THE YOUNG LEADERS SUMMIT

Are you a rising star in travel?

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.

We created the Young Leaders Summit to recognize the brilliant minds shaping the future of the travel industry.

The Young Leaders Summit promotes executive management development among rising stars in travel, tourism and hospitality. The summit showcases the important role young leadership plays in the future growth of the world's largest industry.

A select group of young leaders interacts with the industry's best and brightest. Participation exposes this group to today's travel luminaries as a critical step to becoming the future leaders who will drive strategy, innovation and growth.

Review the eligibility criteria HERE.

The Young Leaders Summit is made possible thanks to the generous support of Cybage.

Cybage Software
Young Leaders Summit 2026

Are you 35 or under and a young star at your company? A startup founder? Leading innovation and change at your company?

Only a limited number of participants are accepted into the Young Leaders Summit program.

Apply now

2026 General Program Information

Tuesday, November 17

Young Leaders Summit Kickoff

9:00 AM to 11:30 AM

The Young Leaders Summit convenes! Get to know your fellow stars during an interactive session Monday morning. Network with the rest of the class and meet with alumni. Discover their tips and secrets for a successful Young Leaders Summit. Interact with Phocuswright staff and start your conference planning.

Session Moderators

  • Aurélie Krau, Founder, #MissionNomad
  • Evan Konwiser, Chief Product & Strategy Officer, Amex GBT
  • Walter Buschta, SVP, Marketing, Phocuswright

Speakers/Mentors

  • Filip Filipov, CEO, OAG
  • Sanal Pillai, Client Partner (T&H North America), Cybage Software
  • Stan Pawlow, Senior Data Analyst and Visualization Specialist, Phocuswright
  • TBA

Young Leaders Cocktail Reception

7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Cocktails are served! Take a break from business (or not) and mingle with your newfound friends from across the industry.


Wednesday, November 18

12:25 PM to 1:05 PM

Roundtable Lunch Discussions

Rub shoulders with industry leaders who will join the group and share their experiences as they climbed the so-called corporate ladder.

Industry Leaders / Mentors

  • Erik Blachford, Founder, Pine5 Partners
  • Chris Hemmeter, Managing Partner, Thayer Investment Partners
  • Rod Rosenstein, Chairman and Founder, Agoda
  • Rob Torres, Board Chair, Travel Technology Investor
  • Steve Hafner, CEO, lola. Former CEO, KAYAK and OpenTable


Review the eligibility criteria HERE.

Are you a rising star in travel?

Apply now

2026 Speakers, Mentors, Moderators