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.

Norma Dean is a 37-year Delta veteran who began her career in New Orleans Delta Reservations Sales. Since that time, she has held jobs of increasing Field Sales responsibility including Account Manager in Baltimore, and District Sales Manager in SW Florida. From her field experience, Norma came to Delta's headquarters in Atlanta and was promoted to National Account Manager, overseeing association sales in Washington, New York City and Chicago. Thereafter, she held the position of Global Account Manager- Corporate Sales and then went on to serve as General Manager - Corporate Sales for the Northeast region and General Manager of Specialty Sales. In her current role as Director- National Specialty Sales, Norma manages (Pre-COVID) $2.5B in Delta segmented and leisure revenue, including Military & Government, Meetings, Convention & Incentive Sales, Sports & Universities, and Leisure/Tour Operator/Cruise/Ski Sales. She is an active industry leader serving on several segmented advisory boards and committees. Norma was named GBTA WinIt GBTA Female Mentor of the year. She is a native of New Orleans, LA. She is a graduate of Louisiana State University. So it should come as no surprise she loves food, LSU, and New Orleans Saints Football!

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.

Fred Dixon is President and Chief Executive Officer of Brand USA, the nation's public-private partnership dedicated to increasing international visitation to the United States through marketing and promotional efforts. In this role, Fred is responsible for accelerating the organization’s efforts to build and execute effective marketing strategies to increase U.S. travel exports, create jobs, strengthen the economy, and help enhance the image of the United States with people all over the world. Fred Dixon began his tenure as Brand USA’s President and CEO on July 15, 2024. He brings with him more than 30 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry. Immediately prior to joining Brand USA, he served as President and CEO of NYC Tourism + Conventions for 10 years where he developed and implemented New York City’s tourism, meetings, and events strategy and programming to grow business and leisure travel from across the USA and from around the world. Under his leadership of NYC Tourism + Conventions, international visitation more than doubled to more than 13 million travelers; the result of a long-term strategy to create a global network of outposts comprising sales, marketing, and press professionals in diverse feeder markets including Australia, China, Mexico, Brazil and the UK. Dixon is highly respected within the travel industry and serves on several association boards and committees. He is the Immediate Past Chair of Destinations International, serves on the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation Board, the board of IGLTA, the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association, the U.S. Travel Association Executive Committee, and is a trustee for the FIFA World Cup 2026 NYNJ Host Committee.

Sean Howell serves as the CEO of the LGBT Foundation, a not-for-profit organization with the mission to utilize blockchain technology to achieve equal rights and acceptance for all members of the LGBT+ community worldwide. He is currently Chairman and one of the founders of Hornet, a gay dating and social network, where Sean helped the company grow its user base to 25 million and its editorial division to become the largest global LGBT+ newsroom at Hornet, Howell also oversaw the company's corporate responsibility efforts under Hornet impact, organizing social justice and health related activations. Sean was a fellow of the World Affairs Council, as well as a Trustee and President of the Young Professional International Network. He has helped numerous organizations leverage technology to expand their impact through his work with the MSM Global Forum along with serving on various nonprofit boards and committees including UNAIDS, E-CDC, PFLAG and chair of the center for public health and human rights at Johns Hopkins university. He is a founding member of the UN Global Coalition for HIV prevention and technical advisor to UNDP’s LGBTI inclusion index. He has published scientific papers and is the principal investigator in the upcoming UNAIDS global study on LGBT wellness.

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.

Amy Martin Ziegenfuss is the Chief Marketing Officer for Carnival Cruise Lines. With more than 20 years of experience, she is a seasoned marketer known for building global brands and driving business performance. Previously, Amy served as the SVP of Global Enterprise & Brand Marketing at Hilton, where she led marketing for Hilton and its brands, which included revitalizing legacy brands and launching new ones. She holds a bachelor's degree in Communications from Hood College in Frederick, Maryland, and an MBA from George Washington University in Washington, DC. Amy is passionate about making travel accessible and fostering inclusivity. She is a dual citizen of the US and the UK and enjoys traveling, reading, diving, and cooking for loved ones. Amy lives in Washington, DC, and Rehoboth Beach with her wife, Joanna.

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 Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity and Inclusion officer (CDIO) 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 32 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.

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, and is a past board member of the Stonewall National Museum & Archives. He attended the University of Georgia and resides in Palm Springs, California.