March 2026 Speakers

Stephen Ekstrom is the embodiment of a passionate lifelong learner and a seasoned professional in the tourism industry, serving as the CEO and co-founder of https://learntourism.org. With over 25 years of experience, he has cultivated a deep understanding of tourism development and education, driven by his commitment to advancing the industry and fostering sustainable economies.

Stephen’s insatiable curiosity and love for knowledge have led him to be a proud nerd, constantly seeking to expand his expertise and share his insights with others. Alongside his faithful furry companions, Rudy and Marjorie, he embraces the digital nomad lifestyle, traversing the globe and immersing himself in diverse cultures.

A dedicated advocate for continuous improvement, Stephen is a professional member of the Association for Talent Development and a member of Skal International. Stephen holds prestigious certifications in Inclusive and Ethical Leadership from USF, AI Governance and Ethics from Brown University, and Sustainable Business Strategy and Transforming Customer Experiences from Harvard Business School.

Tarryn Tomlinson is a dynamic public speaker, television presenter, writer, and social entrepreneur who brings a unique blend of inspiration and industry expertise to global stages. Known for her captivating storytelling and transformative life lessons, she also has deep knowledge of tourism trends and the role of emerging technologies in shaping inclusive travel.

As the founder behind innovative AI solutions for universal access, Tarryn combines thought leadership with practical tools to reimagine how industries evolve. She is a board member of Cape Town Tourism and also helps develop access policies and implementation strategies within tourism departments of municipalities in South Africa. She is a certified access professional with IAAP.

She has spoken at leading tourism platforms, including WTM Africa (2022, 2023), We Are Africa (2023), and MIP Africa (2024 & 2025). Whether addressing resilience, accessibility, or the future of tourism, Tarryn leaves audiences motivated, informed, and empowered to drive meaningful change.

Serving Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) for 24 years, Wirt Confroy (he/him) is Director of Business Development, partnering with Virginia communities to Maximize Their Tourism Potential.

Along with VTC’s Partnership Marketing team, he collaborates with Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) and EDOs (Economic Development Organizations) to develop tourism strategic development and marketing plans, offers marketing grants and funding assistance for business development projects that increase visitor engagement and spending.

Laura Argenbright is the Senior Director of Creative Strategy at GO Laurel Highlands, where she develops campaigns that highlight the region’s experiences, beauty, and destinations while driving economic impact. Her career includes leadership roles with Vail Resorts at Seven Springs and Hidden Valley, as well as Frank Lloyd Wright’s Polymath Park.

A passionate native of the Laurel Highlands and former ski instructor, Laura served for ten years on the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau Board of Directors. She served as Director of Communications for the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, where she expanded her expertise in public service, social justice, and state government operations.

Aisha Adams is a writer, equity advocate, and community leader based in Asheville, North Carolina. As the founder of Aisha Adams Media, she creates transformative programs that help individuals and organizations build more inclusive communities through storytelling, learning, and action.

Rooted in her love for place and people, Aisha believes that travel is more than movement, it’s a journey toward understanding, empathy, and connection. Through her work and travels across Western North Carolina and beyond, she explores how landscapes shape identity and how storytelling can bridge cultural divides.

Aisha has led initiatives such as Black Wall Street AVL’s GATE Program and The GO Places Leadership Academy, empowering hundreds of emerging leaders to explore new spaces and perspectives. Her thought leadership on equity and belonging has earned her the WomanUP Women Entrepreneur Best in Business Award, Excellence in Business Top 25 Award, and the 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Award.

A prolific essayist and speaker, Aisha uses platforms like NappyThoughts.com to reflect on resilience, justice, and joy. Whether guiding communities through place-based storytelling or encouraging audiences to “go places” within and beyond, Aisha’s message invites travelers to journey with purpose, humility, and hope.

Rachel Covello is a speaker, strategist, and creative mind at the intersection of travel, wellness, and belonging. For years, she has helped destinations and brands design content and experiences that resonate with LGBTQ+ travelers.

Her work now expands to include neurodivergent, disabled, plus-sized, and wellness-minded travelers, while also guiding busy professionals to prioritize health without putting their careers or lives on hold. Having navigated her own health challenges while constantly on the move, Rachel is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Nutrition to become a Registered Dietitian.

Her goal is to help travelers, professionals, and event attendees stay well without sacrificing adventure or connection. When not consulting or speaking, Rachel can be found making audiences laugh on stage, capturing stories behind the camera, or hosting events that foster meaningful connection.

Dawnielle is a Modoc tourism professional and enrolled citizen of the Klamath Tribes with extensive experience in stewardship and Indigenous tourism. She currently serves as Education and Business Development Director with the American Indigenous Tourism Association, having previously assisted with strategic planning and community engagement as a Senior Associate Principal at Coraggio Group.

As a DMO leader, she focused on regenerative travel and diversity initiatives. After law school, she owned small businesses before finding her passion in tourism, where she helped form a Destination Management Organization in Southern Oregon and became a liaison to her tribe.

Her career includes overseeing global marketing for the Hualapai Tribe at Grand Canyon West, developing an early economic development plan for the Hopi Tribe, and working with multiple tribal organizations, including Grand Ronde, Siletz, and Klamath Tribes. She holds a Class III gaming license in three states and has been a speaker for prestigious organizations like The World Travel and Tourism Council regarding Indigenous tourism.

Dawnielle’s credentials include being a Certified Diversity Tourism Professional, Certified Autism Specialist, graduation from the Oregon Tourism Leadership Academy, and recognition as Woman of the Year from the National Tour Association. She chairs the National Tour Association’s DEI Advisory Council, is a member of the Tourism Cares Program Committee, and has served as a Climate Champion within the Expedia Sustainable Destination DMO program.

In all her work, she remains dedicated to unifying stakeholder voices while promoting stewardship that sustains communities for generations.

Jacqueline is a digital marketing strategist with over five years of experience in advertising. She helps businesses grow through strategic, results-driven marketing, developing customized campaigns aligned with each client’s specific goals.

With experience across a diverse range of industries, Jacqueline knows how to identify the right combination of tools and tactics to support every unique strategy. Her collaborative approach ensures clients feel confident in the vision, execution, and performance of every campaign.

Donald Lilley is the Director of Technology and Business Intelligence at Visit Baltimore, with over 18 years of experience at the intersection of data, innovation, and urban strategy. A nationally recognized voice in destination marketing, Donald is a trailblazer in leveraging advanced analytics to elevate tourism, drive equitable economic development, and inform civic decision-making.

His leadership has helped redefine how DMOs translate complex data into meaningful, board-ready insights that shape policy and visitor experience alike. A frequent speaker on national stages, including webinars with Druva, Placer.ai, and eTourism, Donald is known for making data not just digestible, but powerful.

He has twice hosted the eTourism Summit and served as a contributor to Destinations International’s Business Operations Summit. Donald’s work continues to bridge innovation and impact, earning him a reputation as a catalyst for smarter, more inclusive destination development across the country.

Tom has more than 30 years of strategic marketing, communications, and public relations experience across six different industries, including tourism, legal, hotels, manufacturing, utility, and spaceflight.

He presently is Vice President of Marketing for Richmond Region Tourism, which promotes four counties, 2 cities, and one town. Tom oversees marketing, digital marketing, social media, creative services, and public relations, and has built an internal marketing agency culture.

Prior to that, he was the first chief marketing officer for VisitPITTSBURGH. He is also a virtual instructor of social media, public relations, SEO, and analytics for Point Park University in Pittsburgh. Tom has his CDME designation from Destinations International, is a member of the CDME board, and is an instructor for the Marketing and Sales core course.

Tom is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a bachelor’s degree in English Writing. And in 2020, he earned his master’s degree in communication technology from Point Park University.

Tiffany Gallagher serves as the Vice President & Deputy Executive Officer for Civitas, a consulting firm specializing in funding mechanisms for the tourism industry, which offers expertise and services from the perspectives of both the DMO and the lodging industry, as well as lawmakers and local
governments. 

Her twenty-five years of experience in the tourism industry have made her an asset in leading groundbreaking TID state legislation wins in Minnesota, Virginia, Illinois, and Rhode Island. Ms. Gallagher has assisted TID formation for landmark districts such as Florence, Mobile, and Montgomery, AL, as well as many TIDs that are the first in the state, such as Richmond, VA Regional TID, Louisville, KY, and Boston, MA.

She is a mom of two and enjoys off-road bike racing in her spare time. She placed 2 nd in the NYS Gravel Championships and has completed the infamous Leadville 100 mountain bike race.