Caroline Beteta serves as the president and CEO of the California Travel and Tourism Commission (CTTC), a non-profit commodity marketing board which promotes California as a premier travel destination. She is responsible for implementing CTTC’s $50-plus million global marketing program and serves as the lead spokesperson for California’s $95 billion travel industry.

Barnett is the Co-Owner & Vice President of Sales for Pan Pacific Journeys, Inc. She has 33 years of Asia travel experience including seven years as a Tour Director. Barnett has made more than 70 trips to China and more than 30 trips to South East Asia and Japan.

Basso joined the Sandals and Beaches Resorts family in 2011, and works closely with their travel agency accounts sharing her travel passion and experience while growing business. Previously she worked at Montrose Travel as Supervisor of the Romance Division, specializing in destination weddings, honeymoons and romantic getaways.

Bennett is Senior Vice President, Global Sales, at Travelsavers, a leading travel planning company where she has spent more than 14 years. She is responsible for overseeing all global sales and service teams, strengthening agency relationships and insuring that all American Marketing Group agencies understand and utilize the group’s ever-expanding portfolio of products and services to increase their profits.

Billep is currently the Executive Director of Pacific Asia Travel Association, Southern California chapter and President of Universal Travel System. He has extensive experience and has been active in the industry since the ’60s. Billep is one of the founding members of the Asia Travel Association in 1985. Served as the Los Angeles chapter SKAL President from 2001-2002.

Bishop is an award-winning Director for Marketing and Public Relations for North America of Air China Limited, the world’s largest airline by market capitalization and China’s exclusive national flag carrier. In 2009, Bishop was named one of the “Ten Most Extraordinary Minds In Marketing” by HSMAI. Her marketing and publicity campaigns while she was the Publicity and Promotions Manager for the USA of the Hong Kong Tourism Board had also earned her the Magellan Award (Silver) for best advertizing and marketing campaign by a destination and two Telly Awards. Bishop heads her own marketing and public relations company, Bishop International Group, which counts among its clients the China National Tourist Office, AARP Travel Partner Marketing, Samsonite, Your Travel Insider, etc.

Brody heads up destination marketing outreach efforts for TripAdvisor. He joined the company in 2005, bringing with him over fifteen years experience working with DMOs in the broadcast and internet arenas, and over twenty years experience in media as a whole. Brody developed the DMO program for TripAdvisor, and before solely focusing on international DMOs, grew their US domestic DMO team from one to six people. He currently works with hundreds of organizations from all over the world, ranging from small towns to whole countries. He specializes in helping his clients navigate the social media terrain and effectively utilize both TripAdvisor and other social and user-generated content sites to market themselves. He holds a bachelors degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

Spencer Brown is editor in chief of Cruise Critic — the leading source of cruise information on the Web — overseeing U.S. and U.K. editorial operations. A former staff writer with the Washington Post, Spencer Brown has followed the cruise industry for the past 15 years and has taken more than 150 cruises, sailing with all of the worlds top cruise lines and many lesser-known lines, as well. Regularly quoted by media — including CNN, the New York Times and the Associated Press — as an expert on all aspects of cruising, Spencer Brown has been named one of the 25 Most Influential Women in Travel by
ForbesLife Magazine.

Clever started his career in the travel industry back in 1968 when he was hired by Globus Tour and Gateway Holidays as Tour Director. In 1972 he started his airline career as a Sales Representative at Cathay Pacific Airways in Chicago, after his promotion to District Sales Manager assignments followed in Detroit and New York City. In 1994 he was hired as General Sales Manager for China Southern Airlines in Los Angeles, where he stayed until his retirement. He is currently the Director of Sales Development North America from Air China. Clever is also active in Skal International Los Angeles as well as being Chairman of the Southern California Chapter
of PATA.

Coleman is President of Jason Coleman, Inc., a cruise oriented agency in Los Angeles. He holds a number of volunteer leadership positions in the travel industry, including President of SoCalASTA, ASTA’s Southern California chapter; Vice President of California’s Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation; and he is on the Board of Directors for the American Society of Travel Agents and the California Coalition of Travel Organizations. Coleman was named one of the “Top 25 Agents of 2010” by Travel Agent Magazine; the 2010 ASTA Young Professional of the Year; and received the 2011 “Industry Activist” Trendsetter Award from TravelAge West magazine for notable achievements in support of travel agents.

Collins, co-founder of Sutro Media, loves to build software and participate in the most dirty, surprising, hilarious and lovable social network anywhere — Planet Earth! Combining more than a decade of software development experience and a Master’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Collins hopes to make the world we share a little more compelling for everyone.

Corey is a 33-year travel industry veteran and currently the Commercial Development Manager with Airworld Alliance. Airworld Alliance represents, as General Sales Agent for passenger sales, 12 Africa-based international airlines. He has also served on the board of APTA (Association For The Promotion of Tourism to Africa) for more than 20 years and is currently the Los Angeles Chapter President.

Crain is the Regional Sales Manager for Celebrity Cruises. With more than 30 years of experience in the travel industry, she began her career in airlines before moving over to the agency side. As the former owner and manager her own travel agency, Crain has had a lifelong love for outdoor activities and is an avid runner.

D’Amico, co-founder of Global Basecamps, has held sales, operations and management positions in the hospitality and retail sales industries for almost two decades. His company, located in Encinitas, Calif., is a specialty travel company that helps independent travelers research and book locally owned boutique hotels, off-the-beaten path lodges and multi-day excursions all over the world. D’Amico also demonstrates his passion for international community outreach by sitting on the board of Kids
for Peace.

Nathan DePetris is owner and COO of Pride Travel, a full-service leisure agency that specializes in catering to the needs of gay and lesbian clientele. He chairs southern California ASTA’s Young Professional Society (YPS) committee, sits on the national YPS committee, has sailed on over four dozen cruises and traveled to almost 40 countries. DePetris holds several industry certifications, most notably by CLIA, the Travel Institute and various destination visitors’ bureaus in the Americas, Asia, Africa and Europe. In 2010, he was awarded the Wave Trendsetter Award for Travel Agent Sales Superstar, one of the highest awards for individual agents in our industry. For more information about PRIDE Travel visit www.pride.travel.

Elder is founder of Travelseker4u, a full-service travel agency located in Murrietta, CA. With travel being her passion, she has traveled extensively and has served on the boards of many industry organizations, including President of the Orange County/Inland Empire Caribbean Tourism Organization. She holds numerous Destination Specialist certificates. Elder was recently featured in “Luxury Travel Advisor” magazine as part of a Maui Luxury Roundtable.

Fee is CEO and co-founder of Cruise Planners/American Express, ranked as the No. 1 franchise opportunity in the cruise/travel category according to Entrepreneur magazine. Under her guidance, the company provides its network of travel advisors marketing programs across all media, as well as social media and mobile technologies, to build relationships and sell travel. Fee is a Certified Travel Counselor and serves on the boards of many travel companies, including Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Celebrity Cruises, to name a few.

Figueroa is the West Coast and Midwest Regional Sales Manager for the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. Based in Los Angeles, she is responsible for marketing and promoting Puerto Rico for the travel trade to the U.S. With more than 18 years of experience in the Puerto Rico tourism and hotel industry, she started her career in the hospitality field working for major hotels, including Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Radisson Normandie hotels.

Herbert, who has been deeply involved in African tourism all his business life, grew up in South Africa, guided tours and safaris throughout southern Africa. Herbert developed, built and managed game lodges in remote areas of Botswana, Mozambique and South Africa, established his first US-based tour business in 1976 and now is founder and CEO of his latest venture: Great Safaris, the luxury tour operator to southern and east Africa, Egypt and Jordan.

Hodges is Director, National Accounts for Royal Caribbean International, and is based in Doral, Florida. She is responsible for strategic sales and marketing efforts for the cruise lines largest and most important partners. Previously, she has worked in a number of different areas during her 10-year career with the Royal Caribbean, including hotel operations, shipboard housekeeping, finance, administration and human resources.

Jiffo is the Vice President of Business Development at Ensemble Travel Group, a nationwide network of more than 400 expert travel agencies. Previously, he enjoyed a 20-year career on the cruise side of the industry, including Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises. Jeffo began his career in travel in 1980 in the hotel industry, where he worked at several of the industry’s top hotel brands. He earned a college degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management and holds a Master Cruise Counselor (MCC) designation.

Henry Kartagener has spent the past 35 years promoting Africa. After a 12 year career with SAA, he formed KAI in 1995, a marketing representation company that was initially focused exclusively on the promotion of travel to Africa. KAI represents hotels and lodges throughout southern, east and west Africa. The companies focus is to assist operators and agents in the promotion of travel to Africa.

Marc Kassouf is owner and CEO of Pride Travel. He has sat on two board committees of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association, has traveled to nearly four dozen countries and has sailed on more than 60 cruises. For three years, Kassouf has been the recipient of one of the travel industry’s most prestigious awards, the WAVE TrendSetter. Much like the Emmy or Oscar, the TrendSetter recognizes excellence and exceptional achievements of travel agents, agencies, and their executives. Kassouf holds numerous industry certifications, most notably by CLIA and the Travel Institute and has published instructive articles for travel agents in the travel trade on destinations, hotels, cruises, and insurance. His article portfolio can be found online at www.wanderlustjournal.com.

Kennedy heads up the Los Angeles office of On The Map Travel, a company she co-founded with friend and frequent travel companion Anne MacIntyre, which specializes in interesting and imaginative travel, sending individuals and groups all over the world. Always eager to go anywhere and everywhere, she was a partner in TKO Productions, a film marketing company, before becoming a full-time travel specialist.

Lovell serves as the President of Vacation.com — North America’s largest vacation selling network — with member locations throughout the United States and Canada. With an extensive background within the travel industry, Lovell first joined Vacation.com in 2002 and has served in various leadership roles, culminating in his being named President in 2011.

Lundy-Revels is President of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, Northern Chapter. With more than 21 years of experience in the travel industry, she is the owner of Carefree Travel & Entertainment, a home-based travel and event planning business. Lundy-Revels specializes in luxury travel with an emphasis on destination weddings, honeymoons, and family/small group travel to the Caribbean Islands.

Olivere joined Norwegian Cruise Line in March 2009. As Vice President, Sales Americas, she is responsible for leading the company’s North and Latin American travel agency and charter sales channels which represent the vast majority of the company’s bookings. Prior to joining Norwegian, Olivere held a number of senior sales positions at Travelport, a leading provider of business services to travel and travel-related businesses worldwide.

Throughout her career, Peterka has been involved in marketing and management for various industries, from education, to airlines, to tour operators, to manufacturers, to printing, to national tourism offices. No matter what the product, marketing and management core principles are always the same—know your product, know your market, help others to develop and maintain ethics. Since joining Tourism Authority of Thailanda little over five years ago, she has often said, “I am in heaven — amazing product, wonderful people and a growing market — I could not ask for more.”

Peters was President and CEO of Tripology from 2008 until 2010, when he sold the company to Rand McNally. He is now Vice President and General Manager of Digital Strategy & Business Development at Rand McNally. Prior to Tripology, Peters was Vice President of Travel Trade at Wyndham Worldwide where he led the successful launch of Endless Vacation Rentals. He is a frequent speaker at travel trade shows, has made guest appearances on radio and television travel programs and has been featured in national publications. Peters was named “Innovator of the Year” by the U.S. Travel Association in 2009, and is the recipient of the 2011 Gold Adrian Award from HSMAI.

Robinson is currently the Vice President of Sales for both Princess Cruises and Cunard Line. Previously, Robinson worked for Hyatt Hotels Corporation in various management positions throughout the United States, and Holland America Line where he managed two of their hotels in Alaska. He holds degrees in Business Administration and Hotel and Restaurant Administration.

Rupar-Przebieda, a native Argentine from Buenos Aires, is the founder of Eureka Travel, located in Los Angeles. Its focus is South American destinations (Argentina, Chile, Brazil). The idea for Eureka Travel was born in early July 2004 during a trip with her husband. Since 2006, she has sent clients to trek the Inca Trail in Peru, cruise to the Antarctic, experience the power of water in Iguassu Falls and taste the finest Carmenere wine in the Colchagua Valley in Chile.

Severini is the President/CEO of the California Travel Association, California’s only collective advocacy voice for travel, tourism and hospitality. Severini is a well-known and respected executive with over 25 years of senior level experience spanning four diverse sectors within travel and tourism; airline, tour, cruise and the Walt Disney Company. In addition to holding senior executive positions with Royal Cruise Line, John was also part of the executive start up team responsible for the successful launch of the new Disney Cruise Line.

Sharpe is the Executive Vice President of Signature Travel Network. Sharpe directs vendor relations for land and cruise, alliance partnerships, member recruitment, and develops strategic sales and marketing initiatives. He joined the network in 2011. Sharpe previously served as the Senior Vice President of National, Key and International Accounts for Regent Seven Seas Cruises. As such, Sharpe managed consortium partnerships, high volume agencies and international partners across the world. Over his 13 years with Regent, Sharpe served in many capacities and in many departments including Charter & Incentive Sales, Pricing and Planning, Sales and Marketing. Prior to his move to the travel industry, he partnered and operated several Kinko’s stores. Sharpe is the Executive Vice President of Signature Travel Network. Sharpe directs vendor relations for land and cruise, alliance partnerships, member recruitment, and develops strategic sales and marketing initiatives. He joined the network in 2011. Sharpe previously served as the Senior Vice President of National, Key and International Accounts for Regent Seven Seas Cruises. As such, Sharpe managed consortium partnerships, high volume agencies and international partners across the world. Over his 13 years with Regent, Sharpe served in many capacities and in many departments including Charter & Incentive Sales, Pricing and Planning, Sales and Marketing. Prior to his move to the travel industry, he partnered and operated several Kinko’s stores.

Shillinglaw, a veteran travel editor and journalist, serves as editorial director and editor in chief for Travalliance, which produces two monthly travel industry trade magazines, Agent@Home and Vacation Agent. Agent@Home (www.agentathome.com) is delivered to 19,000 professional agents working from home, while Vacation Agent (www.vacationagentmagazine.com), serves 35,000 leisure travel-selling agents with a mix of editorial covering cruises, hotels and resorts, and tours and packages. Shillinglaw also oversees TravelPulse (www.travelpulse.com), a daily online and e-mailed newsletter, which offers a summary of the day’s top travel industry news and product information. Shillinglaw was the recipient of the American Society of Travel Agents’ 2003 Travel Journalist of the Year award, which recognizes a journalist who has contributed to the promotion of the travel agent community.

Small is Founding Editorial Director of Elite Traveler Magazine, as well as an award-winning luxury travel expert. Prior to launching Elite Travel International, she spent15 years traveling the world, visiting hotels, sampling cruises, reviewing airlines, previewing new spas, and interviewing travel industry executives about the latest and greatest trends in luxury travel. Small has written about travel for national publications, and is regularly asked to speak on topics from luxury travel to social media success in the travel industry.

The travel-oriented life of Susan Tanzman includes first-hand knowledge of the needs, challenges and opportunities facing the travel industry as a whole. She is currently the President of California Coalition of Travel Organizations, as well as the owner and operator of Martin’s Travel, a full-service travel agency. She is also an active member and serves on the boards of the American Society of Travel Agents, Ensemble Travel Group, and Oahu Visitors Bureau. Susan is a graduate of the University of Southern California and the Loyola University School of Law.

Tomasino is Vice President of Sales for Carnival Cruise Line’s Western Region, overseeing the sales and marketing efforts of business development directors and managers in 18 states. A California native, she began her career in the industry as a travel agent in Portland, Oregon, and also held various management positions with Eastern and Continental Airlines.

Viera is Vice President of Sales at Vacation.com, overseeing the company’s business development managers and inside sales team, as well as managing member recruitment and retention. Previously, she worked for Carnival Cruise Lines for nearly three decades and had a variety of sales-related positions, including Vice President of Sales/Southeast Region, the company’s largest territory. Viera holds a Certified Travel Counselor designation and has a degree in Marketing from State University of New York.

Yesawich is chairman and chief executive officer of Ypartnership, America’s leading marketing, advertising and public relations agency serving travel, leisure and lifestyle clients. The agency represents clients in every category of the travel industry through seven offices across the United States and Europe.

Ypartnership is an integrated marketing communications company that is known for its strategic thinking, breakthrough creativity and innovation in marketing practice. The firm’s Research & Brand Strategy Group is also regarded as one of the most respected sources of insights on the emerging travel habits, preferences and intentions of Americans and coauthors the widely acclaimed National Travel MONITORSM survey with Yankelovich Partners.

Yesawich is a frequent commentator on travel trends in such publications as the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Time, Newsweek and Business Week, on CNN, CNBC and MSNBC and on National Public Radio. He serves as a featured columnist in several industry trade publications and has authored numerous articles on marketing and advertising strategy in professional journals. He is also a coauthor of Marketing Leadership in Hospitality published by Prentice Hall.

Zungu was appointed as President of South African Tourism, North America in October 2007. A South African national with in depth international marketing experience, including most recently as General Manager of South African Tourism in Italy, Zungu is responsible for all operations of the national tourism agency, which includes overseeing the promotion of travel and tourism for South Africa throughout North America.