(Private event - by acceptance only.)

Innovation is the lifeblood of any industry. The Startup Program is a curated networking platform ... [read more]

(Private event - by acceptance only.)

Innovation is the lifeblood of any industry. The Startup Program is a curated networking platform to connect startups with corporates and investors to foster real innovation.

Light breakfast will be available.

Details here!

8:30 AM – 11:30 AM

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Young Leaders SummitGrand Sonoran E, Level 1

(Private event - by acceptance only.)

Each year, Phocuswright brings together the industry’s best and brightest travel leaders aged 35 ... [read more]

(Private event - by acceptance only.)

Each year, Phocuswright brings together the industry’s best and brightest travel leaders aged 35 and under to be part of this elite group. This private program during The Phocuswright Conference is a launching pad for the next generation of travel luminaries to connect, debate and collaborate.

Light breakfast will be available.

Learn more and apply here!

8:30 AM – 11:00 AM

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Pickleball FunPickleball Courts

(Limited Availability – Registration required.)

Begin meeting fellow attendees and join the fun for a friendly outdoor game of ... [read more]

(Limited Availability – Registration required.)

Begin meeting fellow attendees and join the fun for a friendly outdoor game of Pickleball. All levels, especially beginners are invited to join. We kick off with an instruction session learning the basics and rules of Pickleball followed by friendly game time. Please dress accordingly, with comfortable sportswear and sneakers. Complimentary pickleball racquets will be provided. Light refreshments will be served.

Pickleball is a game resembling tennis in which players use paddles to hit a plastic ball over a net. Limited availability for play – please register in the event app by bookmarking this session to secure your spot.

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

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Industry Roundtables

All times shown are MST (UTC -7).

Conference sessions take place in the Theater (Entrance through the Exhibitor Showcase; Grand Canyon Ballroom, Level 1); all other locations are noted.

11:30 AM - 12:15 PM

Industry RoundtablesGrand Sonoran, Level 1

Participate in intimate, off-record curated roundtable discussions based on your business interests, moderated by industry experts and ... [read more]

Participate in intimate, off-record curated roundtable discussions based on your business interests, moderated by industry experts and Phocuswright analysts.

The roundtable discussions are an opportunity for you to get together with like-minded attendees and industry experts in an informal setting to examine issues as they relate to the table topic.

Learn More

11:30 AM – 12:15 PM

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Breakouts

Immerse yourself in an intimate, interactive environment to learn about hot topics impacting today's travel marketplace.

All times shown are MST (UTC -7).

12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

Beyond the Prompt: The All-Inclusive Generative AI Accelerator Sponsored by: Amazon Web ServicesGrand Sonoran E, Level 1

Many of us have experienced chatbots. But there’s so much more to generative artificial intelligence than just typing or screaming “AGENT!” From ... [read more]

Many of us have experienced chatbots. But there’s so much more to generative artificial intelligence than just typing or screaming “AGENT!” From airlines and hotels to airports and tour operators, travel and hospitality companies are leveraging generative AI to transform customer experiences and drive operational efficiency. Join AWS in this immersive session to discover new use cases and gain actionable insights to navigate your generative AI journey with confidence. We’ll candidly discuss challenges and share real-world examples on companies across the industry who are driving results with generative AI. Whether you think FM tuning is finding your favorite radio station or you’re running multiple Large Language Models (LLMs) - no matter where you are in your journey - this session will elevate your generative AI game and equip you with the tools to drive meaningful innovation.

Tedd Evers, Global Partner Leader, Travel & Hospitality, Amazon Web Services Moni Panchavadi, AWS Partner Tech Leader T&H, Amazon Web Services

12:30 PM – 1:00 PM

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Travel Transformed: Driving Partnership Growth with Buy-Now-Pay-Later Partners Sponsored by: PartnerizeGrand Sonoran G, Level 1

Explore how Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL) technology is fueling growth in the travel industry by enhancing customer engagement, increasing booking ... [read more]

Explore how Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL) technology is fueling growth in the travel industry by enhancing customer engagement, increasing booking values, and unlocking new revenue streams with flexible payment options. Join moderator and Partnerize VP, Customer Solutions, Amber Sweeney, Expedia's Senior Manager, Strategic Partnerships, Ashley Barabas, and Affirm's Director of Client Success, Stacey Paul, as they dive into how BNPL solutions reduce friction in the purchasing process, making travel more accessible and attractive to a broader audience. Discover how travel brands can leverage BNPL partnerships to gain a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving affiliate landscape, driving incremental growth and creating a seamless experience for customers. Don't miss insights on the future of affiliate marketing powered by BNPL innovation.

Stacey Paul, Senior Director, Client Success, Affirm Ashley Schwartz, Senior Manager, Strategic Partnerships & Affiliates, Expedia Group Amber Sweeney, VP, Customer Solutions, Partnerize

12:30 PM – 1:00 PM

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Unlock NDC Success: Elevate Your New Age(nts) Experience to Excel in Modern Retailing Sponsored by: TravelportGrand Sonoran F, Level 1

Join our breakout session to discover why NDC and website-direct are at odds with the consumer experience. Find out about the real impact NDC is ... [read more]

Join our breakout session to discover why NDC and website-direct are at odds with the consumer experience. Find out about the real impact NDC is having on travel shoppers, and how to excel in this new landscape with an actionable blueprint and the latest modern retailing tools. See how Travelport customers are leading the way with NDC to enhance traveler experiences and balancing what’s best for their business.

Kyle Moore, General Manager Deem, Travelport

12:30 PM – 1:00 PM

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Lunch

All times shown are MST (UTC -7).

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Networking LunchBallroom Lawn, Level 2, Lobby Level

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

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Networking Lunch: Female FoundersPinnacle Peak Lawn

(Limited Availability – Registration Required)

Connect, Collaborate, and Empower!

Are you a female founder, advisor, ... [read more]

(Limited Availability – Registration Required)

Connect, Collaborate, and Empower!

Are you a female founder, advisor, investor, or ally in the hospitality industry? Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to network over lunch, engage in intimate roundtable discussions, and participate in dynamic speed networking sessions.

Presenters Nina Kleaveland, CEO & Co-founder, Lanyard Melissa Maher, CEO & Founder, Pinnacle Enterprises Group

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

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Industry Roundtables

All times shown are MST (UTC -7).

Conference sessions take place in the Theater (Entrance through the Exhibitor Showcase; Grand Canyon Ballroom, Level 1); all other locations are noted.

2:15 PM - 3:00 PM

Industry RoundtablesGrand Sonoran, Level 1

Participate in intimate, off-record curated roundtable discussions based on your business interests, moderated by industry experts and ... [read more]

Participate in intimate, off-record curated roundtable discussions based on your business interests, moderated by industry experts and Phocuswright analysts.

The roundtable discussions are an opportunity for you to get together with like-minded attendees and industry experts in an informal setting to examine issues as they relate to the table topic.

Learn More

2:15 PM – 3:00 PM

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Breakouts

Immerse yourself in an intimate, interactive environment to learn about hot topics impacting today's travel marketplace.

All times shown are MST (UTC -7).

3:10 PM - 3:40 PM

Balancing Airline Relationships and Revenue in the Intermediary Space Sponsored by: UATPGrand Sonoran G, Level 1

Maximizing payment revenue while fostering relationships is a balancing act. As payment methods evolve, and more players come into the equation, ... [read more]

Maximizing payment revenue while fostering relationships is a balancing act. As payment methods evolve, and more players come into the equation, how can stakeholders position themselves for the best financial outcome possible while still forging partnerships that deliver long-term gains? Panelists will explore the complexities of payment optimization across the value chain, particularly in the absence of traditional commission structures. This panel will uncover strategies to maximize forms of payment against the revenue opportunities that exists within partnerships: commissions, distribution and payment.

Karen Brzozowicz, Senior Manager, Payment Strategy and Solutions, Air Canada Paul Swanston, Managing Director, Global Network Sales, Universal Air Travel Plan, Inc (UATP)Ross Veitch, CEO & Co-Founder, Wego Group

3:10 PM – 3:40 PM

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Reimagining the Travel Experience with Allianz: A CX Transformation Journey Sponsored by: SutherlandGrand Sonoran E, Level 1

Join Allianz Partners US Director of Customer Experience and Market Research, Maggie Butler, and Sutherland’s Global Head of Travel, Hemal Shah, ... [read more]

Join Allianz Partners US Director of Customer Experience and Market Research, Maggie Butler, and Sutherland’s Global Head of Travel, Hemal Shah, for a lively discussion on how Allianz is reimagining experiences using the latest digital innovations so that Allianz’ customers travel with even more confidence.

Their discussion will include:
- Using customer insight and design thinking to reimagine how to remove customer hassles and create opportunities for delight
- Designing future state travel and event customer journeys
- Enabling customers with leading digital and CX capabilities
- Gaining alignment and commitment from different stakeholders across the Allianz organization to prioritize CX transformation

Maggie Butler, Director of Customer Experience & Market Research, Allianz Partners Hemal Shah, Sr VP & Global Head – Travel, Hospitality and Transportation Business, Sutherland Global Services Inc.

3:10 PM – 3:40 PM

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Unpack ’25: Insight Into the Latest Travel Trends Sponsored by: Expedia Group, Inc.Grand Sonoran F, Level 1

Expedia Group’s Unpack ’25 report explores up-and-coming trends that define how people travel in 2025. Combining first-party data from Expedia®, ... [read more]

Expedia Group’s Unpack ’25 report explores up-and-coming trends that define how people travel in 2025. Combining first-party data from Expedia®, Hotels.com®, and Vrbo®, and Wotif — along with findings from a global consumer survey, this session shares insights on travelers’ evolving priorities and preferences for the year ahead and how they will approach travel differently, so you can deliver the best experience for travelers.

Join Amanda Maltos, Senior Director of Corporate Communications, for a snapshot of the top travel trends from the recently launched report and insights to help you gain a deeper understanding of how to connect with travelers in the coming year.

Amanda Maltos, Senior Director, Partner Comms, Expedia Group

3:10 PM – 3:40 PM

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Industry Roundtables

All times shown are MST (UTC -7).

Conference sessions take place in the Theater (Entrance through the Exhibitor Showcase; Grand Canyon Ballroom, Level 1); all other locations are noted.

3:50 PM - 4:35 PM

Industry RoundtablesGrand Sonoran, Level 1

Participate in intimate, off-record curated roundtable discussions based on your business interests, moderated by industry experts and ... [read more]

Participate in intimate, off-record curated roundtable discussions based on your business interests, moderated by industry experts and Phocuswright analysts.

The roundtable discussions are an opportunity for you to get together with like-minded attendees and industry experts in an informal setting to examine issues as they relate to the table topic.

Learn More

3:50 PM – 4:35 PM

Add

Breakouts

Immerse yourself in an intimate, interactive environment to learn about hot topics impacting today's travel marketplace.

All times shown are MST (UTC -7).

4:45 PM - 5:15 PM

How Payments Create Customer Loyalty by Serving the Demands of Today's Modern Traveler Sponsored by: AdyenGrand Sonoran G, Level 1

Rising competition and changing market dynamics are leading to a more fragmented online distribution landscape, forcing travel providers to ... [read more]

Rising competition and changing market dynamics are leading to a more fragmented online distribution landscape, forcing travel providers to differentiate their offerings and services. Companies need to adapt to the changing demands of today’s modern traveler and provide unique booking experiences that make people come back. In this panel discussion, hear from Busbud and Hopper as they discuss the importance of payments in serving the needs of the modern traveler, ranging from sustainability to loyalty.

Victor Gaarenstroom, Senior Strategy Manager - Travel, Adyen Alexander Gevers Deynoot, VP, Global Chains & Hopper Technology Solutions, Hopper Inc.Michael Gradek, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of Busbud, Busbud

4:45 PM – 5:15 PM

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Maximize Loyalty with AI: Secrets from Leading Travel Brands You Can't Miss Sponsored by: Capillary TechnologiesGrand Sonoran E, Level 1

Discover how leading brands like Royal Caribbean, Hertz and IndiGo Airlines are leveraging AI-powered loyalty solutions to drive deep customer ... [read more]

Discover how leading brands like Royal Caribbean, Hertz and IndiGo Airlines are leveraging AI-powered loyalty solutions to drive deep customer engagement and build lasting brand fandom. In this session, you'll explore cutting-edge strategies that use data to motivate behavior change, increase customer retention, and create rewarding experiences that turn guests into lifelong fans. Learn how personalized, real-time offers can elevate your loyalty initiatives, and how AI can transform customer interactions into opportunities for growth and brand loyalty. Don't miss out on these game-changing insights!

Lars Parmekar, Strategic Account Manager, Capillary Technologies LLC Don Smith, Global Chief Consulting Officer, Capillary Technologies LLC

4:45 PM – 5:15 PM

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Happy Hour + Parties

5:15 PM - 10:00 PM

Happy HourNetworking Showcase, Grand Canyon Ballroom, Level 1

5:15 PM – 6:45 PM

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Welcome Reception Sponsored by: TerraPayBallroom Lawn, Level 2, Lobby Level

This opening reception kicks off the evening and gets everyone networking and buzzing about the coming days' sessions and speakers.

8:30 PM – 10:00 PM

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Late Night at the BarTwenty 6 | Lounge

10:00 PM – 12:00 AM

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Note: All conference information (including program, speakers, etc.) is subject to change without notice.

November 17-19, 2026
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

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