Amit Shah, EVP, Newsweek

As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, this opening panel explores how global mobility has evolved over the past two centuries and what will define the next era of international travel. The discussion examines the shifting geography of global aviation, the rise of new international hubs and the policies shaping cross border connectivity in the decades ahead.

Moderator:

• Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, Senior Editor, Newsweek

Panelists:

• Willem Groenewald, Secretary General for Mobility, Sustainability and Tourism, FIA
• Greg Jung, Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Insurance, Seven Corners
• Andrew Levy, Founder, Chairman & CEO, Avelo Airlines
• Michon Martin, Chief Executive Officer, R&R partners

Moderator:

• Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, Senior Editor, Newsweek

Panelist:

• Carlos Castro, President and Chief Financial Officer, Resorts World Las Vegas

Destinations are competing more aggressively than ever to attract international visitors, investment and major global events. This discussion examines how cities build global tourism brands, develop integrated resort ecosystems and leverage sport, culture and entertainment to drive tourism growth.

Moderator:

• David Yeskel, Travel Journalist

Panelists:

• Vince Kadlubek, Founder, Meow Wolf
• Koby Langley, Chief Operating Officer, Olympics & Paralympics Committee
• Marcy Miles, Chief Marketing Officer, The Venetian Resort Las Vegas
• Carl Walsh, Senior Vice President / Country Manager USA, VisitBritain

Moderator:

Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, Senior Editor, Newsweek

Panelist:

Nat Pieper, Chief Commercial Officer, American Airlines

Hosted by Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA)

Air travel demand continues to grow rapidly, placing new pressure on infrastructure and reshaping airline business models. This panel explores the next phase of aviation growth, including fleet transformation, airport expansion, and the role of connectivity in economic development. As global attention turns to Turkey this year with the country hosting COP31, the discussion will also consider how major international moments elevate the role of global hub airports that connect regions, facilitate diplomacy, and support the movement of business and travelers across continents.

Moderator:

• David Yeskel, Travel Journalist

Panelists:

• James C. Chrisley, Director of Aviation, Clark County, Nevada
• Somit Goyal, CEO, IBS Software
• Andrew Levy, Founder, Chairman & CEO, Avelo Airlines

Travel continues to demonstrate resilience, even as economic uncertainty and changing priorities influence how people travel. Steve Hill will share what Las Vegas is seeing in today’s demand environment and how travelers are weighing cost, value, and experience.

Moderator:

• Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, Senior Editor, Newsweek

Panelist:

• Steve Hill, Chief Executive Officer and President, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA)

Omega Mart is an immersive experience where the ordinary quickly gives way to the extraordinary. Guests are invited to explore a surreal supermarket filled with unexpected discoveries, interactive storytelling, and mind-bending art that sparks curiosity and redefines reality.

Join fellow attendees for an evening of networking inside Omega Mart, Meow Wolf's acclaimed immersive art experience at AREA15, minutes from Resorts World.
Newsweek will provide one‑way transportation to Omega Mart.

Moderator:

• Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, Senior Editor, Newsweek

Panelist:

• Sandra Douglass Morgan, President, Las Vegas Raiders

Tourism is increasingly driven by experiences rather than traditional attractions. This session explores how entertainment, sport and immersive attractions are reshaping global tourism demand and redefining destination development. Las Vegas stands at the center of this transformation.

Moderator:

• David Yeskel, Travel Journalist

Panelists:

• Jose Arozarena, CEO, Amigo Tours
• Erik Neergaard, CEO, THG Creative
• Emily Prazer, President + CEO, F1 Las Vegas
• Josef Wagner, Senior Vice President of Operations, Resorts World Las Vegas

Luxury travel is one of the fastest growing segments in tourism. This discussion explores the rise of ultra luxury hotels, private aviation and bespoke travel experiences and how destinations are using luxury tourism to drive high value growth.

Moderator:

• Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, Senior Editor, Newsweek

Panelists:

• Sascha Gill, CEO, United Waterways; Vice President, IGRC Association
• Edouard Schwob, SVP Development, Luxury Americas and Raffles and Orient Express Global, Accor
• Derek Stevens, Owner and CEO, Circa Resort & Casino, the D Las Vegas,, Golden Gate Hotel & Casino, Circa | Sports®, Downtown Las Vegas Events Center

Looking ahead to the next generation of tourism destinations, this panel examines how artificial intelligence, digital identity, and biometric technologies are enabling seamless travel across airports, borders, and platforms. From large‑scale infrastructure investment and new developments to sustainability and digital innovation, the goal is to deliver a frictionless journey. Is that reality?

Moderator:

• David Yeskel, Travel Journalist

Panelists:

• Wesley Almeida, Assistant General Manager, Technology & Digital Experience, Chief Technology Officer, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Brad Johnson, Vice President of Product Management, Sabre
• Craig Perkel, CTO, eSimplified

Moderator:

• Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, Senior Editor, Newsweek

Panelist:

• Tyler Fairbanks, Director of Project Development, The Boring Company

Over the past 250 years the United States has built one of the world’s most powerful tourism economies. This panel explores how American cities and destinations have evolved into global tourism hubs and how experiences, entertainment and infrastructure have transformed the way people travel. Las Vegas provides a powerful case study of this transformation.

Moderator:

• Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, Senior Editor, Newsweek

Panelists:

• Steve Hill, Chief Executive Officer and President, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA)

Cirque du Soleil weaves an aquatic tapestry of theatrical artistry and surrealism in the breathtaking production, "O". Since its debut, "O" has captivated over 20 million audience members and has performed more than 12,000 shows. The centerpiece of "O" is its iconic 1.5 million-gallon pool which creates a home to eight former Olympians, the largest number of Olympic athletes of any Cirque du Soleil production.

All the way from Mongolia, the graceful body language and lithe movements of the "O" Contortionists embody the calm motion of water, adding a new dimension to this long-held circus tradition.

We invite all attendees to stay for a drink and continue building meaningful connections!