Miranda Ji is EVP, Sales & Business Development at Destination Greater Victoria, driving growth in the visitor economy. A Certified Meeting Professional, she serves on the Tourism Industry Association of BC board, Destinations International’s EDI Committee, and as Board President of the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria. She has also held leadership roles with PCMA, MPI, and Meetings Mean Business. Recognized as a Smart Women in Meetings Industry Leader, Miranda champions Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, earning a Diversity & Inclusion Certification from Cornell University.

Ethan is the Content Manager for Wheel the World, the expert solution for accessible travel. Passionate about storytelling and the challenges of marketing, he crafts compelling narratives that highlight the importance of accessibility in tourism. Through his work, he helps bridge the gap between destinations and travelers with disabilities, ensuring accessibility information is transparent, reliable, and empowering.

Shin Osuka is a director at Japan Travel and Tourism Association (JTTA), focusing on fostering collaboration and strategic tourism development across Japan. Email: [email protected]

Rasheeda Martin is the Senior Director of External Relations at Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, overseeing sales, services, communications, and partnerships. Previously, she spent seven years at Explore York, ultimately serving as Director of Sales, Services & Partnerships, where she drove visitation through sports, meetings, and group travel. A former Division I lacrosse athlete, she has led high-profile sports tourism projects. Martin holds an STS accreditation and joined the Destinations International Advisory Leadership Board in 2025, reinforcing her industry leadership and strategic expertise.

John Friebele is the founding Executive Director of Destination Bryan, leading efforts to promote Bryan, Texas, as a vibrant destination. He oversees marketing, sales, and community engagement while fostering key partnerships. Previously, he was VP of Sales & Marketing at Experience Bryan College Station, with extensive experience in sports tourism. A Texas A&M graduate, he holds certifications in sports event and destination marketing. Friebele chairs the Texas Association of CVBs and serves on multiple industry boards, with Destination Bryan earning DMO of the Year under his leadership.

JJ is the Director of Sports and Events for the Memphis Sports Council, a subsidiary of Memphis Tourism. With his team, JJ promotes Memphis and Shelby County as one of the nation's premier year-round sports destinations. These events attract tens of thousands of sports enthusiasts to the Bluff-City Region. JJ played soccer for the University of Memphis and played 4 years of professional soccer in the USL Championship. Outside of work, JJ enjoys spending time with his wife, Stephanie, and their 4 children. 

Eric Kincaid is Vice President of Choose Chicago, leading convention sales and strategic initiatives. Since joining in 2021, he has driven innovative sales strategies and strengthened industry partnerships. Previously, he was National Account Director at Destination D.C., managing large-scale events, and spent a decade in sales at Marriott International. A UNC Greensboro graduate, he holds a Healthcare Management Compliance certificate and is active in PCMA and MPI. A dedicated marathon runner and traveler, Eric is passionate about enhancing Chicago’s global reputation as a premier event destination.

Carla Vaca Pinacho is a dedicated leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within the travel and tourism industry. With a background in luxury hospitality, student-led DEI initiatives, and sustainable tourism research in the Galapagos, she brings expertise in project management, relationship building, and community engagement. At Miles Partnership, she develops social media strategies, Spanish media translations, and inclusive partnerships. She also advises Travel Unity, volunteers with Latino Travel Fest, and founded the Latinos in Travel Network, striving to drive positive change in the industry.