ReConnect Events

David Chastain currently serves as the Vice President of Travel and Tourism at Epsilon. In his role, he helps destination marketing organizations and travel brands prove value to all stakeholders by helping them adopt a philosophy of proactive accountability. He has extensive experience in helping retail, consumer goods, restaurant and automotive brands identify their best customers and prospects to increase incremental revenue. That same experience, when applied to tourism, allows destinations to learn how to unlock more value from their visitors to increase economic impact in the communities they serve. David is an avid speaker at industry events, some of which include TTRA, digital travel and eTourism, while also serving on the Board of Directors of US Travel Association.

Keenya Kelly is a Video & Social Media Strategist who has crafted her business journey online and on camera. With a passion for guiding entrepreneurs to realize their dreams while enjoying the process and minimizing stress, Keenya firmly believes that "ain’t nobody got time for that"! Three years ago, if you had mentioned TikTok as a vital business tool, she would have laughed heartily. Yet, today, she recognizes its power as a driving force behind her rapid success. Keenya advocates fervently for the importance of video, especially vertical video, in business. She urges entrepreneurs not to ignore it or procrastinate but to embrace it now to see leads and clients flowing in like clockwork in just 90 days. Keenya is excited to share her expertise and witness your transformation.

Gabriela Teissier is an Emmy Award-winning journalist, news anchor, and radio talk show host. For over 20 years, Teissier has been the morning news anchor for Univision 34 KMEX, the number one Spanish-language television station in the nation. Teissier serves on the board of directors for ACT Today!, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing care and treatment for children with autism. As an advocate, she passionately supports individuals with autism and their families and serves as the spokesperson for ACT Today! Español.

As the President of the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), Meredith brings a wealth of experience cultivated over years of dedicated service in healthcare, marketing, professional development, and the nonprofit sector. Her commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of neurodivergent individuals and those with disabilities led her to join IBCCES, where she plays a pivotal role in advancing its mission to support and empower professionals in healthcare, education, hospitality and tourism, public safety, and corporate sectors. Beyond her executive role, she is a passionate advocate who has shared the need and impacts of IBCCES’ work on a global stage at numerous industry conferences and summits. Meredith’s commitment to fostering positive change aims at creating environments where everyone can thrive, enhancing accessibility and the quality of life for all community members.

Jim Lake was appointed park president for SeaWorld San Diego & Sesame Place San Diego in November 2021 and is responsible for leading strategic planning and all operations for the parks. Jim brings more than 30 years of theme park experience with significant expertise in food and beverage, retail, operations, development and project management. He joined SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment from Disney Parks, Experiences and Products where he was the General Manager of Disneyland Park East. Jim joined Disney in 1989 through the Walt Disney World College Program, starting his career as a parking lot host at Epcot. He spent 10 years in roles of increasing responsibility at multiple Disney parks before leaving to join Palace Entertainment as Director of Operations in 2003. He rejoined Disneyland in 2006 and has assumed progressively larger roles, culminating in his current General Manager position.

Julie Estrada, Public Relations Director, North America, Merlin Entertainments/Legoland California Resort. Julie came to LEGOLAND® California Resort in 2003 after more than 13 years working in the media, most recently at KUSI-TV in San Diego. Since coming to LEGOLAND California Resort, she has helped open SEA LIFE® Aquarium, LEGOLAND® Water Park, LEGOLAND® Hotel and LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel. Her public relations expertise has been shared throughout Merlin Entertainments, the second largest attractions operator in the world, and was sent to Dubai for the international press announcement of LEGOLAND® Dubai and to Malaysia for the grand opening media coverage of LEGOLAND® Malaysia. She has placed Merlin Entertainments on multiple international and national media outlets such as CNN, BBC, The Ellen Show, TODAY Show, Good Morning America, Wall Street Journal, People Magazine, and more.

Assistant Director of Aquatics, Great Wolf Lodge