The year 2026 brings a series of exciting tourism conferences that will shape the future of travel. These events include the U.S. Travel Association IPW Conference in Orlando, Florida, focusing on global travel networks; the Global Meetings Industry Day in Los Angeles, spotlighting the MICE sector; the Adventure Travel World Summit in Salt Lake City, Utah, dedicated to adventure tourism; the NTA Travel Exchange in Cleveland, Ohio, for group travel professionals; the U.S. Green Travel Conference in Portland, Oregon, promoting sustainable tourism; and the Travel Media Association Conference in San Francisco, California, for travel writers and influencers. Each event offers unique opportunities to explore the latest trends, connect with industry leaders, and gain insights that will shape the way travelers experience the world in 2026.
1. The 2026 U.S. Travel Association IPW Conference: Connecting Global Travel Networks
What: The 2026 U.S. Travel Association International Pow Wow (IPW) conference brings together global travel professionals, including suppliers, buyers, and media from around the world.
When: May 20-24, 2026
Where: Orlando, Florida
Why: IPW is one of the largest and most influential travel trade events, showcasing U.S. tourism offerings to international markets.
Who: Travel suppliers, buyers, tour operators, media, and tourism experts.
How: Attendees can participate in meetings, networking events, and discover innovative trends in U.S. tourism.
Best Itinerary Guide:
Day 1-2: Attend the opening sessions and exhibitions, where you’ll get an inside look at U.S. destinations. Networking opportunities abound in the exhibit hall, making it a great chance to meet with U.S. travel representatives from around the world.
Day 3: Participate in “one-on-one” pre-scheduled appointments with tourism professionals from U.S. destinations.
Day 4-5: Attend a variety of workshops, presentations, and panel discussions on sustainable tourism, the future of the industry, and marketing strategies. The event will conclude with a vibrant closing celebration and networking gala.
Best Part for Travelers: The best aspect of the event is the personalized networking experience. Attendees get the chance to meet with representatives from U.S. travel destinations and hear about new, exciting offerings for tourists. This conference is not just about exploring new products; it’s about forming partnerships that can enhance your travel business or experience.
2. The 2026 Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID): Shaping the Future of Meetings and Events
What: The Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) focuses on the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector, bringing together industry leaders to discuss the future of global meetings and events.
When: March 2026
Where: Los Angeles, California
Why: GMID highlights the importance of the MICE industry in driving economic growth and tourism.
Who: Event planners, suppliers, hotel representatives, and tourism boards.
How: Participants will engage in discussions, workshops, and real-world case studies that showcase the economic impact and innovations in the MICE industry.
Best Itinerary Guide:
Day 1: Attend the opening keynote on the future of sustainable events and networking opportunities with industry leaders.
Day 2: Participate in targeted sessions on the role of technology in meetings, from virtual conferences to hybrid events.
Day 3: Explore best practices for hosting large events, with a focus on local destinations, and conclude with a closing reception.
Best Part for Travelers: Travelers attending GMID will gain invaluable insights into the future of meetings and events in the global tourism industry. This is ideal for those in the MICE sector, providing them with key trends and business opportunities while also allowing them to explore the best venues in Los Angeles.
3. The 2026 Adventure Travel World Summit: Elevating Global Adventure Tourism
What: The Adventure Travel World Summit (ATWS) brings together the world’s leading adventure tourism professionals to discuss trends and innovations in adventure travel.
When: October 2026
Where: Salt Lake City, Utah
Why: The summit aims to foster partnerships and opportunities within the adventure travel sector, focusing on sustainability and responsible travel.
Who: Adventure tourism professionals, tour operators, destination marketers, and media.
How: Attendees participate in networking, educational workshops, and excursions to adventure travel destinations.
Best Itinerary Guide:
Day 1-2: The event kicks off with keynote speakers highlighting the latest developments in adventure tourism, followed by various workshops on sustainable practices and engaging with emerging markets.
Day 3: Explore the outdoor activities Salt Lake City has to offer, including skiing, hiking, and river rafting. Join local guides to see firsthand the best adventure tourism destinations.
Day 4: Wrap up with collaborative sessions, followed by a gala dinner featuring local adventure travel businesses.
Best Part for Travelers: The best part of the summit for travelers is the opportunity to explore new adventure destinations and gain access to exclusive tours and workshops about adventure travel trends. You’ll also have a chance to network with tour operators, ensuring future travel experiences are customized for adventure enthusiasts.
4. The 2026 National Tour Association (NTA) Travel Exchange: Innovating Group Travel
What: The NTA Travel Exchange is a premier event for the group travel industry, bringing together tour operators and travel suppliers to create new partnerships and share industry knowledge.
When: January 2026
Where: Cleveland, Ohio
Why: This exchange offers a platform for group travel professionals to network and discuss emerging trends in the industry.
Who: Group travel planners, tour operators, travel agents, and suppliers.
How: Attendees can engage in networking events, panel discussions, and one-on-one meetings to build meaningful partnerships.
Best Itinerary Guide:
Day 1: Begin with a keynote address on the future of group travel and the latest innovations in transportation and accommodations.
Day 2: Attend roundtable discussions focusing on group travel technology and sustainability, followed by a series of pre-scheduled appointments with suppliers.
Day 3: Explore Cleveland and its many group-friendly destinations, followed by a networking lunch and an industry-focused awards ceremony in the evening.
Best Part for Travelers: Group travelers will enjoy the networking opportunities with top industry professionals and the ability to book exclusive group deals. The NTA is a fantastic opportunity for those planning group tours, educational travel, or large family trips to connect with trusted service providers.
5. The 2026 U.S. Green Travel Conference: Driving Sustainable Tourism Forward
What: The U.S. Green Travel Conference focuses on sustainable tourism, aiming to bring together professionals committed to reducing the environmental footprint of the travel industry.
When: March 2026
Where: Portland, Oregon
Why: The conference addresses the growing demand for sustainable travel and provides solutions for minimizing environmental impacts.
Who: Sustainable travel advocates, hotel and tour operators, environmental NGOs, and policymakers.
How: The conference will feature workshops, panel discussions, and tours showcasing sustainable tourism initiatives.
Best Itinerary Guide:
Day 1: Attend interactive workshops on sustainability trends, eco-tourism certifications, and eco-friendly accommodations.
Day 2: Explore Portland’s green initiatives, such as eco-friendly hotels and locally sourced food experiences.
Day 3: Wrap up with a group discussion on sustainable tourism practices and participate in a networking event focused on partnerships in eco-tourism.
Best Part for Travelers: This conference offers travelers insights into sustainable destinations and how to incorporate eco-friendly practices into their travel plans. It’s perfect for environmentally conscious tourists who want to ensure their travels benefit local communities and preserve natural resources.
6. The 2026 Travel Media Association Annual Conference: Empowering Travel Storytelling
What: The Travel Media Association Conference focuses on empowering travel writers, bloggers, and influencers to enhance their storytelling skills and connect with tourism professionals.
When: June 2026
Where: San Francisco, California
Why: The event brings together travel writers and media professionals to discuss trends, learn new skills, and explore tourism marketing.
Who: Travel journalists, influencers, content creators, tourism boards, and public relations professionals.
How: Attendees participate in educational sessions, networking events, and press trips to discover new destinations.
Best Itinerary Guide:
Day 1: Begin with an opening panel on the state of travel media, followed by workshops on writing compelling travel content and creating effective travel campaigns.
Day 2: Attend press tours to local destinations like San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf, followed by writing exercises.
Day 3: The event wraps up with a media gala, celebrating the best in travel journalism, and a final networking session with tourism boards.
Best Part for Travelers: Travelers can gain firsthand knowledge from industry experts about travel storytelling, which helps them make better choices when choosing destinations. The conference is perfect for those interested in behind-the-scenes insights on the travel industry and new trends in tourism marketing.
Why Travelers Need to Know:
These conferences are pivotal for travelers as they offer a unique opportunity to stay ahead of the latest travel trends and gain exclusive insights from industry experts. Whether you’re planning your next adventure or seeking sustainable travel options, these events provide invaluable knowledge that can enhance your travel choices and experience.
These key tourism conferences in 2026, spread across the United States, promise to redefine how travelers experience the world. From adventure tourism to sustainable travel and group travel innovations, these events will provide valuable knowledge for both industry professionals and tourists alike. By attending, travelers will not only gain insider insights into the evolving travel landscape but also discover new destinations, travel products, and sustainable practices that can enhance their travel experiences. As the industry continues to adapt and grow, these events serve as a vital platform for fostering collaboration and innovation in the global travel community.
The post IPW in the U.S. Joins the Adventure Travel Summit in Utah, NTA Exchange in Ohio, Green Travel in Oregon, and Media Conference in California, Surging Global Tourism in 2026 – Most Important Factors You Need to Know appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
