Program

2026 Phocuswright Conference • November 17-19, 2026 • Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Tuesday November 18
Rise & Shine
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Morning Mile(s)Palm Court, 2nd Level
Start your day with a refreshing run or walk alongside fellow attendees. Meet at Palm Court, 2nd Level (next to the Registration & Attendee ... [read more]
Start your day with a refreshing run or walk alongside fellow attendees. Meet at Palm Court, 2nd Level (next to the Registration & Attendee Services Desk) before setting off. Choose your pace - running or walking - and enjoy a scenic start to the morning.

Reserve your spot via the conference app.
7:00 AM – 7:45 AM
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Morning YogaCoronado Ballroom, 4th Level
Begin your day with a refreshing yoga session for all levels. A water station and hotel towels will be provided. Mats are available on a ... [read more]
Begin your day with a refreshing yoga session for all levels. A water station and hotel towels will be provided. Mats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Come ready to relax, breathe, and reset before the day begins.

Reserve your spot via the conference app.
7:00 AM – 7:45 AM
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Breakfast and NetworkingNetworking Showcase, Seaport Ballroom, 2nd Level
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
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All Day
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Attendee Services OpenPalm Court, 2nd Level
Check in at the Phocuswright Reception, grab your materials, and dive into a buzzing showcase packed with innovators and exhibitors ready to ... [read more]
Check in at the Phocuswright Reception, grab your materials, and dive into a buzzing showcase packed with innovators and exhibitors ready to connect.
8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
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Networking Showcase OpenSeaport Ballroom, 2nd Level
Meet with attendees, innovators and exhibitors one-on-one! The showcase is open for business and abuzz with activity.
Meet with attendees, innovators and exhibitors one-on-one! The showcase is open for business and abuzz with activity.
8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
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Limited Access
All times shown are PST (UTC -8).
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Startup ProgramCoronado Ballroom, 4th Level
(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!
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
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Young Leaders SummitHarbor Ballroom, 2nd Level
(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!
9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
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Focused Forums
All times shown are PST (UTC -8).
10:45 AM - 1:00 PM
Breakout SessionsHarbor Ballroom, 2nd Level
Immerse yourself in an intimate, interactive environment to learn about hot topics impacting today's travel marketplace.
Immerse yourself in an intimate, interactive environment to learn about hot topics impacting today's travel marketplace.
10:45 AM – 11:15 AM
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Industry RoundtablesHarbor Ballroom, 2nd Level

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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Breakout SessionsHarbor Ballroom, 2nd Level
Immerse yourself in an intimate, interactive environment to learn about hot topics impacting today's travel marketplace.
Immerse yourself in an intimate, interactive environment to learn about hot topics impacting today's travel marketplace.
12:30 PM – 1:00 PM
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Lunch
All times shown are PST (UTC -8).
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Female Founders Lunch: Connect, Collaborate, and Empower!Americas' Cup A, 4th Level
Are you a female founder, advisor, investor, or ally in the hospitality industry? Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to network over lunch, ... [read more]
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.
Limited to the first 60 registrants—secure your spot by bookmarking this session in the app when it goes live Oct. 28!
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
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Networking LunchPool Deck, 4th Level
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
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Tours & Activities LunchRegatta, 4th Level
Mix, mingle and munch with leaders and enthusiasts from the Tours, Activities, Attractions, and Experiences sector and continue the conversation ... [read more]
Mix, mingle and munch with leaders and enthusiasts from the Tours, Activities, Attractions, and Experiences sector and continue the conversation about strategies and opportunities across to the best part of travel.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
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Focused Forums
All times shown are PST (UTC -8).
2:15 PM - 5:30 PM
Industry RoundtablesHarbor Ballroom, 2nd Level

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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Breakout SessionsHarbor Ballroom, 2nd Level
Immerse yourself in an intimate, interactive environment to learn about hot topics impacting today's travel marketplace.
Immerse yourself in an intimate, interactive environment to learn about hot topics impacting today's travel marketplace.
3:10 PM – 3:40 PM
Add
Industry RoundtablesHarbor Ballroom, 2nd Level

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
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Meet Your AI Co-Founder: Smarter Launches for Travel InnovationHarbor Ballroom, 2nd Level
Join this dynamic breakout to learn from travel industry veterans and entrepreneurs Jim Hornthal and Erik Blachford on how an AI-powered innovation ... [read more]
Join this dynamic breakout to learn from travel industry veterans and entrepreneurs Jim Hornthal and Erik Blachford on how an AI-powered innovation engine can compress months of foundational work into minutes with actionable market insights and expert guidance. This session is for anyone creating a new company or a new product within a company. Walk away with a clear understanding of how GLIDR embeds lean innovation best practices into large language models to enhance critical thinking, accelerate decision-making and amplify impact.
Erik Blachford, Founder, Pine5 Ventures LLCJim Hornthal, Chairman, Launchpad Central
4:45 PM – 5:30 PM
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Master Class
All times shown are PST (UTC -8).
4:45 PM - 5:30 PM
Master Class: A New Era for Hotel Sales, Distribution & Operations - The AI RevolutionHarbor Ballroom, 2nd Level
Purpose and Learning Goals:
This class aims to equip hotel general managers, operators and marketers with the knowledge and strategic insights ... [read more]
Purpose and Learning Goals:
This class aims to equip hotel general managers, operators and marketers with the knowledge and strategic insights needed to integrate AI technologies into their service operations, enhancing guest experiences and optimizing internal processes. Participants will learn how AI can drive personalization, streamline operations, boost revenue, and redefine marketing in the hospitality sector. The session will empower managers to navigate the ethical and practical challenges of AI adoption, preparing them to lead AI-driven transformations within their hotels. Through real-world case studies and interactive discussions, attendees will gain actionable strategies to implement AI, foster an AI-ready culture, and stay ahead of industry trends, positioning their hotels for success in the evolving hospitality landscape.

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(Space is Limited. Secure your spot by bookmarking this session in the app!)
Richie Karaburun, Clinical Associate Professor & Director of HI HUB Incubator, NYU Tisch Center
4:45 PM – 5:30 PM
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Happy Hour + Parties
5:15 PM - 8:00 PM
Happy HourNetworking Showcase, Seaport Ballroom, 2nd Level
Join us for drinks and enjoy networking with your fellow attendees, speakers, and the Phocuswright team!
Join us for drinks and enjoy networking with your fellow attendees, speakers, and the Phocuswright team!
5:15 PM – 6:15 PM
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Welcome Reception Sponsored by: American AirlinesPool Deck, 4th Level
This opening reception kicks off the evening and gets everyone networking and buzzing about the coming days' sessions and speakers.
This opening reception kicks off the evening and gets everyone networking and buzzing about the coming days' sessions and speakers.
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
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Late Night at the BarGrand Lobby Bar, Lobby Level
Join travel industry professionals for a relaxed, after-hours networking event to discuss trends, share ideas, and spark new collaborations.
Join travel industry professionals for a relaxed, after-hours networking event to discuss trends, share ideas, and spark new collaborations.
10:00 PM – 12:00 AM
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Note: All conference information (including program, speakers, etc.) is subject to change without notice.

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