2025 Next Gens

Through the support of reader nominations, Groups Today is proud to present this year's class of Next Gens—people of the next generation who make a difference in the industry with their progressive ideas, innovative mindsets and creative spirits. Congratulations!

 Andrew Moran
 Senior Director of Sales & Travel Design, Music Travel Consultants

  Andrew Moran is a passionate advocate for the transformative power of student travel, inspired by his own life-changing educational trip. Beyond his role at Music Travel Consultants, he has spent over a decade teaching, serving and volunteering in music education. Committed to providing students with impactful experiences, he works to elevate student travel standards, creating lasting opportunities for the next generation that reflect those that shaped his own journey.

 Britny Avery, CTP
 Specialty Sales Manager, Experience Grand Rapids

  With a bachelor of science in hospitality and tourism management from Grand Valley State University, Britny Avery knew she wanted to work in the tourism industry. At Experience Grand Rapids, she curates experiences for the group travel market and is a Certified Tour Professional through the National Tour Association. Avery was also recently elected Vice President of the Circle Michigan Board of Directors. She's passionate about enhancing the travel industry through partnerships and memorable experiences.

 Cal Fahey
 Tourism Sales Manager, Opry Entertainment

  A Nashville native, Cal Fahey grew up inspired by Ryman Auditorium concerts and Nashville's rich musical heritage. After earning degrees in music theory and arts management, he started his career at Opry Entertainment's call center. His dedication and eagerness to learn led to being a Call Center Trainer, Group Services Specialist and now Tourism Sales Manager. Fahey has traveled the country representing the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium, encouraging groups to experience that same inspiration only found in Music City.

 Case W. Cole
 Senior Sales Manager, Super Holiday Tours & Educational Experiences
 Festival Director, Music USA at Universal Orlando Resort

  Case Cole, a Florida State University graduate and second-generation travel professional, specializes in youth markets. Actively involved with the Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA), Cole serves on multiple committees and plays key roles across his family's travel brands—Super Holiday Tours, Music USA, and Educational Experiences—where he champions transformative experiences for young travelers across a variety of educational initiatives.

 Chandler Copyak
 Account Executive, Le Bus

  Chandler Copyak is a fourth-generation sales professional at Le Bus, a company founded by his great-grandfather 75 years ago. He's played a pivotal role in the company's growth, securing a key contract with a local ski resort to provide employee shuttles. Copyak also works with all NBA, MLS, NHL and collegiate teams visiting Utah, ensuring their experiences are safe and smooth. Copyak is committed to empowering his team, having trained coworkers in sales and the company's internal technological systems.

 Frank Stroup
 Account Manager, Travel with Barb

  Frank Stroup is a fresh face in the travel world! Since joining the team at Travel with Barb, he has used his experience as an award-winning music teacher to create an efficacious training program to set teachers and other leaders on the path to travel success. He blends pragmatic and emphatic approaches in order to help trip leaders and travelers leap the hurdles of travel planning and ensure their travel experiences are truly memorable.

 Kaitlyn Gallegos
 Director of Global Sales, Visit Lake Charles

  A lifelong resident of Southwest Louisiana, Kaitlyn Gallegos began her career at Visit Lake Charles six years ago, working in the domestic tourism market. She's since been promoted to Director of Global Sales, welcoming groups and individuals worldwide to her hometown. While often traveling, attending tradeshows and sales missions, she's committed to staying involved locally, having served on the boards of Rotary Club of Lake Charles, Fusion Five, Chuck Fest and Big Brothers Big Sisters of SWLA.

 Kati Hagedorn
 Director of Events, Tourism Cares

  Kati Hagedorn is the Director of Events at Tourism Cares, where she works with an amazing team to drive positive impact for communities through sustainable tourism. With more than 14 years at Tourism Cares, she specializes in collaborative event planning with destination stewardship at its foundation. Hagedorn's approach emphasizes listening to host communities, ensuring events reflect their needs and values, and fostering experiences that leave a lasting, positive impact on participants and the places they visit.

 Mark Topley
 Associate Director, Strategic Ticket Sales & Tourism, New York Yankees

  Mark Topley currently serves as the first ever Head of Tourism Sales for the New York Yankees. A 10-year NYC tourism industry professional, Topley has also held positions with Disney, Cirque du Soleil, EBG, SeatGeek and GetYourGuide. In his work as both a buyer and supplier, Topley has learned that developing sincere personal relationships with partners is critically important. He's passionate about advocating for the power of sport to create unforgettable travel experiences.

 Moriah Shtull
 Director of Marketing, Intrepid Museum

  Moriah Shtull is an accomplished marketing leader with extensive experience in cultural institutions, recognized for driving engagement and revenue. She directs integrated marketing for internal clients, developing strategic insights and data-driven roadmaps. Wrangling snake handlers, esteemed curators and everyone in between, she is a skilled communicator who is focused on making educational and awesome experiences more accessible to all audiences.

 Reed Warner
 Director of Meeting, Convention & Leisure Group Sales, Explore Branson

  Reed Warner is a dynamic force in the hospitality and tourism industry, blending international experience with a passion for innovation. With a background in luxury properties in Chicago, high-volume beach resorts in Florida, and managing a boutique hotel in Montenegro, Warner brings a global perspective to his role as a leader at Explore Branson. With a passion for cutting-edge data platforms and AI, he is always looking for ways to push the envelope and move Destination Marketing into the future.

Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for Groups Today.

This article originally appeared in the Jan/Feb '25 issue of Groups Today.