2026 Summit Speakers and Bios
For over 25 years, Jennifer Ackerson, President of Alon Tourism Solutions, has demonstrated tireless dedication and passion for improving business development and relationships in the tourism industry. Jennifer’s deep industry experience has enabled her to offer creative solutions. Through this vigorous advocacy of connecting suppliers and buyers, Alon has earned a reputation as a respected go-to consultant and educator for helping both parties achieve their tourism goals. Most notably, Jennifer Ackerson has become a strong presence in the travel industry by creating a first-of-its-kind tourism education program. Jennifer has developed and led both NYC Tourism + Conventions ‘Tourism Ready’ and IITA ‘Inbound Insider Steps to Success’ tourism training programs and remains committed to support USA tourism destinations and businesses through her knowledge and programs. Jen always says, "Tourism is the best job in the world! You get to have fun, travel the globe learning and exploring everyday, and giving back by serving people along the way."
Adam Burke serves as President & CEO of the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, the official, non-profit tourism promotion organization for the City of Angels. With its mission to “improve the quality of life for all Angelenos through the economic and community benefits of tourism,” Los Angeles Tourism is proud to represent over 1,000 Member businesses across the local travel & tourism sector, which is one of the region’s largest contributors to employment, business sales, and tax revenues. With more than 30 years of travel & tourism industry experience, Burke previously served as Senior Vice President, Customer Loyalty for Hilton Worldwide with global management responsibility for the award-winning Honors customer loyalty program. He joined Los Angeles Tourism in 2016 as the organization’s Chief Operating Officer. Burke is actively engaged in advocating for the nation’s tourism sector and has been appointed by the U.S. Department of Commerce to serve on the United States Travel & Tourism Advisory Board. He also represents the U.S. as a Vice Chair of the World Tourism Alliance, in addition to serving on the Executive Committee of the Destinations International Foundation. Locally, Burke serves on the Executive Committee of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, and the Board of Directors of the CalTravel Foundation, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, and Sister Cities of Los Angeles, as well as the Advisory Board of the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission. 
Greg Takehara has been the CEO of Tourism Cares since 2019. He previously served on its Board, acting as its Chair before becoming CEO. Prior to Tourism Cares, Greg was the President of Trip Mate, Inc., a travel insurance administrator. He began his thirty-seven-year career in the travel and tourism industry at The Mark Travel Corporation, where he served as General Counsel.
Greg has served on the Boards of the US Travel Association, the National Tour Association, and the IGLTA Foundation, as well as numerous industry committees. He is a frequent speaker at industry events and meetings. Greg currently lives in Orlando, is from Chicago, and has an undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and a Juris Doctor degree from Washington University in St. Louis.
Roni Weiss is the Executive Director of Travel Unity, a nonprofit focused on making the world of travel welcoming to people of all backgrounds and identities.
He led the creation of the first travel industry standards for inclusive practices and runs Travel Unity’s certification programs, oversees consulting projects, and coordinates its Alliance. Born in New York and raised in Washington State, Roni earned his Associate’s degree with Honors at age 12, graduated high school at 15, and completed dual Bachelor's degrees in Drama and English at 18. Roni has visited 70+ countries (including every country in Europe), six continents, and 48 U.S. states. He lives in Pleasantville, NY, with his partner, Lauren, and their four children.
