Conference · Nov 17 to Nov 19, 2026

The Phocuswright Conference 2026

The Diplomat Beach Resort Hollywood by Hilton, Hollywood, FL

Tickets & registration

About The Phocuswright Conference

The conference focuses on addressing intensifying pressures faced by companies, including the rapid advancement of AI with uneven implementation, and the challenge for legacy companies to innovate while competing with nimbler, AI-native startups. Competition for demand is intense, requiring a balance between acquisition costs, direct channels, and platform distribution. Travelers' increasing expectations for seamless discovery and personalization demand new capabilities in data, service, and product design. Furthermore, regulatory scrutiny on large platforms and competitive dynamics, alongside global turbulence affecting resilience and supply chains, necessitate flexible pricing and a reevaluation of traditional business models. [1]

A key aspect of the conference is understanding the shifting power dynamics within the industry. As discovery fragments across various digital interfaces, controlling how travelers find options increasingly dictates what gets booked. AI agents, super apps, and dominant technology platforms are poised to redefine influence across the travel ecosystem. The emergence of agentic marketplaces directly linking supply with demand-side agents highlights how the ability to interpret intent, curate options, and transact for travelers will reshape the booking journey. Loyalty programs, identity, data, and personalization are crucial for maintaining direct traveler relationships, with suppliers, intermediaries, and platforms all vying to strengthen these connections throughout the traveler lifecycle. [1]

The conference also emphasizes the critical need for pivots in strategy and operations. The industry is moving beyond the traditional keyword- and click-based funnel towards context, conversation, and curation, requiring companies to rethink how they capture intent and guide decisions. After years of experimentation, emerging technologies are now being embedded into core products and customer experiences. Platforms are being refined to connect data, content, distribution, and service layers more efficiently, aiming for faster integration and real-time responsiveness. Ultimately, success will depend not on a single technology, but on the ability to combine data, partnerships, brand, and product innovation, and for organizations to pivot quickly and align strategies with the rapidly changing landscape. [1]

Key facts

Dates
Nov 17 to Nov 19, 2026
Venue
The Diplomat Beach Resort Hollywood by Hilton
Location
Hollywood, FL
Organizer
Phocuswright
Website
www.phocuswrightconference.com/

Getting there

The Phocuswright Conference 2026 will be held at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The resort has been fully renovated and reimagined, offering a beachfront setting, elevated design, and a fresh, modern energy. It combines coastal sophistication with world-class event space, making it suitable for bold conversations and meaningful connections. [3]

What to expect in 2026

  • The Phocuswright Innovation series
  • Innovation Launch
  • Hot 25 Travel Startups
  • Industry roundtable
  • Workshops
  • Center Stage
  • Young Leaders Summit
  • Startup Program
  • Networking Showcase
  • Cruise Summit
  • Breakout Sessions
  • Industry Roundtables
  • Welcome Outdoor Party sponsored by Visit Lauderdale
  • Startup Stories
  • The Investor View
  • The New UX
  • Travel Distribution
  • Travel Technology

Who attends

The Phocuswright Conference attracts travel's decision-makers and influential leaders from around the world. Companies such as Tripadvisor, Expedia, Google, Airbnb, Booking Holdings, Hilton, Hopper, MakeMyTrip, Trip.com Group, and KAYAK attend this event. The conference is designed for senior executives, marketers, strategists, and research professionals, and is relevant for attendees from various industry segments including airlines, destinations, distribution, finance, hospitality, and tours/activities. Additionally, the Young Leaders Summit is a program for travel leaders aged 35 and under, promoting executive management development. [3][8][9][10][7]

Meet WON during The Phocuswright Conference weekGet a free CX teardown before The Phocuswright Conference

18 speakers

Notable speakers

  • Brett Burgess

    President & CEO, ATPCO

    Source

  • Teresa Mackintosh

    Chief Executive Officer, Aven Hospitality

    Source

  • Ed Crouch

    Managing Director & Senior Partner, BCG

    Source

  • Erik Blachford

    Investor, Blachford Capital

    Source

  • Kurt Ekert

    CEO, Sabre

    Source

  • Jake Fuller

    Managing Director, BTIG

    Source

  • Div Garg

    Co-Founder &CEO, MultiOn

    Source

  • Ariane Gorin

    CEO, Expedia Group

    Source

  • Steve Hafner

    CEO, Kayak

    Source

  • Brett Keller

    CEO, Priceline

    Source

  • Mark Mahaney

    Managing Director, Evercore ISI

    Source

  • Mia Morisset

    Principal, Inovia

    Source

  • David Neeleman

    Founder, Chairman & CEO, Breeze

    Source

  • Greg O'Hara

    Founder & Sr. Managing Director, Certares

    Source

  • Robert Rosenstein

    Co-Founder & Chairman, Agoda

    Source

  • Jenn Scheurich

    Managing Vice President, Capital One Travel & Retail Experience

    Source

  • Damian Scokin

    CEO, Despegar

    Source

  • Steve Singh

    Executive Chairman at Direct Travel, Center, Troop Travel; CEO, Spotnana, & Managing Director, Madrona Venture Group

    Source

Organizer & leadership

Organized by Phocuswright.

Sponsors & exhibitors

Conference week

Around The Phocuswright Conference

  1. Time to be announced

Tickets & pricing

  • General Attendees (Current)USD 3,999
  • General Attendees (After Oct 30)USD 4,199
  • StartupsUSD 2,299
  • Young LeadersUSD 3,099
  • Additional Sponsor TicketsUSD 3,099
  • Phocuswright EuropeGBP 750

Check current prices with the organizer

Planning your visit

The Phocuswright Conference 2026 will be held at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The resort has been fully renovated and reimagined, offering a beachfront setting, elevated design, and a fresh, modern energy. It combines coastal sophistication with world-class event space, making it suitable for bold conversations and meaningful connections. [3]

From X and LinkedIn

From the show

  • The Data Appeal Company @DataAppeal

    Aug 31, 2026

    How are European travellers actually using #AI, and where is it making the biggest impact? @Phocuswright 🔗 https://t.co/Cj3au5zVcJ https://t.co/4MBBvfjFZG

    View post

  • Richard Burns @tvforhotels

    Aug 29, 2026

    Competing in Travel’s Next Era with Sabre's CEO Kurt Ekert - The #Phocuswright Conference - https://t.co/jTilmtFCLV #hotels #hospitality #hotelmarketing

    View post

  • Richard Burns @tvforhotels

    Aug 19, 2026

    How AI is changing search for travel & what DMOs can do about it w/ CMO of Mindtrip #Phocuswright - https://t.co/60qYWeZCz8 #hotels #hospitality #hotelmarketing https://t.co/UqmgiaPCzF

    View post

  • Richard Burns @tvforhotels

    Aug 18, 2026

    The AI travel planning trust gap is BIG - C.A. Clark of Miles Partnership #Phocuswright - https://t.co/uqdUcBLX0g #hotels #hospitality https://t.co/eJtNlgi5If

    View post

  • Richard Burns @tvforhotels

    Aug 9, 2026

    Is the top of the funnel still RELEVANT?? @reddit and @meta weigh in with #Phocuswright - https://t.co/vKDSkTisyt #hotels #hospitality #hotelmarketing

    View post

  • Richard Burns @tvforhotels

    Aug 8, 2026

    If you're not raising the bar with AI, you're doing it wrong - https://t.co/igw6NzZrTW #Phocuswright - https://t.co/5pDjxjAhD0 #hotels #hospitality https://t.co/hJd3UkIvAJ

    View post

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FAQ

Who is the target audience for The Phocuswright Conference?
The conference is designed for decision-makers and C-level executives from every travel, tourism, and hospitality sector. It also caters to senior executives, marketers, strategists, and research professionals.Source
When and where will The Phocuswright Conference 2026 take place?
The Phocuswright Conference 2026 will be held from November 17-19, 2026, in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, at The Diplomat Beach Resort.Source · Source
Who should attend The Phocuswright Conference?
The conference is for decision-makers and C-level executives from all sectors of travel, tourism, and hospitality, including senior executives, marketers, strategists, and research professionals. It caters to various industry segments like airlines, destinations, distribution, finance, hospitality, and tours/activities.Source · Source
What are the dates and location for The Phocuswright Conference 2026?
The Phocuswright Conference 2026 will be held from November 17-19, 2026, in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, at The Diplomat Beach Resort.Source
What is the theme of The Phocuswright Conference 2026?
The 2026 theme for The Phocuswright Conference is 'Pressures. Power. Pivots.'Source
What is the Young Leaders Summit?
The Young Leaders Summit is a private program during The Phocuswright Conference for travel leaders aged 35 and under. It aims to promote executive management development and highlight the important role young leadership plays in the future growth of the travel industry.Source
Who are some of the speakers at The Phocuswright Conference 2026?
Confirmed speakers for The Phocuswright Conference 2026 include Charlotte Lamp Davies (Founder, A Bright Approach), Carey Kyler (Senior Director of Consumer Insights, AARP Services), Omri Morgenshtern (Chief Executive Officer, Agoda), Lou Zameryka (Global Head - Hotel Enterprise and Connectivity Partnerships, Airbnb), and Evan Konwiser (Chief Product & Strategy Officer, American Express Global Business Travel).Source
What type of audience attends The Phocuswright Conference?
The conference attracts travel's decision-makers and influential leaders from around the world, including representatives from major companies like Tripadvisor, Expedia, and Google. It is designed for senior executives, marketers, strategists, and research professionals across various segments such as airlines, destinations, distribution, finance, hospitality, and tours/activities.Source · Source · Source · Source
When is The Phocuswright Conference 2026?
The Phocuswright Conference 2026 takes place from November 17-19, 2026.Source
Where is The Phocuswright Conference 2026 held?
The Phocuswright Conference 2026 is held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at The Diplomat Beach Resort.Source · Source
What is the theme for The Phocuswright Conference 2026?
The 2026 theme for The Phocuswright Conference is 'Pressures. Power. Pivots.'Source
What kind of content can I expect at The Phocuswright Conference?
You can expect cutting-edge content including innovator demonstrations, expert workshops, industry influencer panels, and exclusive keynotes. The program also features The Phocuswright Innovation series, Innovation Launch, the Hot 25 Travel Startups, industry roundtables, workshops, and Center Stage.Source
Meet WON during The Phocuswright Conference weekGet a free CX teardown before The Phocuswright Conference

Sources

  1. [1]https://www.phocuswrightconference.com/News/2026/the-2026-theme-Pressures-Power-Pivots · retrieved Oct 18, 2026
  2. [2]https://www.phocuswrightconference.com/Program/All-Sessions · retrieved Oct 18, 2026
  3. [3]https://www.phocuswrightconference.com/ · retrieved Oct 18, 2026
  4. [4]https://www.phocuswrightconference.com/Exhibit-Sponsor · retrieved Oct 18, 2026
  5. [5]https://www.phocuswrightconference.com/Attend/Pricing · retrieved Oct 18, 2026
  6. [6]https://www.phocuswrightconference.com/Program/Conference-Program-Overview · retrieved Oct 18, 2026
  7. [7]https://www.phocuswrightconference.com/Attend · retrieved Oct 18, 2026
  8. [8]https://www.phocuswrightconference.com/About-Us · retrieved Oct 18, 2026
  9. [9]https://www.phocuswrightconference.com/Whos-Coming/Speakers · retrieved Oct 18, 2026
  10. [10]https://www.phocuswrightconference.com/Young-Leaders-Summit · retrieved Oct 18, 2026
  11. [11]https://www.witevents.com/ · retrieved Oct 16, 2026
  12. [12]https://www.phocuswrightconference.com/Whos-Coming/Sponsors-Exhibitors · retrieved Oct 18, 2026

Details change. Confirm on the official site.