Over the years, Skift Global Forum has spotlighted women leaders driving innovation with actionable strategies. In 2025, the tradition continues with leaders whose expertise spans global travel, marketing, finance, destination management, analytics, and experiential design.

These women bring years of hands-on experience solving real-world industry challenges. Expect sessions focused on innovation, data-driven strategies, operational efficiency, and designing next-generation customer experiences. 

Attendees will leave with practical frameworks, measurable strategies, and tools to stay ahead in a fast-changing travel industry.

Skift Global Forum 2025 Women Speakers:

• Ariane Gorin, CEO, Expedia Group – With more than a decade shaping Expedia’s partnerships and now leading the company as CEO, Gorin brings a global view on how technology and collaboration are transforming travel at scale.

• Kate Wik, Chief Marketing Officer, LVCVA – The marketing force who turned Las Vegas into the Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World, Wik will share how destinations can leverage major events for global impact.

• Shaikha Al Nowais, Secretary General Elect, UN Tourism – Known for championing sustainable and inclusive tourism across regions, Al Nowais offers a strategic perspective on the sector’s future worldwide.

• Jennifer Koester, President & COO, Sphere – With three decades across tech and media, Koester now leads one of the world’s boldest entertainment experiments. Expect insights into how immersive experiences are reshaping guest expectations.

• Emily Prazer, President & CEO, Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix – From building the Las Vegas race from scratch to leading F1’s global commercial strategy, Prazer delivers lessons on scaling marquee events with local authenticity.

• Meaghan Ferrigno, SVP, CFO & Chief Data & Analytics Officer, Destination Canada – Ferrigno is redefining how data powers tourism strategy, from measuring impact to creating industry-first intelligence platforms.

• Alexandra Walterspiel, President & CEO, Sensei – With a background in luxury hospitality and wellness, Walterspiel brings a lens on how lifestyle-driven experiences are shaping the traveler of tomorrow.

• Audrey Hendley, President, American Express Travel – At the helm of one of the largest global travel agencies, Hendley blends premium service with digital innovation, offering insights into what high-value travelers want next.

• Anna Kofoed, Chief Officer, Travel, Allianz Partners – Leading global travel protection, Kofoed focuses on customer trust and care, a cornerstone for resilient and confident travel.

• Kelly Ungerman, Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company – A trusted advisor to the industry’s biggest players, Ungerman brings data-rich insights on growth, AI, and transformation strategies.

Innovation happens when diverse expertise meets a willingness to rethink the way we serve travelers. Skift Global Forum 2025 is where these ideas come to life, connecting attendees with thought leadership and forward-looking strategies that will define the next era of travel.

Join the Conversation

Learn from leaders driving innovation and shaping the future of hospitality. Register for Skift Global Forum 2025 to gain actionable insights and connect with the industry’s most forward-thinking leaders.

India-based travel distribution company TBO Tek announced on Tuesday it is acquiring Classic Vacations, a California-based luxury travel wholesaler, in an all-cash deal worth up to $125 million.

Soon after the announcement, Skift spoke with Gaurav Bhatnagar, TBO’s co-founder and joint managing director, to learn what the deal means for the company’s global ambitions and for the U.S. luxury travel market.

“You can’t really claim to be a major player in luxury travel business without a significant U.S. presence,” Bhatnagar told Skift.

The seller, Arizona-based private equity firm Najafi Companies, has owned Classic since 2021 after acquiring it from Expedia.

Classic Vacations is a familiar name to many U.S. travel advisors. Founded in 1978, it built a reputation for curated holiday packages and high-touch service. Last year, the company reported $111 million in revenue and an operating pro