Dirk Büttner, CEO, ARGUS REISEN GmbH, Germany

ARGUS REISEN was founded in 1995 and specializes in tailor-made vacations in North America. They are known for their knowledge of ranch vacations, a large selection of winter product and variety of unique accommodations. The company focuses on outdoor vacations, city packages, camper and sightseeing tours. www.ArgusReisen.de

Virginie Ginès, Product manager, Sensations du Monde, France

When B2C tour operator Sensations du Monde launched an FIT department and U.S. product, they hired former Compagnies du Monde’s assistant product manager Virginie Ginès to be their U.S. product manager. She has been in the industry for many years and has strong U.S. expertise. www.SensationsDuMonde.com

José Kraan, Product manager/head
of sales, USTravel.nl, Benelux

USTravel.nl is a specialist for America and Canada. Team members regularly visit these locations and therefore have the firsthand knowledge to help plan your trip. José has worked for UStravel.nl for 14 years, and is responsible for new product and product information. She also leads the sales department. www.USTravel.nl

Arianna Pradella, Director of sales and USA project manager, the Group Caldana Europe Travel/
Utat Viaggi, Italy

Arianna Pradella is head of the Commercial and Marketing Department of the Group Caldana Europe Travel/Utat Viaggi. In addition, she is the product manager for the USA and Canada under historic brand Utat Viaggi, which was founded in 1934. Some of her creations have been appointed with special recognitions by the media. www.UTAT.it

Carolyn Stead
Continental destination manager – North America, Trailfinders, UK

Established in 1970, Trailfinders was the pioneer of tailor-made travel in the UK and Ireland. With 39 travel centers across the country, they continue to be the leading tailormade tour operator, offering unbeatable value, unrivaled knowledge and exceptional service. Carolyn oversees the product development and contracting team for North America. www.Trailfinders.com

Chris Pilley, CEO, Rocky Mountain Holiday Tours, LLC, USA

Chris began his career in the tourism industry as a part-time and seasonal employee with Rocky Mountain Holiday Tours. After seven years of learning the ins and outs of all aspects of the business, Chris purchased the company from its founder, Gary Schluter. Chris lives in Fort Collins, Colorado, with his wife and their two dogs and three cats. www.RMHTours.com

Lena Ross, Director of product development,
America 4 You, USA

Lena Ross began working for America 4 You in 2006 and previously held positions in multiple facets of the tourism industry. Lena holds a master’s degree in Sustainable Destination Management from George Washington University (2010) and a Tour Directing Certificate from ITMI (2011). www.America4You.net

Christopher Thompson, CEO Brand USA

Christopher L. Thompson is president and CEO of Brand USA, the nation’s public-private partnership dedicated to increasing international visitation to the United States through marketing and promotional efforts. Brand USA is an organization dedicated to marketing the United States as a premier travel destination. Brand USA works in partnership with the travel industry to maximize the economic and social benefits of travel. These benefits include fostering an understanding between people and cultures and creating jobs essential to the economy. www.TheBrandUSA.com

Melissa Cleland, Representative, Southwest Idaho Travel Association, Idaho

Melissa has been in the tourism and hospitality industry since 2003, first starting at the Boise Convention & Visitors Bureau and now with the Southwest Idaho Travel Association. She is responsible for all marketing activities, including domestic and international promotion. www.VisitSouthwestIdaho.org

Debbie Picard, Tourism sales manager, Western Montana’s Glacier Country Tourism, Montana

Debbie Picard caught the travel bug while participating in a summer exchange program to Europe. With more than 25 years of experience in the tourism industry, Debbie seamlessly blends her sales experience with her passion for outdoor experiences and her love of western Montana. www.GlacierMT.com

Darian Morsette, Tourism Director, Mandan Hidatsa Arikara (MHA Nation Tourism), North Dakota

Darian is part of all three MHA Nation tribes (Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara), and his Native American name is Black Buffalo Shoulder, passed on from his great-grandfather. Darian enjoys the great outdoors and being active in his community. www.MHANation.com/Tribal-Tourism

Charley Johnson
President and CEO,
Fargo-Moorhead Convention and Visitors Bureau, North Dakota

Charley Johnson has been president and CEO of the Fargo-Moorhead Convention and Visitors Bureau since June 2012. His four-decade career in broadcast journalism has included being on the radio and TV as an anchor, news director, general manager and producer. www.FargoMoorhead.org

CEO and Owner, Rushmore Destinations, South Dakota

Tim is an entrepreneur in the hospitality industry who focuses on the guest experience and allows that to put everything else into place. Being customer experience-driven has presented him with tremendous opportunities and has allowed rapid professional growth in the tourism and hospitality industry. www.RushmoreDestinations.com