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.
The 2026 speaker lineup will be released at a later date. In the meantime, check out a few of our 2025 keynotes to get an idea of the type of content you can expect to see at the Summit.
2025 KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
CAROLINE BETETA
President & CEO
Visit California
Topic: The Future of California’s Tourism Economy
Visit California President and CEO Caroline Beteta provided 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 explored 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, discussed 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
Former State Senator Brian Dahle (R) offer his informed perspective on some of California’s most challenging issues, and discussed how it’s possible to work with colleagues across the aisle, even when you don’t agree.
TYLER FLORENCE
Celebrity Chef & Restaurateur
Food Network
Topic: Elevating Events with Food
Twenty-eight-year Food Network veteran Chef Tyler Florence took over our PAC dinner to show us first-hand why his ever-expanding business empire became so successful, and how to elevate any event with one simple ingredient—great food!
GEOFF FREEMAN
President & CEO
U.S. Travel Association
Topic: Federal Tourism Advocacy
U.S. Travel CEO Geoff Freeman discussed 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 encouraged 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 discussed 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.
