2025 Schedule

9:10 – 9:50 AM | From Hobby to Travel Blogging: How to Start Affiliate Marketing (TERMINAL B)

Learn how to turn your passion for travel blogging into income through affiliate marketing. This session breaks down the basics, from choosing programs to optimizing links, while offering real-world tools and a clear roadmap. Perfect for bloggers ready to monetize their content and start earning from their influence.

Speaker: Chris Davila

9:10 – 9:50 AM | From Dreaming to Doing: How to Launch Yourself as a Creator (TERMINAL C)

In this motivational talk, you’ll hear a Latina creator’s story of starting from scratch and turning a dream into reality. Learn how to get started with confidence, stay consistent, and show up authentically in the travel space.

Speaker: Rosemary Rojas

9:55 – 10:35 AM | Creating Email Content that Keeps Your Travel Audience Coming Back (TERMINAL B)

Learn how to build and grow an email list that deepens your audience connection. This session covers content ideas, consistency strategies, and tips tailored to travel creators who want to stay visible beyond the algorithm and create lasting engagement.

Speaker: Maribel Monsalve

9:55 AM – 10:35 AM | Content Creator to CEO: Leveraging Your Niche (TERMINAL C)

Discover how to turn content creation into a profitable business. This session shares how identifying gaps in your niche, building a community, and offering value-based solutions can scale your platform, just as transforming tourism content into a $500K car-sharing startup.

Speaker: Angelee Rodriguez

10:35 AM – 10:50 AM | Cafecito Break

Sponsored by Freysan Coffee

Take a moment to recharge and connect over coffee and tea. It’s the perfect time to network, mingle with fellow attendees, and chat about your favorite takeaways so far.

10:50 – 11:30 AM | Representation in Motion: Uplifting Women in Travel & Storytelling (TERMINAL B)

This session explores the power of representation in travel media. Through personal stories and practical advice, you’ll learn how to own your identity, build confidence, and tell stories that challenge the status quo and make space for others.

Speaker: Samantha Alvarez

10:50 – 11:30 AM | How to Capture Chicago’s Essence & Create the Best Videos with Your Phone (TERMINAL C)

Unlock tips to film stunning, story-driven videos using just your phone. Learn how to capture Chicago’s culture, edit content on the go, and create engaging visuals that stand out on social media, all with minimal equipment.

Speaker: Andrea Guerrero

11:35 AM – 12:15 PM | Pitch Perfect! How to Land Dream Collabs as a Travel Blogger – Con Sazón! (TERMINAL B)

Master the art of pitching with tips on writing standout emails, finding brand contacts, and optimizing your profile to land partnerships. Walk away with a clear, actionable plan to get paid and sponsored for your travel content.

Speaker: Karen Angustia

11:35 AM – 12:15 PM | Balancing Content Creation with a Full-Time Job (TERMINAL C)

Build your dream business without quitting your 9–5. This session covers time management, staying motivated, and using your day job to fuel your side hustle, all through the lens of someone who has done it.

Speaker: Taima Ramsey

12:20 PM – 12:30 PM | Closing Remarks (Terminal A)

As we wrap up Creators Day, we’ll come together to reflect on what we’ve learned, share gratitude, and inspire action to diversify the face of travel.

Speaker: Vanessa Fondeur-Adams, Founder of Latino World Travelers and the Latino Travel Fest

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Lunch Break

Refuel with a delicious meal and enjoy time to relax and reflect.

1:30 PM – 4:00 PM | Pilsen Neighborhood Exploration

Join us for an immersive walking tour through Chicago’s vibrant Pilsen neighborhood! Learn about its rich history, connect with local business owners, and explore the Mexican American Museum. Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hat or umbrella, and an open heart. This is your chance to experience the soul of Pilsen, one step at a time.

Lead by: Rosa Castillo and Andrea Guerrero

10:15 – 10:55 AM | Sin Fronteras: The Off-beaten Path, Travel and Opportunities (TERMINAL A)

Challenge limiting beliefs about safety, affordability, and belonging in global travel. Learn how to access free travel opportunities like fellowships and cultural programs while navigating hidden barriers as a Latino traveler.

Speakers: Sibu Szymanowska

10:15 – 10:55 AM | Mochilera Con Propósito: Travel Without Breaking the Bank (TERMINAL B)

Get practical, no-BS tips for budget travel from a first-gen Latina who’s been there. Learn to find flight deals, use credit cards wisely, and explore the world without breaking your bank or your mom’s chancla.

Speakers: Adriana Galvan

10:15 – 10:55 AM | Maximizing Travel while Having a 9-5 (TERMINAL C)

Make travel work around your 9-5. Learn strategies for maximizing PTO, field-based roles with built-in travel, and memberships for free experiences without quitting your day job.

Speakers: Sandra Torres

1:00 – 1:40 PM | The MANN Edge – Luxury Travel Designs by Nadeen (TERMINAL A)

Join a fireside chat exploring bespoke luxury travel, balancing privacy and exclusivity. Learn how curated travel experiences can deepen cultural understanding and create lifelong memories.

Speakers: Nadeen Tuzo with special guest Rebeca Huffman

1:00 – 1:40 PM | Más que un viaje: How to Responsibly Visit (or Move to) LATAM from the U.S. (TERMINAL B)

Learn how to travel or relocate to Latin America with respect and awareness. Get tips on choosing accommodations, supporting local businesses, and navigating cultural nuances and gentrification concerns.

Speakers: Jenny Hart

1:00 – 1:40 PM | Travel with AI: Plan Smart Vacations in Minutes (TERMINAL C)

Leverage AI tools like ChatGPT and itinerary planners to streamline your travel planning. Learn how to create content, find hidden gems, and make your trips seamless and inspiring.

Speakers: Camilo Crespo

1:45 – 2:25 PM | Luxury Travel with Points & Miles (TERMINAL A)

Unlock the secrets to using points and miles for luxury travel. Learn how to earn, redeem, and maximize your rewards to upgrade your adventures without breaking the bank.

Speakers: Joseph Rios

1:45 – 2:25 PM | Unlocking the Power of Inclusion in Travel & Tourism Marketing (TERMINAL B)

Discover how inclusive marketing not only builds representation but also boosts destination appeal. Learn strategies to authentically connect with diverse travelers, and grow your audience.

Speakers: Cassandra (Rivera) Razzi

1:45 – 2:25 PM | Journeys of Healing (TERMINAL C)

An interactive workshop exploring how travel can spark healing, cultural reconnection, and community building for Latinas. Share stories, build connections, and discover travel as a transformative path.

Speakers: Stephanie Gómez and Margarita Lopez

2:30 – 3:10 PM | My Road to $1M: Building Wealth While Traveling the World (TERMINAL A)

Learn how to grow your net worth while traveling the world. Get actionable tips on investing, managing debt, and building wealth without sacrificing your travel dreams.

Speakers: Elsie Paulino

2:30 – 3:10 PM | Teach, Travel, Thrive: Navigating Global Teaching Opportunities (TERMINAL B)

Learn how to combine your love for teaching with travel. Explore programs like JET, Fulbright, and TEFL, plus tips for teaching remotely, navigating visas, and growing professionally through global experiences.

Speaker: Lucia Brea

2:30 – 3:10 PM | How to Get Your Trip Out of the Group Chat (TERMINAL C)

Turn travel dreams into booked group trips. Learn how to build itineraries, set budgets, and make sure everyone has something to look forward to, so you actually go.

Speaker: Erica Gardunio

3:15 – 3:45 PM | Paving the Way: Diverse Career Paths in Travel (Terminal A)

Hear from industry leaders as they share how they built careers in travel. From tourism boards to media, marketing to content creation, learn actionable steps to break into and thrive in the industry.

Speaker: Carla Vaca Pinacho, and Clay Carabajal.

3:45 – 4:00 PM | Closing Remarks (Terminal A)

As we wrap up Travelers Day, we’ll come together to reflect on what we’ve learned, share gratitude, and inspire action to diversify the face of travel. Plus, don’t miss the big reveal – where will Latino Travel Fest 2026 take us next? Let’s close the Fest with purpose, energy, and the excitement to keep moving forward, juntos.

Speaker: Vanessa Fondeur-Adams, Founder of Latino World Travelers and the Latino Travel Fest

4:00 – 5:00 PM | Merienda & Mercadito

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a light merienda – a Latino tradition! Grab a snack, sip on cafecito, and wander through the Mercadito for more goodies, networking, and inspiration.

4:00 – 5:00 PM | La Pachanga Networking Hour

Keep the energy going after the Fest! Join us outdoors for a chill networking hour with music, drinks, and a vibrant community vibe. Mingle, dance, and celebrate everything we’ve learned together. This is where connections become collaborations!