Monday November 13
All Day
8:30 AM
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9:30 PM
Phocuswright Reception Desk Open
Register or check in, and collect your conference materials. Phocuswright Reception is the go-to spot for all your needs.
8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
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Exhibitor Showcase and Networking Lounge Open
The Exhibitor Showcase is open for business and abuzz with activity. Meet the Travel Innovation Summit demonstrators and connect with ... [read more]
12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
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Limited Access
All times shown are EST (UTC -5).
9:30 AM
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2:30 PM
The Young Leaders Summit Sponsored by: Hotelbeds
Private event - by acceptance only.
Each year, Phocuswright brings together the industry’s best and brightest travel leaders aged 35 and under ... [read more]
9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
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Startup Program Sponsored by: Hilton and Kiwi.com
Private event - by acceptance only.
Innovation is the lifeblood of any industry. The Startup Program is a curated networking platform to ... [read more]
11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
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Diversity in Leadership
Diversity Advocates share initiatives they have implemented in their own organizations that address issues related to diversity and inclusion and ... [read more]
12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
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Lunch
All times shown are EST (UTC -5).
1:00 PM
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2:00 PM
Networking Lunch
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
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Industry Roundtables
All times shown are EST (UTC -5).
2:00 PM
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2:45 PM
Industry Roundtables

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

2:00 PM – 2:45 PM
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Breakouts
2:45 PM
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3:15 PM
80 Ways to Pay Sponsored by: Nuvei
74% of travelers will not make a purchase if their preferred payment method is unavailable. We conducted a global study to find out what your ... [read more]
Al Enes, VP of Gig Economy, Travel & Mobility, Nuvei
2:45 PM – 3:15 PM
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New Traveler Path to Purchase Sponsored by: Expedia Group
Immerse yourself in an intimate, interactive environment to learn about hot topics impacting today's travel marketplace.
2:45 PM – 3:15 PM
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Industry Roundtables
All times shown are EST (UTC -5).
3:30 PM
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4:15 PM
Industry Roundtables

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

3:30 PM – 4:15 PM
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Breakouts
4:30 PM
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5:00 PM
Breakout Sessions
Immerse yourself in an intimate, interactive environment to learn about hot topics impacting today's travel marketplace.
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
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Using AI to Convert Anonymous Consumers in a Privacy-First World Sponsored by: Session AI
In today’s digital age, consumers value their privacy more than ever, making anonymous browsing and booking increasingly common.? In this session, ... [read more]
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
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Happy Hour
5:00 PM
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10:00 PM
Happy Hour
Join us for drinks and enjoy networking with your fellow attendees, speakers, and the Phocuswright team!
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
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You, Me & The Machine Welcome Reception Sponsored by: TerraPay
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 Bar Sponsored by: Avalara and Chain4Travel
Join travel industry professionals for this relaxed, after-hours networking event - discuss trends, share ideas, and forge collaborations in a ... [read more]
10:00 PM – 12:00 AM
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Tuesday November 14
Rise & Shine
7:00 AM
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9:00 AM
Morning Yoga and Morning Run
Embrace the dawn and begin your day with a serene morning yoga session or a refreshing run along the scenic beachfront as the sun casts its first ... [read more]
7:00 AM – 7:45 AM
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Breakfast and Networking Sponsored by: The Hertz Corporation
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
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All Day
8:00 AM
-
7:00 PM
Exhibitor Showcase, Networking Lounge, and Attendee Services Open
Register or check in, and collect your conference materials. Phocuswright Reception is the go-to spot for all your needs.

Then, meet ... [read more]
8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
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Center Stage
All times shown are EST (UTC -5).
9:00 AM
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11:30 AM
Executive Interview: Going for Global
Shifting its business mix and leveraging its leading brands globally is top of the agenda for this CEO as he tackles the challenges and ... [read more]
Matt Goldberg, CEO, TripadvisorInterviewer Linda Fox, Senior Reporter, PhocusWire
9:20 AM – 9:40 AM
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Tech Talk: Redefining the PMS
Hotels are diversifying beyond just selling rooms. This innovator is leading the way in adapting the PMS to make every inch of a space in a hotel ... [read more]
Richard Valtr, Founder, Mews System
9:40 AM – 9:50 AM
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Executive Panel: The Experience Economy
A room or rental are table stakes for travelers today. Can these companies go beyond and give consumers experiences they'll never forget?
Panelists Oral Muir, VP Partnership Development & Global Distribution, HiltonAmir Segall, Commercial Director, AirbnbModerator Lorraine Sileo, Founder, Phocuswright Research and Senior Analyst, Phocuswright Inc.
9:50 AM – 10:15 AM
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Executive Panel: Beyond the Funnel
Ask these executives and they’ll tell you that social’s role in travel extends well beyond inspiration. But what that means in practice differs ... [read more]
Panelists Sanjay Bhatia, Travel Industry Director, MetaKelly Covato, U.S. Head of Travel, Snap Inc.Gary Morrison, CEO, Hostelworld Plc
10:15 AM – 10:40 AM
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Executive Interview: A Sea Change - Technology and the Cruise Experience
Transforming guest experiences through technology and innovation has been a hallmark of this executive's career. Hear how he plans to enhance the ... [read more]
John Padgett, President, Princess CruisesInterviewer Mitra Sorrells, Editor in Chief, PhocusWire
10:40 AM – 11:00 AM
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Networking Break
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
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Breakouts
11:30 AM
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12:00 PM
BNPL in Travel: How Flexible Payment Methods have Driven Incremental Revenue for Royal Caribbean Group Sponsored by: Affirm
Buy now, pay later (BNPL) has emerged as one of the fastest-growing payment methods globally, as consumers increasingly turn to more flexible and ... [read more]
Stacey Paul, Senior Director, Client Success, Affirm
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
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Tapping Real Travel Influence Sponsored by: Sbapchat
Snapchat will be discussing how to leverage the power of creative, camera first storytelling to enhance your brand stories and drive measurable ... [read more]
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
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Industry Roundtables
All times shown are EST (UTC -5).
12:15 PM
-
1:00 PM
Industry Roundtables

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

12:15 PM – 1:00 PM
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Lunch
1:00 PM
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2:00 PM
Networking Lunch Sponsored by: The Hertz Corporation
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
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Launch
2:00 PM
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3:45 PM
Welcome to Innovation: Launch
Innovation isn't just for startups - scaleups and established companies are also breaking new ground and developing new technologies. Launch ... [read more]
2:00 PM – 2:06 PM
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2:06 PM – 2:15 PM
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2:15 PM – 2:24 PM
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TourReview
Elevate satisfaction, manage reviews, and increase sales with TourReview. Empower your biggest asset: the customer’s voice.
Presenter Jose Arozarena, CEO & Founder, TourReview
2:24 PM – 2:33 PM
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VisaHQ
Learn about the game-changing power of AI on global mobility and immigration, as VisaHQ reveals its cutting-edge tech stack.
Presenter Oleg Naydonov, Executive Chairman, VisaHQ.com Inc.
2:42 PM – 2:51 PM
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Qtech Software
rePUSHTI is AI driven hotel booking re-verification service which delivers 100% results at 20% cost.
Presenter Rahul Kathet, Co-Founder, Qtech Software
2:51 PM – 3:00 PM
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BabyQuip
We will present “How to Better Serve Traveling Families” and discuss what families want and need to enjoy a better vacation and how BabyQuip can ... [read more]
Presenter Fran Maier, CEO and Founder, BabyQuip
3:00 PM – 3:09 PM
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Justt
Justt opens up data-driven chargeback insights and win-rate optimization with its AI-based chargeback mitigation solution.
Presenter Roenen Ben-Ami, Co-founder and Chief Risk Officer, Justt.ai
3:09 PM – 3:18 PM
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3:18 PM – 3:27 PM
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ConnexPay
How ConnexPay can help OTAs become Merchant of Record and take back ownership of their business!
Presenter Bob Kaufman, Founder and CEO, ConnexPay
3:27 PM – 3:36 PM
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Weeva
We’re here to put a sustainability officer in the pocket of every hotelier, embedding generative AI to bring our always-on virtual assistant to ... [read more]
Presenter James Lever, CTO, Weeva
3:36 PM – 3:45 PM
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Center Stage
All times shown are EST (UTC -5).
4:05 PM
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5:35 PM
Phocuswright Research: The State of Startups
What's up with startups? Analyzing how funding is holding up in 2023, highlighting regional and categorical trends, and what’s next.
Mike Coletta, Manager, Research and Innovation, Phocuswright Inc.
4:05 PM – 4:25 PM
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Executive Panel: The Boom is Dead. Long Live the Boom!
Just when investors were focusing on substance over hype, advances in AI seem ready to set off another boom cycle. Our panelists discuss funding ... [read more]
Panelists Amy Burr, President, JetBlue Technology VenturesKurien Jacob, Managing Director, Highgate Technology VenturesMia Morisset, Principal, InoviaModerator Mike Coletta, Manager, Research and Innovation, Phocuswright Inc.
4:25 PM – 4:50 PM
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Executive Panel: The Innovation Dilemma
Against the backdrop of evolving consumers and rapidly advancing technologies, two metasearch leaders discuss how they strive to stay ahead of the ... [read more]
Panelists John Mangelaars, CEO, SkyscannerJohannes Thomas, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, trivagoModerator Linda Fox, Senior Reporter, PhocusWire
4:50 PM – 5:15 PM
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Executive Interview: Going with the Flow
Maintaining momentum amid market uncertainty is not an easy task for travel marketers. Google shares its insights for staying nimble in a ... [read more]
Susie Vowinkel, Managing Director, Travel, Google LLCInterviewer Pete Comeau, Managing Director, Phocuswright Inc.
5:15 PM – 5:35 PM
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Happy Hour
6:00 PM
-
9:00 PM
Happy Hour Sponsored by: arrivia
Join us for drinks and enjoy networking with your fellow attendees, speakers, and the Phocuswright team!
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
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Outdoor Party Sponsored by: Visit Lauderdale
Join our vibrant poolside gathering. Amid the mingling, connect and share insights and have fun while enjoying the open-air setting.
7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
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Wednesday November 15
Rise & Shine
7:00 AM
-
9:00 AM
Morning Yoga and Morning Run
Embrace the dawn and begin your day with a serene morning yoga session or a refreshing run along the scenic beachfront as the sun casts its first ... [read more]
7:00 AM – 7:45 AM
Add
Breakfast and Networking
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Add
All Day
8:00 AM
-
6:00 PM
Exhibitor Showcase, Networking Lounge, and Attendee Services Open
The showcase is open for business and abuzz with activity. Meet with innovators and exhibitors one-on-one! Need anything? Stop by Phocuswright ... [read more]
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
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Center Stage
All times shown are EST (UTC -5).
9:00 AM
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1:00 PM
Phocuswright Research: The Sustainability Gap: Belief vs. Behavior
Experts believe that travelers will rally behind sustainable options, yet overtourism and carbon-heavy travel options abound. So where is the ... [read more]
Madeline List, Senior Research Analyst, Phocuswright Inc.
9:00 AM – 9:20 AM
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Five Minutes of Fame
Hear from one of PhocusWire's Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2024.
9:45 AM – 9:50 AM
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Executive Interview: Taking Care of Business
There's been no time to rest since this veteran financier joined Expedia's C-suite at a time of unprecedented growth, challenges and innovation. So ... [read more]
Julie Whalen, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Expedia GroupInterviewer Lorraine Sileo, Founder, Phocuswright Research and Senior Analyst, Phocuswright Inc.
9:50 AM – 10:10 AM
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Executive Panel: Airlines in Pursuit: Accelerating NDC
Airlines continue their carrot and stick approach with travel retailers while their quest to personalize and merchandise builds momentum. It's time ... [read more]
Panelists Kathy Misunas, Founder & Principal, Essential IdeasKeith Wallis, Senior Director Distribution and Payments, Air CanadaModerator Norm Rose, Senior Technology and Corporate Market Analyst, Phocuswright Inc.
10:10 AM – 10:35 AM
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Executive Interview: Founders Keepers
It has been two decades since two friends revolutionized travel search and built a business with staying power. Hear their views on how things have ... [read more]
Paul English, Founder, Deets.comSteve Hafner, CEO, KAYAKInterviewer Lorraine Sileo, Founder, Phocuswright Research and Senior Analyst, Phocuswright Inc.
10:35 AM – 11:00 AM
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Networking Break
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
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Executive Interview: On Top of the (Business Travel) World!
Exhilarating and exhausting aptly describe the last few years for business travel. Amid cyclical challenges, distribution shifts and competitive ... [read more]
Paul Abbott, CEO, American Express Global Business TravelInterviewer Charuta Fadnis, SVP, Research and Product Strategy, Phocuswright Inc.
11:35 AM – 11:55 AM
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Five Minutes of Fame
Hear from one of PhocusWire's Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2024.
11:55 AM – 12:00 PM
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Executive Panel: Street Talk
Phocuswright's signature session dedicated to the intersection of finance, investment, M&A, IPOs and the world's largest industry - travel, ... [read more]
Panelists Helane Becker, Managing Director, TD CowenNaved Khan, Managing Director, B. Riley SecuritiesMark Mahaney, Senior Managing Director, EvercoreModerator Jake Fuller, Managing Director and Digital Services Analyst, BTIG, LLC
12:00 PM – 12:25 PM
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Tech Talk: Coming Soon to a Doorstep Near You
After successfully launching in Ireland, this trailblazer is set to capture new markets.
Bobby Healy, CEO and Founder, Manna Drone Delivery
12:25 PM – 12:35 PM
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Executive Panel: Digital Identity Becomes Reality
The future is here when it comes to digital identity for travel, with the tiny island of Aruba a global leader in implementing this type of ... [read more]
Panelists Heather Dahl, CEO, Indicio.techDangui Oduber, Minister of Tourism and Public Health, ArubaMichael Zureik, Director of Digital Identity, SITAModerator Robert Cole, Senior Research Analyst, Lodging and Leisure Travel, Phocuswright Inc.
12:35 PM – 1:00 PM
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Lunch
1:00 PM
-
2:00 PM
Networking Lunch Sponsored by: TURESPAÑA
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
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Center Stage
All times shown are EST (UTC -5).
2:00 PM
-
5:00 PM
Phocuswright's Hall of Fame
Recognizing their contributions to the industry, Phocuswright welcomes the newest inductees into its Hall of Fame.
2:00 PM – 2:05 PM
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Executive Panel: Bridge Series - Improving Travel Through Human-Machine Collaboration
Travel enriches our souls and allows us to experience new places, cultures and traditions. Building off of the learnings from WiT’s Global Travel ... [read more]
2:05 PM – 2:35 PM
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Five Minutes of Fame
The winning pitch from Phocuswright and WiT's Global Startup Pitch!
2:30 PM – 2:35 PM
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Executive Panel: AI - Exploits and Explanations
In theory AI will dramatically alter all aspects of travel, but in practice what have we really learned? Technology leaders share early results ... [read more]
Panelists Tom Kershaw, Chief Product & Technology Officer, TravelportChristian Spannbauer, Head of IT Digitalization, Lufthansa GroupModerator Norm Rose, Senior Technology and Corporate Market Analyst, Phocuswright Inc.
2:40 PM – 3:05 PM
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Executive Panel: Super Connected
Combining multiple tasks into one app sounds convenient, but do customers want it? Businesses keep adding onto their apps in hopes of keeping ... [read more]
Panelists Guido Becher, Global Head of Travel, RappiLoren Kosloske, Head of Growth & New Products - Airports & Travel, UberModerator Mitra Sorrells, Editor in Chief, PhocusWire
3:10 PM – 3:35 PM
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Five Minutes of Fame
Hear from one of PhocusWire's Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2024.
3:30 PM – 3:35 PM
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Executive Interview: Tours, Activities and Experiences: Aiming High
Tours, activities and experiences have long been seen as travel's next frontier for aggregation and consolidation. But despite a few notable ... [read more]
Ben Drew, President, ViatorJohannes Reck, CEO & Co-Founder, GetYourGuideInterviewer Douglas Quinby, CEO, Arival
3:35 PM – 4:00 PM
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Executive Panel: The Future of the Trip is Generative
Generative AI exploded into consumer consciousness and forced travel companies to accelerate their thinking on ways they could leverage the ... [read more]
Panelists Prashant Bhugra, Head of Travel, MicrosoftGilles Trantoul, VP Product Marketing and Portfolio Strategy, AmadeusModerator Robert Cole, Senior Research Analyst, Lodging and Leisure Travel, Phocuswright Inc.
4:05 PM – 4:30 PM
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Five Minutes of Fame
Hear from one of PhocusWire's Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2024.
4:30 PM – 4:35 PM
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Executive Interview: The Path Forward
They defied the pandemic with a business shift that favored fintech, but how can this aspirational travel leader build bookings to win over the ... [read more]
Frederic Lalonde, CEO & Co-Founder, Hopper Inc.Interviewer Siew Hoon Yeoh, Founder, WIT and Editorial Director, Northstar Travel Group Asia
4:35 PM – 4:55 PM
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'Till Next Year
4:55 PM – 5:00 PM
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Thursday November 16
Professional Development
9:00 AM
-
1:00 PM
Meet the Phocuswright Research Team
Here’s your opportunity to speak with the analyst team and tell them what’s on your mind.

Breakfast is served starting at 9:00 am. ... [read more]
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
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Meeting Rooms Available
Meeting rooms are available for anyone in need of a space to meet or work. No appointment necessary.
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
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Note: All conference information (including program, speakers, etc.) is subject to change without notice.