2025 Spring Travel Forum Speakers

Lisa Brin

Prior to her return home to Lexington, Brin launched groundbreaking consumer brand partnership campaigns at The Walt Disney Company, Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Animation and agency, The Marketing Store, for tentpole theatrical franchises “Jurassic World,” “Fast & The Furious,” “Kung Fu Panda,” “Despicable Me,” and “The Grinch.”

Lisa now serves as the Lead for FilmLEX, VisitLEX’s film and television team dedicated to serving and supporting the film and television production community. FilmLEX’s purpose is to help market and promote the Kentucky Entertainment Incentive (KEI) to the industry to drive economic impact and job opportunities for the region.

Chris Dyer

Chris Dyer is a trailblazer in leadership, company culture, and business growth, with a career that’s anything but ordinary. From opening high-end hotels in Hollywood to founding his own successful ventures, Chris has spent years cultivating a diverse, action-oriented career that has propelled him to the forefront of his field. His expertise has been sought after by over 50 of the top companies around the globe, helping them shape culture, lead with purpose, and grow their teams in ways that transform organizations from the inside out. Chris has also navigated the world of elite coaching—as a former Executive Speakers Bureau Olympic-level swim coach and Junior Olympic water polo player and coach, he knows what it takes to perform at the highest levels. He brings that same competitive drive and commitment to every keynote and consulting session, empowering leaders to turn challenges into opportunities. He has climbed some of the world’s most iconic peaks, from Mt. Whitney to Mt. Fuji and Mt. Kilimanjaro, always seeking new horizons and adventures. 

Chris led his company to be recognized as one of the fastest-growing organizations five times by Inc. Magazine, and his book "The Power of Company Culture" has been celebrated as one of the “Top 10 HR Books of All Time” by BookAuthority. His work has also been named in Top 50 lists for leadership and change management thought leadership, and he has made a significant mark in the world of corporate strategy.

His high-energy, highly relatable keynotes have earned him accolades like "Best keynote of the conference!" as well as features on major media outlets like NBC, CBS, BBC, Forbes, and more. Chris's storytelling and actionable insights help audiences reignite their passion and commitment, CHRIS DYER BIO CONT’D Executive Speakers Bureau making an impact that extends well beyond the conference stage. He challenges leaders to embrace transparency, positivity, and innovation—and to cultivate cultures where people can thrive.

Chris holds a wealth of practical knowledge, and he knows how to deliver it in a way that sticks. When he’s not speaking or consulting, you’ll find him spending time with his family, playing water polo, or savoring a good cup of coffee after another successful climb.

Melinda Huntley

Melinda Huntley is executive director of the Ohio Travel Association, a sister organization to KTIA in Ohio. The organization also produces Heartland Travel Showcase, a group tour marketplace. Melinda’s spent her career in the travel economy through jobs with Cedar Point and DMOs, as well as with Ohio State University. During her years at the university, she worked with businesses and communities to help them identify, enhance and market their unique experiences. A problem-solver by nature, Melinda seeks to get at the root of problems, and she loves to get people talking and sharing ideas for solutions.     

Over the last few years, she has facilitated discussions throughout the Midwest with more than 375 group tour operators, museums, DMOs, restaurants, hotels and others interested in the group market. This work led to the development of best practices for providing exceptional experiences, marketing to groups and ensuring strong operations when groups are in the house.

She is a Commissioner for America 250-Ohio which will be celebrated in 2026 and serves on multiple national and statewide task forces and boards, including those focused on World Heritage inscription and trail development. She is a member of the MBA Research Business Advisory Board and Ohio Department of Education Credentialing Committee. 

Dominic Manecke

Dominic Manecke is an award-winning public relations professional who has worked closely with business leaders, government officials at every level, and a wide array of other stakeholders to get results. As the senior director for client strategy and growth for C2 Strategic Communications, his work focuses on highlighting the hard work and success of the people and projects that make Kentucky and Indiana strong.

A native Kentuckian, Dominic spent more than a decade in Washington, D.C. advising some of our nation’s top lawmakers and crafting comprehensive communications plans to embolden workers, entrepreneurs, families and communities.

Before joining C2 Strategic, Dominic was the communications director and senior advisor for U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (Ohio), chair of the powerful Congressional Black Caucus. His career on Capitol Hill began with U.S. Congressman John Yarmuth (Kentucky). In between his two congressional stints, Dominic was a communications specialist for a national nonprofit dedicated to building brighter financial futures for Americans with and without disabilities. In that role, he led all marketing and communications efforts for a nationwide initiative (MyFreeTaxes) that was the recipient of the Clarion Award for Best Public Relations Campaign.

Brandon Pennington

Brandon Pennington is a proud Appalachian, born and raised in Harlan, Kentucky. He graduated as valedictorian of James A. Cawood High School in 2007 and went on to earn a degree in marketing with a minor in French from Transylvania University. In 2012, Brandon returned home to accept the role of Director of Tourism for the City of Harlan—a position he continues to hold today with passion and purpose. 

As Director of Tourism, Brandon has worked to transform Harlan County into a celebrated destination rooted in authentic Appalachian culture. He has led the charge on place-based development, organized dozens of annual festivals and events, championed local artists, and fostered creative placemaking and revitalization efforts throughout downtown Harlan and beyond. Under his leadership, Harlan County has gained recognition as one of the top tourism spenders in southeastern Kentucky—despite not being located near a major highway or interstate.

Brandon currently serves as Chair of the Kentucky Travel Industry Association (KTIA) and has served on the board for several years. He is also the longtime Chair of the Eastern Highland South regional tourism group and the current president of the Harlan County Chamber of Commerce. Through each of these roles, Brandon remains committed to elevating rural voices, building strategic partnerships, and championing tourism as a powerful tool for economic development and community pride.

He lives in Harlan with his husband, A.J., and their two beloved huskies—where he's proud to continue investing in the region that shaped him.

Janette Roush

As Chief AI Officer and SVP of Innovation at Brand USA, Janette spearheads AI-driven strategies to enhance tourism marketing, streamline internal operations, and foster innovation for the benefit of both Brand USA and the broader U.S. travel industry. Prior to joining NYC Tourism, she spent more than two decades marketing Broadway at organizations such as Broadway.com and AKA, a global leader in entertainment advertising and strategy. She is a two-time Ironman, a LinkedIn Top Voice, an expert advisor for the European and U.S. cohorts of the “AI Opener for Destinations” program, and was named a 2024 Influential #Eventprof by Northstar Meetings Group.

 

Katie Smith serves as the deputy secretary and commissioner for the Department of Financial Services within the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development. Smith has been with the cabinet for over 20 years, serving as the executive director and commissioner of Financial Services before being named deputy secretary in September 2021. Smith received her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Western Kentucky University.