TOPS Returns Ahead of Travel Exchange ’26
October 13, 2026
Four industry experts will help NTA tour operators prepare for Tulsa during a special two-day webinar series.
Travel Exchange ’26 is just around the corner, and NTA is helping tour operators get ready with the return of TOPS (Tour Operator Pre-Show), a webinar series designed to provide valuable information, industry insights, and professional development opportunities ahead of the convention.
This year’s TOPS will feature four webinars spread across two days, Tuesday, Oct. 27, and Thursday, Oct. 29, with two sessions each day.
Introduced last year, TOPS brings together industry professionals to share their expertise with NTA’s tour operator community. Whether you’re preparing for appointments in Tulsa or looking for insights to take back to your business, the series offers an opportunity to learn from experienced voices across the travel industry.
Meet the Presenters
Dan Flores
Vice President of Sales and Head of Tourism, Satisfi Labs
Dan Flores is vice president of sales and head of tourism at Satisfi Labs, a trailblazer in conversational AI for tourism, entertainment, and sports.
Previously, Flores worked with Maverick Helicopters, where he spearheaded expansion efforts for the company, which offers helicopter and airplane excursions in popular destinations.
Flores has a long history of industry leadership and volunteer service. He served on the NTA Board of Directors from 2013 to 2018 and on U.S. Travel’s National Council of Attractions and Experiences Board of Advisors from 2019 to 2023. He also chaired the Tourism Cares Development Committee for five years.
Bill Caldwell
Certified Public Accountant
With more than 35 years of experience, William (Bill) Caldwell, CPA, brings extensive knowledge of financial principles, taxation, and business strategy.
Throughout his career, Caldwell has worked with a diverse range of clients, including small businesses, corporations, nonprofit organizations, and high-net-worth individuals. His expertise includes proactive financial planning, strategic tax management, and helping organizations navigate complex financial challenges.
Caldwell also built a successful accounting practice recognized by the Washington Business Journal as a Top 50 firm in the Washington, D.C., area. A sought-after speaker, he is known for delivering engaging presentations that help audiences better understand tax matters and make informed financial decisions.
Michelle Stark
Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Red Sage Communications
Michelle Stark is vice president of sales and marketing for Red Sage Communications, an NTA Corporate Partner based in Alabama that serves clients nationwide.
Stark and her team have developed award-winning marketing strategies and brand-building campaigns for organizations across the Southeast, including destinations, attractions, and conferences.
Before entering the marketing industry, Stark was an Emmy Award-winning television news anchor and technology reporter for ABC and CBS affiliates. Her background in storytelling and communications has also made her a featured speaker, moderator, and panelist for organizations including the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama and the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association.
Jeff Ment
Founder, The Ment Law Group
Jeff Ment is the founder of NTA Corporate Partner The Ment Law Group and has more than 30 years of experience representing travel companies and industry professionals.
His clients include tour operators, vendors, destination management companies, travel agents, transportation companies, and trade associations. Ment advises organizations on industry best practices, contract terms, government regulations, risk assessment, crisis response, and employment matters. He also represents travel companies in litigation throughout the country.
Ment’s experience extends beyond the legal profession. Earlier in his career, he worked as a travel agent, tour guide, and sales manager for two airlines, giving him firsthand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing travel businesses.
Who Can Attend?
TOPS in Two is open to anyone from a tour operator company registered for Travel Exchange ’26, whether the company is participating as a buyer or seller.
Participation isn’t limited to the individual registered for TREX. NTA encourages registered tour operators to share the webinar registration links with colleagues throughout their organizations so more team members can benefit from the sessions.
Registration links and individual session details will be emailed to registered tour operators.
Mark your calendars for Oct. 27 and 29, and get ready to learn from four industry experts before the NTA family gathers in Tulsa!