2025 Program

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.

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.

Check in at the Phocuswright Reception, grab your materials, and dive into a buzzing showcase packed with innovators and exhibitors ready to connect.

Meet with attendees, innovators and exhibitors one-on-one! The showcase is open for business and abuzz with activity.

(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!

(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!

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

Learn More

(Space is Limited. Secure your spot by bookmarking this session in the app!)

Join us for drinks and enjoy networking with your fellow attendees, speakers, and the Phocuswright team!

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

Join travel industry professionals for a relaxed, after-hours networking event to discuss trends, share ideas, and spark new collaborations.

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.

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.

Check in at the Phocuswright Reception, grab your materials, and dive into a buzzing showcase packed with innovators and exhibitors ready to connect.
Then, meet with innovators and exhibitors one-on-one! The showcase is open for business and abuzz with activity.

Agoda has long been a force in Asian travel, but under CEO Omri Morgenshtern the company is pushing boundaries far beyond its home turf. Known for his bold vision and embrace of artificial intelligence, Morgenshtern is reimagining what an OTA can deliver for both partners and travelers. Join this candid conversation to hear how Agoda is leveraging AI, expanding globally and preparing for the new playbook of online travel.

Travel discovery has moved far beyond OTAs and metasearch. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok and Reddit are shaping how new generations dream, research and even book their trips—compressing the path from inspiration to transaction. With hotel booking pilots rolling out on TikTok and creator-driven content dictating destination demand, the rules of engagement are shifting fast. Join our panelists from three of the biggest players as they unpack how social platforms are rewriting the playbook—and what travel sellers must do to win the next wave of travelers.

The travel marketplace is no longer defined by suppliers and agencies alone. Banks, membership organizations, fintechs and new platforms are stepping onto the field, offering travelers fresh ways to book and buy. Centered on loyalty and convenience, this expanding ecosystem targets unique audiences, further splintering travel distribution and changing the very definition of what it means to be a travel retailer. Join this discussion on the strategies, partnerships and innovations that will define the next phase of selling travel.

Hear from the Global Startup Pitch Seedup Winner.

Sometimes it feels like conversations about travel loyalty are getting lost in the sauce. At its root, loyalty is about motivating travelers to patronize brands consistently over time, but dialogue has often strayed into a web of jargon around points, miles, programs and transfers. New Phocuswright research looks at the "big picture" around loyalty. Let's explore how travelers develop their relationships with brands, the experiences that motivate repeat usage and where programs and points can fit into the mix.

Travelers no longer just book a room; they expect a holistic experience shaped by tech, design and brand identity. As global groups, boutique innovators and tech providers converge, the guest journey is being reshaped at every touchpoint. This session brings together leaders from across hospitality to explore how technology and strategy are transforming what it means to deliver exceptional stays for a new generation of travelers.

Hear from one of PhocusWire’s Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2026.

In a travel industry moving at turbo speed, Booking Holdings is doubling down on AI and innovation to stay ahead of the competition, drawing on its deep history in technology and its global scale and scope. senior vice president and chief strategy officer Rob Ransom joins us for an inside look at how the world’s largest online travel company is positioning itself to win the next era of online travel and to share his take on the broader challenges and opportunities shaping the game.

In a travel industry that's constantly being redefined, staying ahead requires a complete re-imagining of what's possible —and a fierce commitment to winning. Our Changemakers sessions shine a spotlight on the companies deploying cutting-edge technology to create transformative experiences and to challenge the status quo. Join us for a dynamic presentation and interview as these leaders share their insights into the strategies and opportunities shaping the next era of travel and setting the game’s new rules.

After years of disruption, business travel is [mostly] back, but the rules are not the same. New distribution models, shifting traveler expectations and the rise of AI are forcing suppliers, intermediaries and buyers to rethink strategy and technology alike. Our panel of experts explore the evolving dynamics of corporate travel and what it takes to stay ahead as the sector rethinks products, partnerships and tech stacks.

Hear from the Global Startup Pitch Scaleup Winner.

Join us for an exclusive lunch where you’ll have the opportunity to meet our analysts, connect with fellow subscribers and explore the resources available through your Phocuswright subscription.

Engage directly with our experts to gain deeper insights, share ideas and discover new strategies to maximize the value of your research access. It’s the perfect setting to learn more about Phocuswright’s offerings. Plus, get your hands on some Open Access Subscriber merch. We can't wait to see you there!

Travel startups are navigating a paradox in 2025: funding has slumped to decade lows even as artificial intelligence reshapes the playing field. The sector is undercapitalized, yet founders are using AI to prototype faster, scale leaner and redefine what defensibility means. What can the industry learn from them? Phocuswright research shares critical insights and takeaways from a recent survey of travel entrepreneurs.

Innovation is the ultimate level-up—and not just for startups. Scaleups and established players are also breaking new ground and pushing the limits of travel technology. Launch puts them all in the arena, where each demonstrator has just minutes to wow the audience and prove they’ve got what it takes. With the Travel Innovation and People’s Choice Awards on the line, the stakes are high, the clock is ticking—it’s Game On.

Discover how Emotions AI segments travelers by emotional needs in real-time, revealing hidden conversion wins in 60% of tests.

Stop fraud, not sales. One solution. All channels. Smart trade-offs by design. PRECISION prevents fraud while protecting revenue and maximizing commercial performance.

AI Copilot meets T&E — see how TripGain simplifies travel for enterprises, SMEs, admins, and travel partners.

AI Agents for DMOs: real-time insights, instant strategy, 99% faster decisions to boost tourism impact and coordination.

From call center chaos to cognitive AI: Acai moves travel beyond deterministic software to an agentic, interconnected future.

BoomPop’s launch: An AI-powered event OS that makes it easy to source, book, and plan events. Plus, our Brex partnership.

RateFox+ turns hotel booking into a transparent, success-based fintech marketplace for travel buyers and sellers.

Discover the white-label user experience that powers branded, full-funnel hotel booking and metasearch price comparison.

Wenrix DeepFlow: the AI execution layer transforming complex travel servicing into instant, automated action.

As travelers demand more choice, speed and personalization, distribution is entering a new age. Artificial intelligence, data-driven platforms and shifting business models are redefining how travel is bought and sold. Hear from Amadeus on the future of distribution, the role of AI and what it will take to compete in travel’s evolving landscape.

Philip, Phocuswright’s founder, was an entrepreneur, travel advisor, consultant, and mentor to many. His influence on the travel industry and its people was profound, and his guidance will resonate for years to come.

The two applicants chosen for the scholarship reflect Philip’s passion for mentorship, embodying his values and a commitment to solving meaningful challenges in the travel industry.

The rules of the travel technology game are being rewritten. From AI to new distribution models, the pace of change is forcing suppliers, agencies and platforms to adapt—or risk being left behind. As president and CEO of Sabre, Kurt Ekert has a front-row seat to the disruption and a clear perspective on what it will take to compete. In this candid conversation, Ekert shares his views on the forces reshaping the industry and the bold moves needed to stay in the game.

AI agents are poised to transform how travelers search and book. In this session, leaders will explore what happens when machines handle travel selection and purchasing-from trust and fraud prevention to seamless, intelligent transactions-and how travel suppliers and intermediaries can prepare for this new world.

As generative and agentic AI reshape search, discovery and conversion, the rules of hotel distribution are up for debate. Two industry veterans bring decades of perspective from the front lines of travel and search, joined by an entrepreneur reimagining hotel distribution technology for the AI era. Expect a candid look at how AI could rebalance power across brands, OTAs, metasearch and new intermediaries; what “direct” really means in an AI-first funnel; and where value, margin and guest experience may shift next.

Find out the winner of the Travel Innovation and People's Choice Awards!

Join us for drinks and enjoy networking with your fellow attendees, speakers, and the Phocuswright team!

Join travel industry professionals for a relaxed, after-hours networking event to discuss trends, share ideas, and spark new collaborations.

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.

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.

The workplace has changed—and so have the expectations of top talent. Flexibility, trust and purpose-driven work are now essential. Meanwhile, Agentic AI, digital identity and evolving consumer behavior are reshaping the travel tech landscape, requiring leaders to adapt faster than ever.

This interactive session brings together industry leaders for small-group mentorship and a dynamic panel discussion focused on future-proofing teams, navigating uncertainty and leading with agility. Attendees will leave with fresh perspectives, valuable connections and actionable strategies to turn change into opportunity—and ensure their organizations are built for growth and success in the new era of work.

More Details Here

Check in at the Phocuswright Reception, grab your materials, and dive into a buzzing showcase packed with innovators and exhibitors ready to connect.

The future of travel is no longer defined solely by destinations—it is defined by experiences that resonate and build lasting loyalty. Travelers today expect journeys that are deeply personal, intuitive, emotionally rich and purposefully designed. This interactive roundtable explores how businesses can blend empathy, intelligent design, AI and sustainability to reshape the end-to-end experience and cultivate a loyal customer base—from the very first dream of travel to the lasting memory after the trip concludes.

Welcome back to Day 3! Let’s kick things off by celebrating the newest Hall of Fame inductees and their impact on the travel industry.

Barry Diller is one of business’s most candid and visionary strategists. Two decades after his last Phocuswright appearance, the chairman and senior executive of IAC and Expedia Group returns to the stage at a moment of massive transformation for travel and media alike. In this candid conversation, Diller shares his unfiltered take on where travel is headed, how technology is changing the game and the bold moves needed to stay ahead when the playbook is being rewritten in real time.

Phocuswright's signature session dedicated to the intersection of finance, investment, M&A, IPOs and travel tackles markets in the face of uncertainty. Wall Street's leading analysts on digital, travel and hospitality share their perspectives on where the money, the market and its movers will go next.

Drawing on Phocuswright’s latest consumer research, this session explores how the travel payment landscape is evolving and how U.S. travelers are adapting to economic pressures, balancing cost-conscious decisions with aspirational pursuits. We’ll share data on how travelers pay for travel, from credit cards and digital wallets to BNPL, and how they continue to pursue luxury experiences despite financial caution. Discover how price sensitivity, payment innovation and shifting priorities are reshaping where, why and how Americans travel.

Political unrest, tariffs and border controls are reshaping perceptions of the U.S. as a destination. At the same time, the country is preparing to host two of the world’s biggest events—the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics. Can America deliver a true “welcome” in this climate? Join U.S. Travel Association CEO Geoff Freeman for a frank discussion on the policy landscape, the industry’s response and the path forward to keep the U.S. open, trusted and competitive on the global travel map.

In a travel industry that's constantly being redefined, staying ahead requires a complete re-imagining of what's possible – and a fierce commitment to winning. Our Changemakers sessions shine a spotlight on the companies deploying cutting-edge technology to create transformative experiences and to challenge the status quo. Join us for a dynamic presentation and interview as these leaders share their insights into the strategies and opportunities shaping the next era of travel and setting the game’s new rules.

Travelers today expect more than a room: they want choice, flexibility and experiences that fit their lifestyles. That’s fueling rapid innovation across hotels, short-term rentals and emerging categories. Join this panel as they explore how new models, sharper tech and AI are rewriting the rules of hospitality to capture traveler trust and spend at a time when every stay is up for grabs.

In a travel industry that's constantly being redefined, staying ahead requires a complete re-imagining of what's possible —and a fierce commitment to winning. Our Changemakers sessions shine a spotlight on the companies deploying cutting-edge technology to create transformative experiences and to challenge the status quo. Join us for a dynamic presentation and interview as these leaders share their insights into the strategies and opportunities shaping the next era of travel and setting the game’s new rules.

The Bridge Series brings together executives from across the globe to dissect the modern travel playbook. This session crosses segments and digs deep into product, examining innovative business models and technologies that are rewriting the industry's rules. Get a firsthand look at how regional and global players are leveling up their strategies, winning new customers and adapting to shifting markets and cultures.

From inspiration to booking, travelers are turning to Google Search to plan trips faster and with more confidence than ever before. James Byers, product lead for Travel in Google Search, shares insights on how travelers are using Google Search and what this means for brands competing to capture demand in an AI-powered search environment.

Hosted by the Travel Technology Association at the 2025 Phocuswright Conference
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) invites you to its third annual Soapbox Industry Debate Session — an engaging, solutions-driven discussion at the intersection of travel, technology, and public policy.

The U.S. Department of Commerce is developing a new National Travel and Tourism Strategy, expected in 2027. Like earlier versions, it will seek input from industry stakeholders and agency leaders on how the federal government can best support travel and tourism over the next decade.

Travel Tech is urging the Department of Commerce, as part of its process, to convene travel technology experts for the first time ever to understand the industry’s digital fragmentation challenges – issues that hinder innovation, demand costly and complex integrations, and risk limiting the full potential of AI operating across travel sectors.

In this interactive session, Laura Chadwick, President & CEO of Travel Tech, will brief attendees on the forthcoming National Travel and Tourism Strategy and the Trump Administration’s AI Action Plan. Then, participants will break into small groups to discuss the digital issues they face, share information about past or ongoing collaborative efforts to solve them, and propose potential solutions. The ideas gathered will be compiled by Travel Tech during the session and shared with all attendees after the conference.