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Conference Speakers


 

SATW 2023 Speaker Kim Foster Headshot

Kim Foster,
CEO & Founder, Foster Relations, Inc.

Kim Foster is the CEO and founder of Foster Relations, Inc. Founded in 2008, Foster Relations, Inc. provides services in public relations, advertising, event planning, and communication strategies. Foster Relations, Inc. represents destination marketing organizations, universities, a national park, associations, privately held corporations, non-profits and numerous multi-state government entities.

An honors graduate of Mississippi State University, Kim is accredited in public relations by the PRSA Universal Accreditation Board. She is a Top 40 Under 40 in Mississippi, a Southern Public Relations Federation Senior Practitioner and serves on the board of directors for the National Scenic Byways Foundation. She has also served the Mississippi Tourism Association and is on the advisory board for Mississippi State University’s Communication Department.

 

2023 SATW Speaker Colleen Kelly Headshot

Colleen Kelly,
Executive Producer, Travel Writer and Brand Influencer

Colleen Kelly has delivered over 50 million impressions through television, print, radio, and digital media. She is the host, creator, and executive producer of the popular Emmy-nominated National PBS Television Series, “Family Travel with Colleen Kelly,” which airs in over 94% of the country to 19.6 million viewers, and of the digital brand and radio show, “Round Trip with Colleen Kelly,” which are housed under Kelly Media Productions, LLC, Kelly’s Chicago-based multimedia production company. As an Emmy-nominated executive producer, travel expert, engaging television personality, and seasoned radio talk show host, Kelly has worked with clients all around the world, internationally and domestically, while producing content of the highest level of production for National Geographic, Travel + Leisure, PBS, Travel Channel, and Parents.

Kelly is also a globally recognized brand influencer, keynote speaker at high-profile travel industry events, and guest on numerous radio and television broadcasts, where she presents the latest travel tips, products, and services for all types of travel for friends, multigenerational families, couples, and solo travelers. Kelly has worked with well-known brands, including Carnival Cruise Lines, State Farm, and hundreds of domestic CVBs and international tourist boards, such as Switzerland Tourism, VisitBritain, Tourism Ireland, and many more.

 

SATW 2023 Speaker Liz Swaine Headshot

Liz Swaine,
Executive Director, Shreveport Downtown Development Authority

Liz Swaine is the executive director of the Downtown Development Authority and the non-profit Downtown Shreveport Development Corporation in Shreveport, Louisiana. The goal of both organizations is to pursue, facilitate and coordinate public and private initiatives that will lead to more vibrancy, business, common-sense growth and development in historic downtown Shreveport.

Liz comes to the downtown world after time as a television news anchor, a chief executive for a Shreveport mayor, and working in corporate America. She rides motorcycles both on road and off, is an instrument-rated pilot and is an avid writer. She and her husband Steve share a love of rehabbing historic buildings and are parents to "found and pound" pups Bella and Jenkins. 

 

2023 SATW Speaker Aja Hannah Headshot

Aja Hannah,
Freelance Writer

Aja Hannah is a writer, traveler, and mama. As secretary of the Society of American Travel Writers: Central States Chapter, she takes trips that prioritize diversity in travel and eco-tourism. She believes in the Oxford comma, cheap flights, and a daily dose of chocolate.