Travel trade shows throughout 2024 promise to bring innovative insights and creative collaborations to help decode the future of travel
In the dynamic realm of travel, 2024 boasts a constellation of trade shows expected to shift the industry paradigm. As we stand on the cusp of innovation, these events emerge as the epicenters for industry leaders and peers to engage with and learn from one another.
From mind-blowing new AI technologies to sustainable practices shaping future exploration, the upcoming events are poised to be incredibly transformative. Take a journey through the corridors of industry knowledge, make new connections and discover where new synergies and impactful narratives will help define the trajectory and future of travel.
ABA MARKETPLACE 2024
IN ATTENDANCE
This conference is an excellent way for motorcoach and tour operators, as well as travel industry suppliers, to kick off the new year.
SHOW DETAILS
This appointment-based show highlights four key elements of what ABA Marketplace offers:
- The most qualified business opportunities
- Highest ROI
- Strategic, high-quality education
- Invaluable network
These will assist tour operators and industry suppliers in getting a great return on their investment.
Vetted business opportunities for itinerary solutions are offered to attendees with one-on-one professional appointments. Additionally, quality tour products are provided to buy and sell. They also offer quality seminars led by top national speakers and industry professionals, lending to a high-quality education. Furthermore, ABA Marketplace provides an invaluable network and opportunities to develop business relationships with fellow tourism colleagues.
LOCATION
ABA Marketplace 2024 will be held at the Music City Center in, you guessed it, Nashville, Tennessee. Music City Center is an impressive 2.1 million-square-foot convention center located in the heart of Downtown Nashville.
EVENT DATE
Saturday, January 13 – Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Register early for your place at the conference, as the event is an appointment-based show. Registration and pricing information can be found on their website (https://marketplace.buses.org/registration/registration-pricing/).
IITA 2024 SUMMIT
IN ATTENDANCE
Attendees include inbound tour operators, buyers, DMOs and hotels, attractions, activities, transportation, and restaurants
SHOW DETAILS
The 2024 summit will begin with a welcome reception where inbound tourism colleagues can introduce themselves and mingle. Events are scheduled throughout the four-day conference. These include breakout sessions, speed networking appointments and multiple specialized forums. In addition, breakfasts and luncheons fill portions of the conference followed by a closing reception, dinner and a dance.
LOCATION
The event will be held at the Renasant Convention Center in Memphis, Tennessee. In fact, it is conveniently located a skywalk away from your lodging at the Sheraton Hotel Downtown close to popular Beale Street.
EVENT DATE
Sunday, February 11 – Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Find out more at https://inboundtravel.org/summit/event-schedule/
QUOTE
“Our Summit is an intimate gathering of those involved in international inbound travel to the U.S. The Summit includes a speed-networking marketplace where inbound operators meet with their DMO and supplier partners. While the business conducted is important, the main attraction is really our robust education program focused on the most timely and relevant topics, like recovery progress, sustainability, and emerging – and re-emerging – markets.” – Lisa Simon, CEO/Executive Director
HERITAGE CLUBS | PEER GROUP CHICAGO 2024
IN ATTENDANCE
The annual group travel trade show is a must-attend event for travel industry partners and bank club directors. Partners like destinations, suppliers and travel or bank vendors who market to bank clubs have opportunities to connect with and learn from fellow colleagues.
SHOW DETAILS
“Navigating the future of bank travel” is the motto of Heritage Clubs International, a top bank marketing organization in North America. They offer members exclusive educational programs, networking events and cutting-edge resources.
Bankers can engage in insightful sessions uncovering strategies for financial industry banking relationships. Networking opportunities and customized solutions help banks with specific needs and future growth. Partners in attendance will have exclusive access to Bank Travel Club directors who are seeking new attractions and destinations. One-on-one appointments between directors and partners are guaranteed.
In addition, PTO Showcases will include premier sponsors like Collette, GoNext and Hospitality Tours.
LOCATION
Chicago is the symbol of unity and resilience, so it’s no wonder why Heritage Clubs is holding its Peer Group Conference 2024 in the Windy City. You won’t have to go far when you step off the plane at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. The conference is at the renowned Hilton O’Hare Hotel, conveniently located right in the airport.
EVENT DATE
Monday, February 26 – Friday, March 1, 2024. For more information, visit https://www.heritageclubs.com/PeerGroup2024 today.
QUOTE
“During the week bank club directors from across the country will be hearing from professionals across the travel and banking industries, as well as collaborating and learning from each other about the best ways to grow and manage their Clubs. Heritage Clubs is inviting any and all bank travel club directors to join them in the Windy City and learn about the future of Bank Travel.” – Michael Ziegler, Marketing Director
CIRCLE WISCONSIN MIDWEST MARKETPLACE
IN ATTENDANCE
Tour Operators, Travel Planners and Suppliers from across the U.S. and Canada will be in attendance at the annual Midwest Marketplace.
SHOW DETAILS
Tour operators and planners interested in touring the Midwest region will have opportunities to network with regional group-friendly suppliers. During three appointment sessions, tour operators can mingle with over 90 group-friendly suppliers from the Midwest. Additionally, suppliers from around the Midwest states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa and North and South Dakota will attend and meet with more than 35 planners and operators in 6-minute appointments.
Additionally, tour operators and planners can join the Post Marketplace FAM Tour of the Lake Winnebago region after the conference concludes.
LOCATION
Midwest Marketplace will be held at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
EVENT DATE
Sunday, April 14 – Monday, April 16, 2024
Visit https://midwestmarketplace.org/ for details.
Kick off the annual Accent Travel Network’s West Conference with a tour of the host city of Branson, Missouri, on an exciting FAM Tour.
ACCENT TRAVEL NETWORK | ACCENT WEST CONFERENCE
IN ATTENDANCE
Tour operators and suppliers from around the country will gather together to collaborate and grow their businesses.
SHOW DETAILS
Kick off the annual Accent Travel Network’s West Conference with a tour of the host city of Branson, Missouri, on an exciting FAM Tour. Afterward, enjoy a Welcome Reception followed by two days of conference events. Begin with a keynote speaker and a panel discussion. Next, the floor opens up for one of the most anticipated travel trade shows of 2024. Other activities include brainstorming sessions between operators and suppliers. There will also be opportunities to create itineraries with the help of fellow colleagues. Dinner and entertainment cap off the evening with presentations of itineraries and a best practices session concluding the Accent West Conference.
LOCATION
Branson, Missouri is the host city in 2024 at the Hilton Branson Convention Center. It is conveniently located across the street from Branson Landing full of shops and restaurants and 15 minutes from the Titanic Museum.
EVENT DATE
Monday, May 6 – Friday, May 10, 2024
Find out more at https://accenttravelnetwork.com/accent-west
QUOTE
“Big business is done in small groups and Accent West is a perfect example,” says Sue Arko, Project Manager for Accent Travel Network. “Delegates really get to know each other while discovering the cultural and historical treasures of the area. Relationship building and the sharing of best practices are what make the Accent brand so popular. We provide insight into other’s challenges along with solutions.”
Expand your business opportunities at the annual Travel Alliance Partners (TAP) Conference in Southern Indiana.
TAP DANCE BY BREAK THE ICE MEDIA
IN ATTENDANCE
TAP partners and tour operators will attend with suppliers from around the country in a two-day, all-access event.
SHOW DETAILS
Expand your business opportunities at the annual Travel Alliance Partners (TAP) Conference in Southern Indiana. A distinctive facet of TAP Dance lies in its innovative approach to orchestrating supplier meetings with TAP tour operators. Each supplier attendee is thoughtfully assigned to regional groups, comprising 3-4 industry peers. Meetings last 25 minutes with engaging and focused discussions with TAP tour operator partners. During this time, suppliers can showcase their products or areas in a personal atmosphere for increased promotion throughout the TAP network.
LOCATION
The conference will be held at the Sheraton Louisville Riverside Hotel in Jeffersonville, conveniently located just across the bridge from Louisville. It’s also close to many area attractions including Fourth Street Live and Waterfront Park.
EVENT DATE
Sunday, June 9 – Tuesday, June 11, 2024
For more information, visit https://www.tapintotravel.com/events/tap-dance/
QUOTE
“TAP Dance celebrates the collaboration opportunities between tour operators and their suppliers (destinations, attractions and travel product suppliers). Suppliers will meet with each TAP tour operator and discuss how best to bring business to their area. Many attendees tell us that this conference is a highlight each year as it is a perfect blend of productive business discussions, relationship-building fun and an opportunity to experience the best of our host region.” – Lisa Doerner, Executive Director
ATTA AdventureELEVATE North America 2024
IN ATTENDANCE
Tour guides and operators, travel advisors, destination marketing and management professionals, travel media representatives and accommodation providers will be in attendance.
SHOW DETAILS
Meet with experienced business and media professionals who can assist in promoting and selling your adventure travel experiences. Collaborate with fellow operators and ATTA members during three hours of dedicated meetings. Additionally, up to 17 sessions offer the chance to connect with potential business partners. Navigate the ATTA Marketplace with your ATTA Compass, which allows you to create a profile and indicate your preferred meet-and-greet. Your pre-matched conference schedule of appointments means that everything is tailored to you and your business.
LOCATION
Explore Asheville, North Carolina, during a stay at the Renaissance Ashville, a AAA, three-diamond hotel in the Historic Downtown. Enjoy comfortable suites with breathtaking expansive mountain views and popular nearby attractions.
EVENT DATE
Tuesday, June 11 – Thursday, June 13, 2024
Go to https://events.adventuretravel.biz/adventureelevate/north-america-2024 for more details.
Arival 360 | San Diego
IN ATTENDANCE
Solutions-focused creators and sellers of tours, activities, attractions and in-destination experiences.
SHOW DETAILS
Join Arival 360 in San Diego for an “out-of-the-box” approach to traditional travel conferences. Arival is focused on helping you learn how to expand your business, join a franchise and grow direct bookings from industry leaders. Ascertain insights into new AI technology and tools that are transforming the in-destination experiences sector.
This is the only travel trade show by and for the in-destination experiences industry. Therefore, they understand exactly how to help you propel your business forward. Topics covered include mastering dynamic pricing strategies and digital marketing. Others include sustainability in travel and DEI. Keynote speeches, from industry professionals, technical workshops and peer-to-peer exchange panels round out the conference.
LOCATION
The host hotel, Town and Country Resort is centrally located in Mission Valley, close to luxury shopping, golf, world-class beaches and attractions.
EVENT DATE
Monday, September 30 – Thursday, October 3, 2024
For more information, visit https://arival.travel/event/2024-san-diego/ today.
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By Heather Dale
