A digital native, Abigail oversees digital and newsletter strategy. With nearly 10 years of experience in SEO and audience development, she has adapted her approach as audience needs have evolved. She is passionate about building a quality audience through strategy, ensuring users return to the brand. In her newsletter strategy, she has developed CNT’s templates and established a consistent tone of voice that puts personalities front and centre. Prior to joining CNT, Abigail worked at the Evening Standard. She holds a degree in broadcast journalism.

As CEO of WGSN, the world’s leading trend forecasting company, Carla leads a global team of specialists delivering insights, data analysis and consultancy services that predict the future for the world’s most successful brands. She has expanded WGSN's offering into new industries and sectors, including hospitality, luxury and travel. In addition to advising business leaders, Carla appears regularly on TV and radio, delivers keynotes at events including SXSW, Cannes Lions and Web Summit, and hosts the podcast Lives of Tomorrow.

Claire leads the award-winning travel team at The Times and The Sunday Times. She has been a broadsheet travel editor for more than 10 years, during which she has won awards for inspiring and advising audiences via cross-platform, digital-first quality journalism and guiding them through the pandemic and beyond. Claire frequently appears on TV and radio, including Good Morning Britain, Sky News Breakfast, BBC, ITV, Times Radio and LBC, and at events. Previously, she was editor-in-chief of mainstream women’s lifestyle brands, including She, Company, Elle Girl and Sugar, and editor-at-large of Grazia. She lives with her husband, teenagers and an ever-growing cast of four-legged friends on a smallholding in Hertfordshire.

Edward oversees the strategic direction and leadership of the group and its global portfolio of luxury hospitality brands. Before joining LQA as chief financial officer, he spent 15 years at MHA, the UK member firm of Baker Tilly International, where he became one of four global leaders of the corporate finance team and led the EMEA division. His experience managing organisations operating in over 20 countries provides him with a comprehensive understanding of the financial, operational and strategic aspects of international business. This global perspective continues to guide his leadership of LQA and its expanding network of luxury hospitality brands.

Francesca trained for a career in law and worked in change management before an unexpected opportunity brought her to the world's leading private aviation group. She joined VistaJet as a proposals manager and was appointed head of proposals and contracts in 2013, a promotion that kick-started her rise through the company. She led the integration of JetEdge and XOJET after their acquisitions and conducted high-level negotiations with C-suite executives at some of the world's most successful businesses. Over 13 years, she has built a reputation for results, a customer-centric approach and collaboration. Today, she shapes Vista Global’s commercial direction and drives its performance on the world stage.

Luxury Marketing House (LMH) is an award-winning, full-service luxury marketing agency connecting premium brands with high-net-worth audiences. Jemma founded LMH in London over 10 years ago and has built a portfolio spanning yachting and aviation, luxury property and wellness. She has worked with brands including Oceanco, Jumeirah, Dorchester Collection and Six Senses. With over two decades of experience in luxury marketing, Jemma is a passionate industry specialist, thought leader and broadcast professional with a deep understanding of the luxury sector. Jemma and the LMH team lead PR and Marketing for Ulyssia Residences, the 323-metre residential superyacht redefining ultra-luxury life at sea, and its wellness partner Chenot, which operates Ulyssia's onboard spa and longevity programmes.

Jenni is a strategic communications leader with over 20 years of experience shaping the reputations of global luxury travel, hospitality and lifestyle brands. Leading the PR & Brand Communications team at luxury hotel representation agency Mason Rose, she brings deep industry expertise, a global network of media and industry contacts, and a passion for creating culturally relevant stories and thoughtful connections.

Kate leads marketing strategy for A&K in the UK, including the recent collaboration between A&K and Crystal that brought the two brands' itineraries together for the first time, blending immersive land experiences with exceptional cruising. She led Cox & Kings' Australian launch and global rebrand. Kate joined A&K after 13 years with Belmond, where she was divisional director of marketing for trains & cruises, shaping brand strategy for the luxury trains collection during its acquisition by LVMH, including the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and the group's French river cruises. Kate has worked with some of the most iconic names in luxury travel, developing a deep understanding of what drives desire in high-end travel.

Kerry is an award-winning journalist, editor and content strategist with more than 25 years’ experience across travel, luxury and publishing. Formerly editor-in-chief of British Airways High Life, she is also travel editor-at-large at Country & Town House. Kerry is editorial consultant to the AI visibility consultancy Make Lemonade and was editorial consultant on Invisible or Influential? Volume Two, research examining how AI platforms are changing the influence and discoverability of leading travel and luxury publications. She has spoken at international industry events, including The New York Times Luxury Conference.

Country & Town House is the world's first B Corp glossy. Lucy believes in the power of words, beauty and storytelling to help us navigate these current times. Keeping to the magazine's mantra of 'a life in balance', she tries to carefully balance the urgent need to stop over-consuming by highlighting the products, people and places that are doing things brilliantly, while infusing the pages with joy, fun and inspiration too. Lucy wants C&TH to be a place from which readers come away feeling better and feeling thoughtful – and ready for action.

Nick founded TravMedia in 1999 after 10 years as the travel editor of Courier Newspapers in 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. 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 Byline to Boarding Gate earlier this year.

Paul is a British journalist and editor with nearly 30 years of experience covering style and travel. He has edited magazines on both sides of the Atlantic. Based in London, Paul is editor-in-chief of Elite Traveler, a leading luxury lifestyle publication for UHNWIs. Previously, he was global editor-in-chief of Robb Report in New York. Paul lives outside London with his wife, son and energetic puppy.

Rita curates bespoke superyacht charters and itineraries worldwide, bringing precision, care and discretion to every stage. She has a strong instinct for matching the right yacht to the right client, ensuring each charter is tailored to their exact preferences. With 12 years of experience and over 250 charters completed, Rita has a unique perspective on how affluent travellers are changing their sea experiences. A yacht charter can be more than a holiday; it can be an expedition, a private retreat or a new way of seeing the world. Before joining Fraser, Rita was head of charter at Princess Motor Yacht Sales. She holds a bachelor’s degree in law and an Executive MBA.

Sarah leads the strategy and editorial direction of Condé Nast Traveller’s digital content. With 15 years’ experience in digital publishing, she has worked across some of the UK’s leading lifestyle and consumer titles, including GoodtoKnow and Hitched. Since joining CNT in 2021, Sarah has overseen everything from travel trends and destination guides to reported features, always with a focus on smart, engaging storytelling. She regularly appears on panels and podcasts and contributes commentary to outlets including Sky News, The Independent, BBC and Stylist, talking about trends and the changing digital landscape.

BOAT International is the world’s leading media, events and market intelligence company serving the superyacht industry. Stewart oversees the company’s strategic direction, commercial development and continued growth across its print, digital and events portfolio. Working closely with clients, partners and industry leaders around the world, he is focused on strengthening BOAT International’s position at the heart of the global superyacht community and developing new opportunities for its audiences and commercial partners.

With over 15 years’ experience in luxury travel PR, Tilly works with some of the world's top hotels. A qualified AI professional, she leads Mason Rose’s AI strategy, advising hoteliers and luxury travel brands on adapting their communications and marketing for an AI-first world. She focuses on how AI is transforming travel discovery, search and brand storytelling, and what this means for how consumers find, trust and choose where to travel next. She is particularly interested in the commercial opportunities AI presents and guides clients on how to navigate this Fourth Industrial Revolution and remain visible, relevant and influential as AI reshapes the consumer journey.

Tom leads the development of itineraries and destination experiences across Scenic’s Discovery Yachts and Emerald Cruises’ luxury yacht fleet. He has a deep understanding of how luxury guests want to travel, what they expect from their time on board, and how they want to be looked after. From remote expedition destinations to the Mediterranean’s most iconic ports, Tom focuses on ensuring that the luxury, discovery and personalisation experienced on board continue seamlessly ashore. He creates distinctive journeys, combining renowned destinations with lesser-known places, meaningful access and deeper engagement. His career spans shipboard operations, port leadership and senior cruise roles, giving him a broad perspective on how luxury travel at sea continues to evolve.

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.

Jenni Holman is a strategic communications leader with more than 20 years' experience helping to shape the reputation of global luxury travel, hospitality and lifestyle brands. Leading the PR & Brand Communications team at luxury hotel representation agency Mason Rose, she brings deep industry expertise, a global network of media and industry contacts, and a passion for creating culturally relevant stories and thoughtful connections.

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.