The TravMedia Summit

Nick is the Lead Economist at the Mastercard Economics Institute. He delivers in-depth economic research and thought leadership for businesses, policymakers, and Mastercard executives. His insights have been presented to major airlines, retailers, and restaurants, as well as federal and state legislators and financial institutions, contributing to informed decision-making at the highest levels of business and government. Prior to joining Mastercard, Nick was the Director of North American Economic Research at Indeed and held research roles at prominent Washington, D.C.–based think tanks.

Sheridan partners with industry leaders to deliver innovative solutions that enhance customer experience, reduce friction, and unlock new revenue opportunities. Her career spans leadership roles at Mastercard in the U.S., Europe, and Asia Pacific, as well as managing the Americas for a startup consultancy. She began her career in the retail industry, laying the foundation that informs her customer-first approach today.

Angela has over 25 years of experience in marketing and communications, creating unique partnerships and campaigns for some of the most compelling brands in the travel and lifestyle industries, including Kimpton, Four Seasons, Tourism Australia, and the Bermuda Tourism Authority. She launched The Brouhaha Collective earlier this year, a boutique agency focusing on the intersection of culture, influence, and creativity for the travel industry.

Prior to founding Brouhaha, Angela served as the Chief Strategy Officer at award-winning public relations and social media agency TURNER, working as a senior-level advisor to notable global brands and luxury resorts. Angela's travel industry roots also include leading communications for boutique luxury hotel brand RockResorts; DMO-depth with Visit Denver; and she began her career at Vail Resorts.

A St. Louis, MO native with extensive time based in Denver and New York, Angela travels with a keen eye toward adventure, culinary, and cultural exploration.

Alicia is a writer from Long Island. She is the author of No Meat Required: The Cultural History and Culinary Future of Plant-Based Eating and the forthcoming On Eating: The Making and Unmaking of My Appetites. Her newsletter, From the Desk, covers food, culture, politics, and media, and she is launching Tomato Tomato, a literary journal of food writing, in 2026.

American Weekender is a food-focused travel publication with a weekly newsletter and travel guides. Chicago-based, Amy is also the dining editor at Chicago magazine. She specializes in cocktails, food, wine, and travel in Chicago, the Midwest, and beyond. Her writing has recently appeared in Punch, Food & Wine, Chicago, and Condé Nast Traveler. Amy has held editor roles at Plate and Time Out Chicago and has contributed to a number of books, including several Fodor’s guides. Her work has been nominated for numerous awards, including by the International Association of Culinary Professionals and the City and Regional Magazine Association. She is a regular guest on WGN radio in Chicago.

Amy is a judge for the annual Spirited Awards for Tales of the Cocktail, the largest industry spirits event, among other industry awards. She was a fellow at the Wine Writers Symposium in Napa Valley in 2019 and has earned the Certified Sherry Wine Specialist certification. Originally from Holyoke, Massachusetts, Amy has a B.A. in English and American history from Mount Holyoke College and an M.A. in English literature from the University of Maryland. She enjoys reading, cooking, walking along Lake Michigan, and British detective shows.

Born and raised in Little Rock, AR, Rachel earned her bachelor’s in Art History and Communications from Stanford University. She got her start in marketing with Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group before founding her own company, bread & Butter, a communications collective focused exclusively on the hospitality industry. She most recently launched Late Checkout, a digital platform that focuses on the intersection of food, drink and travel within the zeitgeist. With the growth of platforms like Substack and the crowded marketplace of news sources, Rachel saw that readers were using newsletters to create and curate the news they want to see. Late Checkout serves as a feel-good community where readers get stress-free content that reminds them there are still good times to be had.

Kim manages and executes all media-related aspects of IMM North America and grows the media side of TravMedia. She probably knows or has worked directly with more travel writers than anyone else on the planet, and draws on those media connections to ensure TravMedia attracts the best media to the platform.

Kim is the Founder of SlowDownSeeMore.com, offering day-long itineraries to New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, California, and Hawai'i. These slow travel ideas help travelers get to the soul of a place using AI - "Authentic Intelligence."

After 24 years, Kim continues to author "Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket: An Explorer's Guide" (the #1 print guide to the region, now in its 12th edition). She has worn many hats over the years: Founder of BinduTrips.com, a platform for 150 colleagues; Chief Content Officer at Sutro Media, the world's largest mobile platform for indie travel writers; Travel Acquisitions Editor at The Countryman Press, acquiring and shepherding 150 titles through to completion; Author of almost 50 guidebooks for most major print publishers; and Stock and studio photographer based in Boston; currently represented by Getty Images. Kim divides her time between Northern New Mexico and Southern California.

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.

Joyce Kiehl is the Director of Communications for Visit Greater Palm Springs, supporting public relations efforts across domestic and international markets. She works across all nine cities and key initiatives for the California Deserts to strengthen regional storytelling and media visibility. Joyce leads communications for Greater Palm Springs Film Oasis, promotes the region as a film-friendly destination, and contributes to economic development messaging, crisis-readiness planning, and organization-wide initiatives focused on sustainability, diversity, and workforce development. She highlights the destination’s strengths in wellness, outdoor adventure, culture, and its evolving culinary landscape, and is committed to mentoring emerging professionals through industry programs and partnerships.

Darley is a creator, author, and explorer known for multiple Emmy Award-winning PBS series and her iHeart podcast. She’s blended world-record feats with bold, quirky adventures—from leaping off the world’s highest commercial bungee in Macao to biking WWI battlefields in France and riding horses across the globe—chasing stories that reveal the spirit of place and people. As the host and producer of Travels with Darley, Equitrekking, and Look Up with Darley, she merges travel, history, and narrative to uncover hidden gems across the U.S. and around the world. Her series and podcast air on PBS, Amazon Prime, iHeart, and internationally in 85+ nations. Having filmed in over 30 countries and 26 states, she inspires audiences to explore with purpose. In 2026, she releases her 12th “Revolutionary Road Trip” episode of Travels with Darley and a book that combines history and travel with lesser-known stories from the American Revolution.

Kelsey has spent her career doing sales, marketing, and communications in the travel and hospitality industry. She has worked at Road Scholar, the not-for-profit world leader in educational travel for older adults, since 2016 as a writer, social media manager, and PR professional. An active traveler herself, Kelsey caught the travel bug when studying abroad in Ireland. She holds a BA and MFA in creative writing and lives in Providence with her husband and two children.

Kevin leads global media outreach and oversees public relations campaigns promoting Memphis as a world-class travel destination rooted in music, culture, and cuisine. He was previously Director of Public Relations for Elvis Presley Enterprises and Graceland, managing domestic and international PR initiatives spanning travel, music, film, and television productions, and consumer products licensing. A Memphis native, Kevin is an avid traveler and photographer and a Memphis Business Journal Business of PRIDE: Outstanding Voices honoree.

Lauren is a seasoned content creator, speaker, podcaster, published writer and photographer, and on-air travel expert, show host, and a founding member of the Black Travel Alliance. Outdoorsy Diva launched in 2013 and amplifies Black voices in adventure travel and outdoor recreation. Lauren’s expertise has landed her on the Top 20 Black Travel Blogs, Top 30 Black Travel Influencers, and Top 20 Outdoor Influencers. She has partnered with over 100 brands and been featured by NatGeo, ABC News, Travel Noire, and Adventure.com. She is also a USA Today Readers’ Choice Top 10 Adventure Travel Expert and a monthly contributor on CBS’s Great Day Live Tampa Bay.

Dan is a global travel industry executive, entrepreneur, and founder/host of the Travel Trends Podcast - the world’s #1 B2B travel podcast with listeners in over 125 countries. A seasoned leader, he previously served as Chief Digital Officer at The Travel Corporation, overseeing global digital transformation and marketing across 40 brands. Dan has also held senior roles at Lonely Planet and G Adventures, bringing deep expertise across travel, media, and loyalty. He created the annual Travel Trends AI Summit, uniting 1,500+ professionals at the intersection of AI and travel. Dan partners with leading industry organizations, speaks at major global events, and advises start-ups and established travel brands on innovation and growth.

Camille is a seasoned hospitality leader with 18 years of experience shaping distinctive global brands.Recently appointed Chief Marketing Officer for Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery and Emblems Collection, she drives the strategic vision for these iconic luxury brands, strengthening their relevance, desirability and guest experience across markets worldwide.

Her passion for hospitality started at a young age; she was born into a family of hoteliers. This inspired her to pursue a career in hospitality igniting her passion for building connections and a strong understanding the importance of the guest experience.

Camille’s tenure at Accor began in 2017 as the Global Director of Pullman hotels, playing a fundamental role in the brand’s repositioning, resulting in a significant uplift in global brand awareness. Key initiatives included developing the new Pullman Power Fitness concept and reinforcing a refreshed brand identity which successfully positioned Pullman as one of the most powerful premium brands within Accor’s portfolio.

During her time at Accor, Camille has launched two new brands, Emblems Collection and The Purist Retreat & Spa – a holistic modern and sustainable wellness concept. Camille has played a fundamental role in bringing Emblems Collection to life, shaping the brand vision from its early stages over the past four years. From brand concept development and values to defining the brand markers, identity and core pillars, she has guided the brand’s evolution, helping establish its unique presence. Emblems Collection currently has eight hotels signed across the Americas, Asia, and Europe, and the brand is on track to encompass up to 60 remarkable addresses worldwide over the next decade. The portfolio will grow steadily with intention, aiming to curate a collection of unique, design-rich properties that reflect the soul of their surroundings.

Prior to working at Accor, Camille gained invaluable experience as the Food and Beverage Group Manager for McDonald’s’ in Paris for over 10 years, leading the design and orchestration of McDonald’s’ France F&B strategy.

Josefin’s specialty is to create communications that engage customers and drive sales for both businesses and consumers. Josefin holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and has more than twenty years of experience in marketing, public relations, communications, and project management within the travel and tourism industry. Travelling regularly to the US but based in Stockholm, she has a track record of successfully engaging US news, travel, and lifestyle journalists to promote Sweden as the sustainable tourist destination that it is.

Kathleen is an effervescent native New Yorker. Her energy is infectious. She is passionate about Conscious Connected Breathwork therapy and knows firsthand the energy, healing, peace, and joy it brings to one’s life. As a certified Breathwork Coach, she has worked with many masters. For more than 10 years, Kathleen has used her breath coaching and intuitive skills to support individuals in clearly identifying areas in need of growth, healing, and focused goal creation. Her instinctive sense of what will motivate and empower her clients is the impetus for their transformation.

Sharael is a Laguna Beach-based internationally published travel writer and author with more than 20 years of experience. She writes about adventure, wellness, and luxury travel. Her work has appeared in outlets such as Travel + Leisure, National Geographic Travel, U.S. News & World Report, Lonely Planet, and USA Today 10Best. She is also the host of the "Sharael Travels" radio show and podcast. Sharael is a mentor and vice chair of SATW's Freelance Council, an OC Press Club board member, an Adventure Travel Trade Association media delegate, and a Transformational Travel Council media herald. In her spare time, she loves trail running and skiing.

Doug has been in and around media for 30 years, both inside and outside. He spent 14 years as a Wall Street analyst covering media, then 12 years at Time Warner, including roles running Investor Relations, SVP International and Corporate Strategy, and Chief Strategy Officer of Turner. Today, he is the author of The Mediator (a widely read publication about the structural changes underway in media), an independent advisor, consultant, speaker, and senior advisor for Boston Consulting Group. He is also writing Infinite Content: AI, the Next Great Disruption of Media, and How to Navigate What’s Coming, due to be published by The MIT Press in 2026.

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.

Johanna was most recently news editor at Travel Weekly, overseeing news coverage and writing about travel policy. She previously served as destinations editor and has reported extensively on travel technology, retail, and the cruise industry. Her work has appeared in USA Today, BBC News America, Condé Nast Traveler, and The New York Times, where she was honored with the Chairman’s Award.

Kat started in the test kitchen at SAVEUR in 2015 and worked her way up, eventually acquiring the brand in 2023 to relaunch it as an independent, print-first publication. She has spent nearly two decades working across media and professional kitchens—as a writer, editor, recipe developer, pastry chef, and cheesemonger in NYC, Boston, and Chicago. She is the co-author of Eat Better, Sleep Better (Simon & Schuster, 2025) and a 2024 recipient of the IACP Trailblazer Award.

At SAVEUR, Kat focuses on publishing deeply reported food and travel stories, rigorously tested recipes, and collaborative projects that celebrate culture, craft, and a sense of place. She believes in the power of print and the rituals that bring people to the table.

Katherine is a writer and National Magazine Award-nominated editor who oversees Afar’s award-winning print magazine. Her work has been recognized in the Best American Food Writing, the Best American Science & Nature Writing, and the Best American Essays. The SATW named her the 2021 Travel Journalist of the Year.

Katherine grew up in Germany, Indonesia, and Japan, and has lived and worked in Greece, Haiti, and the UK. She is a graduate of Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism, where she focused on magazine writing and editing. Previously, she has held staff roles at Vanity Fair and Condé Nast Traveler and freelanced for publications including the New York Times, New York Magazine, Bon Appétit, Outside, and Vogue.

Nikki is the Global Travel Czar for Bloomberg LP, the largest media company in the world. In that role, she oversees strategic coverage of the travel industry across 65 global bureaus and a dozen verticals, with a special focus on the company’s luxury lifestyle vertical, Bloomberg Pursuits, as well as the Weekend Edition and Bloomberg Businessweek. The stories she writes and edits are consumed around the world and appear cross-platform: in print, online, on television, through global syndication, on streaming video, and on the Bloomberg Terminal. Under her tenure, travel has become one of Bloomberg's most popular verticals, driving the company's highest engagement levels; in terms of both page views and time spent, Bloomberg's travel coverage engagement exceeds that of stocks, cryptocurrency, and even economics. Prior to Bloomberg, Nikki spent the bulk of her career at Travel + Leisure. She now lives in the greater New York City area with her husband and two young children.

Birgitt “Biggi” leads PR strategy and brand storytelling at Sonoma County. With more than 20 years in the tourism industry, she is known for building strong media relationships, creating impactful initiatives and events, and positioning Sonoma County as the most inclusive and sustainable wine region. Her work highlights the destination’s LGBTQ+ support, diverse offerings beyond wine, including hiking, food, and the arts, and its welcoming, down-to-earth culture. Biggi’s experience spans PR for California and Australia, as well as marketing roles in the Caribbean. A German native, she brings a global perspective shaped by extensive travel.

Alexandra is a culture reporter and content creator, employing the best medium to tell the best story - for print, digital, and social - through writing, photography, and videography. She creates content for The New York Times, Elite Traveler, Luxury Magazine, Travel + Leisure, Afar, Robb Report, Men's Journal, and Cool Hunting.

Previously, Alexandra led the film team at Variety as a senior film and business reporter, covering the studios, including Sony, Warner Bros., Universal, and DreamWorks Animation, as well as industry trends, co-financing deals, executive changes, and the economics of the studios' film slates. She joined Variety from The Wall Street Journal, where she helped launch the Journal's culture coverage, spending more than four years as a reporter for Speakeasy as well as a weekly columnist for Marketplace and the Greater New York sections. During her tenure at WSJ, she was nominated for a Webby Award and helped launch the newspaper's coverage of New York Fashion Week. Earlier in her career at WSJ, she wrote for Mansion, became a regular contributor to House of the Day, created a weekly My First Job column for Speakeasy, and shot, edited, and produced the “Walk About” series with Lee Hawkins.

Since 2016, Jeremy has overseen a diverse group of opinionated and well-journeyed editors and writers at Fodor's who collectively produce a wide range of daily travel coverage. His work heralds travel trends via Fodor’s annual Go List and No List, as well as the Fodor’s Finest Hotel Awards. While at the helm, Fodors.com won its first Webby Award, the People’s Voice for Best Travel Site in 2019, and the Society of American Travel Writer's Lowell Thomas Award for Best Editorial Website in 2022.

Martinique is an award-winning diversity travel consultant, President of the Black Travel Alliance, and named one of the ''Most Influential People in Travel’' by Travel + Leisure and Travel Pulse. She is the host of National Geographic's ''Black Travel Across America'' and creator of The ABC Travel Greenbook and App, the number one resource connecting Black Travelers to destinations and the African Diaspora Globally.