Mitra Sorrells

SVP, Content
Phocuswright

2026 Phocuswright Conference speaker

Mitra Sorrells SVP, Content
Mitra Sorrells has more than 20 years of experience as a journalist for a variety of digital, print, and broadcast outlets.

She began as a reporter and producer for local television stations in the Carolinas and Ohio and most recently served as technology editor and Orlando bureau chief for BizBash, a leading trade media for the event industry.

She has a B.A. in journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (and will gladly discuss Tar Heel basketball with anyone who will listen!).

Sessions

Wednesday, November 18, 2026
9:00 AM – 9:15 AM EST

Welcome and The Philip C. Wolf Memorial Scholarship Awardees Acknowledgement

Kicking off the conference, this opening session brings attendees together to highlight the key themes shaping travel and set the stage for the conversations ahead.We’ll also recognize the recipients of the Philip C. Wolf Memorial Scholarship Award. Philip, Phocuswright’s founder, was an entrepreneur, travel advisor, consultant and mentor to many. His influence on the travel industry and the people within it was profound, and his guidance continues to resonate today.This year’s two scholarship recipients reflect Philip’s passion for mentorship, embodying his values and demonstrating a commitment to tackling meaningful challenges facing the travel industry.

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Thursday, November 19, 2026
12:35 PM – 12:55 PM EST

Presentation + Executive Interview: From Search to Action

Search is moving beyond answers and recommendations toward action. As conversational planning, personalization and transactions converge, the lines between search engine, travel planner and booking channels are beginning to blur. James Byers shares the latest on how travelers are using Google’s AI-powered travel tools, then joins us to examine what this shift means for visibility, distribution and the battle to influence the traveler from inspiration through booking.

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