Check out the influencers you can meet in-person right at COE 2025! This will take place during our Speed-Networking event (Thursday 12/4 from 8:30 to 10:00am), where you can make powerful connections—fast! This structured, high-energy networking session pairs campground owners with outdoor industry influencers and content creators for quick, meaningful conversations. Whether you’re looking to boost your social media presence, grow brand awareness, or learn creative marketing ideas, this session is designed to spark connections that can lead to lasting partnerships.
Andrew Nussbaum
Andrew Nussbaum, Tourism Development Specialist at Travel Wisconsin, has navigated the state’s hospitality and tourism landscape since 2012, championing “Northern Hospitality” across Southwest Wisconsin. As a go-to liaison for tourism partners, he’s instrumental in crafting collaborative marketing strategies that highlight Wisconsin’s unique outdoor experiences and drive economic growth through community storytelling.
Brandy Gleason
Brandy Gleason is the CEO of Gleason Media, LLC., the chief writer at Gleason Family Adventure, and creator of the Ohio Road Trips Facebook group. She has written four books, 100 Things to Do in Ohio’s Amish Country Before You Die, 100 Things To Do in Ohio Before You Die, and co-wrote the Ohio section of Midwest Road Trip Adventures and Midwest State Park Adventures. She has spoken at National Conventions on education and conferences on travel. She was a brand ambassador for THOR Industries in 2021 and is currently a Heartland RVs brand ambassador. She has won numerous awards for her work in social media and writing at the Midwest Travel Network Conference. One of Brandy’s favorite quotes is, “In order to write about life first you must live it.” by Ernest Hemingway, and she fully embraces each day.
Dannelle Gay
Award-winning Travel TV host, Published Author, syndicated columnist, and group tours leader who loves the great outdoors. I write for CrazyCampingGirl.com and GoRVing.
Dorsey Levens
Dorsey Levens is a former Green Bay Packers running back, Super Bowl champion, and now a fitness and motivational coach. After trading “cleats for cadence” as a certified spin instructor, he became a sought-after speaker on mindset and personal growth, even sharing his journey on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Levens has appeared in films and TV (We Are Marshall, Good Girls, HBO’s Arli$$) and produced the acclaimed documentary Bell Rung on concussion awareness. With his sports legacy, Hollywood experience, and inspirational wellness message, he connects powerfully with audiences ready for their next adventure.
Eugene Robinson
Eugene Robinson is a former NFL safety and Super Bowl champion who successfully transitioned into broadcasting. For 16 years, he served as color commentator for the Carolina Panthers’ radio network and today co-hosts Charlotte Today on NBC’s WCNC, showcasing his on-camera charisma and community connection. With his sports legacy, media presence, and strong online following, Eugene has become an influential voice blending athletics, lifestyle, and faith — making him an engaging influencer in the sports and outdoor world.
Lori Helke
Lori Helke is an author and award-winning travel writer from Wisconsin. She is the founder of the travel and lifestyle blog Lori Loves Adventure where she writes about her solo travel experiences, and is the author of the Beatrice the Little Camper children’s picture book series, as well as the travel guides ‘Wisconsin Harbor Towns: The Ultimate Wisconsin Road Trip Guide’ and ‘100 Things To Do In Sheboygan Before You Die.’ Lori has a monthly travel segment on Local 5 Live, a Green Bay, Wisconsin TV morning show, has contributed to several online and print publications, and serves on the Visit Sheboygan Board of Directors.
Mark Rose
Mark Rose is the CEO of Discover Mediaworks, the production company behind Discover Wisconsin, the nation’s longest-running tourism TV series. Under his leadership, the brand has earned multiple Emmy Awards and delivers over 15 million annual views across TV, streaming, podcasts, and social media—making him a powerful influencer in travel storytelling and outdoor education.
Sara Broers
Sara Broers is a travel blogger, author, and co-owner of the Midwest Travel Network. Based in Iowa, she is the creative force behind Travel With Sara, where she shares her passion for exploring new places. Sara has authored several books, including 100 Things To Do In Iowa Before You Die and Perfect Day Iowa. She has also co-authored Midwest Road Trip Adventures and Midwest State Park Adventures. An accomplished leader in the travel industry, Sara received the 2019 Individual Leadership Award from the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Her newest project, Go Crush It Travel & Thrive, is a YouTube channel she started with her husband, where they share their travel experiences. With a deep passion for connecting people with the right resources, Sara empowers others to share their unique stories. Sara has spoken at several travel conferences across the United States, and she is a frequent presenter for tourism offices across the country. When she isn’t traveling, you can find her in Iowa with her grandchildren, enjoying a nearby town, or indulging in her favorite dessert, bread pudding.
Stan Wiebe
I’m Stan Wiebe. I started The Driveby Tourist in 2018 when I drove Route 66. That trip took me 30 days to drive the full route and return. I took a two month road trip through all 26 states east of the Mississippi River. I recently took a six week trip through the Midwest and the Southwest including Arkansas and Texas out to California and Nevada. That trip focused on US Presidents and National Parks. Other trips are mostly Midwest and the Great River Road. I’m retired from a career in healthcare IT and now promote visiting all 50 states, which I’ve done, every state at least twice.