SPEAKERS

Each year, the CalTravel Summit features more than 50 top-rated speakers and industry experts who have been carefully curated to help you stay on top of key issues and discover new possibilities.

Read on to see who’s confirmed to speak at the 2025 Summit, and check back later as more speakers are announced.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

TONI ATKINS

Former Senate President pro Tem
California State Legislature

Topic: Democrats & Republicans Working Together for California

Former Senate President pro Tem Toni Atkins (D) and Former State Senator Brian Dahle (R) offer their informed perspectives on some of California’s most challenging issues, and discuss how it’s possible to work with colleagues across the aisle, even when you don’t agree.

CAROLINE BETETA

President & CEO
Visit California

Topic: The Future of California’s Tourism Economy

Visit California President and CEO Caroline Beteta provides an update on global marketing programs that are accelerating recovery from the Los Angeles fires, breaking through brand tarnish, and driving demand for the Golden State.

RENE CARAYOL

Founder & CEO
The Everyone Group

Topic: Authentic Leadership

Leadership expert Rene Carayol explores why the best and most adaptable business leaders are the ones who build trust by creating authentic work environments—where colleagues can truly be themselves, are committed to each other’s success, and have the courage to seek support.

CHRIS CILLIZZA

Independent Political Journalist
Former CNN, Washington Post, Meet The Press Political Analyst

Topic: National Politics

Veteran political analyst Chris Cillizza, known for being one of the most witty and impartial observers of politics, discusses the country’s current political climate—the high-stakes drama, the quirky inner-workings, and what it all might mean for the nation’s future.

BRIAN DAHLE

Former State Senator
California State Legislature

Topic: Democrats & Republicans Working Together for California

GEOFF FREEMAN

President & CEO
U.S. Travel Association

Topic: Federal Tourism Advocacy

U.S. Travel CEO Geoff Freeman discusses the current state of tourism in America—providing an in-depth look at the latest trends, challenges facing the industry, opportunities that lie ahead, and the association’s efforts to facilitate long-term industrywide growth.

LEAH GEORGES, PH.D.

Associate Professor, Interdisciplinary Leadership Program
Creighton University

Topic: The Art of Taking Away

Social psychologist Leah Georges encourages us to start thinking about innovation as an opportunity for subtraction, exploring how truly taking away—steps, processes, and old rules—can help people find renewed joy and meaning in both their professional work and personal lives.

RENATA SIMRIL

President & CEO
LA84 Foundation

Topic: The Lasting Legacy of Olympics

LA84 Foundation CEO Renata Simril discusses how we can use the 2028 Olympics as an accelerator to improve California’s communities—now and into the future—based on the success of the 1984 Olympics Foundation, which continues to make a positive impact on the Golden State.