The organisers of IT&CMA (Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia) and CTW APAC (Corporate Travel World Asia-Pacific) have unveiled the first line-up of speakers for this year’s conference programme, bringing together respected leaders from the meetings, incentives, conventions, exhibitions (MICE), corporate travel, hospitality, cruise and association sectors.
Taking place from 22–24 September 2026 at the Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, Thailand, the event will feature thought leaders who are helping shape the future of business events across Asia-Pacific and internationally. Delegates can expect discussions covering emerging market trends, destination development, corporate travel strategies, association management, expedition cruising, sustainability, education, technology and the future direction of the global meetings industry.
Featured Speakers
Dr Bongkosh Rittichainuwat
Federation Secretary, Asia Pacific Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education (APacCHRIE)
Director of Hotel and Tourism Management, Siam University
One of Asia’s leading tourism academics, Dr Bongkosh Rittichainuwat has spent many years researching tourism resilience, destination management, hospitality education and sustainable tourism development. Her sessions are expected to provide valuable perspectives on developing future talent and strengthening tourism education across the region.
Ric Gazarian
Extreme Traveller, Podcaster and Founder, Extraordinary Travel Festival
Having travelled to every country in the world, Ric Gazarian is recognised internationally for his unique travel experiences and storytelling. Through the Extraordinary Travel Festival, he connects some of the world’s most adventurous travellers while sharing insights into global tourism, exploration and emerging destinations.
Elle Ng-Darmawan
Senior Director, APAC, GBTA
Representing the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), Elle Ng-Darmawan brings extensive experience in business travel management across Asia-Pacific. She works closely with travel buyers, suppliers and corporate travel professionals, focusing on industry trends, education and business travel innovation.
Rajeev Kohli CIS, CITP, DMCP
Joint Managing Director, Creative Travel India
Rajeev Kohli is one of India’s best-known destination management professionals and an internationally respected advocate for sustainable tourism and responsible business events. Through Creative Travel India he has helped position India as a leading destination for incentive travel and luxury experiences.
Darren Ng
Managing Director, TTG Asia Media
As Managing Director of TTG Asia Media, Darren Ng oversees one of Asia-Pacific’s most influential travel trade publishing organisations. TTG has played a major role in delivering industry news, market intelligence and professional events for the travel and tourism sector for decades.
Karen Yue
Group Editor, TTG Asia Media
Karen Yue is an experienced travel journalist and editor specialising in business events, tourism and corporate travel across Asia-Pacific. She regularly moderates industry discussions and provides expert analysis of the trends shaping the meetings and travel sectors.
Octavio (Bobby) Peralta, CPAE
Founder & Volunteer CEO, Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives (PCAAE)
Bobby Peralta is widely recognised throughout Asia for his work in association management and professional development. He has helped strengthen association leadership, governance and education programmes while promoting best practice across the business events industry.
David Barrett
Consultant Events, The Slate Phuket
With extensive international experience in hospitality and luxury events, David Barrett has developed and managed high-end meetings, conferences and incentive programmes. His expertise spans destination events, hotel operations and experiential business gatherings.
Jan Basson
Senior Director, Charter Sales, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
Jan Basson represents one of the world’s leading expedition cruise companies, specialising in charter operations and bespoke voyages. His experience combines expedition cruising with incentive travel and premium group experiences in some of the world’s most remote destinations.
Diana Bloss
Co-Founder and Vice President, Worldwide Cruise Associates
Diana Bloss is a recognised leader within the cruise industry, working with cruise lines, destinations and travel professionals worldwide. Her expertise includes cruise partnerships, destination marketing and developing business opportunities within the global cruise sector.
Waikin Wong
Regional Director Asia-Pacific, ICCA
Representing the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Waikin Wong works closely with destinations, convention bureaux and event organisers to support international association meetings throughout Asia-Pacific. ICCA remains one of the world’s leading organisations for the international meetings industry.
Matthew Boutwell
Senior Director, Global MICE, Crystal/Abercrombie & Kent MICE
Matthew Boutwell specialises in luxury meetings, incentives and experiential travel programmes around the world. His work focuses on creating premium corporate events, incentive travel experiences and high-value client programmes across global destinations.
From emerging trends and market insights to practical strategies and real-world experiences, these speakers will provide ideas designed to inspire, challenge and empower delegates from across the business events community
Event: IT&CMA and CTW APAC 2026
Dates: 22–24 September 2026
Venue: Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, Bangkok, Thailand
Register now: www.itcma.com/register
About Unravel Travel TV
Unravel Travel TV will be attending IT&CMA and CTW APAC 2026 as an official an International Media Affiliate, providing comprehensive coverage throughout the event. Coverage will include keynote sessions, conference highlights, exhibitor news, destination interviews and exclusive conversations with industry leaders across the MICE, business travel and tourism sectors.
