Skift Travel Megatrends Returns to New York with Groundbreaking Travel Discussions, Everything You Need to Know

Published on January 16, 2026

Skift Megatrends has been a yearly moment of reflection for our industry for more than a decade—a time to reflect on what did or didn’t work and what matters for the future of our industry. This year, Skift is returning to its roots in New York City for a focused afternoon of insight-sharing and reality-checking for executives to help set a common course for 2026.

What to Expect at Skift Travel Megatrends 2026

Skift Travel Megatrends is designed to provide senior leaders with a comprehensive view of the year ahead. The afternoon will be grounded in data and real-world insights, offering a clear read on where the industry is headed. The event will focus on practical, pressure-tested advice for executives managing real businesses in the tourism and travel sector.

Sarah Kopit, Editor-in-Chief at Skift, will anchor the event, alongside Seth Borko, Head of Research, who will deliver the annual outlook session. This session will dive deep into the numbers, cutting through the hype to provide attendees with a grounded understanding of the trends shaping the industry. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or new to the sector, this session promises to give you the tools to make informed decisions moving forward.

Key Industry Leaders Share Their Perspectives

One of the most compelling aspects of Skift Megatrends is the opportunity to hear from industry leaders who are driving change in tourism today. The lineup of speakers includes influential figures from top travel companies and organizations who will provide their perspectives on how the travel industry is evolving and what businesses should prioritize in 2026.

• Omri Morgenshtern, CEO of Agoda, will lead a candid “CEO AMA” session, offering valuable insights into how travel companies should adapt to the challenges of 2026. Morgenshtern’s experience in leading Agoda through an ever-changing travel market will offer actionable advice for navigating the future of online travel platforms.
• Paul Caine, President of On Location, and Eileen Hanson, CMO of Los Angeles Tourism, will discuss how cities are reinventing themselves as live tourism destinations. As urban tourism becomes increasingly competitive, cities around the world are adopting new strategies to attract visitors and create memorable, immersive experiences. This session will explore the strategies that cities like Los Angeles are employing to stay relevant in an evolving tourism landscape.
• Thomas Reiner, of Altimeter Capital, will provide a clear-eyed analysis of where capital is moving across the travel and tech sectors. Reiner’s perspective will be particularly valuable for businesses looking to understand how investment trends are shaping the future of travel and technology.

These sessions will be more than just discussions—they will offer real, unfiltered conversations that will help leaders understand what is truly driving change in the industry and how to position themselves for success in the years ahead.

The Empty Chair: A Unique Opportunity for Real-Time Interaction

One of the most unique features of Skift Travel Megatrends is the addition of “The Empty Chair.” This innovative segment provides attendees with the rare opportunity for an unscripted, five-minute exchange with the event hosts, Sarah Kopit and other speakers. At a certain point during the event, Sarah will invite an audience member to step up and engage in a real-time conversation, allowing for spontaneous dialogue about the most pressing issues facing the industry.

This unplanned interaction is a powerful way to break down barriers and create more personal connections between speakers and attendees. It also provides an invaluable platform for diverse voices to share their perspectives on the future of travel. Only registered attendees will be eligible for the Empty Chair segment, making it a truly exclusive opportunity to have your voice heard at a high-profile industry event.

A Gathering of Industry Leaders and Peers

Skift Travel Megatrends has become an essential event for senior leaders in the travel and tourism industry. The 2025 event in New York will see 215 attendees, with 60% of them at the director level or above. The event will bring together 143 companies from 17 different industries, ensuring a wide range of perspectives and insights. Leaders from nine countries will also be represented, making it a truly global gathering.

Attendees can expect to sit alongside executives who are tackling the same challenges, questioning the same trends, and sharing ideas about how to stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing landscape. This makes the event a valuable networking opportunity, where you can exchange ideas with peers, potential partners, and industry influencers.

Skift Megatrends: A Compass for the Year Ahead

Skift Travel Megatrends has become a compass for the industry—offering a chance to test assumptions, refine priorities, and return to the office with a sharper, more informed perspective on what lies ahead. January is when key decisions are made, and with the London edition already sold out, the New York event represents the last chance to participate in this crucial conversation in real time.

Whether you’re looking to secure your company’s position in the competitive travel market or seeking inspiration for your next big idea, Skift Travel Megatrends will provide the insights, connections, and strategic guidance needed to succeed in 2026 and beyond.

Why You Should Attend Skift Travel Megatrends 2026

If you’re still debating whether to attend, consider this: decisions made in January often set the tone for the year ahead. With the London event already sold out, the New York edition is your last chance to join this critical conversation. Gain actionable insights, engage in meaningful discussions, and return to your business with a renewed sense of direction. Skift Travel Megatrends is more than just an event—it’s an opportunity to engage with the future of travel and tourism. Secure your spot now and be part of shaping the industry’s next chapter.