On this very special episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline takes you behind the velvet rope of Travel + Leisure’s 2025 World’s Best Summit. The event, described by one panelist as the “Super Bowl of Travel” brought together influential voices from across the industry for keynote speeches, panel discussions, and spirited debates on the trends shaping global travel today. Katie shares personal reflections and standout takeaways—from how brands can cultivate emotional connection to the explosive growth of sports and events tourism. But this episode isn’t just a SparksNotes version of the summit. It also features exclusive interviews with four of the event’s powerhouse speakers:

Jacqui Gifford, Editor in Chief of Travel + Leisure and host of the event. 

Gail Simmons, culinary expert, author, producer, and judge on Bravo’s Emmy Award-winning Top Chef, on building a brand that lasts. 

Shana Stephenson, Chief Brand Officer of the New York Liberty, on sports becoming a major driver of travel demand.

And Caleb Silver, Editor in Chief of Investopedia, with an incredible overview of consumer spending across the industry.

Whether you were in the room or wished you were, this episode brings you front-row access to the bold ideas, candid conversations, and unexpected insights shaping the future of hospitality.

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