Phocuswright Conference 2024 Explores New Frontiers in Travel Technology and Strategy in Phoenix

Image generated with Ai

The Phocuswright Conference, set for November 19-21, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona, brings together the travel industry’s most influential minds for over 25 years of groundbreaking collaboration. This premier event unites visionaries, innovators, and key decision-makers from around the globe. Major players like Tripadvisor, Expedia, Google, Airbnb, Booking Holdings, Hilton, Hopper, MakeMyTrip, Trip.com Group, KAYAK, and Sabre will converge, representing every sector of travel in a uniquely dynamic environment.

Attendees at The Phocuswright Conference gain more than insights into industry trends; they delve into the future of travel technology, access unparalleled networking opportunities, and explore new business and investment avenues. It’s a space to forge vital connections and to discover inspiration for bold, transformative initiatives to bring back to their organizations.

2024 Program Preview: Embracing a New Era in Travel

The travel industry is on the brink of transformative change, and The Phocuswright Conference in November is the place to explore what’s next. This year’s program dives into the forces reshaping the travel landscape, sparking discussions, debates, and visionary insights into the future of the industry.

Attendees can look forward to rich, face-to-face networking opportunities designed to foster meaningful connections, along with sessions focused on professional growth, practical insights, and innovative strategies. The 2024 program is crafted to deliver maximum value, prioritizing deep networking experiences and relevant, impactful content.

The Phocuswright Conference 2024 app and web platform will launch at the end of October. Registered attendees will receive email notifications to log in, connect with fellow participants, and personalize their schedules by adding key sessions, ensuring they make the most of their time at the event.

2024 Program Overview

Tuesday, November 19

Rise & Shine Activities

• Morning Yoga
• Time: 7:00 AM – 7:45 AM
• Location: Spa Fitness Lawn
• Start your day with a refreshing yoga session amidst serene surroundings.
• Breakfast and Networking
• Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
• Location: Networking Showcase, Grand Canyon Ballroom, Level 1
• Connect over breakfast with fellow attendees in a lively networking environment.

All-Day Events

• Attendee Services Desk Open
• Time: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
• Location: Grand Canyon Foyer, Level 1
• Stop by the reception to register, check in, and collect conference materials. Here, you’ll find support for all conference-related needs.
• Networking Showcase Open
• Time: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Meet one-on-one with fellow attendees, exhibitors, and innovators. The showcase offers continuous opportunities for meaningful connections throughout the day.

Limited Access Events Schedule

All times are shown in MST (UTC -7)

8:30 AM – 11:30 AM

• Startup Program
• Sponsored by: Hilton
• Location: Wildflower Ballroom, Level 2, Lobby Level
• (Private event – by invitation only)
• This exclusive program is designed for networking and innovation, connecting emerging travel startups with industry leaders.
• Young Leaders Summit
• Location: Grand Sonoran E, Level 1
• (Private event – by invitation only)
• Phocuswright’s annual summit gathers rising stars in travel under the age of 35, offering unique insights and opportunities.

8:30 AM – 11:00 AM

• Pickleball Fun
• Location: Pickleball Courts
• (Limited Availability – Registration required)
• Kick off the day with a fun game of pickleball, ideal for making connections in a relaxed outdoor setting.

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

• Industry Roundtables
• Join small, off-record discussions tailored to specific industry interests, facilitated by top experts.

11:30 AM – 12:15 PM

• Breakouts
• Participate in interactive sessions covering key trends and challenges shaping the travel industry today.

12:30 PM – 1:00 PM

• Beyond the Prompt: The All-Inclusive Generative AI Accelerator
• Sponsored by: Amazon Web Services
• Location: Grand Sonoran E, Level 1
• Delve deeper into the applications of generative AI beyond chatbots, guided by experts from AWS, including Tedd Evers and Moni Panchavadi.
• Travel Transformed: Driving Partnership Growth with Buy-Now-Pay-Later Partners
• Sponsored by: Partnerize
• Location: Grand Sonoran G, Level 1
• Learn how Buy-Now-Pay-Later technology is revolutionizing travel by enhancing customer engagement. Featuring George Gray, Stacey Paul, and Ashley Schwartz.
• Unlock NDC Success: Elevate Your New Age(nts) Experience to Excel in Modern Retailing
• Sponsored by: Travelport
• Location: Grand Sonoran F, Level 1
• Discover the impact of NDC on the consumer experience, led by Kyle Moore, General Manager at Travelport.

Lunch and Afternoon Program

All times are shown in MST (UTC -7)

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

• Networking Lunch
• Location: Ballroom Lawn, Level 2, Lobby Level
• A great opportunity to connect with fellow attendees over lunch in a vibrant outdoor setting.
• Networking Lunch: Female Founders
• Location: Pinnacle Peak Lawn
• (Limited Availability – Registration Required)
• Join female founders, advisors, and industry leaders for an empowering lunch dedicated to connection and collaboration.
• Presenter: Melissa Maher, CEO & Founder, Pinnacle Enterprises Group

2:15 PM – 3:00 PM

• Industry Roundtables
• Location: Grand Sonoran, Level 1
• Engage in private, off-the-record roundtable discussions tailored to specific industry interests, guided by expert moderators.
• Breakouts
• Delve into today’s critical travel topics in an interactive, intimate setting.

3:10 PM – 3:40 PM

• Balancing Airline Relationships and Revenue in the Intermediary Space
• Sponsored by: UATP
• Location: Grand Sonoran G, Level 1
• Learn about strategies to balance revenue and relationships in payment processes within the intermediary space.
• Speakers: Karen Brzozowicz (Air Canada), Paul Swanston (UATP), Dean Wicks (Wego Group)
• Reimagining the Travel Experience with Allianz: A CX Transformation Journey
• Sponsored by: Sutherland
• Location: Grand Sonoran E, Level 1
• Discover how Allianz Partners is revolutionizing customer experience.
• Speakers: Maggie Butler (Allianz), Hemal Shah (Sutherland)
• Unpack ’25: Insight Into the Latest Travel Trends
• Sponsored by: Expedia Group
• Location: Grand Sonoran F, Level 1
• Explore travel trends for 2025 with insights from Expedia’s Unpack ’25 report.
• Speaker: Amanda Maltos, Senior Director, Partner Comms, Expedia Group

3:50 PM – 4:35 PM

• Industry Roundtables
• Continue engaging in intimate discussions on various travel industry topics with expert guidance.
• Breakouts
• Further explore key industry issues in interactive breakout sessions.

4:45 PM – 5:15 PM

• How Payments Create Customer Loyalty by Serving Modern Traveler Demands
• Sponsored by: Adyen
• Location: Grand Sonoran G, Level 1
• Understand the role of payments in driving customer loyalty in today’s travel landscape.
• Speaker: Victor Gaarenstroom, Adyen N.V.
• Maximize Loyalty with AI: Secrets from Leading Travel Brands
• Sponsored by: Capillary Technologies
• Location: Grand Sonoran E, Level 1
• Explore AI-powered loyalty strategies with top brands like Royal Caribbean, Hertz, and IndiGo Airlines.
• Speakers: Lars Parmekar (Capillary Technologies), Clarissa Schealer (Capillary Technologies)

Evening Events

5:15 PM – 10:00 PM

• Happy Hour
• Location: Networking Showcase, Grand Canyon Ballroom, Level 1
• Relax and network with peers over drinks as the evening kicks off.

5:15 PM – 6:45 PM

• Welcome Reception
• Sponsored by: TerraPay
• Location: Ballroom Lawn, Level 2, Lobby Level
• Begin the evening with a vibrant reception, setting the stage for upcoming sessions and connections.

8:30 PM – 10:00 PM

• Late Night at the Bar
• Location: Twenty 6 | Lounge

10:00 PM – 12:00 AM

• Nightcap

Wednesday, November 20 Schedule

All times shown are MST (UTC -7)

Rise & Shine Activities

• Morning Yoga
• Time: 7:00 AM – 7:45 AM
• Location: Spa Fitness Lawn
• Start your day with a revitalizing yoga session to prepare for a day of insights and networking.
• Breakfast and Networking
• Time: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
• Location: Networking Showcase, Grand Canyon Ballroom, Level 1
• Join fellow attendees for breakfast and informal networking in a relaxed setting.

All-Day Access

• Networking Showcase, Lounge, and Attendee Services
• Time: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Location: Grand Canyon Foyer & Ballroom, Level 1
• Check-in, collect conference materials, and connect with others at the Phocuswright Reception.
• Breakouts
• Time: Throughout the day
• Dive into key topics impacting the travel marketplace in an interactive and engaging format.

Morning Sessions

• Soapbox Industry Debate: Unpacking the 2024 Elections’ Impact on Travel Tech
• Time: 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM
• Location: Wildflower Ballroom, Level 2, Lobby Level
• Join Phocuswright and the Travel Technology Association in a lively debate on the implications of the upcoming elections for travel technology.
• Speakers: Laura Chadwick (The Travel Technology Association), Emmett O’Keefe (Sabre), Jason Scism (DreamGuest), Lara Tennyson (Booking Holdings)

Center Stage Sessions

• Welcome to The Phocuswright Conference
• Time: 9:00 AM – 9:15 AM
• Speakers: Pete Comeau, Managing Director, Phocuswright Inc.; Mitra Sorrells, Senior VP, Content, Phocuswright/PhocusWire
• Executive Interview: Ready, Set, Go
• Time: 9:15 AM – 9:35 AM
• Guest: Ariane Gorin, CEO, Expedia Group
• Interviewer: Mitra Sorrells, Phocuswright/PhocusWire
• Executive Panel: Grounded – Traveling Beyond Air
• Time: 9:35 AM – 10:00 AM
• Panelists: Gwendoline Cazenave (Eurostar), Veronica Diquattro (Omio), Jennifer Shepherd (Uber Transit)
• Moderator: Robert Cole, Phocuswright Inc.
• Executive Interview: Investing in the Future of Travel, Tourism, and Tech
• Time: 10:00 AM – 10:20 AM
• Guest: Greg O’Hara, Certares Management LLC
• Interviewer: Pete Comeau, Phocuswright Inc.
• Executive Panel: The Investor View
• Time: 10:25 AM – 10:50 AM
• Panelists: Gilad Berenstein (Brook Bay Capital), Chris Hemmeter (Thayer Investment Partners), Mia Morisset (Inovia Capital)
• Moderator: Mike Coletta, Phocuswright Inc.
• Global Startup Pitch Winner: Hotel Treats
• Time: 10:50 AM – 10:55 AM
• Presenter: Kasia Pankowska, CEO, Hotel Treats
• Networking Break
• Time: 10:55 AM – 11:25 AM
• Sponsored by: Rakuten
• Hot Spot: A PhocusWire Hot 25 Travel Company for 2025
• Time: 11:25 AM – 11:30 AM
• Phocuswright Research: Travelers vs. Technology – Who’s Winning?
• Time: 11:30 AM – 11:45 AM
• Presenter: Alicia Schmid, Phocuswright Inc.
• Executive Panel: Points, Experiences, Service – The New Customer Loyalty?
• Time: 11:45 AM – 12:10 PM
• Panelists: Oral Muir (Hilton), Nadia Omer (AirAsia MOVE), Jenn Scheurich (Capital One)
• Moderator: Lorraine Sileo, Phocuswright Inc.
• Presentation + Executive Interview: The New Age of Search
• Time: 12:10 PM – 12:30 PM
• Guest: Julie Farago, Google LLC
• Interviewer: Pete Comeau, Phocuswright Inc.
• Executive Interview: Fast Forward
• Time: 12:35 PM – 12:55 PM
• Guest: Kurt Ekert, Sabre
• Interviewer: Linda Fox, PhocusWire
• Hot Spot: Road.travel – A PhocusWire Hot 25 Travel Startup for 2022
• Time: 12:55 PM – 1:00 PM
• Presenter: Nikita Dedik, Road.Travel

Wednesday, November 20 Schedule

All times shown are MST (UTC -7)

Lunch and Networking Opportunities

• Meet the Analysts Lunch
• Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
• Location: Pinnacle Peak Lawn
• (Limited Availability – Registration Required)
• Connect with Phocuswright Research analysts over an exclusive lunch, diving into the latest travel insights and data.
• Networking Lunch
• Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
• Location: Ballroom Lawn, Level 2, Lobby Level
• An open networking opportunity for all attendees to enjoy lunch and build connections.
• Short-Term Rentals Lunch
• Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
• Location: Wildflower Ballroom, Level 2, Lobby Level
• (Limited Availability – Registration Required)
• Network with industry leaders and enthusiasts focused on the short-term rental market.
• Tours & Activities Lunch, hosted by Tiqets
• Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
• Location: Wildflower Ballroom, Level 2, Lobby Level
• (Limited Availability – Registration Required)
• Meet fellow professionals from the tours and activities sector for an engaging lunch discussion.

Afternoon Program: Launch – Sponsored by Amadeus

• Welcome to Innovation
• Time: 2:00 PM – 4:15 PM
• Innovative companies, both startups and established players, showcase groundbreaking technology and ideas.
• Featured Presentations:
• Superlogic (2:00 PM – 2:12 PM): Revolutionizing loyalty through immersive experiences.
• Traversing.ai (2:12 PM – 2:21 PM): Simplifying tech stacks with a unified commerce platform.
• Daytrip (2:21 PM – 2:30 PM): Transforming private car transfers with curated stopovers.
• KeyBrain (2:30 PM – 2:39 PM): Creating complex, connected travel experiences via AI.
• Juniper Travel Technology (3:06 PM – 3:15 PM): Introducing Smart BE, JuliA, and AI CMS for optimized travel tech solutions.
• Snowflake (3:24 PM – 3:33 PM): A data platform tailored to meet the needs of the travel and hospitality sectors.
• Networking Break
• Sponsored by: Rakuten
• Time: 3:33 PM – 3:42 PM

Center Stage Sessions

• Executive Interview: Technology Enabling the New Age
• Time: 4:15 PM – 4:30 PM
• Guest: Decius Valmorbida, Amadeus IT Group
• Interviewer: Pete Comeau, Phocuswright Inc.
• Executive Interview: New Age Destination – The Story of Saudi Arabia
• Time: 4:30 PM – 4:50 PM
• Guest: Fahd Hamidaddin, Saudi Tourism Authority
• Interviewer: Siew Hoon Yeoh, WIT
• A Glimpse of the New Age(nts)
• Time: 4:50 PM – 5:20 PM
• Exploring the capabilities of AI agents in travel booking and customer service.
• Speakers: Div Garg (MultiOn), Humayun Sheikh (Fetch.ai)
• Executive Panel: A New Identity – SSI Comes of Age
• Time: 5:20 PM – 5:45 PM
• Discussing the role of self-sovereign identity and AI in personalizing travel.
• Panelists: Vikas Bhola (Neoke), Gillian Jones (Condatis), Shane O’Flaherty (Microsoft)
• Innovation Launch Awards Ceremony
• Time: 5:45 PM – 5:50 PM
• Announcing the winners of the Travel Innovation and People’s Choice Awards!

Evening Networking & Social Events

5:50 PM – 8:50 PM

• Happy Hour
• Location: Networking Showcase, Grand Canyon Ballroom, Level 1
• Kick off the evening with drinks and light-hearted networking among attendees, speakers, and the Phocuswright team.

5:50 PM – 7:20 PM

• Evening Party, Sponsored by JW Marriott
• Location: Wildflower Ballroom and Terrace, Level 2, Lobby Level
• Enjoy an energetic evening gathering, perfect for mingling, sharing insights, and connecting with colleagues and industry friends in a lively atmosphere.

10:00 PM – 12:00 AM

• Late Night at the Bar
• Location: Twenty 6 | Lounge
• Unwind with fellow travel industry professionals in a relaxed, after-hours setting. Discuss the day’s events, exchange ideas, and foster new collaborations.

Thursday, November 21 Schedule

All times shown are MST (UTC -7)

Rise & Shine Activities

• Morning Yoga
• Time: 7:00 AM – 7:45 AM
• Location: Spa Fitness Lawn
• Start your morning with a refreshing yoga session to energize for the day ahead.
• Breakfast and Networking
• Time: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
• Location: Networking Showcase, Grand Canyon Ballroom, Level 1
• Join colleagues for breakfast and network with industry peers before sessions begin.

All-Day Access

• Networking Showcase, Lounge, and Attendee Services
• Time: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Location: Grand Canyon Foyer & Ballroom, Level 1
• Check in, collect conference materials, and connect with attendees throughout the day.

Center Stage Sessions

• Executive Interview: The Golden Touch – Taking Low-Cost to New Heights, Again
• Time: 9:00 AM – 9:20 AM
• Guest: David Neeleman, Founder, Chairman & CEO, Breeze Airways
• Interviewer: Mitra Sorrells, Phocuswright
• Executive Interview: Keeping (Some of) the Guesswork in Travel
• Time: 9:20 AM – 9:40 AM
• Guest: Brett Keller, CEO, Priceline
• Interviewer: Lorraine Sileo, Phocuswright
• The Bridge Series: Travel Tech Trends Around the World
• Time: 9:40 AM – 10:05 AM
• Panelists: Mike McGearty (Meili Travel Technology), Damian Scokin (Despegar.com), Ross Veitch (Wego)
• Moderators: Pete Comeau, Phocuswright; Siew Hoon Yeoh, WIT
• Executive Panel: From Vision to Reality – Technologists’ Take
• Time: 10:05 AM – 10:30 AM
• Panelists: Ankit Khanna (MakeMyTrip), Marilyn Markham (American Express GBT), Geoffrey Renaldo (Marriott)
• Moderator: Norman Rose, Phocuswright
• Executive Interview: Upending Corporate Travel (Again)!
• Time: 10:35 AM – 10:55 AM
• Guest: Steve Singh, Direct Travel
• Interviewer: Linda Fox, PhocusWire

Networking Break

• Location: Networking Showcase, Grand Canyon Ballroom, Level 1
• Time: 10:55 AM – 11:20 AM

Late Morning Sessions

• Phocuswright’s Hall of Fame
• Time: 11:20 AM – 11:25 AM
• Phocuswright Research: Scroll, Heart, Fly – Social Media’s Impact on Travel 2024
• Time: 11:25 AM – 11:40 AM
• Presenter: Madeline List, Phocuswright
• Executive Panel: Marketing Authentic Adventures
• Time: 11:40 AM – 12:05 PM
• Panelists: Sarah Dines (Viator), Luuc Elzinga (Tiqets), Jon Owen (Go City)
• Moderator: Madeline List, Phocuswright
• Executive Interview: Tropical Beginnings, Asia Growth and Global Tales
• Time: 12:05 PM – 12:25 PM
• Guest: Robert Rosenstein, Agoda
• Interviewer: Siew Hoon Yeoh, WIT
• Executive Panel: Travel’s Tech-Driven Retail Revolution
• Time: 12:30 PM – 12:55 PM
• Panelists: Kristen Dalton (Tripadvisor), Pablo Delgado (Mirai), Noreen Henry (Sojern)
• Moderator: Lorraine Sileo, Phocuswright
• Executive Interview: Short-Term Rentals Grow Up
• Time: 12:55 PM – 1:15 PM
• Guest: Dave Stephenson, Airbnb
• Interviewer: Mitra Sorrells, Phocuswright

Afternoon Sessions

• Executive Panel: Street Talk
• Time: 1:15 PM – 1:40 PM
• Panelists: Naved Khan (B. Riley Securities), Mark Mahaney (Evercore)
• Moderator: Jake Fuller, BTIG
• Executive Interview: Meta Maverick Goes Big on Business
• Time: 1:40 PM – 2:00 PM
• Guest: Steve Hafner, KAYAK
• Interviewer: Siew Hoon Yeoh, WIT

Lunch Break

• Networking Lunch, Sponsored by Visit Lauderdale
• Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
• Location: Ballroom Lawn, Level 2, Lobby Level
• Enjoy a relaxed networking lunch, courtesy of Visit Lauderdale, and connect with industry peers in a scenic outdoor setting.

2024 Speakers

Phocuswright’s team of expert analysts has curated a program that addresses the most critical topics in the travel industry, featuring key executives who will offer insights into these areas.

Explore Speaker Groups or Scroll to View All:

• Center Stage | Launch PhocusGroup | Industry Roundtable Experts | Young Leaders Summit Mentors

Center Stage Speakers

• Robert Rosenstein – Co-Founder & Chairman, Agoda.com
• Nadia Omer – CEO, AirAsia MOVE
• Dave Stephenson – Chief Business Officer, Airbnb
• Decius Valmorbida – President, Travel, Amadeus IT Group SA
• Marilyn Markham – VP AI & Automation Strategy, American Express Global Business Travel
• Terry Jones – Chairman, AMGiNE
• Naved Khan – Managing Director, B. Riley Securities
• David Neeleman – Founder, Chairman & CEO, Breeze Airways
• Gilad Berenstein – Founder, Brook Bay Capital
• Jake Fuller – Managing Director, BTIG, LLC
• Jenn Scheurich – Managing Vice President, Capital One Travel & Retail Experience, Capital One
• Greg O’Hara – Founder and Senior Managing Director, Certares Management LLC
• Gillian Jones – Identity and Access Management Lead, Condatis
• Damian Scokin – CEO, Despegar.com Inc.
• Gwendoline Cazenave – CEO, Eurostar
• Mark Mahaney – Senior Managing Director and Head of Internet Equity Research, Evercore
• Ariane Gorin – CEO, Expedia Group
• Humayun Sheikh – CEO, Fetch.ai
• Jon Owen – CEO, Go City
• Julie Farago – Senior Director, Google Travel & Local Search, Google LLC
• Oral Muir – VP, Partnerships, Experiences & Distribution, Hilton
• Kasia Pankowska – CEO, Hotel Treats
• Mia Morisset – Principal, Inovia Capital
• Steve Hafner – CEO & Cofounder, KAYAK
• Steve Singh – Executive Chairman, Direct Travel
• Ankit Khanna – Chief Product Officer, MakeMyTrip
• Geoffrey Renaldo – VP, Web and Mobile Products, Marriott International
• Mike McGearty – Co-Founder & CEO, Meili Travel Technology
• Shane OFlaherty – Global Director, Travel & Hospitality, Microsoft Corporation
• Pablo Delgado – CEO, Mirai
• Div Garg – Co-Founder and CEO, MultiOn
• Vikas Bhola – CEO, Neoke
• Siew Hoon Yeoh – Founder, WIT and Editorial Director, Northstar Travel Group Asia
• Veronica Diquattro – President of B2C Europe, Omio (GoEuro)
• Linda Fox – Executive Editor, PhocusWire
• Robert Cole – Senior Research Analyst, Lodging and Leisure Travel, Phocuswright Inc.
• Mike Coletta – Senior Manager, Research and Innovation, Phocuswright Inc.
• Pete Comeau – Managing Director, Phocuswright Inc.
• Madeline List – Manager, Research and Special Projects, Phocuswright Inc.
• Norman Rose – Senior Technology and Corporate Market Analyst, Phocuswright Inc.
• Alicia Schmid – Director of Research, Phocuswright Inc.
• Lorraine Sileo – Founder, Phocuswright Research and Senior Analyst, Phocuswright Inc.
• Mitra Sorrells – Senior VP, Content, Phocuswright/PhocusWire
• Brett Keller – CEO, Priceline
• Nikita Dedik – Founder, CEO/CTO, Road.Travel
• Kurt Ekert – CEO & President, Sabre
• Fahd Hamidaddin – CEO, Saudi Tourism Authority
• Noreen Henry – Chief Revenue Officer, Sojern
• Chris Hemmeter – Managing Partner, Thayer Investment Partners
• Luuc Elzinga – Founder & President, Tiqets
• Kristen Dalton – President, Tripadvisor
• Jennifer Shepherd – Global Head of Uber Transit, Uber
• Kei Shibata – Co-founder & CEO, Venture Republic Group
• Sarah Dines – Chief Commercial Officer, Viator
• Ross Veitch – CEO & Co-Founder, Wego Group

PhocusGroup Speakers

• Suzanna Chiu – Head of Amadeus Ventures, Amadeus
• Erik Blachford – Founder, Blachford Capital LLC
• Kevin Knupp – VP, Booking Holdings
• Ellen Keszler – CEO, Clear Sky Associates
• Harshit Vaish – SVP Corporate Development, Strategy & IR, Expedia Group
• Kurien Jacob – Managing Director/Partner, Highgate Technology Ventures
• Amy Burr – President, JetBlue Ventures
• Traci Mercer – SVP Accommodations, Flights & Strategic Projects, Priceline
• Kei Shibata – Co-founder & CEO, Venture Republic Group
• Cara Whitehill – VP, Thayer Ventures and Founder, Unlock Advisors

Industry Roundtable Experts

• Aurelie Krau – Coach & Consultant, #THRIVE / temoji
• Charlotte Lamp Davies – Founder, A Bright Approach
• Lauri Reishus – President & CEO, ARC
• Nicole Rogers – GM, Lodging, Avalara
• Joelle Park – SVP, Chief Marketing Officer, BWH Hotels
• Philippe Chereque – Managing Director, Certares
• Trisha Chakraborty – Head of Premium Travel, Chase Travel
• Mariano Dima – Chairman, Civitatis
• Sebastien Leitner – VP of Partnerships, Cloudbeds
• Brian Egan – CEO & Co-Founder, Evolve
• Susie Vowinkel – Managing Director, Travel, Google LLC
• Pippa Williamson – SVP Sales Global, HBX Group
• Alexander Gevers Deynoot – VP, Global Chains & Hopper Technology Solutions, Hopper Inc.
• Sanjay Bhatia – Head of Industry: Travel & Gaming, Meta
• Andy Moss – Co-Founder & CEO, MindTrip
• Laura Miller – CRO, Nuvei Technologies Inc.
• Richie Karaburun – Clinical Associate Professor & Director, HI HUB Incubator, NYU Tisch Center
• Sam Shank – Board Member, Operto Guest Technologies
• Tanya Pratt – GVP, Strategy and Product Management, Oracle Hospitality
• Walter Buschta – SVP, Marketing, Phocuswright Inc.
• Robert Cole – Senior Research Analyst, Lodging and Leisure Travel, Phocuswright Inc.
• Coney Dongre – Research Manager, Phocuswright Inc.
• Brennen Bliss – CEO, Propellic
• Eric Bailey – Managing Director, Purposeful Travel Solutions
• Mike Thompson – Director, Vacation Product and Strategic Partnerships, Southwest Airlines
• Andrew Lockhead – CEO, Stay22
• Jay Boehmer – Editor-in-Chief, The Beat, The BTN Group
• Laurens Leurink – CEO, Tiqets
• Vladimir Loyuk – AVP IT, Travel Insured International
• Noam Toister – CEO & Co-Founder, Travelier
• Tom Botts – Chief Commercial Officer, Uplift, Inc.
• Rod Cuthbert – Director, VELTRA Corp.
• Matt Landau – Founder, VRMB

Young Leaders Summit Mentors

• Aurelie Krau – Coach & Consultant, #THRIVE / temoji
• Evan Konwiser – Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer, American Express Global Business Travel
• Erik Blachford – Founder, Blachford Capital LLC
• Steve Hafner – CEO & Cofounder, KAYAK
• Sam Shank – Board Member, Operto Guest Technologies
• Walter Buschta – SVP, Marketing, Phocuswright Inc.
• Chris Hemmeter – Managing Partner, Thayer Ventures
• Kristen Dalton – President, Tripadvisor
• Rod Cuthbert – Director, VELTRA Corp.

Top 10 Reasons to Attend The Phocuswright Conference

Why The Phocuswright Conference Stands Out as the Year’s Premier Travel Industry Event

1. Unbiased, In-Depth Content

• Expect strategic, thought-provoking discussions with no sponsored fluff, moderated by Phocuswright’s expert and impartial analysts.

1. Exceptional Speaker Lineup

• Featuring an impressive roster: 45% are CEOs and managing directors, 59% are C-level executives or founders, and 11% are high-level management, bringing unmatched industry insights.

1. A Who’s Who of Decision Makers

• The audience includes top leaders with 65% at the C-level or VP level, 19% as directors or senior directors, and 12% as senior managers and managers, making it a key networking ground.

1. The Hub of Travel Innovation

• From cutting-edge demos to competitive pitches, the conference brings together the most innovative solutions seeking recognition, partnerships, and funding.

1. Focused Networking Opportunities

• With robust tools from the conference app to structured mealtimes, happy hours, and late-night gatherings, networking is the #1 reason people attend.

1. Personalized Service

• Sponsors and exhibitors receive meticulous, white-glove attention, ensuring every detail is handled for an exceptional experience.

1. Top-Tier Production Quality

• Our audience demands high standards, and we deliver, with a polished event experience across both in-person and online platforms.

1. Punctuality as a Priority

• Every session runs precisely on time, ensuring a smooth and productive experience.

1. Outstanding Results

• With a 95% attendee recommendation rate, this conference consistently delivers value and insight that make it an industry favorite.

1. Deal-Making at its Core

• Attendees frequently credit the conference for sparking new partnerships, closing deals, and creating lasting business relationships.

Join Us at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa

Stay where the action is! The conference room block offers substantial savings, and rooms are filling up fast—reserve now to secure your spot at the beautiful JW Marriott Desert Ridge.

How to Reserve Your Room

Rooms in the conference room block are exclusively for registered Phocuswright Conference attendees. After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a private link to book your accommodation within this special block. *Conference rates are subject to availability.

Venue Details: JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa

This AAA 4-Diamond resort offers award-winning service, luxurious amenities, and an unmatched setting. Enjoy the on-site spa, championship golf, five pools, a lazy river, and premium dining options. The beautifully designed rooms and suites feature deluxe bedding, modern technology, and floor-to-ceiling windows, with many offering views of the mountains, golf course, or resort pools. [Visit the hotel’s website for more details.]

Phocuswright Conference Room Block Highlights

• Exclusive Rates: Special attendee rates start at $339 per night (plus taxes and fees), providing significant savings.
• Resort Fee Waiver: The $45 resort fee is waived, with the option to add it at check-in for full resort amenities.
• Amenities Included: Complimentary Wi-Fi and Fitness Center access.

Reservation Details

• Eligibility: Only registered conference attendees can book within the conference room block.
• Deposit Requirement: A deposit equal to one night’s room rate plus tax is required to confirm your reservation.
• Booking Process:
• Register for the Conference: Complete your conference registration to access the room block.
• Receive Your Link: Find the reservation link in your registration confirmation email.
• Book Early: Use the link provided to secure your room at the conference rate, as availability is limited.

Important Notice: Beware of fraudulent emails about room block reservations. Only trust emails sent directly from the official Phocuswright team. To book within the room block, use the private link included in your registration confirmation email.

JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
5350 E Marriott Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85054 USA