19 Dec 2022
New York City – The TravMedia Summit North America 2023, presented on January 25, 2023, in partnership with the Society of American Travel Writers and Visit California, is set to surpass media and industry attendance records, with a stellar line-up of media personalities and industry thought leaders announced.
Joining Keynote Speaker Richard Quest, CNN's foremost international correspondent and anchor. The Summit presenters will delve into key topics such as sustainability, crisis management, and the fast-changing media landscape.
The day will kick off with Mike Paul, The Reputation Doctor®. With 30 years of experience as a top global, strategic public relations, reputation, and crisis management specialist, Mike helps build, maintain and repair the leading reputations and brands of global and national corporations, governments, NGOs, as well as famous people and public leaders in both good times and bad. He is listed among the world's top crisis PR experts by PRWeek Magazine, called "the Master of Disaster" by Business Week, "Mr. Fixit" by Sports Illustrated, and was named one of the Top 100 Thought Leaders in Trustworthy Business Behavior in the U.S. by Trust Across America™ two years in a row.
The Destination Marketing Organization 'DMO' Panel will deliver tourism industry insights and best-in-class marketing campaign examples. Brent Hill, CEO of Tourism Fiji, Camila Clark, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Visit Lauderdale and Chris Allison, Regional General Manager of North America for Tourism Australia, will discuss consumer rebound post-pandemic- what they are forecasting and steps they are taking to compete for the tourism dollar.
The Broadcast Media: Cracking the Code Panel will look at earned media coverage and how to get your organization broadcast to millions of people. Expert television presenters will discuss how to work with them and what it takes to catch their eyes and receive earned coverage. Panelists include Ernest White II, Founder and CEO of Presidio Pictures; James Wilkinson, TV Host, Anchor and Editor-in-Chief of Wayfarer Travel and Lifestyle TV show; Jennifer Weatherhead Harrington, On-Air Travel Expert and Host; and Peter Greenberg, Travel Editor, CBS News
After lunch, Ryan Becker, Vice President of Communications for Visit California, will lead a panel on Sustainability. Industry experts will use their experiences and sustainability case studies to discuss this important global topic. Panelists include Claudia Vecchio, CEO of Sonoma Country Tourism; Eusi Skeete, Director of USA Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc; and Rob Holmes, Founder & Chief Strategist of GLP Films.
Always an audience favorite, The Slam with Travel Editors Panel returns with panelists Aaron Saunders, Senior Editor, News and Features for Cruise Critic; Amanda Finnegan, Editor of By The Way for The Washington Post; Caroline Trefler, Commissioning Editor for Lonely Planet; and Nikki Vargas, Senior Editor for Fodor's Travel.
The final panel of the day on Indigenous Tourism, moderated by Paige Shepherd, Director of Tourism for Chickasaw Country will convene AIANTA CEO Sherry L. Rupert and Ryan Rogers, Communications Specialist, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada.
"We are beyond happy that the continued partnership between TravMedia and the Society of American Travel Writers Editors Council has resulted in outstanding professional development and networking opportunities at the IMM Summit. We look forward to this day every year and recognize it as one of the premier events in the travel industry,” Melissa McGibbon, Editors Council Chair.
Presenting partner, Visit California, will round out the day with networking drinks for all delegates.
The TravMedia Summit is the forum for the travel industry to connect and learn from our most influential leaders. The one-day conference brings together travel and tourism PR Professionals, editors, and travel writers to inspire ideas, share insights, and discuss the trends, opportunities, and challenges affecting our industry. Presented the day before IMM, The TravMedia Summit attracts A-list media from North America's top publications, including CNN Travel, BBC Travel, and Travel + Leisure.
To learn more about The TravMedia Summit, and speakers, and to register, visit travmedia.com/immnorthamerica
Media Contacts for The TravMedia Summit:
Nick Wayland
CEO and Founder
+ 1 (347) 884 2237
Dominika Dryjski
Chief Operating Officer
dominika.dryjski@travmedia.com
Lauren Michôd
Chief Communications Officer
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About TravMedia
TravMedia is the travel industry's only global media network. Founded in 1999 by Nick Wayland, a former travel editor seeking an easier way to research and report travel news, TravMedia is the one-stop solution trusted by travel PR Professionals and media to network and share press releases, stories, and ideas. The platform has created thriving online communities and become an essential daily tool for collaborating and developing long-lasting relationships like never before. For more information, visit travmedia.com.
About IMM
TravMedia's IMM is the leading travel industry event for travel brands and destinations to connect with the media. In its 11th year in 2023, IMM hosts over 2500 media and international travel brands annually in six countries worldwide. Upcoming International Media Marketplace events include IMM North America on January 25-26, 2023; IMM Germany in Berlin on March 6; IMM UK in London on March 13 and 14; IMM France in Paris on March 15; and IMM Asia October 23-24
About The SATW
Founded in 1955, SATW has more than 1,000 members. Our members are content creators that contribute to some of the most influential print, digital and broadcast platforms. Our members are also travel and hospitality brands and the public relations agencies that represent them. SATW is the premier networking organization bringing all of those professions together. Since all applicants must agree to the organization's Code of Ethics policies SATW is able to maintain the highest level of professional excellence among its members.
