Over more than three decades at American Express, Audrey has built a reputation as an innovative leader, driving growth through customer-focused products and services, digital innovation and talent development. She currently leads the company's multi-channel consumer travel agency — one of the largest in the world.

As President she’s responsible for delivering premium travel and lifestyle services to Card Members through a global network of more than 6,000 travel advisors, digital travel booking experiences, travel benefits and programs, more than 1,550 airport lounges, supplier partnerships and marketing to premium Card Members.

Audrey serves on the Executive Committee of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and chairs American Express' New York Women's Interest Network. An Honors graduate of Trinity College Dublin, she also completed the Governing for Nonprofit Excellence program at Harvard Business School.

Christopher leads the business behind Priority Pass, helping deliver Collinson’s vision of enabling leading payment networks, issuers and travel companies to drive customer engagement and value through a world-class travel ecosystem.

With a customer-first approach, Christopher is committed to keeping innovation at the heart of the business, championing solutions that help clients address evolving customer needs and maintain competitive advantage.

Before joining Collinson, Christopher spent 17 years at Coty International, where he held senior marketing and management roles across Europe, Russia, Africa, the Middle East and North America. He worked with globally recognised brands including Calvin Klein, Davidoff, Adidas and Rimmel, building extensive international leadership and commercial expertise. Christopher is also a Board Member of The Collinson Group.

Erin co-founded and launched the Canadian edition of the internationally recognized brand — Canada's premium food, wine and culinary travel magazine — and leads its editorial vision across print, digital, social, events and podcasting. With more than 20 years serving as editor of award-winning national lifestyle magazines, Erin specializes in food, wine and luxury travel, telling stories that celebrate exceptional restaurants, hotels, chefs, wineries and culinary destinations. Her work explores the people, places and experiences shaping culinary culture in Canada and around the world.

One of Washington's most respected association leaders, Freeman has spent nearly three decades shaping policy debates and advancing industry priorities on issues critical to American competitiveness and economic growth.

As the champion of the $3 trillion travel industry supporting 15 million jobs, Freeman leads efforts to strengthen America's competitiveness, modernize the nation's travel system and advance policies that improve the experience of travelers while supporting economic growth and job creation.

Freeman works closely with Congress, the White House and federal agencies to address issues ranging from aviation and border infrastructure to traveler mobility, workforce development and major event readiness. He also guides the association's engagement with industry leaders across the travel ecosystem, including airlines, hotels, destinations, attractions, airports and transportation providers.

Prior to rejoining U.S. Travel, Freeman served as president and CEO of both the Consumer Brands Association and the American Gaming Association, where he built a reputation for modernizing organizations, expanding influence and delivering major policy victories. At AGA, he led one of the industry’s most significant wins: the overturning of the federal ban on sports betting, while tripling membership and doubling revenue.

While serving as COO of U.S. Travel, he spearheaded the successful campaign to pass the bipartisan Travel Promotion Act, creating what is now Brand USA — the nation’s destination marketing organization responsible for promoting the United States to international travelers and strengthening America’s global competitiveness for inbound travel.

Following the September 11 attacks, Freeman led a landmark effort to improve security while reducing friction in the travel experience, convening a blue-ribbon panel chaired by former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge. The panel’s recommendations directly informed the creation of TSA PreCheck, one of the most significant traveler experience improvements in modern aviation.

Julie is an Australian-born, New York-based media strategist specializing in luxury travel and lifestyle—with more than 25 years as a journalist and editor, including with the Financial Times in New York, and as a contributor to The New York Times and other leading publications.

Today, Julie advises a portfolio of leading destination and hotel clients in Australia and New Zealand, including Tasmania; Luxury Lodges of Australia and qualia on the Great Barrier Reef; The Calile Hotel, named to The World’s 50 Best Hotels for three consecutive years; ROKI Collection Queenstown, home to New Zealand’s first and only two-MICHELIN-star restaurant; and Flockhill Lodge, a TIME World’s Greatest Place 2026, and Michelin-rated Castell Son Claret in Mallorca.

Julie brings an insider's perspective on the evolving ultra-luxury traveler: what resonates with them, what influences them and ultimately, where they choose to travel next.

GHA is the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands, with more than 55 brands and 1,000 hotels across 100 countries (including Capella, Anantara, The Leela, Kempinski, Viceroy). GHA helps independent brands compete through collective scale while maintaining their individuality, largely through its award-winning loyalty program, GHA DISCOVERY, with 36 million members worldwide.

Part of GHA’s original team, Kristi helped build the business and global marketing function from the ground up. Today, she drives GHA’s growth agenda, differentiation and product development, strategic partnerships and communications.

Previously with Neiman Marcus Group, Kristi has more than two decades of experience in consumer strategy, loyalty, marketing, luxury and hospitality. She holds a BS from Cornell University and an Executive MBA from NEOMA Business School.

Leona leads the company's North American business and growth strategy across the world's largest and most competitive business aviation markets. Since joining VistaJet in 2016 to lead its Asia-Pacific business, she has played a pivotal role in the company's global expansion, helping scale its international footprint before assuming leadership of its U.S. business.

Prior to VistaJet, Qi spent more than a decade in capital markets and business aviation finance on Wall Street, holding senior roles at Global Jet Capital, Guggenheim Partners and BNP Paribas. She holds a Master's degree in Financial Engineering from Princeton University.

A frequent speaker on leadership, entrepreneurship, and the future of luxury, Qi serves as an advisor to startups and luxury brands, helping organizations navigate growth, innovation, and global strategy. She divides her time between London and New York with her family.

Luigi is a luxury travel expert, Editor in Chief, and storyteller with a discerning eye for the places, hotels, restaurants, and experiences that define modern luxury. With a passion for travel rooted in curiosity, culture, and impeccable taste, Luigi explores the world through a highly personal lens—seeking out exceptional properties, authentic experiences, and the details that make a destination unforgettable.

From iconic European hotels and hidden Alpine retreats to extraordinary culinary destinations, Luigi brings an editorial perspective to luxury travel, blending firsthand experience with a deep appreciation for hospitality, design, history, and lifestyle.

Luisa has more than 25 years of experience in international business development, destination marketing, sports tourism and strategic partnerships.

Mendoza made history as the first tourism executive hired by an NBA team to create and lead a Sports Tourism Development Department at the Brooklyn Nets, pioneering a model that redefined the intersection of professional sports, tourism, destination marketing and economic development.

These experiences inspired the creation of GTSE, which serves as the Official Sports & Tourism Ambassador for the U.S. Travel Association and IPW.

Mendoza is passionate about positioning sports as a catalyst for tourism, economic growth and global connection. Her work focuses on maximizing the legacy of major sporting events while helping emerging and secondary destinations compete on the world stage through strategic partnerships and international market development. Luisa continues to build bridges between sports, tourism and economic development, creating opportunities that strengthen communities, inspire collaboration and connect the world.

Maïté has over 23 years of experience in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry, representing domestic and international tourism destinations, luxury hotels, airlines, cruise lines, restaurants and related hospitality products and services.

Many people claim they’ve “traveled the world,” but for Maïté it is most certainly true, growing up as the daughter of a United Nations diplomat. As part of the Global Travel practice at FINN Partners, Maite brings with her strong relationships across the media, hospitality and tourism sectors, with experience in integrated destination promotion strategies and brand development across sectors outside of tourism.

Mark, British-born and New York-based, has lived out of a suitcase for most of his life. He is also a columnist for Bloomberg Luxury and the creator and co-host of Bloomberg’s Travel Genius podcast. And he is an ongoing contributor to Wall Street Journal and New York Times and the author of Bargain Fever: How to Shop in a Discounted World.

A frequent television host and contributor, Mark is a regular guest on NBC’s TODAY show as a travel expert guiding viewers to the best travel and flight deals available to destinations around the world.

Mark leads more than 1,000 health and wellness professionals at the legendary wellness company’s resorts, health clubs and spas.

Under Mark’s stewardship, Canyon Ranch is building its first-ever, ground up state-of-the-art “ranch” outside of Austin, Texas. The nearly 600-acre campus, which features a resort and residential community with cutting-edge technologies, will open in October 2026.

With Mark as CEO, Canyon Ranch properties were recognized by the internationally acclaimed Michelin Travel Guide as among the most exceptional in hospitality. Canyon Ranch Tucson is one of only 16 U.S. properties to receive Three Keys in the 2024 and 2025 Michelin Guide. It was also named the #1 wellness resort in the Americas by Michelin. Canyon Ranch Lenox received Two Michelin Keys, making it the top wellness destination in New England.

The Emmy-nominated Somebody Feed Phil, one of Netflix’s most popular food and travel shows, combines Phil Rosenthal’s love of food and travel with his unique brand of humor. It has become must-see TV for foodies, restaurateurs, travelers, and armchair enthusiasts around the world, with its eight seasons released in 190 countries. Season 9 will premiere on YouTube in early 2027 on his channel (@PhilRosenthalWorld), continuing Phil’s remarkable track record of finding and building audiences wherever they are.

Phil Rosenthal is an award-winning creator, writer, producer and host. He is a two-time Critics Choice Real TV Award winner, including the 2022 award for Best Travel/Adventure Show for Somebody Feed Phil and the 2021 Male Star of the Year award. He also won the 2016 James Beard Award for Best Television Program, On Location for his first food and travel series, I’ll Have What Phil’s Having. Somebody Feed Phil was subsequently nominated for a 2022 James Beard Award for Visual Media—Long Form and a 2024 Critics Choice Real TV Award.

In 1995, Rosenthal created the hit CBS comedy Everybody Loves Raymond, which went on to win 16 Emmy Awards and became one of the most celebrated sitcoms in television history. Rosenthal created and served as the showrunner and executive producer throughout its nine-season run. He is a two-time New York Times bestselling author and made his Broadway debut in 2026 in Celebrity Autobiography.

Australian-born, New York-based writer, historian, and editor, Tony started as a foreign correspondent in South America, reporting on terrorism in Peru, drug running in Colombia, and several military rebellions in Argentina.

From his current home in the East Village, he has commuted to Iceland, Tierra del Fuego, Beijing, Tasmania, and Zanzibar, contributing to international publications including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Conde Nast Traveler, and Travel + Leisure. Tony has authored six books, which have been translated into a dozen languages and widely anthologized. And he has edited dozen Insight Guides, all the ones from South America, plus Australian and Iceland.

He has been selected seven times for the Best American Travel Writing series and is a regular guest on the History Channel, speaking about everything from the Crusades to the birth of disco.

Amy is a luxury hospitality marketing leader with over 20 years of experience shaping globally recognized brands, including Ritz-Carlton Residences, Four Seasons Residences, Denihan Hospitality, José Andrés Group, Major Food Group, and CORE: Club. She has led 50+ brand launches across luxury hotels, private clubs, and Michelin-starred restaurants in markets like New York, Miami, London, Dubai, and Seoul.

Currently, as the Marketing, Communications & Strategic Partnerships lead at CORE: Club, she is redefining modern membership through culture, innovation, and elevated brand experiences. Amy is known for creating high-impact strategies that resonate with discerning, high-net-worth audiences.

Ann Marie is a globally recognized strategist in luxury brand, product, and destination development, with a career spanning fashion, hospitality, and high-profile retail. Known for bridging visionary creativity with meticulous execution, she has shaped flagship projects, brand identities, and guest experiences for some of the world’s most prestigious names.

Ann Marie was pivotal at Value Retail, developing and opening 12 luxury shopping villages across Europe, the USA, and China. For over two decades, she has brought her expertise to global boards and advisory roles, including Global Brands, Hartmarx, Mint Farm Studios, Pure Circle, and Eco-Age.

Anne, currently the Editorial Director for Shermans Travel Media — running ShermansTravel and the new Smart Luxury — is an award-winning travel and food editor. She sets and carries out the vision for publications, champions innovative and inspiring storytelling, and manages editorial teams in premium content outlets. Previous editing posts include BBC Travel, BBC World’s Table, Afar, and Smarter Travel Media when it was owned by Trip Advisor.

Ashlea is a longtime contributing editor at Condé Nast Traveler and a special project editor for TIME's World's Greatest Places list and Oprah. Her byline turns up everywhere: in Afar, New York Magazine, Buy Side from WSJ, T: The New York Times Style Magazine, Bon Appétit, Chase Travel, Artful Living, and more.

Cari traveled the world initially as her parents’ excess baggage and later as an insatiable explorer. After becoming a lawyer, Cari worked 15 years for Butterfield & Robinson. In 2009, Cari founded Gray & Co. to craft the most upscale private active journeys for the world’s most discerning travelers, many of whom travel via private jet.

The company produces discreetly guided trips around the globe for select friends, families, corporate retreats, multi-gen groups, and more. Media nods include a win of Travel & Leisure’s “World’s Best Tour Operator” and, for 2025, she’s once again a Conde Nast Traveler Expert and a Robb Report Travel Master.

Chris is an executive vice president at MMGY Global, the world’s leading integrated marketing firm specializing in the hospitality, travel & entertainment industries. He is responsible for the company’s research and insights division, including its syndicated Regional Portrait™ Series, DK Shifflet PERFORMANCE™ data products, and its custom solutions team. He oversees the organization’s substantial commitment to research and insights as the foundation for strategic planning to guide its global portfolio of clients.

A graduate of Princeton University, Chris received a bachelor’s degree in history. He also earned an MBA from Vanderbilt University with an emphasis in service marketing.

Frank grew up in Malibu chasing waves and adventure, a passion that led him around the world—from film sets in Los Angeles to lodges in Spain, South Africa, and Tanzania. After managing a luxury safari lodge, he became International Sales & Marketing Director for one of East Africa’s top climbing outfitters—organizing high altitude climbing and trekking, pioneering mountain biking safaris, and building deep ties with local communities.

At Adventure International, he helped expand operations beyond Africa into The Himalayas and The Andes, curating luxury adventure travel across the globe. For over a decade, he's designed and led programs for some of the top brands in the luxury adventure travel industry. Most recently, he's focused on expanding into Privately Guided National Park experiences that bring the same level of exclusivity, immersive adventure, and attention to detail to America’s most iconic landscapes. This next chapter blends world-class adventure design with the accessibility of domestic travel, creating unique, high-touch experiences in North America.

Greg is a seasoned leader in the luxury and lifestyle hospitality sector, with over 16 years at WorldHotels™. He was instrumental in launching WorldHotels™ Crafted, a collection of design-forward lifestyle hotels, and has driven significant brand growth. Under his leadership, WorldHotels™ earned multiple HSMAI Adrian and Golden Bell Awards.

Previously, Greg served as Global VP at Molton Brown UK and held executive roles in top luxury hospitality firms and hotel groups. He holds MBAs from Syracuse University and the London School of Economics, and completed leadership programs at Cambridge, UK, the Center of Creative Leadership, U.S., and in Japan.

James, a veteran travel journalist, is Editor in Chief and Founder of Insider Travel Report, an online newsletter for 125,000 U.S. travel advisors and other travel industry professionals. Insider Travel Report publishes travel news articles and posts video interviews five days a week, 52 weeks a year.

Shillinglaw previously served as editor at large for Travel Market Report, a daily online newsletter for travel agents and the travel industry. He also was editorial director and editor in chief for Travalliancemedia, which produced two monthly travel industry trade magazines, Agent@Home and Vacation Agent, and a daily newsletter and news website, TravelPulse.com.

Shillinglaw is a double recipient of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) Travel Journalist of the Year award, in 2003 and 2014. The award recognizes a journalist who has contributed to the promotion of the travel agency community and is a supporter of ASTA.

Kate is responsible for the strategic direction, management, and oversight of the destination's marketing efforts. She joined the LVCVA in May 2020 and helped navigate reopening the destination after the unprecedented COVID-19 shutdown.

She helped transform the positioning of Las Vegas into the Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World through strategically leveraging major marquee events like Super Bowl 58 and Formula 1 as marketing platforms for the destination. In recognition of her innovative leadership and impact, Kate was named one of Forbes' 2025 Entrepreneurial CMO 50.

Kristin brings more than two decades of experience in global tourism, destination marketing, and strategic partnerships. Her career reflects deep expertise across the travel ecosystem, including roles at Korean Air, Crystal Cruises, Signature Travel Network, and MeringCarson. This broad foundation has given her a 360-degree perspective and the ability to positively influence passenger growth and visitor spend.

Kristin served as Director of Marketing and then Managing Director of Tahiti Tourisme North America for over eleven years.  She continues to lead the Tahiti account while overseeing trade representation for additional international destinations.

Laura brings 20 years of experience as an editorial leader, digital strategist, and award-winning storyteller. Previously, she was Afar's digital content director, nominated for a Webby and a National Magazine Award; deputy digital director of Condé Nast Traveler; and executive editor of the short-but-sweetly-lived Further magazine.

She’s an avid traveler (36+ countries) with special interest in Scotland, Ireland, Australasia, and the Middle East, as well as adventure, wellness, arts & culture, and family travel. Passionate about mentoring journalists and finding that next great story, Laura is based in New York with her husband and daughters.

Maya works across print and digital. She leads hotels coverage for the brand, including "First In" hotel reviews, in-book hotel spotlights, and T+L's annual It List of the 100 best new hotels of the year. She's been full-time at T+L for four years and was previously a freelance editor at Departures and GOOD Magazine.

Whether you’re seeking a luxury travel and lifestyle PR agency or need the ultimate guide to over 100 countries, look no further than Melanie Brandman. As Founder and CEO of The Brandman Agency, she’s as well-connected as she is worldly, and is known to be one of the most credible travel experts in the business.

Melanie rose through the corporate hotel and media ranks, working as Vice President of Corporate Affairs for InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, for Vogue Australia, and for herself, as the founder of The Brandman Agency and several successful travel start-ups, including Travel Curator.

Recipient of HSMAI’s “Lifetime Achievement Award” and spotlighted as one of the “50 Most Important Women in Travel” by WONDERLUST, Melanie’s global reputation is soundly rooted in leadership, style, support, and in her endless energy and eternal optimism.

Michael oversees some of the world’s most extraordinary luxury lodges across Australia, New Zealand, Chile, and Canada. He brings a guest-first mindset to shaping the future of ultra-luxury, experiential travel. Michael’s mission is to lead with purpose, crafting deeply personal journeys that reconnect travellers to land, people, and legacy.

With a career spanning Four Seasons and Disney, he is known for building hospitality experiences that are both imaginative and grounded in cultural and environmental stewardship. Michael drives a movement that fuses ultra-luxury travel with regenerative impact—transforming luxury from consumption into connection.

Travel media pioneer Michaela is the creator, director, executive producer, and writer behind the award-winning series: OH THE PEOPLE YOU MEET with Michaela Guzy, SLEEPING AROUND SAFELY, and LIVING LIKE A LOCAL, seen on Qatar Airways in-flight, Modern Luxury's M/LUX Network, KTLA+, and People's Planet. 

Michaela is an OG digital nomad who has been "houseless, not homeless" while she has traveled to over 120 countries to film her shows that focus on PEOPLE, PLACES + PURPOSES. She is a vocal advocate for sustainable living, regenerative travel, ending homelessness, breaking the poverty cycle through education, and empowering NextGen filmmakers.

Nick founded TravMedia in 1999 after ten years as travel editor of Courier Newspapers, Australia. His knowledge and contributions to the travel industry are extensive. Nick is a proud supporter of the SATW, an active member of the ASTW, and annually supports both the British Guild of Travel Writers Awards and the ASTW Awards. He created IMM 15 years ago, The Summit 10 years ago, and IMM LUX last year, with IMM LUX UK launching in 2026. TravMedia also powers the online event marketplaces for U.S. Travel Association’s IPW. Nick is thrilled to add Podcast Host to his titles with the launch of TravMedia’s Bylline to Boarding Gate earlier this year.

Stephanie brings nearly three decades of global brand and communications leadership. She has held executive roles with top hospitality companies and served as Chief Marketing Officer and Deputy Director for the Arizona Office of Tourism.

Her career spans London, New York, Honolulu, Phoenix, and beyond, with award-winning achievements including two Emmy nominations for her work at NBC Nightly News. Widely recognized for her strategic vision, she has shaped the reputation of some of the world’s most respected travel and lifestyle brands.

Tom's career path has included leadership roles in advertising, media production, and entertainment. His versatile background spans traditional advertising agencies to highly innovative media ventures. His work has been awarded numerous Cannes Lions, Clios, Tellys, and many other awards.

Currently, Tom serves as both the Chairman of Irish Boy Ventures, a media and entertainment holding company, and as the Co-Founder and Head of Creative/Production for Modern Luxury’s M/LUX Network. His creative leadership for M/LUX primarily involves the creation and production of original luxury lifestyle programming focused on Travel, Fashion, Beauty, Design, Culinary, and The Arts. Modern Luxury brand clients encompass all luxury segments, including Hospitality, Fashion, Travel, Real Estate, and Home and Design. They include Rolex, LVMH, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, AccorHotels, Belmont, Four Seasons, Omega, and many others. M/LUX distribution partnerships are currently with Apple TV, Roku, Samsung TV Plus, and Amazon Fire.

After 30 years in the industry, Wendy has built a career crafting luxury travel for the music world’s biggest names. She quickly rose through the ranks at Universal Music Group Travel, becoming an Ultra Talent VIP Agent and managing travel for platinum artists and executives across powerhouse labels including Island Def Jam, Universal Motown, and Interscope Geffen A&M.

In 2014, she launched Travel Princess Inc., expanding into corporate, production, luxury leisure, and artist tours. Renowned for her precision, discretion, and white-glove service, Wendy’s award-winning excellence has made her a trusted partner to global talent, managers, and executives.