Wendy Kheel is acknowledged for expertise in tourism research, data, trends and marketing strategy and for presentations at a wide range of travel industry conferences and seminars. 

She has joined Tourism Economics as Client Manager, focusing on Symphony, a customizable market intelligence platform.

Prior to Tourism Economics, she was Vice President of Tourism Insights for the LATCB where she oversaw global research and data analysis. 

Prior to LA Tourism, she was Director, Consumer Insights at Universal Studios Hollywood, Director of Market Research at Walt Disney Imagineering, and a Senior Manager at two hospitality-industry consulting firms.

She has a Masters of Hotel Administration from Cornell University, an MBA from the University of Miami, and a Bachelor of Speech from Northwestern University.

Lauren is founder/president of Lauren Schlau Consulting (LSC). Operating since 1992, LSC is a respected market research consultancy with expertise in economic development, including travel/tourism, retail and cultural arts. 

Lauren’s research career began in consumer products, followed by research positions at the San Diego CVB, PKF/CBRE, and other private, not-for profit and public entities.

She is a member of CalTravel (board), TTRA, LATCB, and LA5 Rotary.

Schlau holds a Master of Public Administration (USC), and Bachelor of Science (Northwestern University), with post-grad certificates in Management Development for Entrepreneurs (UCLA Anderson School), and Organizational Development and Leadership (UCLA Extension).

Jeff Levy, a veteran with 37 years of publishing experience in the travel, arts, and fashion industries, is currently in his 30th year as publisher at California Media Group.

Jeff is a past president of the Orange County Tourism Council and past executive board member of the California Tourism Industry Association. He also sits on the advisory board for the Master’s Degree in Tourism Management at California State University Northridge and is currently a board member of the Tour and Travel Marketing Association.​​

Jeff enjoys snow skiing, cycling and collecting Bob’s Big Boy memorabilia. He has been married to his wife AnnDee for 37 years and is the proud father of two grown daughters, Stevie and Rachel.

With over 25+ years in the transportation and travel industry, Adriana Gaikan is currently the Director of Sales at Catalina Express, where she recently celebrated two successful years. As a proud Californian, she is passionate about showcasing the beauty and culture of her home state. Beyond her professional achievements, Adriana is a devoted wife and mother, and she’s excited to embrace her new role as a grandparent.

Mariella Carmona was born and raised in Mexico City, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from CESSA University and brings over 30 years of experience in the tour and travel, airline, and hospitality industries, being an expert in the Latin Market. She is bi-cultural, bilingual in English, Spanish, with 50% knowledge of Portuguese.

Mariella joined Los Angeles Tourism Convention Board in 2005, was the Regional Director for Mexico/Latin America, and worked closely with the travel, aviation, and media industries, along with government officials both locally, and from Mexico/ Latin America.

In 2020 she founded CONNVOC, a boutique representation firm that aims to be the liaison between clients in the US, Mexico, and Latin America, connecting people across all regions, in diverse industries, and entities, helping them expand their client base. Among her array of many jobs. Currently, Mariella proudly represents Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board and The Empire State Building in New York among other projects in Mexico/Latin America.

Mariella also finds time to be a guest speaker, organize special events, and do media interviews for local and in market Hispanic channels.

Lastly, but not least, she is also embarking on a new journey along with her 25-year-old daughter supporting her career in Mental Health.

Lorraine Chapman, Director of Tourism, Advocacy & Industry Relations for GOCAL, Greater Ontario California has over 15 years of experience in the destination marketing and tourism industry with the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, and, more than 20 years in commercial real estate development, marketing & leasing, and commercial insurance.
 

Lorraine serves on various boards and past-Chair for California Travel Association Ambassador Committee (2020-2023), and currently on the Rural Committee for Visit
California, the Downtown Ontario Improvement Association (DOIA) District Identity Committee, Board of Directors for Travelers Aid International of the Inland Empire and
represents GOCAL at the Ontario International Airport Roundtable.
 
Lorraine has a BS in Business Administration/Marketing from California State Los Angeles. Lorraine and her husband Michael have been together for 28 years and live in Pasadena
with Oliver, their very spoiled “only dog child”. Lorraine loves exploring local culture, cuisine, arts and unique off the beaten path experiences and also a bit of a tomboy that enjoys
watching both college and professional sports.

Joaquin Esteva is VP, West Coast at AKA, a full-service marketing & advertising agency specializing in the live entertainment, arts & culture, and attractions sectors with offices in Los Angeles, New York and the UK. He joined AKA in 2016 as Client Services Director and managed several high-profile accounts at the agency, including the Tony Award-winning Best Musical The Band’s Visit and the smash-hit play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.  

In 2020, Joaquin relocated to Los Angeles to manage and build the agency’s West Coast presence.  In his current role, Joaquin oversees new business development on the West Coast and manages AKA’s West Coast clients, which include American Conservatory Theater, The Broad, Focus Features, and the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.  Joaquin holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from The College of William and Mary. He lives in North Hills with his husband and loves to travel the world.

Shana has worked for 30 years in travel and hospitality in media, technology, and events working with national publications and organizations such as Expedia, National Geographic Traveler, and Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts.  For three years Shana served as Publisher and Co-Founder of DTLA Book, a coffee table guide book celebrating the rich cultural history and present day marvels of DTLA.

Shana currently has a media and event sales representation firm serving national and regional publications including Los Angeles, Orange Coast, Pasadena, Edible LA, Nobleman, Los Angeles Blade and other city/regional publications across the country.

Manny is the Director of Sales at The Garland, a family-owned boutique style hotel located in North Hollywood, CA. He currently oversees the sales and catering efforts for this 258 guest room property with approximately 25,000 sq. ft. of flexible indoor/outdoor function space.

With almost 20+ years of experience working within the hospitality market segment (including stints at Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt and others) he is passionate about cultivating relationships across all industries.

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Representing the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, I am honored to be on the board of the TTMA. After moving from St. Louis Missouri for school at San Francisco Art Institute. I started my journey in the Tourism Industry working as a concierge in the Fisherman’s Wharf of San Francisco after graduation.

The intersection of art and Tourism eventually led me to the SFMOMA, where I started in Visitor Service, and moved up to Group Sales and Tourism. From there I became Manager of Tourism and Group Sales at the Academy Museum, after relocating to Los Angeles with my wife and two young girls.

Cori Garfias has been working at the Getty since 2013.  At the Getty, she started out working as a Visitor Servies Associate, and ended up in her current position in Group Sales and Tourism.  A large aspect of Cori's job is attending local and domestic tourism related events and conferences, networking with other tourism industry professionals, and tour operators. 

She also arranges an array of group visits, some quite complex, requiring coordination with multiple departments at the Getty.  Cori has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Industry Studies from Cal State Northridge, and graduated with her Masters in Library and Information Science through an online program at San Jose State University in 2023. 

When she is not working, Cori enjoys spending quality time with her husband, their son, and their dog.  She also likes cooking, attending concerts, creating eclectic Spotify playlists, and watching the Dodgers live and on the TV screen. 

​My background in Sales and Marketing is over a decade long with experiences in Film and Television Equipment Manufacturing and Travel and Tourism. I have been a part of Universal Destinations and Experiences for 4 years and am responsible for managing the 3rd Party Distribution of our products, primarily for the Local LA Market. I bring extensive knowledge to how to develop sales channels and relationships with key Trade Partners.

Stacey Sun is Vice President, Marketing Programs at the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, where she leads the strategic direction of destination marketing pillars including major global sporting events and culinary initiatives such as Dine LA, with a focus on elevating Los Angeles’ global brand and driving visitation. She brings more than a decade of leadership experience across destination marketing, hospitality, and consumer brands, with prior roles at Hilton Hotels, Taco Bell, and DIRECTV. A Los Angeles native, Stacey holds a degree from UC Irvine.

Michelle Carlen is the Founder & President of Alignment Advising and has worked with hundreds of clients including organizations, leaders, business owners, entrepreneurs, employees, and job seekers.

Throughout her 25 + year career in business management, hospitality, and tourism, she has distinguished herself as an accomplished executive in the Convention and Visitor Bureau and Chamber of Commerce sector utilizing her marketing & communications, business development & sales and budget & operations skill sets.

With extensive expertise in meetings, events, and group travel, she has led small organizations and collaborated with a range of businesses —from major corporate hotels and local shops to local government and non-profit organizations to see increased growth in their businesses. Her ability to build strong relationships and drive performance has been a defining aspect of her professional journey.

Michelle helps professionals boost self-awareness, confidence, and performance to drive organizational growth and competitiveness. She demonstrates her passion for empowering both businesses and individuals through personalized consulting and coaching services, She is specifically known for her approachable style and proven record of success.

Raihni Duncan is a dynamic sales and marketing leader with over 10 years of experience in the live entertainment industry. As Director of Sales at The Novo, and previously at The Mountain Winery, she has driven consistent growth and helped position both venues among the top-performing locations nationally, including leading two of the highest-performing special event web pages in the portfolio. With a strong background in venue sales, team leadership, and marketing strategy, Raihni is passionate about bridging the gap between sales and marketing to drive innovation and measurable results. She thrives on building partnerships, creating referral networks, and empowering teams through collaboration and strategic insight.