLC

RICHARD HARDIE, CTA, CCC, CATA, CATP

R. P. HARDIE CRUISE AND TRAVEL, LLC

Richard is a passionate travel architect and an expert in the art of the bespoke journey. With a profound belief that travel should be transformative, not transactional, he specializes in curating one-of-a-kind cruise and land experiences that reflect the unique passions and desires of each individual client.

For Richard, the path to becoming a travel architect was paved with a deep commitment to continuous education—a journey that has now inspired a passion to pay that experience forward. He is honored to take on this new challenge as a member of The Travel Institute’s prestigious Professional Educators Program (PEP), a role dedicated to sharing his collective experience and knowledge to help elevate, grow, and nurture the entire travel professional community.

Holding key industry certifications, including Certified Travel Associate (CTA – The Travel Institute), Certified Cruise Counsellor (CCC – Cruise Lines International Association), Certified Accessible Travel Advocate (CATA – The Special Needs Group/Special Needs at Sea), and the top-level certification from each of the suppliers that he has curated into his travel services portfolio. Richard brings a wealth of tested expertise to both his clients and colleagues. He is especially passionate about mentoring advisors who are new to the industry, aiming to make their formative months easier and to provide them with a strong foundation for a thriving, successful career.

Whether designing a flawless itinerary for a client or guiding a fellow advisor, Richard’s ultimate goal remains the same: to transform the complex details of travel into moments of wonder and connection. It’s about crafting powerful stories, building successful careers, and ensuring the magic of travel is cherished and expertly stewarded for generations to come.

Phone:775-250-0157
Email:richard@rphardiecruisetravelllc.com

WENDY A. HARRIS, CTA

ALL-WAYS TRAVEL

WENDY A. HARRIS, CTA

ALL-WAYS TRAVEL

For over 14 years, Travel Agent, Wendy A Harris has been providing her clients with her expertise in vacation planning. From honeymoons and destination weddings, to Walt Disney World, Wendy has experience in planning it all. Wendy utilizes her connections in the travel industry to customize each client’s vacation planning. Wendy was bitten by the travel bug when she traveled on her first cruise with Chandris Cruise Lines in 1988. Even though her career started out in teaching Early Childhood/Elementary Education, she has made use of her knowledge of creativity with children to make Disney a very Magical Experience. And taking that education further by educating her clients on the Geography of the World. After being in the business for quite a number of years, Wendy decided to expand her knowledge in the travel industry and enroll in the Travel Institute – Certified Travel Associate Program. During the pandemic Wendy studied and earned her CTA in 2021. By adding those letters to her name has opened a door to an assortment of clients who know that the service they will receive is second to none in the travel business. Wendy’s excellent attention to customer needs and organizational skills have made planning a breeze and keeps her clients coming back year after year. Wendy lives in Williamstown, NJ with her husband Glenn and daughter Carrie. She loves antiquing, settling into her retirement home and most especially traveling with her family.

Phone:215-917-9206
Email:yourheavenlydestinations@gmail.com

GUNES HOPSON

ATTORNEY AT LAW - GFH LAW, PLC

GUNES HOPSON

ATTORNEY AT LAW - GFH LAW, PLC

Gunes Hopson is an entrepreneur, attorney, and travel advisor who brings a unique perspective to the intersection of law, business, and luxury travel. She is the founder of GFH Law PLC and Luxe Travel by Gunes. Over the course of her legal career, Gunes has worked in law firms and in-house with major companies, developing deep experience in the technology, financial services, and travel industries.

Gunes entered the travel industry in 2019 and has since built her own travel business, working with several host agencies along the way. She is currently hosted by Nexion and loves working as an independent travel advisor.

Gunes writes the monthly Travel Law Insider column for Insider Travel Report and is a member of the International Forum of Travel and Tourism Advocates (IFTTA). Her experience as both a practicing attorney and travel agency owner gives her a distinctive understanding of the legal, business, and operational issues facing travel advisors and allows her to help them navigate those challenges with confidence.

Phone:804-620-7840
Email:gunes@gfhlawplc.com

ANGELA HUGHES, CTC

OWNER, TRIPS & SHIPS LUXURY TRAVEL

ANGELA HUGHES, CTC

OWNER, TRIPS & SHIPS LUXURY TRAVEL

To Angela Hughes, coaching and creating marketing strategies for travel professionals and travel companies has always been her passion. For 35+ years, she has been actively selling and running Trips & Ships Luxury travel, a full-service travel agency with 22 advisors. As a Certified Travel Consultant since 1993, Angela has made it her mission to create premium bespoke experiences through her luxury consultation business all while privately consulting agencies and DMC’s to build their luxury travel market space through her Luxury Travel University. She is considered a true professional among her industry colleagues. She has been featured in Luxury Travel Advisor, appeared on Fox35 TV as a regular travel contributor, and often guest speaks around the country in the tourism industry and on social media. She is a luxury travel correspondent for Insider Travel Report. Hughes lectures as an adjunct professor at BYU in Geography and Travel & Tourism. She has traveled to over 75+ countries and previously lived in Osaka, Japan. Angela also gives back through travel via their non-profit Color My World creating humanitarian trips meeting sustainable development goals around the world.

Phone:603-860-3274
Email:luxurytravelcoach@tripsandships.com>

JENNIFER JACOB

CO-FOUNDER, TIQUE, HQ

JENNIFER JACOB

CO-FOUNDER, TIQUE, HQ

Jennifer Jacob is the co-founder of Tique HQ, a company dedicated to modernizing and elevating the travel industry through branding, workflows, and educational resources for travel advisors. After a successful career in human resources, managing 27 hospital facilities, Jennifer transitioned into the travel industry, where she quickly built a multi-million dollar sales portfolio as a travel advisor. She also grew her own travel agency by creating a mentorship program for new advisors, helping them find success early in their careers. Under Jennifer’s leadership, Tique HQ has become a trusted resource in the travel industry, known for its innovative tools and supportive community for travel professionals. Jennifer is a keynote speaker, podcast host, and content creator, focused on empowering travel professionals to elevate their brands and scale their businesses efficiently.

Email:jennifer@tiquehq.com

SHANNON KITTNER

CEO and FOUNDER - THE WANDER NETWORK

SHANNON KITTNER

CEO and FOUNDER - THE WANDER NETWORK

Shannon’s journey into travel began in 2019 when she started as a travel agent, spending three years growing her expertise in curating unforgettable experiences for clients. Her innovative approach to growing her client base using social media (primarily TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube) earned her numerous awards from Travel Age West, Travel Weekly, and Travel Agent Central. From 2022 to 2023, she transitioned into travel marketing, working for a few different agencies to help their agents grow their social media and marketing. In 2024, Shannon took the leap to launch The Wander Network, a host agency with a fresh focus on bringing younger generations into the travel industry. She’s passionate about equipping travel advisors with the tools, training, and community they need to succeed in an ever-changing market. Shannon’s vision is to empower agents to build thriving businesses while enjoying the freedom and excitement that travel brings. Social Media Marketing is also a huge focus at The Wander Network where Shannon loves to teach her growing team of agents how to build their client list using social media, as well. When she’s not leading The Wander Network, Shannon is dreaming up new adventures, creating engaging content, and always looking for ways to inspire the next generation of travel leaders!

Phone:407.312.8507
Email:shannon@thewandernetwork.com

SCOTT KOEPF, CTC, MCC

VICE-PRESIDENT OF STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT, CRUISE PLANNERS

SCOTT KOEPF, CTC, MCC

VICE-PRESIDENT OF STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT, CRUISE PLANNERS

With more than 30 years in retail travel Scott Koepf is Vice President of Strategic Development. He previously served as President of the National Association of Career Travel Agents. Prior to his role with NACTA Scott was with Sabre Holdings as General Manager of the Jurni Consortium, TMA and the country’s largest host travel agency, Nexion. Scott was also a full-time motivational speaker and sales trainer and a consultant for various retail organizations and travel industry suppliers. He has also trained every Master Cruise Counselor in Australia and New Zealand through an annual program he has conducted with the ICCA for over 15 years. Scott opened a cruise travel agency in 1985 and in 1989 became President of Cruise Holidays International. Scott was responsible for taking the franchise company from 12 franchises to over 120. In 1991 he returned to owning an agency which quickly became one of the top cruise selling agencies in the country. Scott began his career in commercial real estate but Scott’s passion for travel lead him over the next few years to jobs as Entertainment Director for Club Med at various locations throughout the world, a Physical Education Teacher in South Africa and as an entertainer on cruise ships with his wife. Scott has two college degrees from the University of Nevada in Reno including a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance (Opera). He is still active in theatre when time permits, having won best actor awards in both Northern and Southern California. He now lives in San Diego, California with his wife Pam and are occasionally visited by their three daughters (who surprisingly all love travel and theatre!)

Email:Scott.Koepf@avoyatravel.com

ADAM LAPSEVICH

PRESIDENT, SPOONDRAWER® MEDIA GROUP

ADAM LAPSEVICH

PRESIDENT, SPOONDRAWER® MEDIA GROUP

Adam Lapsevich is President of SpoonDrawer Media Group, a boutique web design and development agency that specializes in travel industry websites and digital marketing. Adam holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications. Prior to founding SpoonDrawer® in 2005, Adam was in the cruise industry for 15 years. He spent 2 years as an entertainer on cruise ships and then was in outside sales, working for many years with Cunard and Seabourn Cruise Line. He’s visited over 60 countries and has sailed on over 200 cruises since 1991, which includes his years working on ships! SpoonDrawer® was at the forefront of the social media explosion. In 2009, Adam launched “The Travel Agent Crash Course in Online Marketing,” a series of webinars that taught agents the basics of online and social media marketing. He speaks at travel events throughout the world on the subject of “Inbound Marketing” and the importance of what makes a good website work.

Email:info@spoondrawer.com

ANNE MACINTYRE

PARTER, ON THE MAP TRAVEL

ANNE MACINTYRE

PARTER, ON THE MAP TRAVEL

Anne’s incurable wanderlust originated many generations back — with travel being her family’s main avocation. Anne and her family have sampled caviar in Russia, ridden elephants in India, snorkeled with sea lions in the Galapagos, taken tea in with a countess in France, camped in the Sahara in Morocco, climbed in the jungle canopy in Costa Rica and explored more than 80 domestic destinations. Always a curious traveler, Anne has escorted over 100 tours to all parts of the world – she claims Galapagos, India and Turkey are her favorite destinations, but she’s happy to go anywhere! Anne’s travel writing has appeared in Travel and Leisure, Travel Holiday, Town and Country, Outdoor Photographer, Signature Endless Vacation, and the Los Angeles Times. She and her husband were co-owners of General Tours (now Alexander + Roberts) before she founded On The Map Travel in 2005. Anne and her business partner, Audrey Kennedy, now provide concierge luxury travel services to a select group of clients from around the world. Anne’s own travel experiences and personal contacts give On The Map Travel clients insider access to secret places and exclusive experiences – whether they be iconic ‘must-see’ places or hidden ‘off the map’ treasures accessible to only a few lucky travelers.

Phone:314-726-0065
Email:anne@onthemaptravel.com

HELEN PROCHILO MALEY

OWNER, PROMAL VACATIONS, LLC and OWNER, THE TRAVEL AGENT WHISPERER

HELEN PROCHILO MALEY

OWNER, PROMAL VACATIONS, LLC and OWNER, THE TRAVEL AGENT WHISPERER

Travel is my passion, and designing the perfect trip for each client is my goal. With 21 years in the travel industry, I began my career planning group vacations for friends and have since specialized in groups, families, honeymoons, singles, and multi-generational travel. I am certified with most major ocean and river cruise lines, accredited by many destinations, and work with a trusted network of top suppliers to ensure exceptional value for my clients. I proudly serve as Chapter President of the ASTA Long Island Small Business Network and am a member of the ASTA Board of Directors. My areas of expertise include travel advisor mentoring and both river and ocean cruising.

Phone:516-608-0568
Email:helen@promalvacations.com

MIKE MARCHEV, CTC

AUTHOR, SPEAKER, TRAINER AND COACH - MIKEMARCHEV.COM

MIKE MARCHEV, CTC

AUTHOR, SPEAKER, TRAINER AND COACH - MIKEMARCHEV.COM

Knowledge-based, enthusiastic entertainment… that’s the Marchev style of presenting useful, “how-to” information. Mike Marchev is one of a handful of speakers skilled enough to deliver thought-provoking messages that are quickly internalized, easily remembered, and realistically implemented. He effectively captivates audiences with a quick sense of humor and a non-linear, fast-paced approach to delivering timely “wake-up-calls” to professionals at all levels. Mike is one of America’s most refreshing and down-to-earth motivational speakers who owes his success to his ability to “connect” with his audiences. He has earned the respect of audiences by simply “telling it like it is” and by avoiding superfluous fluff and meaningless hype. He makes it his policy to candidly speak with people… not to them… or at them. A sought-after convention speaker, corporate facilitator and personal business coach, Mike has been asked to share his views and feelings with audiences in 18 countries on five continents. He has been called on to re-energize employees in a variety of industries, including: telecommunications, real estate, investment banking, healthcare, import/export, automotive, manufacturers, scientific research labs, and various governmental agencies. All of Mike’s programs are designed to rekindle your group’s enthusiasm by highlighting untapped opportunities and by challenging individuals to focus on what is relevant, important, and meaningful. A University of Massachusetts graduate with a Masters Degree in Marketing, Mike has taught business courses at the university level. As a former national sales manager of a large international organization and as a self-employed entrepreneur, he knows how to prepare professionals for the joys attached to victory and agonies associated with defeat. Mike has contributed numerous articles to a number of business magazines including Inc., Sales & Marketing Excellence, Entrepreneur, and Selling Power.

Phone:848-702-1009
Email:Mike@MikeMarchev.com

JIM MARINI

SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS, RAIL BOOKER GROUP

JIM MARINI

SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS, RAIL BOOKER GROUP

As Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Jim leads all trade efforts, oversees national and international partnerships, and Key Accounts and Business Development Managers for Railbookers Group’s brands (Amtrak Vacations and Railbookers). Jim has more than 25 years of experience in the travel industry. Since joining Railbookers Group in 2013, he has held the roles of Director of Sales and Vice President. As Director of Sales, he oversaw the Inside & Outside Sales Teams, earning mentions in articles by Travel Weekly, Travel Age West, and Insider Travel Report. Prior to joining Railbookers Group, Jim served as the Key Account Manager for Celebrity Cruises (a division of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line International) from 2011-13, where he was nominated for Rookie of the Year and one of Celebrity’s Top 3 Sales People for the Eastern United States. From 2003-11, Jim served as the Western US Regional Manager for Collette Vacations, a worldwide escorted tour operator. In this role, Jim oversaw the West Coast Sales Team, achieving the most growth for his team’s region as well as more than fifteen different sales achievement awards while serving as District Sales Manager. Jim holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing with a minor in Theatre from the University of Rhode Island. He is both an avid sports fan and a drummer. Jim lives in suburban Boston with his wife and three children.

MARY MASNARI

FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING DIRECTOR - AGODA

MARY MASNARI

FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING DIRECTOR - AGODA

Mary Masnari is the Finance and Accounting Director at Agoda, part of Booking Holdings (BKNG), and a U.K. Chartered Accountant with over 25 years of experience in global travel and hospitality finance.

Her career includes senior finance leadership roles at organizations such as Hotelbeds and The Travel Corporation, as well as advisory work with travel agents, online travel agencies, destination management companies, tour operators, and hotels worldwide. Her work spans travel businesses operating across North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. She is known for helping travel businesses interpret complex financial information and translate it into clear, practical decision-making.

Mary’s expertise spans financial and management reporting, treasury and foreign exchange, tax, payment structures, and financial strategy, with a particular focus on the operational realities of travel businesses.

She is committed to improving financial literacy across the travel industry and has contributed educational content, practical guides and research aimed at helping advisors and operators build resilient, well-structured businesses and make confident financial decisions in a complex and evolving environment.

Email:marymasnari@gmail.com

EMILY MATRAS

OWNER, BONVIVANT COPY

EMILY MATRAS

OWNER, BONVIVANT COPY

Emily Matras is the owner of Bon Vivant Copy, a copywriting and content marketing studio that helps travel professionals create profitable, sustainable businesses. Through Bon Vivant Copy’s services and free resources, she shows travel pros how to write websites that convert visitors into clients, send e-newsletters that inspire consultation requests, and design email campaigns that sell their travel services — without coming off as “sales-y.” With a background in marketing, journalism, and travel, Emily brings an expert perspective on how to stand out in the travel industry today.

Email:emily@bonvivantcopy.com

MICHAEL MAZZARA

CEO - ROGUE EXPEDITIONS

MICHAEL MAZZARA

CEO - ROGUE EXPEDITIONS

In the summer of 2016, I challenged myself to run a marathon with only 30 days of training. What ended up being a lapse in judgment turned into a consuming love of all things running. After years of trying to improve marathon and half-marathon finish times, I found that while my obsession with running stayed strong, I had fallen out of love with racing.

While on a trip to Japan, I ran down the streets of Tokyo and gained an intimate appreciation for the architecture and culture. I soon found myself seeking out running tours, running trips, and running vacations.

After spending over a decade working on media and event businesses, I looked for a way into the running industry. At that point, I was fortunate enough to find Rogue Expeditions and took the reins on helping to carry on the legacy and growth of the business.

Phone:860-559-7598
Email:michael@roguexpeditions.com

MARK MCCOWAN, CTIE

SALES TEAM NORTH AMERICA - TRES TECHNOLOGIES

MARK MCCOWAN, CTIE

SALES TEAM NORTH AMERICA - TRES TECHNOLOGIES

Mark is a seasoned professional in sales, customer experience, and relationship building, with a strong focus on collaboration and continuous learning. His commitment to client engagement and innovation has defined his career in middle and upper management. Now part of the TRES Technologies Sales Team, he embraces the philosophy of "know your stuff," valuing hands-on learning to enhance expertise. With an empathetic and curious mindset, Mark is eager to bring his passion for education to The Travel Institute, inspiring and guiding future industry professionals.

Email:mark.mccowan@trestechnologies.com

MARK MCMULLEN, CTC

SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT - MEMBERSHIP & MARKETING - KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS SUPREME COUNCIL

MARK MCMULLEN, CTC

SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT - MEMBERSHIP & MARKETING - KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS SUPREME COUNCIL

Mark has over 30 years of advertising, sales and marketing experience working with major Fortune 500 companies and many companies in the travel and hospitality industry – including Royal Caribbean International and Globus, Inc. Mark is currently Senior Vice President, Membership & Marketing for the Knights of Columbus based in New Haven, CT. The Knights of Columbus is one of the largest global fraternal organizations. Prior to his position with the Knights of Columbus, Mark was President of Catapult – a division of List Partners, Inc. Mark was also Executive Vice President of List Partners, Inc. Catapult and List Partners, Inc. are organizations dedicated to helping companies accelerate their sales and new business development efforts. Mark has conducted travel industry training and education programs for over 25 years in the areas of sales development, marketing, management, leadership and presentation skills development. Mark has been a speaker/trainer at numerous national and international conferences for some of the following organizations: ASTA, The Luxury Travel Expo, Platinum Luxury Society, Travel Trade Magazine, The Travel Institute, Home Based Agent Expo, AAA, American Express, Virtuoso, vacation.com, CAA and Carlson Wagonlit Travel. Mark and his wife, Jan, are former owners of a cruise-oriented travel agency. Mark’s book, “Strategies for Selling More Successfully”, is in its second reprinting. The book is written exclusively for travel agency owners, managers and agents (i.e. brick and mortar agency and home based agents) – and offers practical tips on how to increase all aspects of leisure travel sales. Mark holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management and is an adjunct professor teaching advertising, marketing, management and sales development courses at several national universities.

Phone:203-800-4990
Email:mark.mcmullen@kofc.org

LARRY MERSEREAU, CTC

FOUNDER, PROMOPOWER, LLC

LARRY MERSEREAU, CTC

FOUNDER, PROMOPOWER, LLC

Smart business leaders, marketers and sales professionals know who to turn to for the insights and ideas they need to grow their sales and profits: Larry Mersereau, CTC. A nationally recognized business growth expert, he has authored four books on the topic and speaks to dozens of business audiences every year. Corporations hire Larry to help their agency partners sell and promote their products effectively. Associations and event promoters include Larry’s programs on their agendas to help deliver solid return on meeting investment for their attendees. His books and programs are all about sales, marketing, branding and growth leadership. From differentiation and positioning strategies to specific sales and promotional tactics, he shares content that is simple, doable…effective: You will understand. You will be able to take action without a huge investment. And you will get positive results (meaning increased sales and profits!). Whether you market and sell primarily online and through social media, in print or in person, Larry can help you stand out from the crowd of competing options and bring in more business.

Phone:515-987-6071
Email:Larry@PromoPower.com

CONNIE MILLER, CTIE

VP OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, YOUR TRAVEL CENTER/MONTECITO VILLAGE TRAVEL

CONNIE MILLER, CTIE

VP OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, YOUR TRAVEL CENTER/MONTECITO VILLAGE TRAVEL

Connie has enjoyed travel her entire life. She first started in the travel industry while her family was young, working as an agent, group coordinator and eventually manager before changing careers. Connie rounded out her travel career by taking on corporate sales and account management roles as well as vendor relations and leisure sales marketing. Connie is now working to develop independent contractors and partner agencies with Your Travel Center. Connie is respected for her overall knowledge of the industry, her passion for people and her passion for travel. Her philosophy is that travel is the perfect way to bring the peoples of the world together.

Phone:805-456-2545
Email:conniem@ytc.com

JESSE MORRIS, CTIE

FOUNDER AND OWNER - WE BOOK TRAVEL, LLC

JESSE MORRIS, CTIE

FOUNDER AND OWNER - WE BOOK TRAVEL, LLC

Jesse Morris is the founder and owner of We Book Travel LLC, a multi-million dollar travel agency renowned for its commitment to unique and personalized travel experiences. He also serves as Brand Ambassador for Travel Professional NEWS. In this role, Jesse partners closely with travel suppliers to help them grow their relationships with the advisor community via webinars and informational content. Jesse's extensive background in leadership and organizational development is one of the keys to his success. He regularly creates comprehensive training materials for numerous organizations and provides one-on-one coaching to agents and agency owners, helping them achieve growth and fulfillment in their careers. "My greatest passion is empowering small business owners in the travel community. Through this they are able to grow, learn, and find true fulfillment in their work. There's nothing more rewarding than seeing their success stories unfold."

Phone:804-665-4541
Email:Jesse.Morris@AvoyaNetwork.com

LARY NÉRON

FOUNDER - AIRFARE CONSULTANT and AIRLAB

LARY NÉRON

FOUNDER - AIRFARE CONSULTANT and AIRLAB

Lary Néron is the founder of Airfare Consultant, a boutique commercial air travel service dedicated to transforming flying from a routine hassle into a remarkable experience, under his unique vision of "Air as an Experience" (AaaE). Driven by a client-focused approach and a commitment to simplicity, Lary is on the field of play daily, supporting some of North America’s leading entrepreneurs, optimizing and elevating their air travel to private jet-like experiences on commercial flights through the invite-only flagship program - #FMATP. Also, the creator of the #AirLab, a dedicated SKOOL community for Travel Advisors, where he empowers them with tools to master the skies so that their clients will never want to fly without their guidance again. Lary calls Mexico home and spends his summers in Spain, where he fuels his passion for cycling and his quest for the perfect espresso or chocolate croissant. He firmly believes in building a business that works for you and that you’ll grow to love —one that lets you live where you love and choose clients you want to work with.

Phone:587-997-8792
Email:expert@airfareconsultant.com

PATTY NOONAN, CTC

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEFVELOPMENT - THE TRAVEL INSTITUTE

PATTY NOONAN, CTC

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEFVELOPMENT - THE TRAVEL INSTITUTE

Phone:800-542-4282 x225
Email:pnoonan@thetravelinstitute.com

GEORGE OBERLE

CREATOR, TRAVEL BLOG PROJECT

GEORGE OBERLE

CREATOR, TRAVEL BLOG PROJECT

George Oberle is a second generation travel industry veteran. He owned and operated two mid-size travel agencies over a 20 year period each with successful vacation and corporate travel departments. He was a webmaster and SEO specialist for a large regional travel agency for five years. He created the Travel Blog Project which guided 230 travel agents through a 100 day online marketing effort encompassing blogging, social media and search engine optimization for websites. He started and moderates the Travel Content Marketers group on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4757114/ George is founder of ReviewResorts.com, a travel marketing platform which welcomes Travel Agents, Bloggers and Marketers to post guest articles about travel & recreation and “Vacation Classifieds” to post trips and deals. Oberle has a bachelor’s degree in management from Saint Mary’s College of California.

Phone:408-500-2536
Email:george@reviewresorts.com

ANDY OGG, CTIE

CO-OWNER, TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL NEWS

ANDY OGG, CTIE

CO-OWNER, TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL NEWS

Andy Ogg joined the Ogg family business back in 2015. Coming from a long history of sales, marketing and advertising, Andy brought in several new opportunities, operations and ideas to assist in the growth of the family owned business. Today, Andy controls most of the business, sales, assets and planning. When not at his desk in his home office, Andy enjoys being outdoors with his family enjoying the sun. Andy Ogg lives in Arizona with his wife, Angela Ogg and three daughters, Peyton, Lyla, and Indie.

Email:andyogg@travelprofessionalnews.com

LISA OWERS, CTIE

MANAGER, CONTENT AND CONTINUITY - THE TRAVEL INSTITUTE

LISA OWERS, CTIE

MANAGER, CONTENT AND CONTINUITY - THE TRAVEL INSTITUTE

Lisa Owers, CTIE, Content Development Manager for The Travel Institute, is responsible for developing curriculum for travel professionals looking to expand their skills and knowledge. The content covers many niche and destination areas, along with a more broad-based curriculum – like the Certified Travel Associate program. She also is the editor for The Institute’s Hot Tip Tuesday newsletter. She is a graduate of Florida State University College of Law and practiced law in Texas for many years. She also was a professor, having taught legal, business and writing courses in several Florida universities. Lisa’s passion lies in educating travel advisors who desire to start – or advance – their careers in travel.

Phone:800-542-4282
Email:lowers@thetravelinstitute.com

ANITA PAGLIASSO, CTIE

VICE-PRESIDENT OF INDUSTRY RELATIONS, KHM TRAVEL

ANITA PAGLIASSO, CTIE

VICE-PRESIDENT OF INDUSTRY RELATIONS, KHM TRAVEL

Anita Pagliasso is the President and founder of the host agency, Ticket to Travel. Anita is also the Home-Based Travel Agent Forum Conference Director. In addition, she currently serves as the President of PATH (Professional Association of Travel Hosts). Anita’s passion has always been in all aspects of educating travel agents, especially in the areas of marketing. You will find all of her material relevant since it comes from her own personal journey of building a one-person home-based business to a thriving enterprise. She provides inspiration, encouragement, motivation and, most of all, shows how to keep the fun alive while selling travel. Anita is the author of “How I Made a Small Fortune as a Home-Based Travel Agent”. Her newest book is entitled “From Home-Based to POWERHOUSE! – Marketing Strategies to take your Travel Passion to Profit” and she produced the popular CD – “Anita’s Tool Box for Home-Based Agents”. Anita has produced numerous seminars based on the content of her publications and also makes regular presentations to various colleges and travel education forums, as well as at most major travel industry conferences. Anita has been a featured guest on the “Home-Base Travel Agent Radio Show”. Ms. Pagliasso produced the “30 Second Marketing Course” for Princess Cruise Line’s One Source Academy and was a keynote speaker for Celebrity Cruise Line’s “Keys to Success Series”. Anita has been a monthly columnist for over 10 years for Agent@Home Magazine. She has also had numerous articles written about her success in publications such as; Income Opportunities Magazine, Travel Weekly, Travel Agent, Travel Age West, San Jose Mercury News, Saturday Evening Post and the New York Times.

Phone:408-531-9228
Email:apagliasso@khmtravel.com

PAUL PELLETIER, LL.B. PMP CAPS

FOUNDER, PAUL PELLETIER CONSULTING

PAUL PELLETIER, LL.B. PMP CAPS

FOUNDER, PAUL PELLETIER CONSULTING

Paul is a former travel business operator, corporate attorney, former business executive, author and international professional speaker. He is an advocate, consultant and trainer in workplace respect, conflict management and diversity/inclusion. His family ran a tour business for 17 years and Paul managed the international tour segment of the business. He developed, planned, guided/hosted tours in 89 countries with hundreds of guests served.

Paul also co-founded the only safari company owned by Maasai people in East Africa. His "impossible" story of becoming an adopted elder in the Maasai tribe and establishing a safari business with his former safari guide laid the foundation of his professional speaking career. His message of "pushing past impossible" has inspired audiences all over the world - he has presented at conferences and events on five continents. His website is https://pushingpastimpossible.com

Finally, Paul is Chair of Diversity & Inclusion at the Attorney General of British Columbia, a member of the Metis First Nation of BC and a published author in the field of workplace bullying. Paul’s book, The Workplace Bullying Handbook is an inspirational call to action to ending bullying at work.

Paul's presentations focus on helping travel professionals build the relationship and leadership skills they need to thrive – from dealing with their most challenging clients to successfully handling conflicts to delivering bad news to serving people that are “different” from them. Paul passionately believes that we can all turn the “impossible” issues in life to “I’m possible” solutions. Paul’s known for delivering relatable, practical and easy to implement training that incorporates tools and strategies that make many of our “hard conversations” much easier.

Phone:604 240 6460
Email:ppelletier@telus.net

RITA PEREZ, CTA, MCC, VTA

FOUNDER, TAKE THE HELM, LLC

RITA PEREZ, CTA, MCC, VTA

FOUNDER, TAKE THE HELM, LLC

Rita is a fellow travel advisor, travel business strategist, podcast host, and autoimmune warrior. She started working in the hospitality industry in 2004, working for the Orlando theme parks, while pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management. While pursuing her Masters Degree in 2010, and simultaneously also attending a wedding in Tunisia, her travel business was born. She has earned her CTA, VTA, and MCC certifications in the travel industry, and in Spring 2021 started her podcast to support fellow travel business owners, The Strategic Travel Entrepreneur Podcast. She hosted Prep for Wave Week in Fall 2021, which brought together experts in the industry to discuss ways travel advisors needed to prepare for the upcoming wave season. Since then Rita has created frameworks and programs for travel entrepreneurs to help them identify what phase of business they are in, increase their visibility, improve their content, and most importantly take action in their travel businesses, with Travel Biz Bingo.

Email:takethehelmva@gmail.com

GARY POLLARD, CTC

PRESIDENT AND CEO, AMBASSADOR TOURS

GARY POLLARD, CTC

PRESIDENT AND CEO, AMBASSADOR TOURS

Gary M. Pollard is President of Ambassador Tours in San Francisco. Founded by his parents, Stan and Leone Pollard, in 1955, Ambassador Tours is a full-service travel agency specializing in affordable vacation travel to all parts of the world. Gary knew at an early age that he wanted to be part of the family business. So, after a couple of years of college, he joined the business and the folks made sure he started at the bottom – in the mail room – where he coordinated the mailing of cruise and tour brochures. Not long after, Gary graduated from Echols International Travel School. In the ensuing years, Gary held a wide variety of jobs of increasing responsibility, covering all aspects of the business and eventually taking over the daily operations of the business with his brother, Bruce Pollard, in 1995. Finally, in 2003, his parents officially turned the reins of the company over to him, appointing him President, with overall accountability for Sales, Marketing and Operations. Now, more than 50 years after its inception, Ambassador Tours remains a leader in the travel industry, working hard to offer the best prices, best service and the best possible vacation for every travel interest. Gary has served on advisory boards for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruise Line, Crystal Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and currently serves on the advisory boards for Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) and Club Med. Gary is also actively involved in his community, serving as Board President of the Foster City Youth Baseball Association, President of the San Mateo High School Athletic Boosters, and a Committee Member of the Foster City Park and Recreation Citizen Advisory Committee, and past President of Peninsula Temple Sholom. Gary earned his CTC in 1988 and became a life member in 1989. Gary has sailed on more than 40 ships. He resides in Foster City with his wife, Chris, and their two sons, Bryan and Marcus.

Phone:415-357-9876
Email:ambtours@ambassadortours.com

DARIA PORRECA, CTIE

PARTNER/VICE-PRESIDENT - USI TRAVEL INSURANCE SERVICES

DARIA PORRECA, CTIE

PARTNER/VICE-PRESIDENT - USI TRAVEL INSURANCE SERVICES

Daria Porreca is a trusted leader in the travel insurance space and currently serves as VP & Travel Insurance Program Leader for USI Insurance’s Travel Insurance Services division. In her role, she works closely with tour operators, travel agents, non-profit organizations, and travel planners of all sizes, helping them protect their businesses while building insurance solutions that truly meet the needs of their travelers.

With more than 20 years’ experience in the insurance industry, Daria has focused exclusively on travel insurance since 2012. She is especially passionate about education and believes that informed clients and travelers are the foundation of strong, long-lasting partnerships. Whether she’s working through coverage options or helping partners navigate complex travel scenarios, her goal is always to make insurance approachable and valuable.

Daria earned her Certified Travel Insurance Executive (CTIE) designation in 2024 and remains actively involved in the industry. She serves on the Executive Advisory Council for the Educational Travel Consortium and is a committee member of the US Travel Insurance Association (USTIA).

Outside of work, Daria is a devoted Ohio State Buckeyes fan and enjoys skiing, scuba diving, and attending live concerts whenever she can.

Phone:800-937-1387
Email:daria.porreca@usi.com

GERALDINE REE

KEYNOTE SPEAKER, BUSINESS COACH, AND BEST SELLING AUTHOR

GERALDINE REE

KEYNOTE SPEAKER, BUSINESS COACH, AND BEST SELLING AUTHOR

Geraldine Ree is an experienced SVP, entrepreneur and author of the best-selling book, Flying Colors: The Travel Advisor’s Guide to Breakthrough. Geraldine’s knowledge covers all aspects of the travel industry including over two decades as senior leader for Expedia Cruises, Princess Cruises and Travel Market Report. Her passion for helping advisors achieve their goals is unmatched! She is Godmother to the Viking Eistla and is currently enrolled in the Thought Leaders Business School in Australia.

Phone:604-649-0272
Email:geraldine@geraldineree.com

JESUS REPETTO

CO-FOUNDER AND CEO - TITANIUM TOURS

JESUS REPETTO

CO-FOUNDER AND CEO - TITANIUM TOURS

Jesus is a seasoned serial entrepreneur and entrepreneurship mentor. Over his career, he has founded and runs 3 companies: a pharmaceutical distribution company, a software company, and an award-winning luxury FIT DMC, Titanium Tours, which specializes in Spain, Portugal, and France. He is also the Chairman and CEO of a healthcare non-profit, Cancer Hope Network. Furthermore, he is also a mentor for the University of San Francisco School of Business’ MBA students. He believes in training and empowering employees to do their best. The DNA across his companies is one of great pride, commitment, individual empowerment, and individual ideas. He keeps a close eye on strategy, execution, and marketing at all times, but his focus is to lead a team of self-managed successful employees who take great pride in their jobs. He has a broad range of experience after creating and running successful companies in completely different industries. His greatest strengths are brand building, branding luxury products and services, strategic planning, marketing, advertising, leading teams and creating and casting vision. He loves mentoring new entrepreneurs and helping them navigate the many challenges to build a profitable and successful business. He has been very active in the travel industry over the past 10 years and is passionate about helping travel advisors build great, distinct, successful travel agencies.

Phone:866-977-GOTT (4688)
Email:jesus@titaniumtours.com

ANTHONY ROBERTS, JR., CTA, CCC

OWNER - ADVENTURES BY ANTHONY

ANTHONY ROBERTS, JR., CTA, CCC

OWNER - ADVENTURES BY ANTHONY

Anthony Roberts Jr. is a Daytona Beach, Florida native and dedicated travel professional who has been shaping memorable journeys since 2021. As the owner of Adventures by Anthony, he specializes in solo travel, all inclusive escapes, adults only vacations, and curated group experiences. Anthony holds an A.S./B.S. in Marketing and an M.S. in Internet Marketing, is a proud member of Nexion, ASTA, LIBA, CLIA, IATA, and the Black Utah Chamber, and carries both CTA and CCC certifications. Featured in the Travel Weekly Class of 2024 and honored with Nexion’s Everyone Is In Award, he is recognized for his leadership and commitment to advancing DEI within the travel industry.

Phone:502-701-8390
Email:anthony@advbyant.com

JOE ROLFES, MBA

INTERNATIONAL AIR SPECIALIST and MANAGER OF AIR AGENT – WORLD TRAVEL SERVICE

JOE ROLFES, MBA

INTERNATIONAL AIR SPECIALIST and MANAGER OF AIR AGENT – WORLD TRAVEL SERVICE

Joe Rolfes, MBA, is an International Air Specialist and Manager of Air Agent with more than 30 years of travel industry experience. A second-generation travel professional, Joe manages more than 50 corporate and leisure travel advisors and holds an MBA with a concentration in Business Management from Loyola University Maryland.

Recognizing the challenges advisors often face when booking complex international air, Joe spearheaded the creation of a program that provided expert itinerary planning and ticketing support to his own team of advisors. That program later expanded into Air Agent, a comprehensive international air solution serving travel advisors and agencies nationwide.

Under Joe’s leadership, Air Agent provides the expertise, technology, and ticketing support advisors need to confidently include international air in their services. Through an online booking platform or GDS queueing, advisors can access competitive air options, earn commission, retain control of the client’s complete itinerary, and deliver a seamless, full-service travel experience—without navigating the complexities of international air alone.

TAMI SANTINI

TAMISANTINI.COM

TAMI SANTINI

TAMISANTINI.COM

Tami Santini is the Founder of Paradise Getaways, an award-winning destination wedding agency. She is the creator of The 20K System & Toolkit, the premiere destination wedding business-building course, and The 20K Content Hero, a membership of done-for-you content exclusively for Romance Travel Planners. Tami has also partnered with some of the top travel associations including ASTA and DWHSA to contribute to continuing education that is needed in the destination wedding and honeymoon niche. Tami has won many awards in the wedding and travel industry, including being named the #1 Destination Wedding Agent in the USA for Playa Resorts, a Classic Vacations Star Performer, & a three-time Chairman’s Royal Club Award winner. Tami is now sharing her success secrets with others so they too can stay in overwater villas in Bora Bora, swim with sharks & stingrays, or hum the Jurassic Park theme song while flying over majestic waterfalls in Hawaii. Because, hey, why not?

Phone:866-A-20KDAY
Email:hello@tamisantini.com

HANK SCHRADER

CO-OWNER - DREAM DESTINATIONS, LLC

HANK SCHRADER

CO-OWNER - DREAM DESTINATIONS, LLC

HANK is a Western European Destination Specialist by the Travel Institute (DS) who has been traveling to Europe for 52 years. He is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC), conferred by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA). This recognized expert in cruise and leisure travel is a retired Army Officer, and taught World Geography for 8 years. He is a `71 graduate of West Point and has earned 2 master’s degrees. His other Certifications: • AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist • Viking River Cruise Specialist • Scenic River Cruise Specialist • Emerald Waterways Specialist • Avalon Waterways Specialist • Brit Agent

Phone:713-397-0188
Email:hschrader@visitdd.com

MICHELLE SHUMATE, CTC

FAIRY GODMOTHER TRAVEL

MICHELLE SHUMATE, CTC

FAIRY GODMOTHER TRAVEL

Coming Soon

Phone:423-552-1628
Email:michelles@fairygodmothertravel.com

SUZANNE SLAVITTER, CTP, CTIE

VICE-PRESIDENT AND CO-OWNER, SPORT EMPIRE, INC.

SUZANNE SLAVITTER, CTP, CTIE

VICE-PRESIDENT AND CO-OWNER, SPORT EMPIRE, INC.

Suzanne Slavitter CTP, CTIE is the Vice President and co-owner of Sports Empire, Inc., a sports and special events tour company including the Authentic California Vacations receptive division and Co-Founder and Owner of Red Hot Groups. Involved in the travel business for over 25 years, Suzanne has written articles on niche marketing for Agent at Home Magazine and has presented seminars at various travel industry events including ASTA World Congress, ARTA National Conference, The Travel Institute National Forum, Vacation.com Annual Conference and the NTA Annual Convention. Suzanne has served as chair of the ASTA Tour Operator Program Committee and has been a member of the NTA Leadership Team as chair of the Travel Agent Task Force and chair for the 2009 NTA Annual Convention in Reno, NV. Suzanne is a graduate of Northeastern University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. She earned her Certified Tour Professional (CTP) designation in 1996 and her Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE) designation in 2005. She has been honored as the SoCal ASTA Supplier of the Year in 2013 and in 2014 received the Bob Everidge Lifetime Achievement Award from NTA.

Phone:562-920-2350
Email:suzanne@sports-empire.com

ANNE SMITH, CTIE, ECC

OWNER, TRAVEL AND EVENTS EXTRAORDINARIE

ANNE SMITH, CTIE, ECC

OWNER, TRAVEL AND EVENTS EXTRAORDINARIE

As a 25-year veteran in both the travel and events fields, Anne M. Smith is the 14-year owner of Travel & Events Extraordinaire (T.E.E.) in Columbia, Maryland. Anne has built a solid professional reputation for designing romance, milestone, group and family travel and events for her clients that fits them to a T.E.E.! She is an active member of the CLIA, CCRA, DWHSA, and IATAN, and is a certified Romance Travel Specialist. Anne completed her travel education at the Bennett School of Travel in Maryland and earned additional certifications with the Travel Institute’s Certified Travel Associate, (CTA®), Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE®), and Cruise Lines International Association’s Elite Cruise Counselor (ECC), Meetings at Sea, and Accessible Cruise Travel. At Howard Community College in Columbia, Maryland, Anne is currently enrolled in the Entrepreneurship, Hospitality Management and General Studies degree programs with a late 2020 completion date. She also earned separate Event and Lodging Management certifications and she is on target to earn her certification in Entrepreneurship in early 2020. As an adjunct professor at Howard Community College, Anne has taught the three-credit course Introduction to the Cruise Ship Industry for 2018 and 2019 Spring semesters and is currently teaching the two-credit course Introduction to Travel and Tourism for the second time. She has countless destination specialist and travel industry supplier certifications. As a top travel sales specialist, she has earned awards for both the Jamaica Tourist Board as one of 2015’s top 50 travel advisors ranking #13, and Aruba Tourist Authority’s 3rd quarter 2016 top sales advisor. Anne uses this broad range of skills to mentor new and established travel professionals in her five-year role as the Baltimore, Maryland Chapter Director for the global travel association, CCRA, for which she has been an agency member since starting her travel business. Most recently, she was the recipient of the 2019 CCRA Travel Industry Leadership Award. In this chapter director capacity, Anne has been a conference panelist at Cruise World in 2017 and has participated with CCRA as a conference speaker/webinar host/panelist/director trainer for several educational and training events. Lastly, she is also a published author with many travel articles written for the travel, medical and religious industries.

Phone:443-250-2666
Email:asmith@teetravels.com

CARLA SMITH, CTA

DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP - THE TRAVEL INSTITUTE

CARLA SMITH, CTA

DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP - THE TRAVEL INSTITUTE

Coming soon.

Phone:800-542-4282 x121
Email:csmith@thetravelinstitute.com

MARIE A. SMITH, CTIE

STRATEGIC ACCOUNT MANAGER, KEY ACCOUNTS, CLASSIC VACATIONS

MARIE A. SMITH, CTIE

STRATEGIC ACCOUNT MANAGER, KEY ACCOUNTS, CLASSIC VACATIONS

With more than 25 years of experience in the travel and hospitality industry, Marie A. Smith, CTIE, is a respected travel executive, educator, and group travel specialist. She currently serves as Strategic Account Manager for Key Accounts at Classic Vacations, where she works closely with travel advisors to support business growth through strategic development, supplier partnerships, and group travel expertise.

Marie’s career spans both the advisor and supplier sides of the industry. Prior to joining Classic Vacations, she spent more than a decade with KHM Travel Group in progressive leadership roles, including National Training Director, Director of Agent Development and Engagement, and Group Department Manager. In these positions, she led nationwide education initiatives, developed training programs, and mentored thousands of Independent Travel Advisors, with a strong focus on building profitable, scalable group travel businesses.

Marie brings a unique operational perspective to her education, grounded in her background in hotel management, corporate training, event management, and group operations. Her expertise includes group travel strategy, incentive and cruise groups, weddings, client experience design, leadership development, and business growth. She is widely known for her ability to translate complex industry concepts into clear, actionable instruction that advisors can immediately apply.

An engaging public speaker and passionate educator, Marie is recognized for her practical teaching style, approachable leadership, and commitment to empowering advisors through education. Her goal is to help travel professionals build confidence, strengthen operational foundations, and deliver exceptional travel experiences through well-executed group travel programs.

Email:msmith@classicvacations.com

KIM SPECHT, CTIE

MANAGER, TRAVEL CAREER ADVANCEMENT - THE TRAVEL INSTITUTE

KIM SPECHT, CTIE

MANAGER, TRAVEL CAREER ADVANCEMENT - THE TRAVEL INSTITUTE

Kim Specht is originally from Toronto Canada and now lives in Chicago. Kim’s very long career began in the travel industry. She started her career in travel working on cruise ships for 6 years. She has worked as a tour manager for Contiki taking groups throughout Europe. She has also worked as a business development manager for various cruise lines, including Carnival Corporation, and Royal Caribbean. She also worked as a business development manager for various land travel companies including various tour operators and several hotel companies such as SuperClubs. She says of all her work experiences in travel, it was working as a tour manager for motorcoach groups ages 18-35 and selling Hedonism at Superclubs that prepared her for anything and everything in life! She believes if you can survive that… you can do anything! She worked as the national training manager for Ensemble Travel Group. She was with Ensemble in training & business development for 10 years. Prior to that Kim was with Virtuoso in business development. But Kim’s passion is learning and development, and sharing knowledge with others in our industry as well as helping those new to the travel industry learn our fun and exciting industry! Kim says for her, the best part of working in the travel industry has been working as an educator as she loves to help others learn! She is very proud to have earned both her CTA® (Certified Travel Associate) and CTIE® (Certified Travel Industry Executive) from the Travel Institute. Kim’s passions are travel and educating others! When she is not doing either of those, she enjoys spending time with her husband Bob and their two Maltese dogs!

Email:thetraveleducator@gmail.com

RACULA SPIAC

MANAGING PARTNER, BEYOND DRACULA: BESPOKE TRAVEL TO ROMANIA

RACULA SPIAC

MANAGING PARTNER, BEYOND DRACULA: BESPOKE TRAVEL TO ROMANIA

Raluca Spiac is the Managing Partner of Beyond Dracula. With more than 9 years of international experience, having worked for a luxury mega-yacht builder in Germany and for McKinsey in Sao Paulo, Brazil, holding an MBA from INSEAD, Raluca is in the perfect position to drive Beyond Dracula towards being a leader in the luxury bespoke travel industry in Europe.

Phone:+40 745 074 177
Email:raluca@beyonddracula.com

MONICA STARKS, CIEC, CTA

PRINCIPAL OF ISHOOT PHOTOGRAPHY TRAVEL, LLC

MONICA STARKS, CIEC, CTA

PRINCIPAL OF ISHOOT PHOTOGRAPHY TRAVEL, LLC

Monica Starks, CIEC is the principal of iShoot Photography Travel LLC. She has 25 years of successful entrepreneurial experience and serves on several non-profit boards.

iShoot Photography Travel LLC

iShoot Photography Travel LLC (iSPT) is a travel agency that provides exceptional travel experiences and photographic memories for our clients. iSPT specializes in creating custom travel itineraries for clients based on their preferences and budget. Our team of experienced travel consultants work closely with clients to design personalized trips that meet their specific needs and interests. Our mission is to provide top-quality travel services and to ensure that our clients have a memorable travel experience.

Monica Starks, CTA

Monica enjoys participating on several non-profit boards: Board Chair – Universal Dementia Caregivers, Board Member – American Council for Accredited Certifications, Former Treasurer – 5000 Town Center HOA, and former Audit Chair – Community Social Services of Wayne County (formerly Catholic Social Services of Wayne County.

Monica is a Florida resident who enjoys golf, travel and photography. She has one grown son, daughter-in-love and two grandchildren.

Email:monica@ishootphotographytravel.com

MARY PAT SULLIVAN, CTC

EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT OF MARKETING, NORTHSTAR TRAVEL GROUP

MARY PAT SULLIVAN, CTC

EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT OF MARKETING, NORTHSTAR TRAVEL GROUP

Mary Pat is the Executive Vice President of Marketing, managing the messaging, branding and customer partnerships for the Northstar Travel Group brands. She has 35 years of travel publishing, marketing, and industry relations experience. Mary Pat oversees strategy and direction for Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, TravelPulse, the Information Products Group, Events and Audience Marketing and collaborates with brand and marketing leaders to foster the marketing vision and strategy for the BTN Group, Burba Hotel Network, and Phocuswright, as well as corporate marketing strategy and needs. She is often a familiar voice on webinars and on stage at NTGs live events. A career that began as a beat reporter covering the growth of tourism in Mexico in 1988, Mary Pat has had an active role in travel industry media for the last three decades. Mary Pat spent 15 years in various reporting, editorial management and publishing roles within CMP and Miller Freeman. Mary Pat has operated her own consulting business since 2004. Prior to the launch of her business, she was Vice President, Marketing Communications for The Travel Institute www.thetravelinstitute.com. Through her private consulting practice, she spent the next nearly two decades helping clients, including Northstar, deepen their industry relationships and innovate their brands within the travel industry b-to-b space. Mary Pat earned her CTC in 1996 as part of The Travel Institute’s first Executive Institute. She has held board positions with The Travel Institute, the U.S. Travel Association, the Academy of Travel and Tourism, Luxury Travel Expo, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and the Special Needs Group. She has a BA in Communications from St. John’s University and is married to her college sweetheart and has two beautiful children, Dylan and Colleen, and her first grandchild, Stella!

Email:MSullivan@ntmllc.com

JOHN W. SUTHERLAND

SR. DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY IMPACT - TOURISM CARES

JOHN W. SUTHERLAND

SR. DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY IMPACT - TOURISM CARES

John Sutherland brings a dynamic approach to the travel and tourism industry, combining over a decade of experience in corporate social responsibility (CSR), community engagement, and sustainable travel. Currently serving as the Sr. Director of Community Impact at Tourism Cares, John oversees impactful programs, including in-person and digital events, professional sustainability training, the Meaningful Travel Map, and grant initiatives that support nonprofits and community organizations. Before joining Tourism Cares, John led the development of a holistic CSR program at Collette, one of the world’s largest tour operators, where he managed a $750,000 annual philanthropy budget, championed environmental initiatives, and built cross-functional partnerships to drive positive change. With a foundation in customer service, product operations, tour guiding, and even academia, John brings a versatile perspective to his work. An advocate for the intersection of business and purpose, John believes the travel industry can serve as a force for good, creating meaningful connections while preserving the environment and enriching communities. When he’s not working, John enjoys walking his dog, Argos, learning to play bass guitar, and exploring the possibilities of AI.

Email:John.Sutherland@tourismcares.org

BOB SWEENEY

PRESIDENT AND CEO, INNOVATIVE TRAVEL ACQUISITIONS, INC.

BOB SWEENEY

PRESIDENT AND CEO, INNOVATIVE TRAVEL ACQUISITIONS, INC.

Bob Sweeney was born and raised in Long Island, NY. He played college basketball at Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia, and at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island where he studied Marketing. Bob grew up working at the New York City based commodities exchange during his summer years in high school and college. In 1981, he started his career for Wall Street firms Oppenheimer & Shearson, Lehman, Hutton. In 1991, Innovative Travel Acquisitions was founded. Bob has presented his views at dozens of industry events as a keynote speaker. Bob has a wonderful 10 year old son, Sean, and the family Portuguese Water Dog. Bob has one of the largest “Pistol” Pete Maravich photo collections on the planet. He also enjoys hiking, body surfing, kayaking, reading, playing zydeco, and Blues music.

Phone:800-619-0185
Email:bob@tvlacq.com

MARK TORPEY, CTC

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR EMERITUS

DR. MONIQUE Y. WELLS

FOUNDER - ENTRÉE TO BLACK PARIS

DR. MONIQUE Y. WELLS

FOUNDER - ENTRÉE TO BLACK PARIS

Dr. Monique Y. Wells is a native of Houston, Texas who has lived in Paris, France for over 30 years. She and her husband, Tom Reeves, founded their travel business—which was originally called Discover Paris!—in 1999. In 2018, they narrowed their focus and rebranded as Entrée to Black Paris (ETBP) tours because of the consistently increasing demand for tours and activities that feature the history, culture, and contemporary life of African Americans and the larger African diaspora in Paris.

Writer of the multi-award-winning Entrée to Black Paris blog, Dr. Wells created fourteen of ETBP’s 15 Black Paris walking tours. She was named an Outstanding Woman in Travel Research by Women in Travel and Tourism International in 2017 and 2020. She is the U.S. Delegate for the Académie de l’Art Culinaire du Monde Créole (Academy of Culinary Art for the Creole World). And she is the creator of Paris - An Afro-centric Perspective, the only continuing education course for travel professionals that features African diaspora Paris.

DR. AMANDA WHITE, CTA, VTA

FOUNDER & CEO, ADW CATALYST STRATEGIES, LLC and AMANDA WHITE VACATIONS, LLC

DR. AMANDA WHITE, CTA, VTA

FOUNDER & CEO, ADW CATALYST STRATEGIES, LLC and AMANDA WHITE VACATIONS, LLC

Dr. White is a skilled leader and consultant with nearly two decades of experience in mental health. She specializes in trauma-informed practices, workplace wellness, and organizational resilience, with a deep focus on preventing burnout and creating supportive, thriving teams.

As the founder of ADW Catalyst Strategies, Dr. White provides tailored consulting, leadership development, and training to organizations working to address workplace trauma, compassion fatigue, and unhealthy company culture. Her approach is rooted in practical, evidence-based strategies that help organizations build sustainable, psychologically safe environments.

Dr. White is passionate about addressing workplace trauma, a critical but often overlooked issue. She uses a hands-on leadership style, combined with her extensive experience and forward-thinking approach. She is dedicated to helping organizations create transformative, long-term change by fostering resilience and well-being at every level.

She is also the founder of Amanda White Vacations, a boutique travel agency, and a graduate of the CTA program through The Travel Institute and the VTA program through ASTA. This firsthand knowledge of the travel industry has extended her burnout prevention work into a field in which she is familiar, where those crafting unforgettable travel experiences for others often need that same support themselves.

Phone:740-238-1336
Email:amanda@adwcatalyststrategies.com

DEBBIE WILSON, CTA

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR EMERITUS

CHUN T. WRIGHT

FOUNDER, THE LAW OFFICE OF CHUN T. WRIGHT, PLCC

CHUN T. WRIGHT

FOUNDER, THE LAW OFFICE OF CHUN T. WRIGHT, PLCC

Chun Wright is the owner of Law Office of Chun T. Wright, which is based in Washington, DC. Chun’s passion is serving the legal needs of travel companies to help them build, grow, sustain and protect their businesses. She combines her extensive legal experience and industry insight to create tailor-made legal solutions for her clients. Chun advises her clients on a variety of legal issues, including contracts, risk management, international business, dispute resolution, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, and litigation. She represents companies of all sizes, from start-up to large corporations, and in all stages of the business life cycle. Chun is also an advisory board member of the Adventure Travel Trade Association and a board member of the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund. Chun’s legal experience includes a vice president position at the trade association that represents U.S. videogame publishers, private practice litigation positions at major law firms in the San Francisco Bay Area, federal prosecution as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Columbia, and a judicial clerkship for the Honorable Emilio M. Garza of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. She received her J.D. from the University of California Berkeley School of Law and her B.B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin. A lifelong traveler, Chunnie lived in Italy for three years and has explored over 50 countries in Asia, Europe, Latin America and Africa. Some of her most exciting adventures include the Everest Base Camp trek and climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, camel riding at India’s Sam sand dunes, rock climbing in Thailand, close encounters with wildlife in South Africa, scuba diving in Fiji, and learning how to surf in Barbados.

Phone:202-559-4300
Email:info@ctwrightlaw.com

TIMOTHY M.T. YORK, CTIE, CTA

TRAVEL & EXPENSE IMPLEMENTATION SPECIALIST / TRAVEL ADVISOR

TIMOTHY M.T. YORK, CTIE, CTA

TRAVEL & EXPENSE IMPLEMENTATION SPECIALIST / TRAVEL ADVISOR

Successful project manager, business analyst, and mentor; Tim has developed himself and his career through various paths and opportunities in the hospitality, business travel, and software industries. His goals are to continue connecting people and places around the world and sharing the impacts of influence, resiliency, and empathy. His passions include customer relationships and engagement, enhancing understanding and innovation, creative coordination, and topics related to Southern Europe and dogs.

Email:tyork623@gmail.com

KRISTIN ZAPF, CTIE

BUSINESS TRAVEL MANAGER - AAA EAST CENTRAL

KRISTIN ZAPF, CTIE

BUSINESS TRAVEL MANAGER - AAA EAST CENTRAL

As Travel Business Manager for Pennsylvania at AAA East Central, I work with travel advisors and managers to turn industry insights into practical strategies that grow business, strengthen teams, and elevate client experiences. I enjoy sharing real-world examples and actionable tips that advisors and managers can put to work immediately.

Through PEP, I’m excited to connect with advisors, spark new ideas, and provide tools that help them achieve their goals and take their business to the next level.

Phone:412-909-8563
Email:zapf.kristin@ace.aaa.com

DANA ZIFICSAK, CTIE

FOUNDER, GUTS, GRIT, GOALS- CERTIFIED BUSINESS COACH

DANA ZIFICSAK, CTIE

FOUNDER, GUTS, GRIT, GOALS- CERTIFIED BUSINESS COACH

Dana has spent her professional career as both a teacher and as a travel consultant. She has her master’s and bachelor’s degrees in education. Professionally spending 10 years in the classroom and 8 years and counting as a travel consultant. She has developed travel agent education programming for new agents. In 2020, she felt called to pivot her career realizing there is so much skills training available to travel agents but very little mindset training. Experts say only 20% of success is based on skills or knowledge. The other 80% is mindset. Dana decided to form a program that focuses on developing the skills needed to get things done. She earned the credentials for business coaching and founded Guts, Grit, Goals: no-nonsense business coaching. You will not ever hear her telling you to make S.M.A.R.T. goals. Her approach centers around narrowing down the actions needed to achieve your goals. Then, teaching resilience skills for when things go wrong and get hard. This is where her no-nonsense strategy challenges you to stand back up when you fall down, over and over, and over again. Guts, Grit, Goals, LLC offers one-on-one and group coaching programs. She is also available for virtual speaking engagements and in-person trainings once it is safe to do so.

Phone:610-275-4701
Email:dana.zificsak@gmail.com