TORONTO — The Travel Trends Podcast has expanded capacity for its Virtual Summit V3 to 2,500 free registrations, citing strong support from partners across the global travel industry.
Scheduled for Oct. 28-29, 2026, the virtual event will bring together travel executives, destination marketers, advisors, tour operators, hospitality professionals, technology leaders and innovators to examine the future of travel under the theme, “Beyond AI.”
According to organizers, this year’s theme reflects the industry’s evolving focus as artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to implementation. While AI remains a key topic, the Summit will also explore broader issues including customer behaviour, distribution, loyalty, sustainability and the business models expected to shape the travel sector over the next decade.
“The industry’s response has exceeded our expectations,” said Dan Christian, Host and Founder of the Travel Trends Podcast. “Beyond AI isn’t just about technology, it’s about understanding how travel itself will evolve. The organizations that succeed over the next decade will be the ones that can connect innovation, customer experience, operations, and human insight into a cohesive strategy. That’s the conversation we’re bringing together at this year’s Summit.”
GROWING GLOBAL REACH
The Travel Trends Summit launched in 2024 and, according to organizers, has doubled attendance each year. What began as a virtual industry event has grown into a global gathering of travel leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, technologists and destination organizations.
This year marks the first time attendance will be offered free of charge to all participants. Organizers say strong partner support has allowed the Summit to remove registration fees and broaden access for travel professionals worldwide.
WHAT ATTENDEES CAN EXPECT
The Travel Trends Podcast has also unveiled the first group of confirmed speakers, with more than 30 industry leaders expected to participate.
Among the first speakers announced are:
- Chris Hemmeter, Co-founder and Managing Partner, Thayer Ventures
- Shane O’Flaherty, Global Director, Travel & Hospitality, Microsoft
- Janette Roush, Senior Vice President, Innovation & Chief AI Officer, Brand USA
- Jake Peters, CTO & Co-Founder, Fora Travel
- Susan DeBottis, VP & GM, Lonely Planet
- Stuart Greif, Chief Innovation Officer, Forbes Travel Guide
The two-day event will feature keynote presentations, executive panel discussions, sessions focused on AI and emerging technologies, as well as conversations centred on travel advisors, creators, entrepreneurs and destination leadership. Organizers say the Summit will also provide networking opportunities for travel professionals from around the world.
The event is supported by a range of industry partners, including TourRadar, Kaptio, Flora, Travel AI, Railbookers, Propellic, Belvera Partners, Pinerary, Tripian, Deloitte, TripRecos, iWander, GuestOS, Arival and Phocuswright.
Additional speakers and the full conference agenda are expected to be announced in July.
To register, click here.
