Must-visit travel conferences in 2024 for pitching, brand-building, and networking, including business travel events.
Following a few-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the world’s biggest and best travel trade fairs are back in business. These travel exhibitions are must-visits for anyone looking for extra exposure, industry connections or partnerships, a taste of travel experiences, and insider info on the latest trends in tourism and business travel.
From a fair focusing on responsible tourism to an event providing unparalleled opportunities to learn about tech and the future of travel, here are the top seven business and leisure travel events to attend in 2024.
When: January 24–28, 2024
The annual travel extravaganza that is FITUR takes place at the huge IFEMA Madrid venue. Drawing over 100,000 visitors, it’s a global meeting place for tourism professionals and also the leading trade fair for inbound and outbound markets in Latin America.
Full of fruitful business opportunities, it offers attendees up-to-date, expert insight into the industry alongside cultural activities. 2024 brings the 44th edition, with a special focus on various travel sectors and demographics like FiturTechy, Fitur LGBTQ+, and Fitur Woman. You can get to IFEMA from Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez airport via the metro.
When: March 5–7, 2024
ITB is the biggest travel trade fair in the world, bringing 10,000 exhibitors from over 180 countries to Messe Berlin each March.
Spread over a few days, this event sees travel professionals come together to pitch ideas, brand-build, and network with industry insiders. You can expect seminars, panel discussions predicting the future of travel, and an ITB Business Travel Forum for business travelers. Not to mention an array of treats and entertainment to give a taste of many cultures – from edible delicacies like Dutch stroopwafel to Scotsmen clad in tartan kilts.
ITB is vast, so you could wander the stands for days. But don’t worry, there are buses to take attendees around the conference campus and three metro stations for people getting there from Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) or Berlin Central Train Station.
When: April 25, 2024
Located in the heart of balmy Singapore at Swissôtel The Stamford, CTC is a summit whose mission is to help industry talent by providing valuable information on business travel and big data, and a chance to network.
The convention features a range of events including corporate seminars, educational workshops, and social get-togethers, with CTC Membership available for travel managers.
Whether you want to showcase your brand or mingle with thought-leaders and customers, CTC provides an excellent platform for the corporate travel community. You can get to Swissôtel The Stamford from Singapore Changi Airport by bus, shuttle bus, taxi, or via Singapore’s efficient MRT rail system.
When: June 19–20, 2024
The UK’s Travel Tech Show is the premier event for those looking to get in touch with the latest digital technology developments in the travel sphere. Over the course of two days, attendees have access to unparalleled opportunities to learn about innovation in the industry, whether it be developments in AI or smart tourist destinations.
There’ll be plenty of product demonstrations, Q&As, and panel discussions. Not to mention, networking events to share knowledge between the hundreds of travel professionals gathering at this vast venue in East London.
Public transportation access for the event is abundant, with three onsite DLR (Docklands Light Railway) stations, easy access to London Underground, onsite parking, and London City Airport only five minutes away.
When: June 19–20, 2024
The Business Travel Show Europe is held alongside its sister event, the Travel Tech Show, at Excel London. It’s the largest exhibition and conference for the European business travel community, offering a unique chance for travel professionals to connect.
In addition to two days of meeting key industry players and customers, it also promises a packed program of enlightening masterclasses and discussions with distinguished speakers.
Highlights include the “Innovation Faceoff” in which a panel of expert judges picks the best travel business pitch from a selection of participants. Head home via DLR, London Underground, or London City Airport, which is just five minutes away.
When: July 22–27, 2024
Each year, the international tourism industry looks forward to GBTA, with 2024 serving as the 55th annual edition.
This three-day convention will help you discover the latest industry developments, best practices, and analysis of travel trends to empower you to achieve your goals. Immerse yourself in the carefully curated program, connect in-person with peers and potential partners, and grow your skills with “Education Sessions” dedicated to professional development.
GBTA is held at the Georgia World Congress Center where public transportation is readily available, including rideshare options to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
When: November 5–7, 2024
World Travel Market (or WTM) is a leading travel trade show held at Excel London in November, with an especially forward-thinking agenda. Think presentations, talks, and interactive events with an emphasis on diversity, inclusivity, technology, and sustainability.
Along with cutting-edge educational content programs in the name of responsible tourism, attendees can expect star keynote speakers like journalist and broadcaster Louis Theroux sharing his top tips for travel firms. While you’re not showcasing your brand or checking out exhibits by companies from around the world, connect with peers and some of the travel industry’s biggest names.
The Excel venue is served by DLR, London Underground, and London City Airport.
After a challenging few years, the travel industry is coming back bigger and better than ever, with demand on the rise and even breaking pre-pandemic records. These leisure and business travel events offer an opportunity to network, learn about new technology and trends, and take your brand or business travel experience to the next level – an opportunity not to be missed.
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