ATIA Annual Convention Speakers
Browse our Convention speakers list by day and session to learn more about our speakers and moderators.
Tuesday, October 21
8:00 - 12:00, Alaska Native CulturalHost Training
Instructor: Jaime Bricker, Tourism Director, Explore Skagway
Jaime Bricker is Skagway’s Tourism Director and Elected Tribal Chair for Skagway Traditional Council. Bricker is Alutiiq, living and working on Lingít Aani in Shg̱agwei. Jaime is the 2017 Outstanding Student Academic Award Recipient and UAS Graduate with a bachelor’s degree in human resources management. She has a Professional Certificate in Cultural Heritage Tourism from the George Washington University School of Business. Bricker is currently one of two people certified to teach ATIA’s Cultural Host content. As the descendent of Pius X Mission survivors, Jaime is a passionate advocate for Indian Boarding School truth and reconciliation. She loves being a mom more than anything. Jaime also enjoys running, singing, paddleboarding, cooking, and sharing all of life’s experiences with family and community. Since December 2023, Bricker has taught 8 classes and certified over 120 participants.
9:00 - 10:30, AI & Travel
C.A. Clark, Vice President of AI, Miles Partnership
C.A. is the vice president of AI and is based in New Zealand. He has been with Miles for over 25 years and has experience in just about every facet of digital destination marketing. As Vice President of AI, C.A. is a driving force in aligning emerging technologies with destination strategy. He has shaped how destinations and travel brands across the world use technology, from New York to Fiji, San Francisco to Bermuda. Most recently, he led AI Opener for Destinations, now the leading global initiative guiding DMOs through the generative AI revolution.
3:15 - 4:15, State of Play & Strategic Advocacy: U.S. Travel Association
Nicole Porter, Vice President of Political Affairs, U.S. Travel Association
Nicole Porter joined the U.S. Travel Association in 2021. As Vice President of Political Affairs, she leads and develops all grassroots and political programs—leading and developing engagement activities to bolster U.S. Travel’s advocacy efforts. Under Nicole’s leadership, U.S. Travel has raised more than $2 million for TravelPAC and the Advocacy Fund during the 2022 and 2024 election cycles. These critical tools help ensure the travel industry maintains a strong voice in Washington and secure a lasting seat at the table on and off Capitol Hill. She also leads the association’s efforts around key initiatives such as the Travel Works for America campaign, U.S. Travel’s national advocacy tour designed to highlight the $2.9 trillion economic impact and far-reaching contributions created by travel and Destination Capitol Hill, the travel industry’s premier legislative fly-in.
Prior to joining U.S. Travel, Porter spent nearly seven years at the National Retail Federation (NRF) where she was senior director, political affairs & advocacy. In this role she served as a key political strategist, responsible for leading and developing advocacy and grassroots programs supporting NRF’s public policy goals, also overseeing NRF’s fundraising for political programs. Prior to NRF, Nicole was a campaign fundraiser working for over a decade with an extensive list of clients ranging from national candidates and PACs to federal and state campaigns. Nicole was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada and now resides with her daughter in Washington, D.C.
Wednesday, October 22
8:30 - 9:00, Economic Update
Kevin Berry, Department of Economics Chair and Professor of Economics at the University of Alaska Anchorage
Dr. Kevin Berry is the current Department of Economics Chair and has been a Professor of Economics at the University of Alaska Anchorage since July 2024. He has been a faculty member at UAA since 2017. He previously had a joint appointment in the Institute of Social and Economic Research from 2017-2020. Dr. Berry was a postdoctoral associate at Yale University and received his PhD from the University of Wyoming. His children are 4th generation Alaskans. Kevin is an avid hockey player, cyclist and hiker.
9:00 - 10:30, Legislative Panel
Senator Bert Stedman
Senator Bert Stedman, a fourth-generation Alaskan raised in Petersburg and Sitka, brings extensive experience in both the private and public sectors. Before joining the Alaska State Legislature, he ran a successful investment services firm for thirty years and spent over a decade serving in Sitka’s local government. Since beginning his tenure in the Alaska Senate in 2003, he has served as Co-Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee for 14 years. Senator Stedman is widely recognized for his expertise in energy, taxation, public finance, and state budgeting.
In addition to his work in the Alaska Legislature, Senator Stedman has twice chaired The Energy Council, a U.S.-Canada organization of energy-producing states that addresses oil and gas policy. He also serves as a member of the National Petroleum Council, a federal advisory committee that provides recommendations to the Secretary of Energy on oil and gas matters. Senator Stedman’s strong financial background has greatly benefited the state, and he hopes to continue doing so in the years ahead.
Representative Calvin Schrage
Calvin Schrage is a lifelong, third-generation Alaskan, deeply rooted in the community. He attended our local schools Abbott Loop Elementary, Hanshew Middle School, and Service High School; then stayed in state to earn his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Alaska Anchorage. After completing his education, Calvin began his professional career as the Executive Director of Frontier Tutoring and joined the boards of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce and the Abbott Loop Community Council. During this time, Calvin met his wife Heather, and soon after they purchased his childhood home where they are now raising their two daughters, Eleanor and Emmeline. In his free time, Calvin enjoys family time and the great Alaskan outdoors.
As a legislator, Calvin brings a practical approach to governance, prioritizing local needs over party politics. His focus includes creating good jobs, strengthening educational opportunities, and working to improve the health and safety of our communities. Calvin remains honored to serve the district where he grew up, and he is committed to making it an even better place for everyone to live and thrive.
Senator Jesse Bjorkman
Senator Jesse Bjorkman is in his second term representing Senate District D, which covers the Northern Kenai Peninsula. Senator Bjorkman’s top priority is fiscal stability for Alaska and its hardworking families. He chairs the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee, which focuses on legislation concerning jobs, the economy, workforce development, and professional licensing. He also chairs the Senate Transportation Committee, covering all modes of transportation and related issues in Alaska.
For well over a decade, Senator Bjorkman has taught Government and History at Nikiski Middle/High School. He helped create a program that teaches middle school students’ life-long outdoor skills, including how to harvest big game and gather food for their families during an educational moose hunt.
Jesse owns his own small business as a Cook Inlet commercial fisherman. He loves to sport fish, hike, and hunt with the catch of his life Jamie and their two kids Blake (10) and Brinna (7). Jesse served three years on the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly and was reelected to a second term on the Assembly before winning his race to represent District D in Juneau.
Senator Bjorkman brings broad experience to his position representing the common-sense and hard-working values of the Northern Kenai Peninsula in the State Senate.
11:00 - 12:00, Tails & Trails - Where Dog Mushing and Tourism Meet
Moderator: Liz Failor, Alaskan Husky Adventures
Liz Failor is a former TV news anchor and Iditarod Insider reporter. In 2018, she met her husband Matthew while covering the Last Great Race on Earth. Together, they own and operate Alaskan Husky Adventures out of their home in Willow, Alaska, where they offer year-round dog sledding experiences. Their team has been featured in The New York Times, Oprah Magazine and Molly of Denali.
Jeff King, Husky Homestead Tours
Jeff King is often recognized as the “Winningest Musher in the World.” He holds four championship titles for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in 1993, 1996, 1998, and 2006, along with dozens of other first places finishes through the state. Jeff started Husky Homestead Tours in 1992, which makes him one of the original trailblazers for dog mushing tourism in Alaska.
Paige Drobny, Squid Acres Kennels
Paige Drobny has lived in Alaska for 22 years owning and mushing dogs around the state for 20 years. She’s competed in the Yukon Quest, Iditarod, Copper Basin and Kuskokwim 300 races and along with her husband Cody Strathe has run a dog mushing tour operation for 8 years.
Matthew Failor, Alaskan Husky Adventures
Matthew Failor is a 14-time Iditarod musher and top-ten finisher. He is also a Kuskokwim 300 champion, and multi-time humanitarian award winner in mid-distance racing. He and his wife Liz own and operate Alaskan Husky Adventures in Willow, Alaska, where they offer year-round dog sledding experiences. Their company has been voted Best of Alaska the past four years in a row.
Tekla Butcher-Monson, Trail Breaker Kennel
Tekla Butcher-Monson is the daughter of four-time Iditarod champion Susan Butcher and Yukon Quest champion David Monson. She now carries on their legacy as the owner of Trail Breaker Kennel in Fairbanks, a pillar of interior Alaska sled dog tourism for over 30 years. Tekla is also the founder of the T-Dog, a new sled dog race in the Tanana Valley. She brings her theatre background into mushing by fostering creativity, collaboration, and community in everything she does.
12:15 - 1:30, Alaska Cruise Update
Christine Manjencic, Vice President of Destination Services, Norwegian Cruise Line
Accomplished leader with over 30 years of experience in the travel, tourism, and sales industry. Successfully leading teams in luxury service delivery, tourism, sales, and Destination Creation. Driven to manage costs, maximizing revenues and establish strategic, mutually beneficial partnerships and relationships with vendors and service providers and support key business initiatives. Specializing in building and developing unique land programs and Special Events for luxury clientele. Responsible for exceeding targeted revenues. Retaining high performance teams by hiring, developing, and motivating skilled professionals.
15 years of onboard luxury cruising experience from Cruise Office/Entertainment to Destination Services/Shore Excursions. 16 years of shore side cruise industry experience developing unique shore side programs for the distinguished luxury traveler.
Extensive global first-hand experience and knowledge of world-wide destinations; Europe, Africa, Asia, Alaska, Caribbean, South America, South Africa, Australia, South Pacific and Antarctica.
1:45 - 2:45 Concurrent Session:
Do You Own Your Business, or Does It OWN You?
Ral West, Entrepreneur and Author
Ral West is a Visionary Business Leader and Systemization Expert, who employs her 4+ decades of entrepreneurial experience and her passion for business in her newest endeavor: “Ral West Livin’ The Dream”. Ral teaches entrepreneurs how to be the owner rather than operator of their business, so they can have a successful business AND the freedom to live the life they deserve. She has an online course and a Mastermind program. Ral and her husband have founded several businesses, one notably achieving 8 digits in annual revenue before being acquired by Alaska Airlines in 2008. Ral has invaluable experience in scaling businesses and mastering the art of effective systemization. Ral honed her business acumen with real life experience. She is a master at the practical implementation of business theories to create effective processes that transform businesses and multiply success. A respected figure in the tourism industry and multifamily real estate circles, Ral has been a guest speaker on dozens of podcasts, has authored courses, and is a bestselling author. Ral and her husband live in Alaska and Hawaii when they are not jet-setting on their worldwide travel adventures.
Ral will speak about stepping into the owner role vs being involved in the day-to-day operations increases your strategic focus, improves workflows and team productivity, and enables your business to grow and scale without needing you to increase your time commitment. Learn six foundational principles that will ensure lasting success for your business, while freeing you to enjoy more of your own life.
1:45 - 2:45 Concurrent Session:
Partnering with Influencers: Best Practices & Marketing Strategies
Moderator: Kailee Stickler, Senior Vice President, Thompson & Co Public Relations
As Senior Vice President at Thompson & Co., Kailee Stickler blends digital strategy and business planning with a passion for creative storytelling. A founding member of the agency’s digital department, she leads a team that designs and executes impactful social media, digital advertising, and integrated campaigns for T&C’s diverse client base. Kailee provides strategic communications counsel to brands across industries, including GCI, Travel Alaska, Saltchuk Aviation, Donlin Gold, Stan Stephens Cruises, and Alaskan Dream Cruises.
Lesli Olson, Influencer, Far North Fashion
Lesli Olson is the creator behind Far North Fashion, a platform she launched in 2018 to highlight Alaska’s unique style and culture. What began as a way to showcase local fashion has grown into a dynamic space that blends lifestyle, travel, and style inspiration. Today, Lesli partners with local and national businesses to create authentic content that connects with audiences across Alaska and beyond.
With over 190,000 followers on Instagram, Lesli has built an engaged community by sharing real-life style for women who want to feel confident at any age or size. Her work has been recognized with the Foraker Award for Best Influencer from Alaska Business magazine in both 2024 and 2025, and she continues to collaborate with brands that value storytelling rooted in Alaskan life. Whether it’s showing how to dress for Anchorage winters, highlighting Alaska-based companies, or traveling across the state to capture the beauty and spirit of local adventures, Lesli is passionate about using her voice to amplify businesses and inspire women to embrace their personal style.
Carly Padrta, Influencer, Carly on the Kenai
Carly Padrta (@carly_on_the_kenai) is an adventure content creator and outdoor photographer based in Alaska. She specializes in capturing authentic storytelling moments for outdoor brands, eco-tourism, and travel experiences. Through her lens, Carly shares the beauty and adventure of life in the Last Frontier.
Max Romey, Influencer
Dyslexic filmmaker and painter Max Romey found his voice in watercolor as a kid (the one thing he couldn’t misspell) learning to animate and edit to bring others into that colorful world. Since then he has worked to visually share the big picture with brands and organizations like KEEN and Protect Our Winters and bring awareness to issues that words can’t always capture.
1:45 - 2:45 Concurrent Session:
The Sustainability Balancing Act: Challenges and Successes for Pursuing Certification
Moderator: Cathy Renfeldt, Executive Director, Cordova Chamber of Commerce
Cathy has championed statewide advocacy for reliable transportation and sustainable economic development for almost ten years. She believes in the power of the visitor industry to enhance the quality of life for residents while providing business stimulus and community stewardship, and that by honoring Alaska Natives who have lived in this region for centuries, tourism can provide opportunities to learn from their wisdom and traditions. The innovative Regenerative Destination Development efforts launched in Cordova are proving grounds for these concepts.
1:45 - 2:45 Concurrent Session:
Alaska Visitor and Resident Surveys: The Latest Research
Heather Haugland, Vice President, McKinley Research Group
Heather has been studying Alaska's tourism industry since she joined MRG in 1999. She has overseen surveys of tens of thousands of visitors and regularly conducts tourism industry research including economic impact studies, resident surveys, market analysis, and port development planning. Her clients include ports, municipalities, Alaska Native Corporations, tribal organizations, DMOs, and ATIA.
1:45 - 2:45 Concurrent Session:
Federal Delegation Updates
Rick Whitbeck, State Director for Representative Nick Begich
Rick Whitbeck is a seasoned executive leader with over 30 years of experience advancing Alaska’s key economic sectors through strategic advocacy, public communications, and coalition-building. He currently serves as the Alaska State Director for Congressman Nick Begich, where he aligns federal policy with state activities and our economic priorities. Previously, he led statewide efforts for Power The Future, becoming a prominent public voice for energy advocacy through media, legislative testimony, and grassroots engagement. A passionate champion for Alaska’s long-term viability, he brings deep expertise in stakeholder engagement, industry leadership, and public policy.
3:15 - 4:15 Concurrent Session:
Working with Tour Operators
Moderator: Tia Froehle, Director of Tourism Sales, Visit Anchorage
As a lifelong Alaskan, Tia cannot help but encourage every single person she meets to come to Alaska. Her passion for our Katmai’s fat bears, local live music & events, our many hiking trails, playing softball and golfing under the midnight sun, aurora chasing, glacier exploring, fat tire biking and finding the best IPA has her continuing to explore our amazing state. Whether working with travel trade partners or speaking with potential visitors, Tia is committed to helping them understand the incredible experiences we all have to offer and what makes Alaska unique. Tia has worked in the Alaska Tourism Industry for over 30 years with companies such as Gray Line of Alaska/Holland America Line and Alyeska Resort. Now, as part of Visit Anchorage for nearly 12 years, Tia plays a key role in promoting Anchorage & Southcentral Alaska to travel trade partners around the globe and leading her Tourism Development & Sales team.
Renee Bonjour, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Holiday Vacations
Renee Bonjour is the Vice President, Sales and Marketing at Holiday Vacations. In this role, she spearheads the company's growth efforts in attracting new to brand travelers while staying focused on delighting loyal Holiday Vacations guests. Her expertise lies in leveraging data-driven strategies to build brand loyalty and scale operations nationwide. She is recognized as a technology leader, adept at integrating meaningful technologies to drive digital transformation. Her expertise spans various industries, and she is known for her creative problem-solving skills and dedication to continuous improvement.
3:15 - 4:15 Concurrent Session:
Getting Found in an AI World
C.A. Clark, Vice President of AI, Miles Partnership
C.A. is the vice president of AI and is based in New Zealand. He has been with Miles for over 25 years and has experience in just about every facet of digital destination marketing. As Vice President of AI, C.A. is a driving force in aligning emerging technologies with destination strategy. He has shaped how destinations and travel brands across the world use technology, from New York to Fiji, San Francisco to Bermuda. Most recently, he led AI Opener for Destinations, now the leading global initiative guiding DMOs through the generative AI revolution.
3:15 - 4:15 Concurrent Session:
How to Utilize YouTube for Small Business
Annika Knutsen, Senior Organic Social Media Planner, Miles Partnership
Annika is a social media marketing professional with 4+ years of experience specializing in organic strategy, influencer partnerships, and content creation. She combines strategic planning with hands-on execution to deliver engaging campaigns that build community, elevate brand presence, and drive measurable results.
3:15 - 4:15 Concurrent Session:
Airline Travel Trends
Erik Peterson, Passenger Air Service Development, Ted Stephens Anchorage International Airport
Erik Peterson was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, attending Dimond High School and the University of Alaska Anchorage. Having always been more interested in the world than his backyard, he got a degree in International Studies and Japanese before moving briefly to Denver, Colorado to work in international relocation. His dream job, however, opened up back in Anchorage, where he returned to work in Communications and Public Information at the Consular Office of Japan. After three years, he decided to apply to the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program to teach English at local public schools in Japan. He got placed in Ogimi, Okinawa where he lived for nearly 4 years before moving back to Anchorage.
Erik comes from a family rooted in aviation, with relatives who served in the Air Force and worked as ticket agents and pilots both in passenger and cargo airlines. When a communications position opened at Anchorage International Airport, he jumped at the chance. After six months, he transitioned into his current role in Passenger Air Service Development, where he works with airlines to launch new routes and expand existing ones. His efforts help bring more visitors to Alaska while creating greater travel opportunities for Alaskans. Still passionate about global exploration, he now also enjoys discovering more of his own backyard.”
Jeff Sigmon, Manager, Arthur D. Little Consulting
Jeffrey Sigmon is a Manager with Arthur D. Little Consulting with 20+ years of experience across consulting, airlines, airports and business aviation. He currently works with various airports and airlines, including Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.
Previously, Jeffrey spent eight years at New Orleans International Airport, from Airport Operations Supervisor to Director of Air Service Development, where he recruited new airlines and worked with international and domestic carriers to expanded capacity where it was needed. He later joined Southwest Airlines, first in Revenue Management, optimizing seat inventory, pricing, and yield for the Las Vegas Station and then in Long-Term Route Planning & Strategy, developing business cases for new destinations and international routes for recommendation to the COO and CEO.
He brings a pragmatic operations lens as a commercial pilot, having flown part-time for a professional football team and regional hospital systems on Citation jets and Beechcraft King Airs on most weekends. Jeffrey holds an M.S. in Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a B.A. in Business Administration from Southeastern Louisiana University.
Thursday, October 23
9:45 - 10:30, Stewarding Alaska's Future: The Business of Meaningful Travel
John Sotherland, Senior Director of Community Impact, Tourism Cares
John Sutherland brings a dynamic approach to the travel and tourism industry, combining over a decade of experience in corporate social responsibility (CSR), community engagement, and sustainable travel. Currently serving as the Sr. Director of Community Impact at Tourism Cares, John oversees impactful programs, including in-person and digital events, professional sustainability training, the Meaningful Travel Map, and grant initiatives that support nonprofits and community organizations.
Before joining Tourism Cares, John led the development of a holistic CSR program at Collette, one of the world’s oldest tour operators, where he managed the annual philanthropy budget, championed environmental initiatives, and built cross-functional partnerships to drive positive change. With a foundation in customer service, product operations, tour guiding, and even academia, John brings a versatile perspective to his work.
An advocate for the intersection of business and purpose, John believes the travel industry can serve as a force for good, creating meaningful connections while preserving the environment and enriching communities. When he’s not working, John enjoys walking his dog, Argos, learning to play bass guitar, and exploring the possibilities of AI.
12:00 - 1:15, Cultural Tourism
Jordan Sanford, President, Doyon Tourism, Inc.
Jordan Sanford is the President of Doyon Tourism, Inc., where she leads the strategic growth of cultural and sustainable tourism across Alaska. A passionate advocate for responsible travel, Jordan is dedicated to promoting tourism that honors Alaska Native culture and creates lasting benefits for communities across Alaska. She currently serves as a Board Member for Discover Denali and the Alaska Travel Industry Association.
Originally from Tok, Alaska, Jordan is Upper Tanana Athabascan. She now lives in Fairbanks with her son, River, and enjoys exploring the rugged beauty of Alaska and spending time with friends and family.