Dougal Mckenzie is industry head of travel at Google, based out of the New York Office and working with east coast-based partners. He joined Google in 2010 in the Sydney, Australia office where he worked until moving to New York a year ago. Prior to his current role, Dougal managed businesses across Australia and New Zealand in the travel and telco industries. Before joining Google, he spent a decade at Procter and Gamble but left to find somewhere he could get an email address that rhymed with his name. Dougal has both law and commerce degrees from his native homeland of Auckland, New Zealand. Dougal serves on the board of the IGLTA Foundation and enjoys traveling, weightlifting, skiing and spending time with his husband and dog.

Meg Ten Eyck is the CEO of EveryQueer. EveryQueer is LGBTQ+ Travel. Through detailed travel content, brand consulting, curated lesbian parties, and worldwide LGBTQ tours our team teaches queer travelers how to safely see the world. Meg has been cited in two consecutive UNWTO Reports on LGBTQ Tourism as a leading expert and in the ETC's Report on LGBTQ Tourism. Meg is regularly a featured speaker and subject matter expert at travel conferences worldwide. In 2019, Meg was selected as the International Woman of the Year for Facebook’s initiative with Girl Gone International for her work in LGBTQ-inclusive travel. Meg serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the International LGBT Travel Association and on the LGBT advisory board of Belmond Hotels and Resorts. Since starting in the LGBT travel industry, Meg has visited 75+ countries, spoken at LGBTQ conferences on five continents, published her first book, and had her content read by more than ten million people.

In his role as Senior Vice President, Global Finance and Operations, Josh is responsible for organizational strategy, financial planning, reporting, and daily operations for CLIA, as well as management of the organization's finance team across North America, Europe, Brazil and Australasia. Josh joined CLIA in 2017 as Vice President of International Finance, and was promoted to Senior Vice President, GlobalFinance in 2018 and his present position in 2019. Prior to joining CLIA, Josh was Senior Director of Finance and Controller for Global Impact, a nonprofit organization that provides advisory, intermediary, fundraising, and business services for partners across the private, nonprofit, and public sectors. In this position, he oversaw all finance and reporting activities. Previous to his leadership position at Global Impact, Josh spent five years with Marriott International, Inc., where he was part of the financial management team and provided financial expertise and insight for sales, marketing, brand management, innovation, human resources, and global operations. Josh started his career in public accounting, and throughout his career has supported various clients in a range of sectors, including government, for profit and non-profit. A Certified Public Accountant, Josh earned his bachelor’s degree from Penn State and currently lives in Washington, DC.

Burcu Kisakurek is the founder and has been the Managing Director of "Unison Travel & Events" since 2011, where she has dedicated herself to the international business landscape for over two decades. Throughout her career, she has held various roles, including business development, project management, product management, operations management, key account management, and event management, contributing to the success of her organization. In addition to her contributions to the business world, Burcu possesses an artistic talent in music. She is a jazz/pop singer, who has released many of her own songs since 2015.

Felipe Cardenas is a strategic business advisor to Executive Committees and Corporations about Strategic Planning, Financial Models and D.E.I. Issues. In 2012 with the support of the US Embassy In Colombia, Co-founded the Colombian LGBT Chamber of Commerce, since then this organization has enabled economic empowerment programs to +500 LGBT Business owners as well as supporting +200 major corporations in Latin America to advance in their Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Strategies. Joined IGLTA as Ambassador for Colombia in 2013 and since 2017 is a board member of the Association in which acted as Treasurer for 4 years. In September 2021 was elected Board Chair as the first South American and Colombian in this role.

Sean is a venture-backed fellow at South Park Commons and co-founder of Farsight Labs, a digital innovation company. He is currently a chair of the Center for Public Health and Humans Rights at Johns Hopkins and chair for Public Health Innovation Lab. Previously, he led Buffalo Market, a $50 million annual revenue logistics company, and served as CEO of Hornet for a decade, building one of the world's largest gay social networks with over 40 million users and facilitating 100 million daily messages. A published epidemiology researcher, Sean was a World Affairs Council fellow—later serving as a trustee and President of the Young Professionals International Network. He has helped hundreds of organizations leverage technology to expand their impact across various sectors. He serves on multiple nonprofit boards and committees, including Friends of Nepal, UNAIDS, E-CDC, PFLAG, and the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA). Sean is also a founding member of the UN Global Coalition for HIV Prevention and a technical advisor to UNDP and the World Bank’s LGBTI Index.

Shannon Szoke is Director of Specialty Sales at Delta Air Lines, where she leads a global team driving revenue and market share across MICE, tour, cruise, military & government, and sports & university segments. A 31-year Delta veteran, Szoke is known for her results-driven leadership and team-first approach. She has held leadership positions across divisions including Inflight Service, Supply Chain, and Global Sales. Her previous roles include Director of the Banking & Private Equity team in New York, General Manager of Enterprise Corporate Sales, and key positions managing strategic partnerships with global airline partners. Szoke holds a BS in Aviation Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and serves on the board of the New York Restoration Project, which revitalizes green spaces across New York City. A passionate advocate for animals and the environment, she recently returned to Atlanta with her husband and two dogs, Wally and Ranger.

Don Richardson is Chief Financial Officer at Brand USA, where he leads the organization’s financial strategy, ensures policy compliance, and supports strategic decision-making and performance measurement. He brings more than 30 years of experience in accounting, financial management, and IT trends Prior to joining Brand USA in 2013, Richardson held senior roles with Bazilio Cobb Associates and an independent consulting firm, he was also a partner at KPMG and managing director at BearingPoint. In these roles, he delivered financial and operational services to U.S. government agencies, including the Executive Office of the President, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), and the Department of Agriculture. Richardson currently serves on the board of Shiloh Baptist Church. He has also held leadership roles with the DC Board of Accountancy, Studio Theatre, and Whitman-Walker Clinic. A certified public accountant, Richardson earned his BA in accounting from Appalachian State University.

Antonietta Varlese, with over 20 years of experience in communications. Working for Accor Group since 2008 as SVP of Communications, Institutional Relations, Corporate Social Responsibility, LGBTI+ Leader for South America. She currently manages the strategy for 9 countries and 400 hotels across the region and was recently awarded one of the Top 10 Communications Person in Brazil by Aberje Association. Prior to joining Accor, she was with British American Tobacco as Global Head of Strategy and Planning, based in the HQ in London. Antonietta also worked in Italy with BAT as Head of Communications and Integration. Prior to that Antonietta also worked with other companies such as Citibank, Dow, LDC among others. Antonietta holds a degree in Journalism, MBA in Marketing and extensions from University of Syracuse and University of the Arts London.

Shiho Ikeuchi, General Manager of Ace Hotel Kyoto, Japan, brings over 30 years of diverse experience in hotel management, restaurant operations, international sales, and marketing. For the past decade, Ms. Ikeuchi has championed the development of LGBTQ+ tourism in Japan. A dedicated advocate, she actively works to expand IGLTA’s membership network within the country. Ms. Ikeuchi is passionate about fostering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within Japanese workplaces. Her vision extends to creating welcoming environments for LGBTQ+ travelers worldwide. Her unwavering commitment to meeting their specific needs is commendable, as are her tireless efforts to engage local communities and governments.Ms. Ikeuchi's leadership and dedication are truly deserving of recognition.

Sangeeta is the Global Head of Strategic Partnerships and Marketing at American Express Travel. In this role, Sangeeta leads the charge in helping best-in-class travel suppliers and technology partners enhance their business through partnerships with American Express Travel. She and her team drive American Express Travel partnerships that provide the best value to its customers, offering them access to a trusted network of carefully curated properties, brands and exclusive benefits, and in return providing suppliers with access to highly engaged, premium customers.

Cheryl Richards serves as the SVP, Chief Engagement, Opportunity & Impact Officer at VisitDallas. In this position, Richards’ duties include creating and implementing a strategic plan to elevate VisitDallas as a leader in diversity, equity and inclusion at the local, national and international levels. Richards serves as the liaison to the Diversity & Inclusion Standing Committee, chaired by Maria Mendez, Account Executive, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas Richards, who has been with VisitDallas for 37 years spent 16 of those years in Public Relations and 9 years as vice president of strategic alliances where she was responsible for establishing the membership sales and service standard for VisitDallas, overseeing corporate partnerships, member-based publications and daily operations of the member sales and services department. She received the 2017 Dallas Business Journal Minority Business Leader Award, 2015 Black Meetings & Tourism APEX Award for Distinguished Service, 2014 Fraser Net Corporate Professional of the Year Award, 2013 High Tea with High Heels Crystal Stiletto Award from the Atlanta based Trumpet Awards Foundation, which spotlights women who have made a mark and break barriers as a way of life. Richards is a member of several business community/civic organizations including, Texas Diversity Council’s Greater Dallas Advisory Board, Downtown Dallas, Inc. Board of Governors, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Disability IN, University of North Texas Alumni Association, National Association of Latino and Elected Officials, University of North Texas Mayborn School of Journalism Board of Directors, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Richards is a graduate of the University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism/Public Relations and a minor in Business Marketing

Glenn Stress is the Senior Director, Global B2B Marketing and Events for Marriott International where he is responsible for leading global marketing and customer engagement efforts on behalf of Marriott's B2B customers across all client-facing channels. His responsibilities also include ensuring Marriott’s brand voice and messaging are pulled through across all customer-facing touch points including customer and industry events. Glenn was formerly a director of digital marketing at Starwood Hotels & Resorts and held positions at American Express’ International Card and Business Travel Divisions where he led Global B2B marketing projects in the areas of digital marketing, social media and mobile. He is based in New York City.

Keshav Suri (he/him) is a progressive leader in the Indian hospitality industry as the Executive Director at The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, one of India’s leading luxury hospitality brands. Known for his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to social justice, Keshav has been instrumental in expanding the group's portfolio and championing LGBTQIA+ rights. His visionary leadership has shaped the group's reputation for luxury, sustainability, and inclusivity. His leadership extends beyond business strategy, pushing boundaries for social justice and equality, particularly in his support of LGBTQIA+ rights and the fight for decriminalizing Section 377 in India. Through the Keshav Suri Foundation, he continues to advocate for the rights and equality of the LGBTQIA+ and other marginalized communities.

Aisha Shaibu-Lenoir (she/her) is a social entrepreneur and LGBTQ+ activist, recognized as one of the "Top 100 LGBTQ+ Trailblazers." She is the founder of Moonlight Experiences, an award-winning LGBTQ+ travel company, and the Director of The Common Press, a queer intersectional bookshop in East London. Over the last decade, Aisha has been instrumental in developing impactful campaigns, DEI workshops, and festivals, collaborating with leading brands, institutions, and communities—all designed with an intersectional framework. Her activism also extends to her roles as Head of Community Engagement for UK Black Pride and Trustee for GiveOut. Aisha was a 2022 IGLTA Foundation Fellowship recipient.

Sophia Hyder Hock (she/her) is a leading expert in social inclusion within the tourism industry. With over 20 years of experience, she has helped organizations develop inclusive strategies and practices. As Chief Inclusion Officer at Destinations International, Sophia provides guidance and resources to members worldwide. Sophia is a yoga and meditation instructor and has written for numerous travel publications about diverse representation, family travel, and wellness. Her love for travel started at the age of 10 when she moved from California to Sri Lanka. Since then, Sophia has been to 40+ countries and plans to inspire her children to be citizens of the world through mindful travel and learning about their Bengali-American heritage.

Danny Guerrero (he/him/his) is a dynamic marketing executive with a global perspective. With over 20 years of experience, Danny has established himself as a thought leader in multicultural marketing and a champion for inclusion in the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors. As the CEO and Founder of The Culturist Group, Danny pioneered the travel industry's first multicultural marketing communications practice in the U.S. focused on the underserved needs of multicultural travelers, including Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ travelers. His innovative approach to understanding the cultural and emotional needs of travelers with intersectional identities has earned him global recognition, including the 2022 David Martin Fellowship from the IGLTA Foundation, and the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Outstanding Achievement Award in 2021. Danny is a proud, first-generation Mexican-American born and raised in San Diego, California who now resides in Los Angeles with his husband Jaime.

Heidi Podjavorsek is a seasoned leader in the travel industry with over three decades of experience in global tourism, destination marketing, and strategic partnerships. As Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Land & Specialty Suppliers at Signature Travel Network, Heidi plays a key role in developing and expanding Signature’s relationships with luxury tour operators, destination specialists, and specialty operators worldwide. Heidi’s expertise lies in identifying growth opportunities for travel partners, crafting impactful marketing strategies, and delivering exceptional value to Signature partners while serving Signature’s member agencies. She’s known for her collaborative leadership style, deep market insights, and a true passion for innovation in experiential and luxury travel. Prior to joining Signature, Heidi held leadership roles at African Travel, STA Travel, and the German National Tourist Office. Her academic background includes a Master’s degree in Tourism and Logistics from Hochschule Heilbronn in Germany, and she is fluent in several languages, reflecting her truly global outlook. Heidi currently resides in La Quinta, California with her wife of over 21 years. An enthusiastic traveler and photographer, she brings both personal passion and professional expertise to every aspect of her work—and offers a compelling perspective on what’s shaping the future of travel today.

Luis Villaseñor is the Promotion and Advertising Director for Puerto Vallarta's Tourism Board. He holds degrees in International Relations and International Negotiations, and a postgraduate degree in Tourism, Gastronomy, and Marketing. His extensive 17-year career in tourism began in high school, representing Puerto Vallarta at the XXV Tianguis Turístico and Mexico at the GTTP annual meeting. He's worked in operations and sales for hotels and DMCs in Mexico, England, Monaco, and Panama, and is fluent in English, French, and Italian. Since 2007, he's served the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board, rising to Director of Promotion and Advertising. He was instrumental in developing the Meetings Tourism strategy, leading to successful hosting of events like the Mexico Tourism Fair and international forums. An expert in destination management, promotion, and event planning, Luis was President of SITE Mexico for three years and a founding member of COMIR. He boasts a broad network in the hospitality and meetings sectors. He is dedicated to strengthening Puerto Vallarta's tourism brand and contributing to the sector's development.

Sylvain Delourme is Accor’s Senior Director of Hotel B2B Sales Relations for Premium Brands across Europe & North Africa. He currently oversees prestigious brands like Pullman, Mövenpick, and Swissôtel for the international Accor group. With 35 years of extensive international experience in sales, development, and marketing within the luxury and premium hospitality sector, Sylvain is a proven leader in driving market share growth and strategic business development. Throughout his career, Sylvain has held pivotal sales leadership roles with global hospitality giants including Accor, Hilton, and Hyatt. His expertise encompasses comprehensive B2B sales strategy, market penetration for MICE, Leisure, and Corporate segments, and the successful deployment of sales resources across diverse hotel portfolios in Europe, North Africa, and beyond. Beyond his core sales responsibilities, Sylvain is a dedicated mentor inside ACCOR (RIISE mentoring programme) and a co-founder of Accor's LGBTQIA+ network "TOGETHER," reflecting his commitment to diversity and inclusion. Sylvain is based in Paris.

Patrick Pickens is a valued member of the Global Sales team at BCD Travel with over ten years of experience in sales and international business. Prior to joining BCD Travel, Patrick led Delta Air Lines’ Global Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events team. There, he was responsible for spearheading Delta’s global meeting product strategies and implementation, as well as representing Delta’s Global Sales team with 25 key meeting industry partners, media contacts, and international organizations. Prior to Delta, Patrick was the owner and founder of a luxury skincare company. Using his background in chemistry and biology, Patrick formulated, designed, and marketed an all-natural, luxury skincare product line which was distributed internationally. Patrick started his career at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a research scientist in the Newborn Screening and Molecular Biology Branch— supporting public health laboratories around the globe. Patrick has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and an MBA in International Business. He was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Outside of BCD Travel, he enjoys domestic and international travel, painting, art history, modern architecture, film, digital photography, and fine dining. He currently resides in West Midtown, Atlanta with his partner and their dog, Franco

John Tanzella (he/him) is President/CEO of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), a nonprofit association that is the global leader in advancing LGBTQ+ travel and the only LGBTQ+ Affiliate Member of UN Tourism. IGLTA's network consists of 13,000+ tourism business professionals in approximately 80 countries. The IGLTA Foundation, founded in 2012, is the philanthropic arm of the association, supporting the tourism industry with leadership, research, and education. Tanzella is a 25-year tourism industry veteran, and he serves on the Board of Directors for Tourism Diversity Matters, he is the co-chair of the partners advocacy council for Destinations International, and is a past board member of the Stonewall National Museum & Archives. He attended the University of Georgia and resides in Palm Springs, California.