2026 Day 1
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
All times are listed in Eastern Standard Time. Program is tentative and subject to change.
8:00am Registration Opens
9:00am – 10:00am Sponsored Workshops
VAX VacationAccess: The Must Visit Leisure Travel Marketplace
Join us to experience the power of the VAX. VAX VacationAccess is the premier Leisure Travel Marketplace, home to a wealth of tools, resources, content and suppliers that advisors rely on all in one spot. Let us show you how VAX can help you grow your business with bookable product, educational opportunities, offers & promotions and tons of exciting editorial content on The Compass. In this session you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the latest news from VAX VacationAccess.
Presented by Mark Wertschnig, VAX Education and Implementation Advisor, VAX VacationAccess
Hong Kong – Asia’s Cruise Hub
Hong Kong is not only a well-renowned cruise hub, but also an exceptional destination with enormous market potential for regional cruising. Renowned for its iconic skyline, award-winning culinary experiences, state-of-the-art cruise facilities, and seamless connectivity, Hong Kong offers travelers an unparalleled blend of East-meets-West experiences. As Asia's World City, it provides a diverse range of immersive shore experiences, from heritage neighborhoods and breathtaking natural landscapes to family-friendly attractions and luxury lifestyle experiences. This session will showcase Hong Kong's latest tourism developments, destination highlights, and cruise infrastructure, demonstrating why the city remains a preferred homeport and turnaround destination for unforgettable cruise journeys across Asia.
Presented by Patricia Yuen, Director, Cruise, Hong Kong Tourism Board
10:15am – 11:45am Sponsored Workshop
What’s New at Six of the Carnival Corporation Brands?
Learn the latest news from six of the Carnival Corporation brands all in one workshop! Did you know that Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America, Princess, Seabourn, Cunard and the Italian brand Costa are all part of the Carnival Corporation family? Together with German-based AIDA and British-based P&O UK it is the largest cruise corporation in the world with more than 350 years of combined cruising experience, cruising to all seven continents and more than 800 destinations around the world. From family to luxury to expedition there is a Carnival Corporation brand that will suit your client expectations with comfort, safety and reliability. Whether it’s just driving distance from home or on the other side of the world, our ships offer the best seats in the house for the best views at sea.
Presented by Yaritza Maldonado, Business Development Manager, Carnival Cruise Line
Michel Madjerich, National Account Manager, Cunard Cruises
Becky Tate, Business Development Manager, North America, Costa Cruises
Ryan Baird, Business Development Manager, Holland America Line
Mary Irene Jencen, CTC, Director of Sales Eastern U.S., Princess Cruises
Caitlin Fitzgerald, Business Development Manager, Seabourn
12:00pm – 2:00pm General Session, sponsored by Carnival Corporation & Lunch, sponsored by Carnival Cruise Line
Welcome from Visit Lauderdale
Presented by Neki Mohan, Vice President, Visit Lauderdale
A Sit Down with Bettina Deynes
As the Global Chief Human Resources Officer for Carnival Corporation, Bettina Deynes helps shape the employee experience for a global workforce of 160,000+ people across 150 countries at the world’s largest cruise company. Mary Pat Sullivan sits down with Bettina to explore a leadership journey defined by embracing new challenges, continuous learning and a commitment to helping others succeed. From humble beginnings to the executive ranks of a global organization, Bettina’s story is one of perseverance, growth and purpose—offering inspiring lessons for entrepreneurs, business leaders and anyone interested in what it takes to build lasting success while lifting others along the way.
With Bettina Deynes, Global Chief Human Resources Officer, Carnival Corporation; and Mary Pat Sullivan, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Partnerships, Northstar Travel Group
Live Podcast, presented by Carnival Corporation
With Johanna Jainchill, Editor-in-Chief, Travel Weekly; Marie McKenzie, Senior Vice President of Government and Destination Affairs, Carnival Corporation; and Ally Nichols, Vice President of Product Development, Carnival Corporation
Lunch, sponsored by Carnival Cruise Line
Presented by Kirsten Sanchez, Director, Strategic Partnerships, Carnival Cruise Line
A Word from Allianz
A Word from AmaWaterways
Presented by Michal Maguire, Senior Vice President, Marketing, AmaWaterways
TW Talks, presented by AmaWaterways
Presented by Theresa Scalzitti, Chief Operations Officer, Cruise Planners
A Word from Hilton Hotels & Resorts
Presented by Leonard Gooz, Global Brand Leader, Hilton Hotels & Resorts
2:15pm – 3:15pm Sponsored Workshops
Japan: Endless Discovery Seminar by JNTO and Princess Cruises
With its breathtaking scenery, rich cultural heritage, unparalleled cuisine and world-class service, Japan has garnered the attention of travelers as one of the world's most exciting cruise destinations. In this workshop, JNTO and Princess Cruises will introduce this wondrous archipelago and help advisors understand how to best explore it by sea. Representatives from Yokohama City Visitors Bureau, JTB Global Marketing & Travel Inc., and Japan Airlines will also be joining to share their own insights. From seamless travel by air to expertly curated pre-post land itineraries to smooth embarkation from one of Japan's leading cruise gateways, every aspect of your clients' travel experiences will be covered. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn directly from Japan travel experts and expand your Japan destination knowledge.
Presented by:
Brandon Carothers, Assistant Manager, Yokohama City Visitors Bureau
Take Muranaka, Global Sales Account Manager, Japan Airlines
Serena Lee, Global Sales Director, Japan Airlines
Munenori Fujita, General Manager, JTB Global Marketing & Travel, Inc.
Cruise Planners: Tech Tools for a More Productive Advisor
In this workshop, we’ll look at ways travel advisors can use technology in all facets of their business to service, book, manage, and communicate with their best clients. Using AI-powered tools, Cruise Planners will demonstrate how modern technology empowers today’s travel advisors.
Presented by Brian Shultz, Chief Information Officer, Cruise Planners; and Phill Guerra, Senior Vice President, Technology, Cruise Planners
Century Cruises: Making the World’s Great Rivers Easy to Sell
China is returning to the tourism main stage—and travel advisors who prepare now will be ready to capture the opportunity. Join Century Cruises for an engaging 60-minute session designed to take China from complex to confident. Discover how our 5-star, all-inclusive, fully guided cruise tours make one of the world’s most extraordinary—and sometimes intimidating—destinations surprisingly easy to sell. Learn how to identify the right China traveler, overcome common misconceptions, answer client questions, and turn growing curiosity into bookings. And the Century story is getting bigger. Meet Century Star, our beautiful new ship bringing the Century experience to Europe’s legendary Danube and Rhine, and get a first look at what’s ahead as we expand to Egypt with our own purpose-built Nile ships expected to debut in 2028. Come for China. Discover where Century is going next—and leave with new destinations, new confidence, and new opportunities for your business. P.S. Did someone say 25% commission opportunity?
Presented by Ivana Nunez, Business Development Manager, Century Cruises
Selling Mexico’s Most Extraordinary Experiences: The VidantaWorld Portfolio
Mexico continues to be one of the most sought-after destinations for leisure, luxury, family, and group travel. In this session, travel advisors will discover how VidantaWorld offers a diverse portfolio of destinations and experiences designed to meet the needs of today’s travelers. From the luxury resorts of Nuevo Nayarit - Vallarta, Riviera Maya, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, and Puerto Peñasco to world-class golf, award-winning spas, entertainment, fine dining, family attractions, and immersive vacation experiences, VidantaWorld delivers something for every travel style and budget.
Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the Vidanta brand portfolio, key selling points for each destination, ideal customer profiles, and new opportunities to increase bookings and client satisfaction. Whether your clients are seeking romance, multi-generational travel, wellness escapes, golf vacations, or luxury getaways, you will leave with practical insights and tools to confidently position VidantaWorld as a premier vacation choice in Mexico.
Presented by Francisco Baeza, Director of MICE Sales, VidantaWorld
Alaska Awaits: Find Your Wild
Ready to sell more Alaska with confidence? Pack your sense of adventure and find your wild beyond the ship. That might mean spotting a moose, riding the Alaska Railroad, experiencing Alaska Native cultures, or walking on a glacier. Discover how Anchorage connects it all. Explore sample land itineraries, local insights, and practical planning tips. Leave ready to match the right experience to every traveler, extend your clients’ Alaska journeys, and increase your sales.
Presented by: Kara Troglin, Tourism Sales Manager, Visit Anchorage; and Tracy Zadra, Senior Passenger Sales Executive, Alaska Railroad
3:30pm – 5:30pm General Session
Exploring the River Cruise Market
We’re diving into the growing world of river cruising in this panel. River and small ship experts will talk about trending itineraries, what’s wow-ing guests onboard, and how advisors can expand their business in this increasingly popular segment.
Moderated by Ken Shapiro, Group Vice President and Editorial Director, Northstar Travel Group; and Teri West, Senior Editor, Cruise, Travel Weekly
With:
Hannah Westerdoll, Vice President of Sales, AMADEUS River Cruises
Michal Maguire, Senior Vice President, Marketing, AmaWaterways
Arjun Sinsinwar, Chief Inspiration Officer, Antara Cruises
Camille Olivere, Chief Sales Officer, Globus family of brands
Nasim Ghannadian, Vice President Sales & Marketing North America, VIVA Cruises
Coffee Chat with Mary Pat, presented by InteleTravel
Presented by Tara Minson, President, InteleTravel
A Moment with IMG Travel Insurance
Presented by Will Nihan, Chief Executive Officer, IMG Travel Insurance
TW Talks, presented by AmaWaterways
Presented by Andrea Wright, Vice President of Luxury Sales and Trade Partnerships, Opulence by Outsideagents.com
A Spotlight on Riviera Travel
Presented by Marilyn Conroy, Executive Vice President, Business Development, Riviera Travel
A Word from Hertz
How to Make Group Travel Work for You
Group travel offers advisors opportunities to increase sales, earn more through commissions and group incentives, and build lasting client relationships. But maximizing those opportunities starts with understanding the rules of the game. Supplier panelists will break down what qualifies as a group, how contracts and booking terms work, what benefits you can leverage, and how to build productive supplier partnerships. Get actionable advice to identify group opportunities, navigate the details, and grow your business with greater confidence and profitability.
Moderated by Catherine Brask, Senior Director of Marketing, Northstar Travel Group and Katie Lynn Reynolds, Destination Weddings Lead/Travel Advisor, Travelmation
With:
Priscilla Reyes, Head of Sales, Costa Cruises
Stella Hofer, Vice President of Quality Assurance & Client Services, Travelive
Julius Stecker, Vice President, Groups, TTC Tour Brands
Francisco Baeza, Director of MICE Sales, VidantaWorld
TW Talks, presented by AmaWaterways
Presented by Joshua Harrell, Chief Revenue Officer, WorldVia Travel Network
5:45pm – 7:00pm Think Tank (Advisors only), sponsored by Scenic & Emerald Cruises
Beyond the Ship: What Will Define the Next Generation of Travelers
Today's traveler is evolving, and so are the expectations shaping their decisions. From immersive destinations and personalized experiences to new definitions of luxury, personalization and exclusivity, what will influence the next generation of traveler bookings? Join an interactive, discussion-based Think Tank to explore emerging client priorities; the opportunities advisors see across traveler segments; and how the industry can amplify inspire, engage and convert tomorrow's travelers.
Moderated by Catherine Brask, Senior Director of Marketing, Northstar Travel Group; Marilyn Cairo, Vice President of Sales & Trade Relations for the US & LATAM, Scenic & Emerald Group, and Ruthanne Terrero, Director of Luxury Content, Northstar Travel Group
5:45pm – 7:15pm STAR Program Roundtables*
*Pre-scheduled suppliers and advisor attendees only