Meet Our Keynote Speakers – Australian Expeditions Summit 2025

The Australian Expeditions Summit 2025 brings together some of the most respected leaders in small-ship expedition cruising. Each keynote speaker brings unique expertise, global perspectives, and a shared passion for redefining expedition travel.

Milly Alva Haimberger – Global Director of Sales, Aqua Expeditions

We are delighted to introduce Milly Alva Haimberger, Global Director of Sales at Aqua Expeditions, as one of our keynote speakers.

With over two decades of experience shaping luxury travel in South America and beyond, Milly is an invaluable voice in the expedition travel industry. Her journey began in her native Peru, where she worked with two of the region’s most respected destination management companies, South American Tours and Condor Travel. She has also served in leadership roles with APOTUR and CANATUR, and today contributes her expertise as a member of the LATA Committee in the UK.

At Aqua Expeditions, Milly has played a pivotal role in expanding the company’s reach across the Amazon River, the Galapagos Islands, the Mekong in Cambodia and Vietnam, Indonesia, and East Africa. Her passion for discovery is contagious—whether she’s speaking about the Nazca Lines, the Colca Canyon, or her first adventures in Asia back in 1997.

Outside of work, Milly enjoys time with her young family and is an avid reader with a love for history, geography, and global politics. At the summit, she will share her global perspective on the future of small-ship expedition cruising.

Julie Rogers – Director of Sales, Asia Pacific, PONANT

Joining our keynote line-up is Julie Rogers, Director of Sales, Asia Pacific at PONANT, where she leads commercial operations across Australia and emerging Asian markets.

A long-time leader in the travel industry, Julie’s career has been shaped by her passion for exploring the globe and her deep respect for cultural discovery. As she puts it: “I have enjoyed my fair share of camping in extremely remote locations in my youth. Today, I prefer to blend authentic exploration with luxury. Small Ship Luxury Expedition Cruising delivers this perfectly.”

Julie has extensively explored Africa, the Kimberley, and Greenland, and has journeyed many times to Antarctica and the Sub-Antarctic regions. In 2026, she will embark on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to the Geographic North Pole aboard the luxury icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot.

At the summit, Julie will bring her depth of experience and personal insight into why small-ship expeditions continue to redefine the future of luxury adventure travel.

Captain David Marionneau-Châtel – Director Marine Operations, PONANT

We are honoured to welcome Captain David Marionneau-Châtel, Director of Marine Operations at PONANT, as one of our distinguished keynote speakers.

A Master Mariner with more than 20 years in the cruise industry and 14 years of dedicated experience in luxury cruises and expeditions, David brings unmatched operational expertise to the summit. Over the course of his career, he has sailed across most of the world’s oceans and built strong relationships with agencies and local authorities across a wide range of destinations.

His extensive shipboard experience, combined with a deep knowledge of health, safety, and environmental regulations, has positioned him as a trusted leader in maritime operations. Since 2021, he has served as Director of Marine Operations for PONANT’s fleet of thirteen ships, overseeing voyages that span every corner of the globe.

At the summit, Captain David will provide valuable insight into the operational backbone of expedition cruising, highlighting the complexities, responsibilities, and opportunities that shape the industry today and into the future.

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Together, Milly Alva Haimberger, Julie Rogers, and Captain David Marionneau-Châtel embody the spirit of exploration, innovation, and leadership at the heart of the Australian Expeditions Summit 2025.