Sessions & Speakers

New England’s International Arrivals and Key Market Updates

Speaker: Michele Cota, Executive Director, DNE

About: Discover New England will present key international market updates, sharing the latest travel trends, visitor data, and insights impacting the region. The presentation will highlight DNE’s recent and upcoming marketing initiatives, partnerships, and trade activities aimed at driving international visitation. Attendees will gain valuable data on traveler demographics, spending patterns, and market opportunities. This session will provide concise actionable insights to help businesses and stakeholders strengthen their international tourism strategies.

Brand USA International Update and Partnership Efforts

Speakers: Dani Campana, Sr. Manager of Partner Engagement & Jonas Onkelinx, Sr. Manager of Research & Insights

About: As the destination marketing organization for the United States, Brand USA’s mission is to increase incremental international visitation, spend, and market share to fuel the nation’s economy and enhance the image of the USA worldwide. Our goal is to drive visitation to all 50 states, five territories and the District of Columbia, and there are many ways to leverage these opportunities. Tune into Brand USA’s update on international visitation and the partnership efforts that Brand USA and Discover New England have collaborated on over the years.

New England Booking Trends and the Evolving Important Role of OTAs

Speaker: Kristen Hessel, Sr. Business Development Manager

About: Expedia Group™ connects travelers and partners by leveraging our powerful platform and technology across a wide range of brands and businesses. Our mission is to move people and deliver exceptional travel experiences both locally and globally. We simplify the travel journey by guiding travelers and partners through millions of options, ensuring they find the right solutions for the best possible outcomes.
For travel trade partners, Expedia Group™ enhances product diversity for tour companies worldwide. On the B2C side, we have an unmatched understanding of consumer behavior at every stage of the booking funnel. For tourism suppliers and destinations, this deep consumer insight—combined with access to our extensive network of platforms—allows us to create highly targeted campaigns tailored to almost any budget.

Discover how Expedia Group’s™ innovative solutions have been driving success specifically in the New England market.

International Media Panel – Interactive

About: Be ready with questions and to get off-the-cuff and genuine responses from six of the most awarded and respected media in the UK and Europe. This is the third year that DNE has hosted this session where these VIP guests join Summit in the middle of their grand New England FAM tour, and, if history repeats, they are hardly censored with their answers and laughter comes easily.  This year, DNE intends to make this session more interactive with the audience with a foam mic we can all toss around.

MODERATOR
Eoghan Corry
Ireland’s lead travel commentator, historian, author and broadcaster.

Emily Johnston
Emily Johnston has been writing about fashion, food and travel as a UK broadsheet columnist and content creator since 2009.

Stéphane Aubouard
Writes for Marianne (print and web), one of France’s leading general-interest weekly magazines and Le Point, online edition, equivalent to Newsweek.

Steve Hartridge
Editorial Director at BMI Publishing, whose titles include the leading trade magazine Selling Travel, the trade/consumer USA Travel Planner and, for bookers and arrangers of corporate travel, The Business Travel Magazine.

Wolfgang Greiner
Founded SkiPresse and RoadTrip, travel and business journalist. His focus remains on North America and the great outdoors, in addition to sustainability, cultural and culinary experiences.

Claire Dodd
A multi-award-winning travel writer who over the past 18 years contributing to The Telegraph, Lonely Planet, Wanderlust, Nat Geo, JRNY, The Times, TTG, and more.

Maximize Your Summit Success: Strategies for Receptive and International Operators

Speaker: Jennifer Ackerson, Industry Expert & IITA’s Steps to Success™and Julie Heizer, IITA’s Ambassador

About: This interactive session is designed to help tourism businesses make the most of their participation at the Discover New England Summit & International Marketplace by providing key insights into working with receptive tour operators and international buyers. Whether you’re new to the travel trade or looking to refine your approach, this session will prepare you to maximize opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and drive long-term business growth.

In this session, you will:

• Gain a deeper understanding of receptive and international tour operators—how they function, why they matter, and how to effectively collaborate with them.
• Learn best practices for approaching your Summit meetings, including preparation strategies, effective pitching, and follow-up techniques.
• Participate in facilitated breakout discussions to exchange insights, tackle challenges, and develop actionable strategies with fellow suppliers.

By the end of this session, you’ll leave with a clear action plan to confidently navigate the Summit, optimize your B2B meetings, and position your business for success in the international inbound market.

Welcome Reception (all attendees welcome)

International Tour Operators arrive from their Pre-FAM into the Exhibition Area via two coaches. There will be drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and local flair to kick off the festivities.