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Managing Director
Economic Cycle Research Institute

Lakshman Achuthan is managing director of the Economic Cycle Research Institute (ECRI), an independent organization focused on business cycle research and forecasting in the tradition established by ECRI's founder, Geoffrey H. Moore.

He is also the managing editor of ECRI's forecasting publications and regularly participates in a wide range of public economic discussions.

He is a member of Time magazine's board of economists, the New York City Economic Advisory Panel, The Levy Economics Institute's Board of Governors and also serves as trustee on a number of non-profit boards.

Lakshman is the co-author of Beating the Business Cycle: How to Predict and Profit from Turning Points in the Economy published by Doubleday.

President & CEO
Virginia Tourism Corporation

Alisa Bailey is the President and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation. As such, she oversees the agency's $15 million budget and its 100 employees. Tourism in Virginia generates $18 billion in economic impact, providing $2 billion in taxes and more than 210,000 jobs for Virginians.  In 2007, tourism grew 5.8% in The Commonwealth.

During her tenure in Virginia, VTC has won numerous awards for its marketing and advertising efforts including Best Marketing Campaign twice, Best Cooperative Advertising, Best Video, Best Electronic Marketing, Best Travel Guide and Best Niche Marketing Campaign twice from the Travel Industry Association of America. Most recently, VTC was awarded Best Electronic Marketing Award and Best Sustainable Tourism Award from the Southeast Tourism Society.  VTC also won a TIA Odyssey Award for International Marketing in 2007.

Chief Executive Officer
MTR Western

Darren Berg is Owner and Chief Executive Officer of MTR Western.  Based in Seattle, MTR Western operates a large fleet of modern motorcoaches equipped with next generation, clean burning, "EGR" engines.  Mr. Berg's motorcoach company has locations in six west coast metropolitan markets (Calgary, Vancouver BC, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles) and was recently listed by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest growing privately held companies in America.  Mr. Berg ha been instrumental in the movement toward greening the motorcoach industry, leading MTR Western to become the largest carbon neutral motorcoach company in North America through conservation initiatives, emission reduction initiates, and carbon offsetting.  As a direct result of Mr. Berg's commitment to operating in an environmentally responsible manner, the United Motorcoach Association recently awarded MTR Western its 2008 Green Highways Award.  Mr. Berg serves on the Board of Directors of the American Bus Assocition, on the Board of Directors of Tourism Cares, and serves as the Chairman of the American Bus Association's Environmental Committee.  In addition to MTR Western, Mr. Berg also owns a Seattle based homebuilding company that has been building LEED certified Built Green homes since 1999.

President & Chief Executive Officer
California Travel & Tourism Commission

Caroline Beteta serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the industry-led California Travel and Tourism Commission (CTTC), a nonprofit organization created to market California as a premier travel destination and to increase the State's share of tourism-related revenues. She also serves as the Deputy Secretary for Tourism for the California Business, Transportation and Housing Agency. Caroline is responsible for implementing CTTC's $50 million marketing plan and serving as lead spokesperson for California's $96.7 billion tourism industry. Under her leadership, California tourism's share of the domestic market increased from 9.7% to 11.5% from 1998-2006, reversing a decade-long decline.

Caroline works closely with Governor Schwarzenegger's office, and as TIA National Chair is active on the federal level promoting tourism's key role in the national economy. She has received numerous awards for her creative work and leadership in the travel industry.

Director, Hispanice Sales and Development
ESPN

Andrea Blanco was appointed Director, Hispanic Sales Strategy and Planning at ESPN Deportes in September, 2008.  Andrea was formerly Research Manager at ESPN working with Affiliate Sales and Marketing. In her new role, she is responsible for working with the ESPN Deportes National Advertising and Customer Sales and Marketing groups to maximize sales with respect to the US Hispanic market, including strategic planning across the various ESPN Deportes platforms - TV, Radio, Online, Wireless and Magazine, sales development and positioning.

Before joining ESPN, Andrea worked as Research Director at Indianapolis ABC affiliate WRTV where she was involved in all aspects of the station's research supporting the sales department with ratings, demographic trends and analysis.

Andrea is a graduate of Ohio State University and beside being a Buckeye, is an avid boxing fan.

Executive Vice President
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino

Chuck Bowling, Executive Vice President of Mandalay Bay. Providing executive oversight of day-to-day operations and assisting in executing the company's strategic vision and goals.

Chuck previously served as EVP of Sales, Channel Marketing and Distribution for MGM MIRAGE.  

Chuck joined MGM MIRAGE in 1998 as V.P. of Sales for MGM Grand, in 1999 was promoted to SVP of Sales and Marketing and in 2001 was promoted to EVP of Hotel Operations for MGM Grand.   

Chuck worked 10 years in key sales and marketing positions within Westin Hotel and Resorts.   Chuck serves on the Board of Directors for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Nevada Commission on Tourism, and Travel Industry Association.

Chuck is married to Claire with two children: Michael and Jessica.

Foundation Director
NBTA Foundation

Daphne Bryant is the Director of the NBTA Foundation, the education and research foundation of the National Business Travel Association. Ms. Bryant directs the overall operations of the foundation, which focuses on research and education initiatives that benefit corporate travel professionals worldwide.  Under Ms. Bryant's leadership, the Foundation has raised more than $12 million to continue its mission of advancing the corporate travel profession.

Prior to her current position, Ms. Bryant spent 11 years at Gifts In Kind International, the leading charity in the field of product philanthropy, where she served as Director of New Market Development.  Ms. Bryant was responsible for the development and management of product giving programs, totaling $45 million annually.  In addition, she oversaw the distribution $300 million in product donations annually, to nonprofit organizations around the world.

Ms. Bryant also served as Director of Marketing for a multi-state resort developer for six years.  Ms. Bryant attended Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA.  She serves her community as a Girl Scout Leader and on the Board of Christ Chapel Academy. She resides in Stafford, Virginia with her husband and two daughters.

President & Chief Executive Officer
Destination Bloomington Minnesota,
the Bloomington Convention & Visitors Bureau

For the past 23 years, Bonnie has held the position of President and CEO of the Bloomington, Minnesota Convention and Visitors Bureau.  Her career covers 30 years in the travel industry.

Bonnie is very active nationally in the travel industry.  She is a past Chair of the Board of Directors for the Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) formerly International Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus (IACVB) and has also served on the DMAI Foundation Board and the Meeting Professionals International Foundation Board.

Bonnie is currently on the board of directors for the Travel Industry Association of America and is the past Chair of their Foundation Board of Directors.  Bonnie also continues to serve on the Explore Minnesota Tourism Council where she was appointed by the Governor of Minnesota in 2004. She also served on the United States National Tourism Organization Board, which was created from the White House Conference on Tourism.

Senior Vice President
Edelman

Mia Casey is a senior vice president at Edelman Chicago and has an extensive background in public relations with more than fifteen years of experience.  She joined Edelman in 1999 and is responsible for their Tourism & Lifestyle public relations and marketing programs.  Her present clients include Expedia, Inc. and its subsidiaries, Washington State Tourism and the California Travel & Tourism Commission..

She was recognized as a "Finalist" for the 2002 PR Week Awards Multicultural Campaign of the Year for Wyndham's "Women on Their Way" program, and 1997 Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International's Platinum Award for the hotel industry.

Mia is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers and holds a B.A. in English and Communications from Allegheny College, Meadville, Pennsylvania. 

Senior Manager, Research
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts

Paul has worked for Disney in a variety of research roles over the past 18 years.  Currently responsible for the Online Guest Communities, he led the implementation teams and continues to be intimately involved in community facilitation.  Additionally, Paul conducts numerous studies around the globe to provide strategic input on park expansion for International Business Development.  He managed the extensive Hong Kong Disneyland pre-opening research with a focus on understanding the local culture and customs.  Prior to Disney Paul worked for The Martec Group serving a variety of Fortune 500 companies.

Dr. Suzanne Cook

Senior Vice President, Research
Travel Industry Association

Dr. Suzanne D. Cook is the Senior Vice President of Research for the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA). She is responsible for overseeing the work of TIA's research department.

She directs a multi-faceted program of marketing, economic and international research and report publication. TIA's research program includes the Travel Economic Impact Model, the only national model that provides consistent and comparable estimates of both domestic and international travel's economic impact at the national, state, and local levels.

Dr. Cook is the principal author of many reports, as well as a highly sought-after speaker at industry conferences specializing in consumer marketing research related to travel and tourism. She has also taught graduate level courses in research methods and statistics both in Washington, D.C. and abroad, and has served as President and Chairperson of the Board of the International Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA). Travel Agent Magazine named Dr. Cook as one of the 200 most powerful women in the travel industry and TTRA has awarded her its highest and most prestigious award, The Lifetime Achievement Award. Additionally, she was the recipient of the Access to Freedom Award given by the Society of Accessible Travel and Hospitality.

Dr. Cook joined TIA in 1977 and received a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Social Psychology from The George Washington University.

Founder & President
CRC & Associates

Chris Cordova is founder and president of CRC & Associates, a market research and consulting firm based in Albuquerque Bernalillo, New Mexico. In business since 1999, CRC and Associates specializes in market research, tourism/economic development and project management.  In addition to his duties as president, Chris serves the firm as consultant, analyst, and marketing researcher, and works with marketing and planning organizations at both the local and national levels. His areas of expertise include a wide-ranging spectrum of all aspects of market research and development including: research and strategic planning, statistical data analysis applications, project development, and project management. 

President & Chief Executive Officer
San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau

Joe D'Alessandro was appointed President & CEO of the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau (SFCVB) in July 2006. The SFCVB has more than 1,800 members and an annual budget of $14.8 million. It is one of the largest membership-based tourism promotion agencies in the country.

Prior to joining the SFCVB, D'Alessandro was president and CEO of the Portland Oregon Visitors Association (POVA). He also served as executive director of the Oregon Tourism Commission.  In November 2007, D'Alessandro was appointed to the California Travel and Tourism Commission. He also serves on the boards of Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) and Travel Industry Association (TIA). He is past chair of the Oregon Tourism Commission and of the National Council of Destination Organizations.

Chief Executive Officer
Travel Oregon

Todd Davidson was appointed Executive Director of the Oregon Tourism Commission effective June 3, 1996.  He was named Chief Executive Officer on September 9, 2004.

During this time, tourism in Oregon has become a $7.9 billion industry in Oregon, employing nearly 90,000 Oregonians.  Achievements of the Oregon Tourism Commission during Davidson's tenure include:  the establishment of a dedicated, stable funding source for the Commission, the implementation of a statewide Quality Service Initiative that raises the bar on the level of customer service provided to Oregon's visitors; the launch of niche-oriented publications and advertising - with a particular emphasis on family destination travel; leadership in securing increased cooperative advertising partnerships; and strengthening the base of international markets, air service and partnerships.

President and Chief Executive Officer
Travel Industry Association

Roger Dow is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Travel Industry Association (TIA), the national umbrella organization representing all segments of the $740 billion U.S. travel and tourism industry. 
 
Among the many honors he has received, Dow most recently was recognized by his peers as the 2008 Association Executive of the Year, according to Association Trends.  The honor reflected Dow's success in taking steps to unify the travel industry and greatly increase its effectiveness on Capitol Hill.

TIA promotes and facilitates travel to and within the United States through a substantial advocacy effort that communicates industry interests to policymakers and the media.  TIA also continues to host several major events to provide travel industry professionals with expert information that gives them an advantage in the competitive marketplace.  TIA is headquartered in Washington, D.C. with an active presence in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

President & Chief Executive Officer
Center for Exhibition Industry Research

Douglas L. Ducate, CEM, CMP, is a thirty year veteran of the exhibition industry. After a 26 year career with the Society of Petroleum Engineers where he organized events in oil producing provinces around the world, he became President of PGI Exhibitions and built a $25 million dollar international exhibition organizing company that produced more than 30 events a years.

He became President & CEO of the Center for Exhibition Industry Research in April 1998. Doug was President of the Trade Show Bureau in 1981-82; President of the International Association for Exhibition Management in 1986; and Chairman of the Convention Liaison Council in 1991.He served on the Board of Directors of the Professional Convention Management Association and on the Board of Trustees of the Professional Convention Management Association Foundation.

Doug has been presented several industry awards among them the IAEM Distinguished Service Award and their highest award, the William Hunt Eisenman award. He was inducted into the Convention Liaison Council Hall of Leaders in 1995.

Vice President, Director of Insights
Ypartnership

Greg Dunn is VP/Director of Insights of Ypartnership, America's leading agency serving travel, leisure and lifestyle clients. Ypartnership's Research & Brand Strategy Group, led by Greg, is regarded as one of the most-respected sources on the emerging travel habits and preferences of Americans.

In his agency role, Greg oversees brand strategy and marketing research including the widely acclaimed National Travel MONITOR survey coauthored with Yankelovich Partners.

With more than 20 years in corporate management and marketing positions, Greg is assistant professor at the University of South Florida School of Hotel and Restaurant Management. He has consults on a national and international level.

Greg holds an MBA from the University of Denver and a Ph.D. in hospitality administration with marketing major from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Director
Explore Minnesota Tourism

As Director of Explore Minnesota Tourism, John Edman is responsible for the development and implementation of statewide tourism plans, policies and programs to promote Minnesota as a tourism and travel destination.  He is the state's chief spokesperson for state tourism-related issues, and manages Explore Minnesota Tourism with a staff of approximately 50 full-time staff and an annual budget of $9.7 million.
 
As the state's leader for Minnesota Tourism, Mr. Edman has developed marketing strategies for Minnesota tourism, created public and private marketing partnerships, generated over $15 million in private industry funding for tourism, and created a new statewide advertising campaign.   Under his stewardship, Minnesota received top honors as the Best Overall Tourism program in the country, as recognized by National Council of State Travel Directors.

President,
Cambria Suites

William Edmundson is president of the Cambria Suites brand for Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE:CHH), one of the world's largest hotel franchisors. In this position, he is responsible for managing the brand's strategic direction, including design and architecture, marketing, sales, operations, quality assurance and revenue maximization for Cambria Suites, the select service, upscale brand launched by Choice Hotels in January 2005.

Since joining Choice, Mr. Edmundson has built a great deal of momentum behind Cambria Suites by establishing a strong brand team and directing the brand's innovative marketing strategies.  Mr. Edmundson previously held various management positions during his 18-year tenure with Hilton Hotels, most recently serving as vice president of brand performance and support for the Hampton brand.

General Manager
Doubletree Hotel Portland -- Lloyd Center

Steve Faulstick is the General Manager of the Doubletree Hotel Portland – Lloyd Center. Oregon.  In 2006, the Doubletree Hotel became Oregon's first Green Seal Certified Hotel.  Since then, it has become a national leader on sustainability in the hospitality industry and has received several awards for its progress on sustainable issues.  Recently, the Doubletree Hotel received the "Good Earthkeeping" award from the American Hotel and Lodging Association for their leadership in this area.  Steve is an active Board member with Travel Portland, Tri-County Lodging, Lloyd Transportation Management Association, The Natural Step, Green Meetings Industry Council and the Oregon Lodging Association.

Strategic Planner
Wieden+Kennedy

Drew Guiteras is a strategic planner at Wieden+Kennedy, an internationally recognized advertising agency headquartered in Portland, Oregon. Mr. Guiteras's responsibilities include gathering insight through qualitative research of target audiences that can be leveraged in effective and engaging advertising campaigns. Through clients like Travel Oregon, Nike Basketball, EA Sports and Old Spice, Mr. Guiteras has extensive experience in developing creative messaging for the Millennial age group.

Vice President, Customer Research and Insights
Carlson Hotels Worldwide

Kevin Hanstad is Vice President of Customer Research and Insights with Carlson Hotels Worldwide.  He provides the consumer perspective to the marketing and operational strategies to enhance the guest experience at the Radisson and Country Inns & Suites brands.  For 20 years prior, Kevin conducted marketing research in the consumer packaged goods industry, primarily at The Pillsbury Company and General Mills, Inc., understanding the consumers of brands such as Häagen-Dazs, Green Giant and Betty Crocker. He holds Bachelor of Arts and Master of Business Administration degrees from the University of Minnesota. Kevin resides in Minneapolis.

Director
Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Travel and Tourism Industry Center,
University of South Carolina

Author, lecturer, researcher, consultant, and traveler, Dr. Rich Harrill is director of the International Tourism Research Institute at the University of South Carolina, School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management.  He also directs the university's Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Travel & Tourism Industry Center.  The institute provides both local and international projects and research while the center focuses on U.S. tourism industry competitiveness.  His academic and professional experience combines tourism with economic development and urban planning, giving him an uncommon perspective on and familiarity with all three. 

Marketing Director
Oregon Zoo

When Jane Hartline walks into a meeting, people apologize as they shuffle to hide their paper handouts.  Jane has led the charge to make her workplace, the Oregon Zoo, as paperless as possible.  
 
Jane's real job is as the Zoo's Marketing Director.  A sideline is her role as a long-term member of the zoo's progressive Green Team.  Recycling has long been a "given" at the zoo. Jane and her colleagues go the extra mile so zoo operations will be a model for other businesses—with initiatives for alternative commuting, purchase of sustainably grown food, green building construction, etc. etc.
 
Jane fills her spare time serving on committees for Audubon Society and the Soil and Water Conservation District and weeding a 3-acre habitat restoration project on her farm.

Vice President, Customer Contact Centers
United Airlines, Inc.

Barbara Higgins is vice president-Customer Contact Centers for United Airlines.  She leads travel service delivery and customer solutions, managing the contact center groups and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of United's call center operations.  She has also served as vice president-Customer Experience.

Higgins has spent her career leading global organizations that deliver exceptional guest service.  She was vice president of Operations Integration and Planning at Disneyland Resort Paris.  Prior to that, Higgins was the director of Operations Task Force for Hong Kong Disneyland.  She spent the first half of her career with the Walt Disney Company in operations at Disneyland, Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort Paris, and the latter half in executive roles leading strategy support and project management for hotel and theme park operations.

Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC

Bruce J. Himelstein is the Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC. Prior to joining The Ritz-Carlton, he was a Senior Vice President of Sales for Marriott International.

A 25-year veteran, Bruce has held various positions in sales and marketing from national sales to pre-opening resorts. His career started as a bellman and has worked in various property capacities. He was the recipient of Marriott's Director of Sales of the Year Award and has been responsible for developing division-wide sales and marketing initiatives.

Bruce is a frequent quest speaker/lecturer on sales basics, sales intensity and leadership. He has been profiled in Lodging's Who's Who and has written editorials in Selling 2.0, Josh Gordon, Hotel and Motel Management and Sales and Marketing Management magazines.

He was previously The Global Chairman of Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI), which has 6,000 members worldwide. In January 2006 Bruce was recognized by HSMAI as one of the Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales & Marketing.

Bruce received his BA in communications from New York State University.

Vice President, Marketing
General Growth Properties, Inc.

Susan E. Houck is vice president of marketing for General Growth Properties, Inc., the country's second largest shopping center owner, manager and developer.   With more than 20 years' experience in the retail marketing industry, Houck has received a number of awards and citations from the International Council of Shopping Centers, including the senior certified marketing director (SCMD) designation. She currently oversees all marketing efforts for five centers in Las Vegas totaling more than 5 million square feet, including two suburban malls and three flagship centers on the Las Vegas Strip:  Fashion Show, The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian and The Shoppes at The Palazzo.  Houck is also overseeing marketing for two future General Growth retail centers: a 1.6-million-square-foot regional retail and entertainment destination in the master-planned community of Summerlin, and a 300,000-square-foot luxury retail center at Echelon in the Las Vegas.

Vice President, Councils
Travel Industry Association

Patty Hubbard is Vice President, National Councils, at the Travel Industry Association.  She has been with TIA since 1977, starting as an executive assistant and working her way up to her present position over the years.

Ms. Hubbard is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the operations and activities of TIA's industry councils: the National Council of Attractions; the National Council of State Tourism Directors and; the National Council of Destination Organizations.  Ms. Hubbard is also General Manager of the annual Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations, a 25 year-old educational program for tourism destination marketing officials. Prior to joining TIA, Ms. Hubbard worked for the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency.

Senior Vice President, Marketing
Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority

Terry Jicinsky is senior vice president of marketing for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA).  He oversees all of the organization's advertising, marketing and sales efforts.  With over 25 years experience in the travel and tourism industry, his career path has covered aspects ranging from consumer travel research, internet marketing, database marketing and hotel management. His work experience includes consulting positions with the national accounting firms of Laventhol & Horwath and Coopers & Lybrand, as well as management positions with Marriott hotels.

Jicinsky has been a Certified Destination Management Executive since 2004 and received the coveted recognition of Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International's (HSMAI) Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales & Marketing Award in 2006.

A 20-year resident of Las Vegas, Jicinsky holds a Business Administration degree from the University of Wisconsin, Stout and a Masters Degree in Hospitality Administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Senior Director of Leisure Sales
Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority

As Senior Director of Leisure Sales, Art Jimenez is responsible for developing tourism programs to attract visitors to Las Vegas from the domestic leisure sector.  This sector includes wholesale marketing, consortia promotions, travel trade relations, airline and retail travel agency relationships. 
 
Before joining the LVCVA, Jimenez spent 13 years at Wet'n Wild Water Park in Las Vegas as vice president of sales and marketing.  Additionally, he has served as president and chairman of the board of the Las Vegas Hospitality Association, and as a board member of Baker Park Community School and Nevada Parks and Recreation Society. 
 
Jimenez holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications studies from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).

Director, Consumer Insights
Universal Studios Hollywood

Director, Sustainability Initiatives
Sabre Holdings

Leilani C. Latimer leads Global Sustainability Initiatives for Sabre Holdings, the world's leading travel marketing and distribution provider. She develops and directs the company's initiatives in collaboration with business leaders across the corporation. Her range of duties extends from delineating the company's efforts in the areas of products and services, to developing a platform for industry advocacy and corporate stewardship. 
 
Ms. Latimer is an innovative marketing professional with expertise in global marketing and business strategies. In her previous role she led worldwide marketing planning for Sabre Travel Network. Previously, she held positions in Sales and Marketing both in North America as well as Europe, where she began her career with Sabre 18 years ago.
 
Ms. Latimer is fluent in Italian, and holds both US and EEC citizenship. She works and resides in San Francisco, California.

President
Latino Life Research

Bobbie Leflein launched Latino Life Research in 2006.  This full service U.S. Hispanic market research division of Leflein Associates is led by a team of seasoned professionals under the direction of Dr. Isora Bosch. 
 
With almost 20 years of multicultural market research experience, managing the 1990 US Census Multicultural Advertising Tracking study through the development of a Hispanic Omnibus and syndicated Hispanic TV Audience measurement tool, Bobbie has tackled the complexities involved in accurately measuring minority populations.
 
Bobbie received her B.A. in psychology from Hunter College.  Her public opinion surveys are often quoted in USA Today, the Wall Street Journal, the San Francisco Examiner and Fox News.  She has spoken on proprietary research methods at industry conferences including The Advertising Research Foundation, and Youth Mega Event.

President
Disney Vacation Club

Jim is President of Disney Vacation Club, an innovative vacation-ownership program that revolutionized the timeshare industry in 1991 with an unprecedented level of service and flexibility. This growing division of The Walt Disney Company has expanded to include eight themed Disney Vacation Club Resorts, more than 350,000 individual Members from approximately 100 countries and every U.S. state, and more than 2,000 employees. Jim has led Disney Vacation Club to more than double its business since 2003, while attaining the industry's number one position in member satisfaction.

A native of Hammond, Indiana, and a Certified Public Accountant, Jim earned his BS degree in Accounting from Indiana State University and his MBA from the Krannert School of Business at Purdue University.

Vice President, Corporate Events & Travel Services
HSBC

Michael W. Lyons is Vice President of Travel Services at HSBC, one of the world's largest financial services organizations.  He is responsible for all aspects of the employee travel program.  Throughout his extensive career in corporate travel management, Michael has held positions on both the corporate and supplier side of the business. 
 
Michael serves as Vice President of the National Business Travel Association and has served as a Director-at-Large, as well as on various committees at NBTA and its Foundation.  He has spoken at NBTA events around the world, including Australia, China, Brazil, and Mexico.  Michael is a member of Education Committee at the Midwest Business Travel Association.  He has also served on various supplier advisory boards, including United Airlines, Continental Airlines, and Expedia Corporate Travel.

Director
Office of Travel and Tourism Industries, U.S. Department of Commerce

Helen Marano is currently the head of the National Tourism Office for the U.S. on behalf of the Department of Commerce.  She serves as the Director of the Office of Travel and Tourism Industries of the International Trade Administration.
 
She oversees the International Tourism Promotion program for the Department of Commerce, policy and advocacy issues affecting tourism industries in the U.S. and the statistical center on international travel and tourism for the country, incorporating the economic impact and forecasting of international travel and trends.  She is also responsible for technical assistance to the industry in helping companies enter the international marketplace to increase exports and to encourage product and economic development in the United States.  She serves as an advisor on travel and tourism issues to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Services and the Department.
  
Ms. Marano has over twenty-five years experience in product and market development and research.  She also served on the Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA) Board from 2001-2004.

President
Shop America Alliance, LLC

Rosemary McCormick serves as President of the SHOP AMERICA ALLIANCE, the travel trade association representing more than 200 of the nation's premier shopping tourism destinations.  She produces the annual Shop America Tourism Conference, serves as publisher of SHOP AMERICA magazine and oversees development and marketing of Shop America Tours.  She co-produced the landmark US Cultural & Heritage Tourism Summit in Washington DC and co-founded the US Cultural & Heritage Tourism Marketing Council.
 
Since 1993, McCormick has directed McCORMICK MARKETING, a strategic consulting firm specializing in retail development, sponsorship and tourism marketing.  Clients have included the nation's leading retail developers, plus global travel and tourism destinations.
 
McCormick currently serves on the TIA Board of Directors, TIA Executive Committee, DiscoverAmerica.com advisory committee and Pow Wow Planning Committee.  She has written a series of Travel & Tourism White Papers and is a frequent speaker on trends in marketing and travel business.

Chief Executive Officer
Travel Portland

Jeff Miller is the president and CEO of Travel Portland, the state's largest destination marketing organization.  Miller directs Travel Portland's efforts to boost the region's economy by positioning the area as a preferred destination for meetings, conventions and leisure travel. 
 
Prior to joining Travel Portland, Miller was the general manager of the Metropolitan Exposition Recreation Commission (MERC), a regional agency responsible for managing several of the area's largest public venues, including the Oregon Convention Center, the Portland Center for the Performing Arts and the Portland Metropolitan Exposition Center.
 
Miller's financial acumen was honed during his 20-year career as a retail executive, including 13 years as general manager of Saks Fifth Avenue in Portland.    
 
Miller holds a bachelor in arts degree from King College in Bristol, Tennessee and has earned certificates in advanced leadership training from the Center for Creative Leadership.

President
Sustainable Travel International

Brian T. Mullis is the co-founder and president of Sustainable Travel International, a nonprofit organization with offices in the US and EU.  STI is dedicated to promoting responsible travel and providing programs that help travelers and travel-related companies protect the places they visit and the planet at large. 

Mullis has over 20 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry.  He began his career working in national parks.  More recently, Mullis was the president and owner of The World Outdoors, an international travel company specializing in active and eco-travel. During his career, he has assisted numerous travel companies of all sizes in the areas of sustainable and business development.

Mullis has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with a focus on Business from Auburn University and holds a Master's Degree in Recreation Management from Springfield College.

Senior Vice President, Business Insight & Improvement
Walt Disney Parks & Resorts

Joni Newkirk is the Senior Vice President Business Insight and Improvement for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.  She joined the company in 1989 as a manager in the Walt Disney World Attendance Forecasting group; promoted to Director, WDW Research in 1995; VP, WDW Research and Forecasting in 1998; and SVP in 2003, now responsible for Research, Forecasting, Industrial Engineering, Pricing and Revenue & Profit Management.  Most recently, Joni assumed worldwide responsibility for all of these functions for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

Joni is a 19-year Cast Member.  Prior to joining the Disney team, Joni worked primarily in planning and strategy roles with Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin) and the Orlando Regional HealthCare System.  Joni has a BS in Statistics from the University of Florida and a MS in Industrial Engineering from the University of Central Florida.  She and her husband live in Yalaha, Florida with their three boys, ages 12-16.

Director, Content Strategy & Advertising
Travel Industry Association

Rebecca Pearson joined TIA in 2005 as Manager, Marketing Programs and was soon promoted to Director of Marketing. In April of 2007 she transitioned to her current role and joined the team building www.DiscoverAmerica.com, the official travel and tourism website of the United States. Rebecca is responsible for the overall content strategy for the six Discover America sites. She also oversees a team of international resources and manages TIA's relationship with Small World Publications, DiscoverAmerica.com's advertising sales agency.
 
Rebecca has her Masters in Tourism Administration from the George Washington University in Washington, DC and prior to TIA she worked for the Canadian Tourism Commission.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Luxury Institute, LLC

Milton Pedraza is the Founder and CEO of the Luxury Institute, LLC.  He has over 20+ years in Finance, Marketing, Sales and Senior Management positions at Fortune 100 companies Altria, Pepsico, Colgate, Citigroup, and Wyndham Worldwide.  He is an acknowledged authority and award winner in Database Marketing and Customer Relationship Management programs at Citigroup and served as Senior V.P. and General Manager, Luxury Markets for a travel and leisure division of Wyndham Worldwide. 

He currently serves as an Independent Advisor to the Boards of Directors, Chairmen and CEOs of the world's foremost Financial Services, Real Estate, Hospitality, Travel and Leisure, Luxury Services and Luxury Goods firms.  Milton is also an author and speaker at the world's foremost Financial Services, Travel and Leisure, Real Estate and Luxury Conferences, and has conducted business in over seventy-five countries and speaks several languages.

Senior Vice President, Communications
Travel Industry Association

Dennis Petroskey is Senior Vice President, Communications for the Travel Industry Association. He coordinates all internal and industry communications for TIA, including a new initiative to increase awareness about how travel benefits everyone's health, relationships, education, career success and cultural awareness.

Mr. Petroskey joined TIA in May 2005 after a communications career spent mostly in politics, government, and the entertainment industry. His career has included work as a news reporter, a press secretary on Capitol Hill, head of corporate communications for the media and entertainment companies Fox Inc. and BMG Entertainment, and serving as a Senior Advisor to U.S. Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham in Washington.

Manager, Forecasting
Walt Disney Parks & Resorts

Michael Robbins is a Forecasting Manager for Walt Disney Disney Parks and Resorts. His responsibilities include coordinating and consolidating Revenue Driver forecasts, plans, and business results for Walt Disney World and Disney Parks across the globe.

During the last 9+ years with Disney he has held numerous analytical roles supporting Guest Visitation Research, Attendance Measurement, and Revenue Driver Forecasting. Michael is a graduate of the University of Florida and is a Walt Disney World Partners in Excellence award recipient.

Managing Director
Tourism Economics

Adam Sacks is the founder and Managing Director of Tourism Economics; an Oxford Economics company dedicated to analytically-based consulting to the tourism sector.

Over the past twelve years, Adam has worked with tourism offices throughout the world to measure the economic impact of tourism. He has advised destinations on investment policy, entry procedures, taxation, and marketing strategies.

Adam and his team develop models and analysis to guide companies' market positioning and growth strategies. He frequently presents to corporate planning teams on the economic threats and opportunities facing their businesses.

Adam is a frequent speaker on tourism market trends and forecasts. Adam is a member of the Travel Industry Association's Research Board and the US Department of Commerce Tourism Advisory Board.

Gary C. Sain is president and CEO of the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc., the only officially recognized sales and marketing organization dedicated to promoting the Orlando area as one of the world's great vacation and convention/meeting destinations. Prior to joining the Orlando CVB in February 2007, Sain was executive vice president, chief marketing officer, and partner of Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown & Russell, an Orlando-based international advertising and public relations agency specializing in travel, leisure and lifestyle categories.  Sain is no stranger to all aspects of travel and tourism marketing – having served as a senior executive in the hotel, cruise line, and convention services industries.
 
Sain received a bachelor's degree from Davis and Elkins College with a major in business administration and a minor in marketing.  He resides in Maitland, Fla. with his wife, Pamela, and has two daughters, Vanessa and Olivia.

Vice President & General Manager
Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises

Andreas Sappok is the Vice President and General Manager of Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, Inc and Immediate Past Chair of TIA's National Council of Attractions. As Vice President and General Manager of Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, Andreas is responsible for and oversees all aspects of day-to-day operations including: sales, marketing, advertising, administrative detail, and logistics. Andreas currently serves on the Board of Directors of TIA's National Council of Attractions, and is a TIA Board Member.

Vice President, Sales
Universal Studios Hollywood

A veteran sales and marketing executive, Thomas See serves as Vice President of Sales at Universal Studios Hollywood.  Mr. See oversees all travel industry sales that include developing marketing initiatives and strategies for international and domestic sales channels, as well as managing the regional sales marketing and special events sales teams. 

Mr. See currently serves on the International Marketing committee for the California Tourism and Travel Commission, tasked with increasing leisure-travel volume, market share and revenue to California.  

Prior to joining Universal Studios Hollywood, Mr. See held posts at The Walt Disney Company, Trafalgar Tours and has served on the board of the Canadian Tourist Commission and Travel Distribution Division of the Cendant Corporation. 

Executive Vice President, Marketing & Distribution
Cruise Lines International Association, Inc.

As EVP, Marketing & Distribution for CLIA, Bob Sharak directs the association's strategic promotional goals and objectives and serving the needs of its nearly16,000 travel agency members, CLIA's Executive Partner Membership and the  23 cruise line members.
 
Sharak directs all consumer and trade marketing efforts, research and promotional initiatives, the association's annual cruise3sixty conference, Web site development (www.cruising.org), advertising and communications. In addition, he manages industry alliances and partnerships, and spearheads CLIA's travel agency membership programs, including its portfolio of gold-standard training programs.
 
Prior to CLIA, Sharak held senior positions for travel companies including the Hertz Corporation, the Trump Organization, PeopleExpress and Continental Airlines.
 
Sharak graduated from Kent State University in 1980, with a Bachelor's degree in marketing. He and his family currently reside in Parkland, FL.

Director, Marketing Research
Travel Industry Association

David has 16 years' experience in the travel and tourism industry with an emphasis on destination marketing and research.  David recently joined the Travel Industry Association as the Director of Marketing Research and is also President of David Sheatsley Consulting, a company with a focus on research, marketing and management advice to destination marketing organizations.
 
David has served as Senior VP & COO with the Virginia Tourism Corporation, VP of Research with LA INC. and Executive VP with DKSA.
 
During his tenure with LA Inc., David established a unique cooperative marketing research program involving CVBs and attractions that allowed partners to purchase destination data at an affordable price, while creating a revenue stream for the Bureau. 
 
David is a member of TTRA and DMAI and a founding member of the State/Provincial Research Committee.    
 
He holds B.A. and M.A. degrees in Sociology/Demography from the University of Virginia. 

Vice President, Research
PhoCusWright

Ms. Sileo joined PhoCusWright in 1998 to launch its research and information services practice. After several years of in-depth field work, industry relationship building and critical analysis, Lorraine now ensures that PhoCusWright is referenced, cited and quoted for its exclusive data and unique perspectives on the Internet travel industry. She is quoted frequently in consumer and trade media, and has authored numerous publications (including PhoCusWright's U.S. Online Travel Overview Seventh Edition). Lorraine has testified at hearings held by the National Commission to Ensure Consumer Information and Choice in the Airline Industry, charged by Congress to examine the impact of online distribution on the travel industry. Lorraine is an adjunct professor at New York University's Graduate Center for Hospitality, Tourism and Sports Management and has been analyzing the business and consumer electronics marketplace for over 15 years. Prior to PhoCusWright, she was senior analyst and director of consulting services at Simba Information where she developed new media strategies for publishers and service providers.

Advisor - Strategy, Policy & Compliance
ConocoPhillips

Lisa has 18 years of travel and meeting industry experience and has been employed with ConocoPhillips since 2000.  Lisa is an Advisor for Strategy, Policy and Compliance within the ConocoPhillips Global Real Estate & Facility Services organization. 

In her current role, she is responsible for Travel and Meeting supplier relations, negotiations and contract management.  She also has oversight of traveler tracking, agency global data consolidation and travel reporting. In addition, she is completing the strategy documentation to implement a Strategic Meetings Management Program (SMMP) within the ConocoPhillips Meeting Services department.

Lisa recently finished a 3-year term on the NBTA Groups and Meetings Committee where she served as the lead for the Marketing and Communications sub-committee.

In 2008, Lisa earned her NBTA GLP designation.  

Lisa attended the University of Colorado in Boulder Colorado and the International Air Academy in Vancouver Washington.

Vice President, Tourism Sales
Travel Portland

Barbara is the Vice President of Tourism Sales for Travel Portland, the CVB of Portland, Oregon.  Until recently, she was the cultural tourism director there, the fourth one in the country to be hired by a visitors bureau. Barbara has a BA in anthropology from Northwestern University, 30 years of tourism marketing experience and an appreciation for all art forms. She moved to Portland in 1997 from Florida where she worked in international tourism for nine years, particularly in Latin America and Europe, with the Tampa Convention & Visitors Bureau.  Previously Barbara was a development consultant in the Nebraska Department of Economic Development's Tourism Division.  Originally from Omaha, Barbara spent eight years in Israel where she worked as a tour guide, a community development officer for Save the Children and with turkeys.  (Yes, the gobble, gobble kind!)
 
Barbara is a founding member and past chair of the Cultural & Heritage Tourism Alliance, a Certified Tour Professional of the National Tourism Association and happily serves on the Board of Directors of the Travel Industry Association of America's National Attractions Council.

Director, Communications
SeaWorld San Antonio

Fran Stephenson has been with SeaWorld San Antonio for the past six years, serving as the chief contact for both internal and external communications at the world's largest marine life park. As well, her duties include community relations, government relations and crisis communications.  She currently serves on the board of the San Antonio Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America as past president. She has also held the positions of vice president of programs for the group.  She was a freelance travel writer and producer for ten years and held various public relations positions at SeaWorld parks from 1985-1992.  Stephenson was part of the Silver Anvil-award winning team that opened SeaWorld San Antonio in 1988. She served on the Tourism Advisory Council for the Office of the Governor in 2007-2008.  She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Consumer Science from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and a Master's Degree in Communications Studies from St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas.

Director, Lifestyle Marketing and Emerging Media
Busch Entertainment Corporation

Dean Sullivan is the lifestyle marketing and emerging media director for Busch Entertainment Corporation.  His role includes Web development, online advertising and emerging media strategies for 10 major theme parks across the U.S., including SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Discovery Cove and Aquatica.

President, North America and Senior Vice President of Sales
Travelzoo

Ms. Tafoya has served as President, North America since June 2008 and as Senior Vice President of Sales for Travelzoo since May 2001.  Prior to joining Travelzoo, Ms. Tafoya was Western Sales Director for the Walt Disney Internet Group where she led both advertising and ecommerce partnerships. Ms. Tafoya began her career in print publishing and has held senior positions focusing on strategic and global accounts at CMP Media, IDG, and IDC Research. Ms. Tafoya holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Notre Dame de Namur University.

Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility
American Express Company

Judy Tenzer is Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility, of American Express Company. In this role, she provides strategic direction for the company's CSR-related efforts and serves as a liaison with numerous outside stakeholders.

She has led the company's efforts to develop and implement a comprehensive approach to CSR, and as part of this work, produced the company's first Corporate Citizenship Report.  She has also played a key role in developing a new environmental function for the company and in defining the role of the new Office of Environmental Responsibility.

Upon joining American Express in 1998, and until early 2004, Judy was responsible for communications on behalf of the Consumer Card group.  In this role, she helped raise the public profile for the products, services and innovation of the group, including many of the company's well-known cause marketing efforts. More recently, she served as a corporate spokesperson and worked to shape the corporate profile of the company.  Prior to American Express, she spent many years at New York public relations firms in positions of increasing responsibility.

Vice President
Smith Travel Research

Mr. Vinson is Vice President of Smith Travel Research (STR) a leading authority on current trends in occupancy, room rate and supply/demand for the global lodging industry.  Mr. Vinson joined STR in 1997 and serves as the contact for over 300 Convention & Visitors Bureaus, local and state lodging associations and tourism offices.  Mr. Vinson is also head of the STR's Global Lodging Census and Global Pipeline Groups, which overseas the creation and updating of hotel information from the earliest stages of planning through the life of the property around the world.  Mr. Vinson is often requested as a guest speaker at local, state and national lodging and tourism conferences and is often quoted in leading trade publications and the news media.  He currently sits on the board of the Southeast States Chapter of Travel and Tourism Research Association (SETTRA) for the state of Tennessee.  Prior to joining STR, Mr. Vinson was with Hyatt Hotels & Resorts.  Mr. Vinson has a Marketing degree from the University of Louisville.  He resides in Hendersonville, TN, with his wife and three sons.

Vice President, Europe
InterVISTAS Consulting Inc.

Mr. Weatherill has extensive experience in strategic airline route planning, market share modeling, route profitability forecasting and airport incentive package development. He has represented airport clients in air service presentations to airlines throughout North America. Holding a Bachelor of Commerce (Honors) degree from the University of British Columbia, he has over five years experience in the aviation industry, and worked with WestJet Airlines before joining InterVISTAS.

Vice President, Sales
Travel Ad Network

Mr. Weibel has been active in the online travel industry since 1994. He started at Preview Travel, which was acquired by Travelocity and opened the Southeast office of Travelocity.com in 2002 growing it to 20 employees.

Mr. Weibel served as: Travelocity's Director of the Southeast running all of the regional hotel distribution, attractions and advertising relationships from Orlando, FL; a consultant to various new media companies (including Travelocity); and Regional Director for Preview Travel, Inc (Orlando), where, his responsibilities included account service of distribution partners, sales and marketing of the Preview Travel product line including online marketing, syndicated television and In Flight programming.

Mr. Weibel holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Advertising (with a minor in Business Administration) from the University of Florida. In his spare time, Weibel is acting Co-CEO of a family of 5 including three children under the age of four.

Commissioner
Tennessee Department of Tourist Development

Susan Whitaker, a veteran tourism marketing industry executive, was appointed in January 2003 to Governor Phil Bredesen's cabinet as Commissioner of Tourist Development. She was reappointed in January of 2007 for a second term.
 
In this role, Whitaker is responsible for marketing Tennessee's tourism industry domestically and internationally.  Tennessee tourism provides a $14.2 billion direct economic impact. Tourism is the largest non agricultural employer in the state.
 
Whitaker serves on the Executive Committee of the National Council of State Tourism Directors, the Board of Directors of Travel South USA, The Smoky Mountain Commission and the University of Tennessee's Retail, Hospitality and Tourism Management Advisory Board. 
 
Whitaker is a Chicago native and a direct descendent of Tennessee's first Governor, John Sevier. She holds a bachelor's degree in communications from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois.

Director, Marketing
Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, Inc.

Brian Wright is currently the director of marketing for Delaware North Companies (DNC) Parks & Resorts at Yosemite National Park in California. In his role, he is responsible for all public relations, marketing, revenue management and overall web presence (retail & lodging) and online advertising/marketing efforts, representing 12 lodging properties located inside Yosemite. Additionally, he is responsible for marketing all activities (mountaineering school, stables, tours, ski lodge…etc) within Yosemite to in-park and out-of-park guests. Brian recently spent 10 years with DNC at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, leading the sales, marketing, public relations and e-business departments. He has been the lead architect for multiple retail, ticketing and marketing web sites and led the SEO, SEA and SEM efforts. He is an active board member of TIA's National Council of Attractions.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Ypartnership

Peter C. 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 six offices across the United States and Europe.
 
Yesawich is a frequent commentator on travel trends in such publications as The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Time, Newsweek and Business Week, on the CNN, CNBC and MSNBC cable television networks, National Public Radio and BBC World. 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 co-author of Marketing Leadership in Hospitality published by Prentice Hall. 
 
Yesawich received three degrees from Cornell, including a doctorate in applied psychology, and is a graduate of the Advanced Management Program at Yale.