2025 EVENT SCHEDULE
PRE-EVENT: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
4:00PM - 5:00PM
Virtual Orientation
*Eastern Daylight Time
This orientation will bring together all Future Leaders attendees ahead of the event. Hosted by Future Leaders team members and 2025 Guides, the webinar will cover what to expect, how to prepare, and how to get the most out of your Future Leaders experience.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
ALL DAY Arrivals
4:00PM - 6:00PM Attendee Registration
7:00PM - 9:00PM Welcome Reception: Sip, Savor, & Connect
Kick off Future Leaders with sunset views of the city. There will be good vibes, great bites, and even better company. Join us for an upbeat welcome reception where you'll mix and mingle while enjoying cocktails and local flavors. This is your chance to break the ice, meet industry peers, and set the tone for an inspiring week ahead. This is where the connections begin.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
7:30AM - 8:15AM Breakfast & Opening Remarks
Welcome to Future Leaders!
Presented by Mindy Poder, Editor-in-Chief, TravelAge West
Welcome from our Host Destination
Presented by Alaska - Visit Anchorage
Glacier Breaker - “Two Truths, and a Travel Lie”
In this twist on the classic game, each person at a table will share three quick statements about their travel experiences (two true, one false). The table guesses the lie.
8:25AM - 9:45AM Appointments
9:55AM - 10:45AM Workshop - AI in Action: Smarter, Faster, More Human
Presented by Tern
Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant concept, it’s already reshaping how travel advisors and suppliers serve clients, streamline operations and spark creativity. In this interactive workshop, David Shull, CEO of Tern, will lead participants through a hands-on exploration of how AI can make a meaningful impact in their day-to-day work. The session will open with real-world examples and best practices from across the travel industry, showcasing how advisors and partners are already using AI in innovative ways, from building custom GPTs that handle client questions to applying AI for itinerary design, marketing and operations. Through guided activities, participants will experiment with AI tools directly, collaborate in small groups and share approaches with peers. Whether you’re a supplier or advisor, you’ll walk away with practical tips, new confidence in using AI and a clear sense of how to apply it in your role, without losing the human touch that makes travel unforgettable.
Presented by David Shull, CEO, Tern; and Dylan Velinsky, Head of Partnerships, Tern
10:55AM - 12:15PM General Session
Welcome from our Host Hotel
Presented by The Sheraton Anchorage Hotel
“Jot It Down, Post It Up” Intention Wall, sponsored by Riverside Luxury Cruises
At the start of the event, attendees will post a goal, question, or fear to a communal “Intention Wall” using the prompts: Grow, Fix, Start, Stop. These contributions will serve as a thread throughout the event—referenced by Guides during sessions and revisited on days 2 and 3 to reflect on clarity, progress, and next steps.
Presented by Jen Halboth, CEO, Riverside Luxury Cruises
Spotlight, sponsored by Globus family of brands & Avalon Waterways
Presented by Dave Llewellyn, Manager, Channel Marketing & Sales Development, Globus family of brands
Think Tank: What Will This Industry Need from You? sponsored by Avoya Travel and Silversea
In this session, two industry titans—Marc Kazlauskas, CEO of Avoya Travel, and Joe Leon, VP of Sales, the Americas, for Silversea—will share their stories of coming up in the travel world, and then connect with advisors and suppliers in the audience in a Q&A format. Topics will range from essential leadership traits to industry shifts the next generation of travel professionals will need to navigate.
Moderated by Catherine Brask, Senior Marketing Director for The Travel Group, and Cali Stein, Director of Four Hundred Advisor Network
12:15PM - 1:15PM Lunch
1:25PM - 2:25PM Workshop: Getting to YES Faster! Personality Selling With Bulls, Owls, Lambs and Tigers
Presented by Vacation Planners
Unlock the key to effortless sales and seamless communication in travel planning (and life!). Join the President of Vacation Planners, Jenn Lee, for an insightful and interactive session to transform how you connect with clients, advisors/suppliers and understand yourself. Delve into the world of four distinct personality types – Bulls, Owls, Lambs and Tigers – and discover how this knowledge can dramatically boost your success as a travel advisor or supplier. You can elevate your business relationships, boost your sales performance and transform your approach to being a travel pro.
Presented by Jenn Lee, President, Vacation Planners
2:35PM - 3:25PM General Session: Afternoon Recharge
Mini Meditation and Refocusing
Led by Cat Brask, Senior Marketing Director, Northstar Travel Group
Spotlight, sponsored by Virgin Voyages
Presented by Lauren Harris, Senior Manager, National Accounts, Virgin Voyages
Stories from the Last Frontier
Discover the power of passion and place in this inspiring session with a dynamic Alaskan leader. Mandy Garcia, Co-Owner of Salmon Berry Tours, shares her journey from Wisconsin to Alaska and how she built a thriving tour company in her early 30s. Her story highlights resilience, entrepreneurship, and the unique spirit that defines Alaska.
Presented by Mandy Garcia, Co-Owner, Salmon Berry Tours
Spotlight, sponsored by WorldVia
Presented by Laura DeVeiga, Director of Agency Development, WorldVia
3:35PM - 5:10PM Appointments
6:15PM - 9:30PM Campfire Connections: An Evening at Hilltop Ski Area
Join us for an evening of camp vibes and relaxed conversations! After a day full of sessions, enjoy unwinding by the fire with local flavor and live music. Whether you're bonding over games, enjoying the chill atmosphere, or simply taking in the night air, it's the perfect way to wrap up the day. Flannels are encouraged!
Upon arrival—weather permitting—the chairlifts will be running if you would like to take a ride up the mountain and then take a short walk back down to the event.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
7:30AM - 8:15AM Breakfast & Reflection
Morning Spark
Presented by Chelsee Lowe, Senior Editor, TravelAge West & Future Leaders Guides
8:25AM - 9:45AM Appointments
9:55AM - 10:35AM Workshop: Experiential Travel vs. Bucket List Tourism: Curating Transformative Experiences
Presented by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
10:45AM - 12:10PM General Session
A Moment with Travel Insured International
Spotlight, sponsored by Gifted Travel Network
Presented by Caroline Hollar, Director of Marketing, Gifted Travel Network
Breaking Down Barriers: Getting Candid About the Advisor-Supplier Relationship
In this panel discussion, Future Leaders Guides and supplier reps will have a frank discussion on “taboo” topics that can cause friction in a working relationship. What do suppliers really expect from an advisor after a fam trip? What are the pros and cons of mixing suppliers in a single itinerary? What boundaries need to be set in working relationships between advisors and clients, as well as advisors and suppliers? Listen to both sides get candid about these and other issues.
Moderated by Kelly Rosenfeld, Senior Editor, TravelAge West
Spotlight, sponsored by Princess Cruises
Presented by Mary Jacquel, Director, Alaska Planning and Marketing, Princess Cruises
12:10PM - 1:10PM Lunch
1:20PM - 2:05PM Workshop: Crisis Simulation
Step into the hot seat with our Crisis Simulator, a high-energy, small-group workshop designed to test your problem-solving skills under pressure. You’ll face rapid-fire scenarios—like missed flights, last-minute change requests, or travel restrictions—and work together to find quick, effective solutions. After navigating these challenges, groups will come together to reflect, share insights, and swap best practices. Get ready to sharpen your adaptability, learn from your peers, and walk away better prepared for whatever surprises the industry throws your way.
2:15PM - 2:55PM General Session: Afternoon Recharge
“The Moth”
By this point in Future Leaders, we will have been deep in workshops, small group talks, and reflection. This theme invites attendees to share a moment from their career when something snapped into place: their niche, their value as an advisor, their confidence, their boundaries, their shift from “hobbyist” to entrepreneur, their realization they didn’t have to do it like everyone else.
Presented by the TravelAge West & TravelPulse Editorial teams
3:05PM - 4:40PM Appointments
6:00PM* - 10:OOPM Embark on an Adventure with the Alaska Railroad!
Join us for a journey aboard the Alaska Railroad, where breathtaking landscapes meet a lively onboard experience. As we travel along the stunning Turnagain Arm, enjoy delicious food and drinks, setting the perfect mood for the ride. Sing your heart out during our karaoke, groove to the beats spun by a live DJ, and be serenaded by a talented local musician, all while surrounded by awe-inspiring views. Choo Choo!
*Attendees will depart the hotel at 5:15pm
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
7:30AM - 8:00AM Breakfast
8:00AM - 9:30AM General Session
Welcome Back
Presented by Cat Brask, Senior Marketing Director, Northstar Travel Group
Future Leaders Travel Industry Travia, sponsored by Rental Escapes
Pitch Perfect
In this fast-paced, gameshow-style general session, suppliers are on the clock to “pitch” their product (or destination) to our lineup of discerning Future Leaders Guides and, ultimately, win their business. Suppliers will walk away with insights on how to refine their elevator pitch for different client scenarios, while travel advisors will learn how to better qualify supplier partners during the trip-planning process.
Presented by Cat Brask, Senior Marketing Director, Northstar Travel Group & Eric Bowman, Editor-in-Chief, Travelpulse.com
Post It Reflections & Postcard Activity, sponsored by Riverside Luxury Cruises
Attendees will take the time to reflect on their additions to the Intention Wall and create goals for the future.
Presented by Jen Halboth, CEO, Riverside Luxury Cruises
10:00AM - 5:00PM Group Activity
Glacier Cruise with Phillips Cruises and Tours
Attendees will sail away on an adventure through Prince William Sound. Departing from Whittier, cruise past stunning glaciers and dramatic fjords, including the majestic Blackstone Bay. Keep an eye out for wildlife like sea otters, sea lions, and eagles, while enjoying the breathtaking views. Learn about the region’s history and natural beauty as you explore one of Alaska’s most pristine landscapes.
7:00PM Closing Reception at Mad Myrna’s
Join us for an epic closing event at Mad Myrna’s! Get ready to sparkle all night long, literally! The dress code? Sparkles. So don your most dazzling attire and shine bright. We’ll be serving up delicious food, fun cocktails, and an electrifying atmosphere with a DJ spinning tunes and a live musician keeping the vibe going.
But that’s not all. The grand finale will feature an optional drag show, adding a touch of glam, laughter, and a whole lot of fabulous energy to wrap up the night. (You must register in advance, space is limited. More coming soon on how to register.)
It’s going to be a night full of great music, even better company, and memories to last.
