2024 Speakers

Market Updates Panel
Monday, October 21 | 11:45 AM | Waterloo

I grew up all over the world with longer stays in South Africa, Mexico, Colombia and the USA so after graduating from university in Germany with a masters in English, Spanish and Geography, a career in tourism really was inevitable. The first stop working in destination marketing was for the Australian Tourism Commission in 1999 and later working for a variety of Aussie States and Territories. 

The call to work in product led to a career as Sales & Marketing Manager Europe for Cruise America. After 12 exciting years including a pandemic it was time to go back into Destination Marketing which led me to the role of Trade Director for Germany, Switzerland and Austria for Brand USA in 2022. 

I strongly believe that life is constant learning so when time permits I try to continuously broaden my horizon which led me to becoming a certified paragliding instructor, hiking guide and Yoga teacher over the years. Having moved to the Austrian Alps 17 years ago I cherish the great outdoors so when I am not promoting the USA as the # 1 holiday destination I spend my time hiking, biking or flying in the mountains. 

Market Updates Panel
Monday, October 21 | 11:45 AM | Waterloo

Josephine Ando was born and raised in Taormina, Italy. She earned a Doctorate Degree in Humanities from the University of Catania before securing a full scholarship to continue her studies in Tampa, Florida. There, she completed a Master’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of South Florida. 

Josephine’s diverse career spans PR, Sales, Marketing, and Hotel Management, with experience at leading global brands like Marriott and Hilton International, both in Europe and the Tampa Bay area. From 2015 to 2022, she represented Visit Tampa Bay, first managing domestic and Canadian markets, and later overseeing the UK, Irish, and Scandinavian markets. 

In October 2022, Josephine joined Brand USA as Italy Trade Director, where she leverages her expertise and passion for her adopted country, the United States, to elevate its profile in her home country of Italy. 

As the CEO and founder of two marketing and consulting agencies—The Golden Quill LLC in the USA and Authentico Marketing S.R.L. in Italy—Josephine specializes in international trade representation. She is highly regarded in the travel industry, maintaining strong relationships with key tour operators and airlines across multiple markets. 

When she’s not working, you can find Josephine salsa dancing, paragliding, taking long walks with her dog, or exploring new travel destinations. 

Aviation Speaking Slots
Tuesday, October 22 | 9:20 AM | Legislate

Dunk Barnes has been making factual entertainment programming for over 25 years, specialising in travel, food, history and personal journey. For the last 5 years Dunk has been producing BBC's Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby for BBC in the UK and distributed to over 140 international broadcasters and airlines, which brings together his passion for creating human connection through creating stories of travel, world cultures and places.

Tuesday, October 21 | All Day | Legislate

Described in Ireland’s Better Business magazine as “one of Europe’s most prominent news figures,” Angela started her career at Sky News in 2008, working as a producer, reporter and presenter for more than a decade, before expanding her career to work for CNBC, ITV, IG - and also for Euronews, helping to launch and anchor various new shows over the years and is currently overseeing the channel’s business news coverage from Brussels. 

Angela has also carried out high-segment media work for the United Nations in Geneva, advised some of the world’s biggest banks on their media communications strategies and contributed regular news analysis and opinion pieces to The Daily Telegraph and Yahoo Finance.

European Business Events: What are the Opportunities for U.S. Destinations?
Monday, October 21 | 4:05 PM | Legislate

Carina is passionate about the business events sector and its impact on the world, taking a particular interest in issues around sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and mentoring the leaders of tomorrow. Carina also takes a keen interest in leadership development, and organizational best practice and culture. 

Throughout her career, Carina has been an active member of the meetings industry. She’s Past Chair of the AEO Council (2021-2023) and the EIA (2021-2022), and Past President of the SITE Foundation (2020). She has previously served on the Board of the MPI UK Chapter and on global committees for MPI and PCMA. Appointed CEO of IMEX Group in 2009 following the expansion of IMEX into America, Carina has been part of the IMEX team since the very beginning, joining in 2002 as marketing and operations director with the original launch team. 

She enjoys spending time with her family (she’s a mother to two boys) and traveling for work and pleasure. She is an adventure sports enthusiast with a particular love for climbing and skiing. In her spare time, Carina works with a variety of local charities and is Chair of the Brighton and Hove Albion Foundation—using the power of football to help people get active, learn and stay well throughout Sussex.

Exploring the U.S. Through Arts & Culture
Monday, October 21 | 2:35 PM | Waterloo

Kate Becker is the Creative Economy Director at King County, a region of 2.3 million people that includes the City of Seattle, 38 other cities and 2300 square miles. Building sustainable creative communities has been at the core of Kate’s career and she currently spends her days (and nights!) working to build King County’s creative economy, keenly focused on the film, music and nightlife industries. Prior to joining King County, Kate led the City of Seattle Office of Film + Music from 2014-2019. 

In addition to her public service roles, Kate served in leadership roles at Seattle Theatre Group, Art Share LA in Los Angeles, and The New Art Center in Boston, MA. She co-founded legendary Northwest all-ages venues The Vera Project and the Old Fire House, talent pipelines for the music industry. In 2020, Kate partnered with Visit Seattle to launch an annual music tourism initiative called Cloudbreak Music Festival. Kate has produced more than 1,000 all ages shows, and numerous large-scale events and fundraisers. She was a charter member of the Seattle Music Commission and currently serves on the boards of SIFF (Seattle International Film Festival), Seattle Center Foundation and Music Policy Forum.
 

Greater Access to Off the Beaten Path Product & the Growing Demand for these Experiences
Thursday, October 24 | 12:00 PM | Chancellor

Liz Bittner currently serves as President & Chief Executive Officer for Travel South USA, a 12-state regional marketing alliance owned by the state tourism offices of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. 

At the helm of the oldest, largest, and most respected regional alliance in the United States, Liz has successfully built a program of work that has been acknowledged as outstanding by the Board of Directors and industry alike. Liz manages offices and well-developed programs in Australia/New Zealand, Benelux, Brazil, Canada, China, France, India, and Italy. She is a premier partner with Brand USA which serves to ensure tourism as a vital and dynamic element in the region’s economic development. Recently she has been awarded the 2019 US Travel Industry’s Mercury Award for Best International Marketing, Communicator Award presented by the Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts, a Telly Award in Digital Broadcasts and an Allie Award for Event Planning. In 2018, Travel South USA received the Most Improved Overseas Destination Marketing Organization by the National Tourism Awards in China. Her background includes serving as Executive Vice President of Group Leaders of America, Inc and Cendant Corporation, now Wyndham Worldwide, world’s largest franchisor of lodging brands, rental car companies, and transaction processing services. 

She is a member of the U.S. Travel Industry Board of Directors and Beautiful Places of South Carolina. She also acts as the business manager for the U.S. Civil Rights Trail Marketing Alliance, LLC. She has been named a Kentucky Colonel by Governor Steve Beshear, Alabama Tour Supplier of Year and Visit North Carolina’s Winner Circle award. 

Liz is a frequent speaker at Governor’s conferences on tourism across the nation and is a guest lecturer for Georgia State University’s Day School of Hospitality and University of Georgia International Events classes. 

Liz is a graduate of Ohio University with a degree in Organizational Communications/Marketing. She resides in Atlanta with her husband, John, and is happy to brag on her adult children.

Policy in Action: Facilitating Travel to the USA
Tuesday, October 22 | 12:00 PM | Chancellor

Brendan Blackmer is currently serving as the Branch Chief of Systems and Innovation for Trusted Traveler Programs within Admissibility Passenger Programs at U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP), Office of Field Operations (OFO) Headquarters. CBP’s TrustedTraveler Programs (TTP) provide secure and expedited processing for over 14 million pre-approved low-risk travelers when arriving into the U.S. from international locations. TTP processing is currently available at 77 airports and 25 land border ports of entry.

Since Mr. Blackmer joined Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) in October 2017, membership has grown by over 7 million, with average application volume more than doubling to 400,000 per month. To meet this demand, Mr. Blackmer has led efforts to further secure and enhance travel and transform the customer experience, including allowing most renewals to be approved without another interview, increasing interview capacity by 70%, and expanding alternatives to scheduling appointments at traditional enrollments centers such as Enrollment on Arrival, Remote Interviews (i.e. virtual), and mobile enrollment events. He has overseen the modernization of the Global Entry arrival process to a secure, touchless experience leveraging facial biometrics for traveler identity verification; and introduced the secure Global Entry Mobile App, which enables Global Entry members to report their arrival and present a digital receipt to officers using their smart device to expedite their entry. 

Mr. Blackmer has over 21 years of experience with the Department of Homeland Security amongst diverse work environments, including airport, seaport, and cargo operations. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, FL.

Aviation Speaking Slots
Tuesday, October 22 | 9:20 AM | Legislate

Ben Boiling is part of the founding team of Norse Atlantic Airways, Ben has previously held the position of CFO of Norse and is currently Managing Director of Norse Atlantic Airways UK. Ben is a Chartered Accountant and has extensive experience in senior financial roles, including as CFO for shipping company ADS Maritime Holding Plc, and has previously worked as an auditor for EY.

Consumer Trends: The Year Ahead
Wednesday, October 23 | 12:00 PM | Lord

Tania Bryer OBE is a British born international broadcaster and philanthropist. Tania is the Presenter and Executive Producer of the critically acclaimed series CNBC Meets... and Trailblazers, and is also an Anchor on The CNBC Conversation, Sustainable Future, Marketing, Media, Money, Equity and Opportunity, The Edge and Tech Transformers series.

Tania has also covered major live events including the 2022 Platinum Jubilee & the death and state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.

Across CNBC’s platforms she has interviewed many of the world’s most powerful and inspirational figures from international politics, film and television, global business, sport, fashion, tech, marketing and music including President Bill Clinton, President Jimmy Carter, HM Queen Rania of Jordan, Bill Gates, Sir Richard Branson, HM Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, Melinda Gates, Oprah Winfrey, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Jane D. Hartley, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Kristalina Georgieva, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General, The World Trade Organization, Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, South African President F.W. de Klerk, Former UK Prime Ministers Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, Boris Johnson and Theresa May, Shaquille O’Neal, Usain Bolt, Novak Djokovic, Yao Ming, Michael Johnson, Francois Pienaar, Andre Agassi, Nico Rosberg, Sir Mo Farah, Naomi Campbell, Stella McCartney, Victoria Beckham, Tom Ford, Karl Lagerfeld, Diane von Furstenberg, Dame Vivienne Westwood, Richard Curtis, Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., Goldie Hawn, Gwyneth Paltrow, Tom Cruise, Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Cher, Lenny Kravitz, Gloria Estefan, Lang Lang, will.i.am, Andrea Bocelli, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Shania Twain, Jon Bon Jovi, Yo-Yo Ma, Nile Rodgers, Sir Elton John and David Furnish and US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, Secretary John Kerry, amongst many others. 

A highly skilled presenter and moderator, Tania hosts a wide variety of international events and panels including The Women’s Forum for the Economy & Society, The World Economic Forum in Davos and the United Nations Development Programme, amongst many others. Tania is Chair of the National Events Committee for Cancer Research UK, Ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society and Trustee of Variety, the Children’s Charity.
Tania was awarded an OBE in King Charles III’s 2024 Birthday Honours for services to Charity.

Consumer Trends: The Year Ahead
Wednesday, October 23 | 12:00 PM | Lord

Simon Calder is Britain’s leading travel commentator and is known as “the man who pays his way”. 

He began his career cleaning out planes for Freddie Laker at Gatwick Airport before starting to write travel guidebooks and articles. Today, Simon is Travel Correspondent for The Independent, writing also for the Evening Standard, the i newspaper, National Geographic and many other publications. 

Simon is a regular guest on national TV and radio; and he also has a new travel podcast called You Should Have Been There. He has many followers on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Market Updates Panel
Monday, October 21 | 11:45 AM | Waterloo

After having lived in the U.S. for 4 years as a child, her interest in other countries and cultures was sparked. A career in tourism was a logical step and after just a taste, she was hooked. Next to her studies she started working part-time at a travel agency and after graduation followed her path in the tourism industry to a tour operator.

For years she was a product and contracting manager for many long-haul destinations, including the U.S., at a Dutch tour operator. A dreams job, whilst in the meantime exploring the world.
In 2006 she joined a new formed team at South African Tourism Benelux as a Trade Relations Manager in lead up to the Soccer World Cup in 2010.

After returning to a job as senior product manager for over 100 destinations worldwide for both high-end and budget brands she thought it was time to move to a position where she could do something she loved even more: sharing her passion for destinations with the trade industry. 

In September 2022 she joined Lieb Management and is now the Sales & Marketing Director Benelux, leading the marketing team, as well as being the Trade Manager for Brand USA for the Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg markets. It feels like home!

U.S. Carrier Aviation Panel
Thursday, October 24 | 12:00 PM | Lord

Diversity in Storytelling
Wednesday, October 23 | 12:00 PM | Chancellor

Kav is the co-founder of the award-winning JRNY Travel Magazine. As a writer and photographer, over the years his work has appeared in publications around the world including JRNY, Condé Nast, National Geographic, Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, Daily Mail, Daily Express, The Guardian and many more.

European Business Events: What are the Opportunities for U.S. Destinations?
Monday, October 21 | 4:05 PM | Legislate

Colja M. Dams is owner and CEO of VOK DAMS worldwide, an international agency that has been at the forefront of the international events and live-marketing industry since 1971. Its many international awards and distinctions confirm VOK DAMS’ reputation as one of the leading agencies worldwide, both for live and digital formats. 

Colja has focused on developing and strengthening the company’s performance dimensions strategy, internationality, quality and creation. It was under his leadership that VOK DAMS branched out internationally, with currently 300 employees working at 19 offices in 12 countries. His passion has always been to drive innovation in communications, to discover potential in new technologies and to break new ground. In so doing he continues to pave the way for VOK DAMS’ innovation leadership in live- marketing and events, in creating wow-moments and inspiring audiences, be it virtual or live, in person or remote.

Market Updates Panel
Monday, October 21 | 11:45 AM | Waterloo

Amanda Davis is senior manager of global trade development (U.K., Europe, India) for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization. In this role, Amanda is the primary liaison for Brand USA and its partners, prospects, and international representation firms in the U.K., Europe and India. She manages the day-to-day trade operations for these markets, including in-market activations and co-op marketing. 

Amanda joined Brand USA in June 2016 as the coordinator for the global trade team and later became senior coordinator. During this time, she supported the USA Discovery Program, MegaFams, and tradeshows. 

Before joining Brand USA, Amanda was the development and membership administrative assistant at the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital. Earlier, she was an English teaching assistant and instructor in Le Mans, France, and Washington, D.C. 

Amanda graduated from Miami University with a bachelor of arts in international studies and French.

U.S. Carrier Aviation Panel
Thursday, October 24 | 12:00 PM | Lord

Karolien brings more than 15 years of industry experience to his role, and is overseeing the expansion of routes into the U.S. Since joining the airline in 2007, Karolien has held roles such as regional sales manager and head of corporate sales. She previously worked in the industry in reservations, airport-based customer services, and with British Midland International as sales manager for Belgium and Luxembourg. Subsequently, Karolien worked as UK and Ireland general manager.

Welcome Remarks & Brand USA Exclusive Insights 
Monday, October 21 | 10:00 AM | Waterloo

European Tourism Leaders Panel Session 
Tuesday, October 22 | 3:00 PM | Legislate

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.

Policy in Action: Facilitating Travel to the USA
Tuesday, October 2 | 12:00 PM | Chancellor

Peter Dodge is director, public affairs for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization with a mission of increasing international visitation to the United States, fueling the nation’s economy, and enhancing the image of the USA worldwide. In this role, Peter functions as a liaison with all levels of government and manages outreach efforts with key stakeholders to promote and advance Brand USA's mission, raise visibility worldwide for the organization, and build community engagement. Peter first joined Brand USA in April 2017 as senior coordinator, public policy and public affairs. 

Prior to working at Brand USA, Peter served as a legislative assistant to a Member of Congress from South Carolina, advising him on a host of policy issues, including those related to travel and tourism. 

In his free time, Peter serves as the president of the South Carolina State Society in Washington, DC and is an active member of the General Society of Colonial Wars. 

The son of a retired Air Force officer, he has lived in three countries – Germany, England, and the United States. While he calls the Lowcountry of South Carolina “home,” he has also resided in Maine, Massachusetts, New Mexico, and Florida – as well as Washington, DC. 

Peter received his bachelor’s degree in American politics and rhetoric at The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, and his J.D. at the Ave Maria School of Law in Naples, Florida."

Market Updates Panel
Monday, October 21 | 11:45 AM | Waterloo

U.S. Carrier Aviation Panel
Thursday, October 24 | 12:00 PM | Lord

Jackie Ennis is vice president, global trade development for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization with the mission of increasing international visitation to the United States, fueling the nation’s economy and enhancing the image of the USA worldwide. In this role, Jackie leads Brand USA's trade engagement and marketing efforts, manage Brand USA's global offices, and continue to effectively work to optimize trade and consumer reach around the world. 

Jackie joined Brand USA in August of 2018 as senior director, global trade development after working as a consultant with the organization’s global trade team and became instrumental in strategic development of our trade initiatives. Jackie was previously responsible for the international marketing strategy for the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. She also was the executive director for Discover New England, where she developed the successful business-to-business international marketplace which is considered one of the most valuable business opportunities for the New England hospitality industry in marketing the region to international travelers. Her other previous positions included principal of Ennis Marketing; director and international marketing manager for Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing; and product manager for Saga Holidays. 

An avid traveler, Jackie has lived in three countries as has visited 29 countries, 28 states, and the District of Columbia. She loves tennis and is semi-fluent in Spanish. She is married with two children. 

Jackie received her bachelor's in international relations and Spanish from the University of Warwick, England.

Market Updates Panel
Monday, October 21 | 11:45 AM | Waterloo

Travel industry professional with over 14 years of experience in managing partner relationships, budgets, and delivering high-impact marketing campaigns, tradeshows, roadshows, familiarization trips, and other industry events. He holds dual citizenship in Spain and Canada. 

Javier’s expertise spans leisure and consumer sales, MICE (business travel), event logistics, business development, and digital marketing. He has a proven track record of achieving results through customized brand promotions and events, backed by exceptional relationships within the tourism industry. 

He holds a Master’s Degree in Business Communications, Protocol, and Event Planning, and is a sworn interpreter (English-Spanish) certified by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Since 2017, Javier has been managing the Brand USA account in Spain, successfully leading campaigns and strengthening the brand’s presence in the market. 

Javier’s deep knowledge of the travel industry and dedication to excellence allow him to consistently deliver value to partners through innovative strategies and seamless execution.

U.S. Carrier Aviation Panel
Thursday, October 24 | 12:00 PM | Lord

Maja Gedosev has been the general manager, Europe for JetBlue Airways since March 2020. She is responsible for sales, marketing, communications, government and regulatory affairs. Based in the UK, Maja played a key role in the successful launch of JetBlue's first ever transatlantic flights between New York and London Heathrow in August 2021 and New York and Gatwick Airport in September 2021. In the summer of 2022, Maja supported further JetBlue growth across the Atlantic with daily flights launching between Boston and both London Gatwick and Heathrow airports. These were followed by additional daily flights between New York and London Gatwick in October 2022, bringing JetBlue’s total to 5 daily flights across the Atlantic. In the summer of 2023, Maja facilitated JetBlue’s entry into two new European destinations: Paris to New York flights launched in June 2023, and Amsterdam to New York and Boston flights in August and September 2023, respectively. 

Maja joined JetBlue from a U.K. regional carrier Flybe where she was director of communications, responsible for government affairs, consumer PR, sponsorships and brand building. Prior to moving to the U.K, Maja was the general manager commercial and corporate affairs at Air Seychelles and before that head of corporate affairs for Air Serbia, both airlines are part of the Etihad Aviation Group. Her aviation career started as a ground handling agent for Lufthansa. 

Maja is very active in diversity efforts and is a member of the Women in Aviation Charter initiative, frequently speaking to young girls about pursuing careers in aviation. 

Maja is a proud mom of two daughters, Mia and Sofija. She has two Westies called Jet and Blu and is a passionate runner. "

Aviation Speaking Slots
Tuesday, October 22 | 9:20 AM | Legislate

Navigating the Media Landscape in 2025: Travel Trends and Consumer Behavior
Monday, October 21 | 11:45 AM | Legislate

Geordie Greig is an experienced editor who has been an influential member of the UK’s national media for over 30 years. He has been editor-in-chief of The Independent since January 2023, following a decade as Editor of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday from 2012 to 2021, and before that was Editor of the Evening Standard. Under his stewardship, the Evening Standard, launched the Dispossessed Campaign which advocated tackling poverty, illiteracy and unemployment and which successfully raised over £9 million for grassroots groups addressing poverty and since helped more than 100,000 people, including the homeless and unemployed.

Navigating the Media Landscape in 2025: Travel Trends and Consumer Behavior
Monday, October 21 | 11:45 AM | Legislate

Gaia Guarino is an Italian travel journalist specializing in the trade sector, with a strong focus on marketing. She also has expertise as a marketing specialist, particularly in consumer behavior, blending her knowledge of the travel industry with insights into how consumers think and act.

Intro 2025: Tour Operators Reinforce Best Trade Marketing Practices 
Monday, October 21 | 10:45 AM | Waterloo

Nick Hentschel is responsible for developing and implementing overall corporate strategy, with a focus on investment in technology. Joining ATI in 2012 as its director of legal and government affairs, Nick spearheaded ATI’s efforts to create a level playing field for inbound operators in the industry. Nick has served on the United States Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, advising the U.S. Secretary of Commerce on important issues facing the industry.

Keynote
Monday, October 21 | 2:00 PM | Waterloo

Hrishikesh Hirway is a musician and podcast creator. He is the host, creator, and executive producer of the Song Exploder podcast, as well as the Netflix original series that was adapted from the podcast. Over its 10+ year history, Song Exploder has won four Webby Awards, iHeartRadio’s award for Best Music Podcast, Quartz magazine’s award for Podcast of the Year, and others. Vulture wrote, “Song Exploder is probably the best use of the podcast format ever.” He also created and co-hosted the award-winning podcasts Home Cooking, with chef and author Samin Nosrat and The West Wing Weekly, with actor Joshua Malina. He helped Google launch their first original podcast, and he serves the Library of Congress as an advisor on digital strategy.

In 2021, Fast Company named him one of the Most Creative People in Business, and AdWeek named him to their Creative 100 list as an “innovator reshaping the media landscape.” He has been a featured contributor to CBS Sunday Morning. As a recording artist, he has released four albums and three EPs and composed original scores for film, television, podcasts, and a video game. On his 2022 EP, he collaborated with renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Hrishikesh’s TED Talk, “What you discover when you really listen,” has been viewed over three million times.

European Business Events: What are the Opportunities for U.S. Destinations?
Monday, October 21 | 4:05 PM | Legislate

Wendy leads an accomplished and committed team at ISUOG, a charitable organisation and the leading international society of experts in ultrasound for obstetrics and gynecology. Working with the Society for over 15 years, Wendy has been at the forefront of the strategic development and delivery of ISUOG’s annual International World Congress and other regional meetings. Wendy is an accomplished leader with extensive experience in driving operational efficiency, delivering large-scale international events, and leading organisations through periods of significant transition and growth. ISUOG is a member company of the Association Conferences Forum (AC Forum) and Wendy currently serves on the AC Forum Board.