Doug Bourgeois
Executive Director, Louisiana Byways Collection, Louisiana Office of Tourism

Doug Bourgeois has worked for the Louisiana Office of Tourism in various roles over the past 12 years, from Domestic and International Marketing and Promotions to Rural Tourism Development. Throughout his career, Doug has served on numerous commissions and boards including the America’s Byways Resource Center, the Mississippi River Parkway Commission, the Louisiana Folklife Commission, and the American Society of Training and Development.

He presently serves as Executive Director of the Louisiana Byways Collection. In this role he works to develop and promote the 17 Byways throughout Louisiana, encouraging travelers to detour off the interstate system and discover the authentic people, places and stories on the back roads and byways of Louisiana.

Samantha Brown
Travel Host, Travel Channel

Samantha Brown, the inspiring and popular host of several programs on the Travel Channel, spends over 200 days traveling each year. In 2008, her adventures continued with the installment of two new Passport series. She takes viewers on short getaways with the premiere of “Samantha Brown: Passport to Great Weekends” and will then head overseas for “Samantha Brown: Passport to China”.

Sam’s childhood in New Hampshire was far from a jet set experience. Her forays out of state led her to nearby Canada or Cape Cod, Massachusetts. “I never dreamed I’d travel to so many exotic locations!” After studying musical theater and receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts at Syracuse University, Sam spent eight years in New York City pursing an acting career. Sam’s path took a dramatic turn when a production company saw her in a commercial and referred her to the Travel Channel “because she looked like the girl next door.” Sam’s rapid and successful career in travel started with “Great Vacation Homes”, a show based in the United States and offered an insider’s view into a variety of homes and homeowners. From there, Sam was asked to host “Great Hotels,” offering the audience a unique and emotional perspective on each property. Almost immediately, Sam’s ability to convey the feeling of a specific place – not just the basic facts – established her as an inspirational resource for prospective travelers. This distinctive style was a welcome departure from travel journalism. Her easy-going, playful personality instills trust in her viewers and encourages them to explore new places. Her programs are always shot on location, not from the armchair of a television studio. “I’m not an expert as much as a real person who people connect with. I immerse myself in the culture and invite viewers to do the same.”

Her series, “Samantha Brown: Passport to Europe,” is a perfect example of sightseeing Samantha Brown-style. By highlighting lesser-known cities, attractions, shopping and eateries, Sam opens the doors to a less regimented sort of travel, with fewer “must-sees” and more memorable discoveries. “I think it’s important to immerse oneself into a culture – get to know the people and the everyday places such as markets and local cafés. The major landmarks and museums only show one aspect of a region and its culture.”

Sam’s current passions allow viewers to travel the globe through her eyes. In “Samantha Brown: Passport to Latin America,” Sam deems the entire region “the new Europe” thanks to endless cultural attractions at affordable prices. While filming “Samantha Brown: Passport to China” Sam was awestruck by the country – “China offers such an extraordinary visual and tactile experience, with The Great Wall, Grand palaces and Giant Panda bears.”

Back in the United States, Sam is a Disney enthusiast who has filmed numerous programs at the Disney parks and resorts. “It’s the promise of happiness!”

Along with conventional travel, Sam is also fascinated by eco-tourism. Her television show on the Travel Channel, “Samantha Brown: Passport to Green Getaways,” looks at various eco-friendly destinations in Montana, along with Mexico and Costa Rica.

In “Samantha Brown: Passport to Great Weekends,” Sam explores cities throughout the United States, Europe, Canada and Mexico. “Unlike a longer trip, a weekend away allows us to be a different person for a few days…we can be hipper, sexier, and more spontaneous than in our normal life. I’m having fun showing the audience how to put themselves in the right frame of mind for an adventure.”

Leigh Ann Cloutier
President, Rico Tours

Based in Austin, Leigh Ann is the president of Rico Tours, specializing in unique and creative travel plans to Costa Rica. Listed as the Travel Specialist for 10 years in Conde Nast Traveler, Cloutier intimately knows the best of the best in this small country.

Tiffany Derry
Executive Chef & Co-Owner of Private|Social, Co-Founder of the Tiffany Derry Company (TDC)

Chef Tiffany Derry is expanding her culinary expertise beyond the kitchen. In addition to serving as executive chef and co-owner of Private|Social in Dallas, Texas, Derry is a co-founder of the Tiffany Derry Company (TDC) with digital media and entertainment entrepreneur, John Huffman IV. TDC is a holding company established to support Derry’s business ventures, which include television shows and partnerships with the world’s most recognized brands. Chef Derry is also a national spokesperson for the Art Institute’s Culinary Arts Program and Sargento Cheese.

In 2010, Derry got her big break when she was chosen to compete on Season 7 of Bravo’s hit reality show, Top Chef. After receiving the honor of “fan favorite”, Bravo asked Tiffany to return in Season 8 for Top Chef: All-Stars.

Beaumont, Texas native Tiffany Derry began her culinary career at the local International House of Pancakes. Though not the most glamorous of jobs, Derry quickly worked her way up within the company, becoming the youngest person to hold a management position at the age of 17. Upon high school graduation, Derry went on to hone her culinary techniques at the Art Institute of Houston, followed by stints in esteemed kitchens throughout Houston and Dallas.

H. Macon Dunnagan Jr.
Author, Mt. Kilimanjaro Expedition Director, Tanzania Travel Expert

Macon has climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro 25 times and is the only person with verifiable record of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro 4 times in 28 days. It was in January 1999 that Macon and his wife Michele left for a South African vacation. Macon had already decided he wanted to Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. Prior to his departure for South Africa, he had sent a letter to Zara Tours, the only outfitter he knew of that focused on climbing Kilimanjaro. With little experience in hiking and none in mountain climbing, he made his first ascent in February 1999. He would return to climb again in 2000 and many more times. Subsequent to this, he wrote the novel Sons of Kilimanjaro about four men, each with his own reason for wanting to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Pauline Frommer
Travel Writer, Creator of Pauline Frommer Guidebooks

Pauline Frommer is a nationally syndicated radio talk show host. The Travel Show, which she co-hosts with her father, travel legend Arthur Frommer, is now heard in every state in the nation except Alaska. She also pens an internationally syndicated newspaper column on travel for King Features. Several years ago, the Pauline Frommer guidebooks debuted. The award-winning series encompasses 14 titles, most in their second edition. You may recognize her face as Pauline created weekly travel segments for CNN's Headline News for 3 years. She's also appeared on The Today Show, Good Morning American, The Early Show, The O'Reilly Factor, NPR's Marketplace and Talk of the Nation, CNN, FOX, MSNBC and every local news station you can name. She was the founding editor of Frommers.com and edited MSNBC.com's travel section for two years. Pauline is the proud mother of two well-traveled daughters and wife to physical therapist Mahlon Stewart.

John F. Krieger
Founder & President, Cruise & Tour Center

John is a 39 year veteran in the travel industry, owning travel companies for 35 years. John is a national recognized travel expert featured on KRLD radio, KAAM radio, Channel 4 (Fox), Channel 11 (CBS), Travel Weekly, and Cruise Week. He is also the creator of the “7 Critical Things You Must Know Before You Buy a Cruise” —a 1st Time-Cruiser Video. John is also an advisory board member of Vacation.com, the nation’s largest travel agency consortium.

Nelson J. Gumm
Co-Founder and CEO, AJR Media Group

Nelson J. Gumm is co-founder and CEO of AJR Media Group, a Texas based integrated media company specializing in the travel & tourism industry since 1990.

AJR is the exclusive representative for the State of Texas/TXDOT Travel Division and their publications – Texas Highways, TexasHighways.com, Texas State Travel Guide and the Texas Events Calendar. AJRMG also represents AAA Texas Journey as well as the 27 other AAA member regional publications reaching over 48 million AAA members in the U.S.. AJRMG is the integrated media partner for the Atlanta based Southeast Tourism Society publishing their Escape to the Southeast Travel Guide and managing their web operations along with the EscapetotheSoutheast.com. AJRMG owns TourTexas.com, TourLouisiana.com and recently launched LetsTourOklahoma.com. AJRMG Web Services also provides integrated solutions, web design and mobile web applications for the travel industry.

Nelson is the incoming chair for the Hotel Lodging Association of Greater Houston and on the Board of Directors for the Louisiana Travel Promotion Association and the Southeast Tourism Society. He is also an active member of the Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau, Texas Travel Industry Association, Texas Hotel & Lodging Association, Texas Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus and the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association.

Nelson is originally from New Jersey and attended Fairleigh Dickenson University. Nelson resides in The Woodlands, Texas with his wife Becky and son Alex.

Lynn O'Rourke Hayes
Dallas Morning Travel News Columnist, Editor/Owner, FamilyTravel.com and Aisle52.com

Lynn O’Rourke Hayes is the Editor and owner of FamilyTravel.com and Aisle52.com, and writes a weekly syndicated travel column that originates with the Dallas Morning News. She is a regular contributor to GoodHousekeeping.com and also provides content, photography and commentary for other print, online and broadcast outlets throughout the year. She has spent more than 25 years writing and speaking about travel and family issues. She has worked for two hotel companies and consulted to numerous other organizations within the travel industry. Lynn and a partner organized and accompanied a 24-day, around the world golf trip on the Concorde. A member of the Author’s Guild, she has written a book about balancing work and family ( Macmillan and Ballantine ) and contributed to several others. Her articles and comments have appeared in a wide range of publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA TODAY, the Chicago Tribune and The Arizona Republic. She's appeared before the U.S. Congress, on CNN, NBC’s The Today Show and numerous other television and radio programs, as well as before groups large and small. Her travels have taken her to 100 countries, across deserts, down rivers, over mountains, under the sea, through jungles and to 48 of our 50 states, often with her three sons in tow. A graduate of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University, she resides in Scottsdale, AZ and Southwestern Montana.

Cindy Leffingwell
Marketing Manager, Texas Highways Magazine; Texas Department of Transportation Travel Division

Cindy Leffingwell has been with Texas Highways the Travel Magazine of Texas, and the Texas Department of Transportation Travel Division for 15 years. She has been on the Department’s speaker bureau panel and is a frequently requested guest speaker on Lone Star state travel, Texas travel resources, and her favorite jaunts around the state. Cindy’s sessions are highly collaborative (be ready to share your own faves), and Cindy frequently comes with parting gifts (wink-wink) for intrepid travelers to use for their own adventures around-the-state!

Mark "Hawkeye" Louis
96.3 KSCS Radio Host and Travel Correspondent

Hawkeye, along with his partner Terry Dorsey, are hosts of the morning show on 96.3 KSCS, the longest running FM radio show in Dallas / Fort Worth. They are winners of multiple awards, including Billboard Magazine’s Air Personalities of the Year. ‘Travel With Hawkeye’ is Mark's newest venture; it launched in 2012 on the legendary WBAP-AM. Airing on Saturday afternoons, the show has broadcast from Hawaii, Park City, Utah, Durango, Colorado and a host of other destinations. Mark has interviewed A-list celebrities about their journeys including Billy Bob Thorton, Jon Voight, Henry Winkler and Kenny Chesney. Mark has also been named the travel correspondent for the TV program, CW Eye Opener (KDAF-TV, 5-8 a.m.). His segment will air every Thursday and will include travel tips, deals and insight into some of the world’s top destinations. Hawkeye is an avid runner, having twice completed the Dallas Marathon and run over 15 half marathons. He is a board member of the Dallas Marathon and a member of the Dallas Running Club.

Chef Ken Patrick
Founder/CEO of Ken Patrick Culinary Group

Executive Chef Ken Patrick is known for his New American Cuisine. His big, bold flavors are inspired by great ingredients. He has developed a unique & uncomplicated cooking style by elevating simple, fresh ingredients to some of the most delicious food ever tasted. He has received acclaim from the culinary community for his unique creativity & passion for the art of cooking.

Chef Ken is always creating new and exciting offerings with fresh seasonal ingredients. In addition, his ever-changing menus incorporate recipes that he has developed in different parts of the country. Chef Ken’s philosophy is to make sure that his food is good for everyone, all the time. He is also known for incorporating “live action” cuisine with his catered events. You can see & taste the difference that fresh, on the spot preparation makes.

My culinary point of view is fresh with bold flavors. I never sacrifice quality when it comes to my food.That's why I base my cooking on the freshest ingredients, because they regard high quality and taste. The most delicious sun-ripened fruit and vegetables and freshly caught seafood are a must for producing the best food. This is what great cooking is all about.

Chef Ken is Founder/CEO of Ken Patrick Culinary Group. He is also the proprietor of Texas Catering Company and Founder of the non-profit organization F.O.O.D-Feeding Our Own Disadvantaged based in Dallas, Texas. His businesses include Private & Personal Chef Services, Menu Planning & Recipe Development, Wine Tasting & Cooking Demonstrations, Exclusive In-Home Dinner Parties/Cooking Classes, Corporate & Private Jet Dining. To learn more about Chef Ken, please call 469.337.6823 or email us at kenpatrickculinarygroup@yahoo.com

Chef Prajakta Remulkar
Food Consultant and Writer

Praj was inspired after watching the movie "Julie & Julia" and discovered her passion towards creative cooking. A blend of techniques with simple ingredients for the soul is her passion when it comes to cooking.

To share her recipes and the love for food, Praj launched her blog www.spiceupyoursoul.com in 2009. She has written articles on street style food for CNN ASIA and gourmet food magazines such as DFW Edible Menu and Cuisine Noir. Her recipe won the Balanced Flame Award at the Dallas Travel and Adventure Show in 2011.

In addition to several freelance food and culture articles, Praj consults food businesses on recipe and menu innovation while her husband Nitin, works as a food stylist and photographer.

Carl Rosa
Founder and President, Sushi Club of Houston

Carl Rosa is the Founder and President of the largest sushi-based organization in the United States, the Sushi Club of Houston. Aside from hosting hundreds of sushi-based dining events over the past seven years, he is also the Director and Founder of the Japan-America Initiative – an organization that supports and promotes the Japanese culture from the American Perspective. Additionally, he personally manages continual tours to Japan (acting as the official tour guide for numerous groups) each year while acting as a sushi instructor and public speaker for groups such as Presidential libraries, NASA, PBS and numerous universities and organizations across the United States.

Anthony Saba
Goway Travel

As an Australian growing up, the rest of the world seemed so fascinating and so far away! For Anthony Saba, travel was a big adventure, so he quit his job, twice, and went travelling to see the world. Europe, Asia, the Americas… and after all that he found his calling…a career in travel! With that came the opportunity to explore the amazing lands Downunder: Australia and New Zealand. Seventeen years later, and many more countries and continents, travel is his life and livelihood. Now living in North America, he gets to speak about the far-away places that he loves, and wants everybody else to see and enjoy.

Supinder Singh
President, Palace Tours

Mr. Supinder Singh is the President of Palace Tours, based in Princeton NJ, a leading luxury tour operator specialized in building unmatched experiences for the independent traveler in Asia, Africa and Europe. The company specializes in luxury train journeys and custom designed travel experiences for its guests based on a consistent service delivery framework. Before Palace Tours, Supinder worked with leaders in timeshares and hotel industry and was a consultant to a number of companies where he helped them grow their business on the Internet. He has helped position the Palace Tours as a market leader by investing in technology solutions for marketing, sales and consistency in service delivery while keeping the costs down. He continues to travel extensively and helps his team in identifying potential areas of grow the portfolio of Palace Tours offerings.

Ralph Velasco
Founder and Lead Instructor, PhotoEnrichment Programs

Southern California-based travel photography instructor Ralph Velasco is an international tour guide and the author of “Ralph Velasco On Travel Photography: 101 Tips for Developing Your Photographic Eye & More.” He’s creator of the photography app My Shot Lists for Travel (MyShotLists.com). Additionally, his blog, which can be found at RalphVelasco.com, was selected one of “The 11 Best New Travel Blogs of 2011” by National Geographic Traveler writer Christopher Elliott of Elliott.org. Mr. Velasco was named “Open Photographer of the Year” two years in a row by the Professional Photographers of Orange County.

Richard Wiese
Host, ABC’s Born to Explore with Richard Wiese

Richard Wiese is a world-class explorer and host of ABC’s new program, Born to Explore, premiered on September 3, 2011. He is also author of a detailed guidebook entitled the same name. Critically acclaimed Born to Explore is about local culture, people, places and the planet. Since its first airdate Born to Explore has been the number one show in America (in its time slot.) Wiese has been profiled from Travel and Leisure to The New York Times and appears regularly on Good Morning America.

Since he climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro at age 11, Richard has circled the globe capturing stunning images and living one adventure after another—from traveling with Bedouins in Africa and skiing to the North Pole. As a respected field scientist in 2002 Richard became the youngest man to become president of The Explorers Club. As an extreme adventurer his goal is to inspire young people and spark their interest for discovery and the love of outdoors.

Wiese’s philosophy is that living an active outdoor nature-filled life in today’s society is challenging but certainly not impossible. The premise of Born to Explore is as much about discovery of the natural world as it is for creating a positive understanding of the many beautiful cultures that inhabit our planet. Wiese is very dedicated to working with local communities around the world to have their message heard in their own words. Richard believes the most memorable aspect of any journey is not “the summit” but the people you meet along the way.

Chef Evelyn Williams
Host of Online Cooking Show & Blog
www.chefevelyn.com

Chef Evelyn Williams is the rising expert on culinary entertainment for food enthusiasts who want to explore their world through food. She is the host of her own online cooking show and blog, www.ChefEvelyn.com, where she shares simple and easy to make recipes, tips on entertaining, and fun tools for your kitchen. Evelyn has been cooking since she was 6 years old, has worked for various catering companies, and has assisted various celebrity chefs such as Oprah's Private Chef Art Smith and Food Network's Guy Fieri, and Mario Batali. She has also had the opportunity of cooking for Sheryl Crow and Colby Calais. Chef Evelyn is a graduate of the International Culinary Schools at the Art Institute of Dallas, where she graduated with honors and she also holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Tuskegee University. She is a certified Culinarian through the American Culinary Federation. Chef Evelyn is the Executive Director of a FREE, organization called the Urban Foodie, www.Urban-Foodie.com, where she takes members on culinary adventures throughout the Dallas, Ft. worth mextroplex, highlighting hidden gem eateries and exploring local farmer's markets. She is also the Contributing Chef for eMotions Magazine Published by Bishop T.D. Jakes and Serita Jakes.