An in-demand keynote speaker and panel moderator, Laura speaks on trends in travel and lifestyle, delivering dynamic and engaging content at industry conferences. Here are examples of some of her many appearances:
The New York Times Travel Show: Laura has moderated panels at this high-profile conference twice. For the most recent panel, “Hidden Secrets for Traveling Families,” Laura joined Rainer Jenss (president of the Family Travel Association) and Elaine Alimonti (group publisher of Lonely Planet) to share tips for traveling families.
Organic Spa: Laura has moderated panels at this high-profile conference in the wellness industry.
HSMAI Digital Marketing Strategy Conference: Laura was invited by HSMAI (Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International) to deliver the keynote speech at its annual digital marketing conference. Her presentation, “The Engaged Traveler’s Perspective,” can be downloaded here.
Harvard Business School At the Harvard Business School Dynamic Women in Business Conference, Laura moderated a panel called “Women Exploring the World.” Panelists included Peggy E. Stirling (vice president of the Safety, Security, and Environmental division, American Airlines), and Jenifer Ziegler (senior vice president of brand management, Holiday Inn Express).
New York University International Hospitality Conference At this well-respected travel industry conference, Laura moderated a panel on “Lifestyle Hotels” with Michael Achenbaum (president and co-founder, Gansevoort Hotel Group), Alan Fuerstman (founder and chief executive officer, Montage Hotels & Resorts), Jason Pomeranc (founder, Thompson Hotels), and Russell Urban (executive vice president of business development and acquisitions, Destination Hotels & Resorts).
Connecticut Governor’s Conference on Tourism At this annual conference attended by 900 members of the travel industry, Laura spoke about marketing to millennials and baby boomers.
New Mexico Hospitality & Tourism Trends Conference Laura spoke on a panel about travel trends for New Mexico’s annual state conference.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA): At Cruise360, the annual conference for CLIA, Laura moderated a panel of cruise industry CEOs.
Walt Disney World: At an internal marketing conference, Laura was invited to deliver a keynote speech to Disney executives about gaining a foothold in the luxury travel business.
American Express: At the annual American Express Publishing Luxury Summit, Laura moderated a number of panels. One year’s panel on luxury retailing trends included the social-media star Sheikh Majed Al-Sabah, part of the Kuwaiti royal family and chairman of the Villa Moda shopping empire. Another panel, “Creating a Motivated Staff That Wins Over Guests,” featured Alan Fuerstman (Montage Hotels & Resorts); Jeff Klein (JK Hotel Group), and Didier Le Calvez (Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts).
Adventure Travel World Summit: At the annual conference for the Adventure Travel Trade Association in Namibia, Laura spoke about travel industry trends on a panel with editors from Afar, USA Today, and Lonely Planet.
Others: Laura has also spoken at conferences hosted by The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, the Caribbean Travel Organization, and more.