Brand USA Talks Travel

Meet TV Director Steve Harris and hear about the unique challenges of creating family travel shows. We learn about his experiences directing the new GoUSA TV series "Ellis Family Vacation."  Plus, we discuss equity and inclusion behind the camera.  Steve Harris is CEO of Sneakertopia and Head of Development for Workaholics Entertainment Group.

Did you know that consumers often view over 40 websites before making travel plans? Steven Paganelli enlightens us on many surprising facts, figures and trends he's seen at Tripadvisor, who recently surpassed one billion reviews. Steven is Director, Destinations, Hotels and OTAs, Americas at Tripadvisor.

Hear behind-the-scenes stories about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and “To Kill A Mockingbird” author Harper Lee. We also learn what it takes to create UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Lee Sentell has been Alabama’s Tourism Director since 2003.

We return from winter break with Don Moore, EVP, Business Rental Sales & Global Corporate Accounts at Enterprise Holdings - and a Brand USA board member. Don shares over three decades of industry insights, talks international expansion, and gives us a glimpse at future technology.

How can YOU participate in a Brand USA MegaFam? The answer to that and many other questions are answered by two MegaFam veterans, Suzy Shepard, Brand USA's Director of Global Trade for Asia Pacific, and Amanda Davis, Brand USA's Senior Manager, Global Trade for UK and Europe. Suzy and Amanda provide insight into these unique on-the-ground experiences, and share a few of their favorite memories from 22 Mega-Fams in 8 markets.

How do Italian tourists feel about visiting the United States? Gaia Guarino, Editor of TTG Italia, shares how Italian visitors to the U.S. are increasingly interested in authentic experiences in cities off the beaten path. We also discuss how the job of a travel agent has changed in recent years, the effect of the strength of the U.S. Dollar combined with inflation, and how American holidays are perceived in Italy.

Drawing on decades of DMO experience, President/CEO of Visit Baltimore Al Hutchinson shares his perspective on advocacy. We also discuss elevating Black, Brown & Minority Business, and kick around the relatively new concept of “Slow Travel.”

For decades, Richard Arnold has been entertaining and reporting to huge audiences in the United Kingdom. We discuss why the United States stands out to European travelers, and the power of American music, TV, and film across the world; Richard also shares his personal love affair with Dallas, Texas. We couldn’t resist… we also asked him about his favorite celebrity interviews.

Butch Spyridon has led Nashville to become a $7B-a-year destination through its iconic Music City branding and image. Butch recounts some of the risks he took to put Nashville on the map, including the creation of two major destination-first films and embracing activations to bring in more tourists. Butch has been President/CEO of the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation since 1991.

Meet Chip Rogers, President/CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Chip explains AHLA’s mission, expounds upon the intersection of Hotels and Destinations, and addresses the opportunities for employment in the hotel industry.