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!

Read more about our Next Gens via their expanded profiles at groupstoday.com.

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. "My first experience with the group travel industry was as a student on a high school band trip to Italy, organized by the company I now work for," said Moran, who works as Senior Director of Sales & Travel Design at Music Travel Consultants. "At the time, I had never left the country or traveled on that scale. Journeying to the other side of the world, meeting others, sharing our musical talents, and connecting in that way was remarkable and eye-opening. It was incredibly humbling."

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. "I grew up in a small beach town in Michigan that thrives on summer tourism and working in the industry as a teen, I knew I wanted to continue on that path," Avery said. She was particularly drawn to group travel because it offers the chance to create 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. "Growing up in Nashville, I have seen firsthand the excitement and energy that music brings to people, especially in iconic places like the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium," Fahey said. 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.

Case W. Cole
Chief Experience Officer, Tourism Cares

Case W. Cole, a Florida State University graduate and second-generation travel professional, specializes in youth markets, and had the unique privilege of growing up within the group travel industry, enjoying the benefits of those travel experiences starting at a very young age. "As a result, it only seemed natural that I would join our family's organization in the continuation and development of unique travel experiences for student groups," said Cole, who serves as Senior Sales Manager for Super Holiday Tours & Educational Experiences, and Festival Director for Music USA at Universal Orlando Resort. "While working in the travel industry offers plenty of benefits, it's the relationships I've formed with various strategic partners around the country and the world that has been the ultimate, priceless reward."

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. "Growing up in a family business, I've been surrounded by the group travel industry my entire life," Copyak shared. "I started working with my family's company when I was 16 years old, spending my summers washing buses, and one summer as a mechanic. After high school, I balanced part-time work in the office with my studies at Utah State University. Being part of a company with such deep family roots has given me a strong sense of pride and purpose."

Frank Stroup
Global Travel & Trade Representative, Travel South Dakota

An Account Manager for Travel With Barb, Frank Stroup is a fresh face in the travel world! Since joining the Travel With Barb team, Stroup 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. "My experiences in musical ensembles, fraternities, and education have shown me that one of the most powerful ways to connect people and create lasting memories is through unique shared experiences," said Stroup, who 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

Growing up, Kaitlyn Gallegos' mom taught at the middle school she attended. Every year, she organized group trips for students and their families to New York City through EF Tours, leading Gallegos to fall in love with group travel at a young age. "When I was 18, my sister and I joined a group trip to China, visiting Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, and at that point I knew I wanted to find a way to be a part of this industry," Gallegos said.

Kati Hagedorn
Director of Events, Tourism Cares

Kati Hagedorn, Director of Events for Tourism Cares, found herself in the travel industry from being drawn to working on events with purpose and impact. "I found my way into the travel industry through Tourism Cares, and it's been incredibly rewarding to learn about the industry while connecting with so many dedicated colleagues," Hagedorn said. With more than 14 years at Tourism Cares, Hagdorn specializes in collaborative event planning with destination stewardship at its foundation, and works with an amazing team to drive positive impact for communities through sustainable tourism. 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's passion for the group travel industry began at a young age, as he has many fond memories of school trips to the Philadelphia Zoo, Franklin Institute, and other attractions in Philadelphia. "Getting out of the classroom and experiencing something new instilled in me a lifelong curiosity about life," Topley shared. "I believe that group travel has the power to change young lives for good."

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. As Director of Marketing for Intrepid Museum, she directs integrated marketing for internal clients, developing strategic insights and data-driven roadmaps. "Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, my mom brought me to the Cleveland Museum of Art for their incredible exhibitions and programming. CMA is, and always will be, free to the public," Shtull recalled. "I became drawn to the museum industry because I wanted everyone to be able to access art, history, science and technology. As a marketer, my goal is to make educational and awesome experiences more accessible."

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

Edited by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for Groups Today.

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