Latest news with #SkiftGlobalForum
Skift
29-07-2025
- Business
- Skift
Who Attends Skift Global Forum? A Closer Look at the Industry's Most Strategic Gathering
Travel doesn't slow down, and neither do the people leading it. Skift Global Forum gives them a space to think strategically, connect meaningfully, and plan what's next. Geopolitical shifts, AI acceleration, and evolving traveler expectations are rewriting the rules of travel. In this age of perma-disruption, where do the industry's top minds convene to chart a meaningful path forward? The answer is Skift Global Forum. Now entering its 12th year, Skift Global Forum remains a vital space where senior travel executives and decision-makers come together not just to follow trends but to shape the industry's next chapter. A Global Gathering of Forward-Thinking Leaders The Forum's attendee profile reflects its mission: delivering high-level conversations grounded in reality. In 2024, the Skift Global Forum welcomed nearly 1,000 professionals from 60 countries and 819 companies across 18 industries, including aviation, hospitality, tech, finance, and more, creating a rare convergence of insight across the travel ecosystem. This cross-sector mix sparks conversations that break silos and explore evolving business models reshaping travel's platforms and ecosystems. Over 70% of attendees held director-level positions or above in 2024, up from 63% in 2023. This steady rise underscores Skift Global Forum's reputation as a go-to event for those entrusted with strategic decisions and large budgets. The Power of Real Connections Numbers matter, but what really sets Skift Global Forum apart is the community — the professionals you meet and the conversations you have. Here's what a few past attendees say: 'Skift Global Forum is where I reset my strategic priorities. The quality of conversations and the diversity of perspectives help me challenge assumptions and uncover new opportunities.' — Senior Executive, Hospitality 'Being in New York City with such a global mix adds an energy that fuels innovation and connection. It's a place where ideas get real traction.' — Head of Strategy, Destination Marketing Why 2025 is the Year to Attend Market volatility and shifting consumer behaviors won't slow down, and neither will Skift Global Forum. It is finely tuned to address the exact challenges senior leaders face today: how to harness emerging tech like AI without losing the traveler's trust, how to embed sustainability authentically, and how to find strategic clarity amid constant disruption. Skift's editorial team curates the sessions to eliminate fluff and focus on what matters. The agenda delivers actionable insights from CEOs and C-suite leaders of major travel brands. And, the premium production helps busy executives maximize their limited time. NYC remains an electric backdrop, pulsing with ideas, investment, and innovation. That energy feeds directly into the Skift Live experience, combining inspiration with practical takeaways. Join the Conversation, Shape the Future If you're responsible for steering your company through this dynamic environment, Skift Global Forum 2025 offers a rare blend of strategic insight, high-caliber networking, and forward-looking dialogue. It's a space built for leaders who demand more than buzzwords and surface-level solutions. With a global mix of peers, a focus on big-picture innovation, and a commitment to real-world challenges, Skift Global Forum is your strategic advantage. Secure your seat today and join the leaders rewriting travel's next chapter. See you in New York.
Skift
29-07-2025
- Business
- Skift
Skift Expands Community and Multimedia Offerings with Two Strategic Acquisitions
I'm proud to announce two acquisitions that mark significant steps forward for us in community-driven, multimedia content. These acquisitions are part of our intentional growth strategy, balancing simplicity and complexity to build resilience into our media ecosystem. Thirteen years ago, Skift was born from a single idea: To decipher and define the future of travel. It started as three people with curiosity, stubbornness, and a relentless focus on deepening our understanding of travel, the world's largest industry. Today, Skift is at the center of this global sector. We've grown to over 90 talented people in 16 countries across five continents, becoming an indispensable source for professionals across every facet of travel. But our journey continues, and today I'm thrilled to share a new chapter. Growing Two Areas: Community and Multimedia Ever since our first Skift Global Forum, gathering stakeholders in travel and being a part of the leading conversations have been a key part of what we do, and now we're investing more into this. Our goal at Skift has always been to connect deeply with the travel industry – beyond just providing information, we're creating a community. This is where we've been heading, and we're committed to investing in that shift. In line with that vision, I'm proud to announce two acquisitions that mark significant steps forward for us in community-driven, multimedia content. Women Leading Travel & Hospitality (WLT&H) First, we are acquiring Women Leading Travel & Hospitality, a highly respected travel leadership and event community, led by Hannah DeMaio, that connects executive women across all sectors of travel and hospitality with the mission to unite, educate, and inspire. Founded by NAPCO, WLT&H has become a vibrant membership-based network in the U.S., delivering powerful events, education, career resources, coaching, and virtual experiences. I attended their annual conference in Atlanta last month and was struck by the energy, authenticity, and sheer impact of what Hannah and her team have built. We're deeply committed to scaling this community globally and integrating it within Skift's broader ecosystem. Skift has always championed diversity and equality – this acquisition further solidifies our commitment to supporting the next generation of travel leaders, something our President, Carolyn Kremins, has passionately emphasized. Secondly, we're thrilled to welcome and its talented founder, Wil Slickers, into our Skift family. is a dynamic podcasting studio focused on hospitality and short-term rentals, including their popular show, 'Good Morning Hospitality.' Will Slickers, a visionary creator, built to spotlight voices reshaping this rapidly growing sector. Wil will now lead Skift's audio and video strategy, tapping into the exploding demand for dynamic content that resonates on platforms like YouTube, LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, and beyond. We already produce a variety of podcasts – including the Skift Travel Podcast and Airline Weekly Lounge – and our rich video assets from our Global Forums and Summits. With Wil's leadership, we're ready to scale these offerings to unprecedented levels. Our Strategic Vision: Growing with Purpose These acquisitions are part of our intentional growth strategy, balancing simplicity and complexity to build resilience into our media ecosystem. They bring deeper community engagement and new multimedia dimensions that compliment and improve upon our diversified revenue streams of media, research, events, advisory, and executive search. The world is shifting, and we're shifting with it – not by chasing every trend, but by thoughtfully integrating emerging formats that resonate with our audience and further empower our industry. As much of the global media industry falters, we remain solidly profitable, disciplined, and laser-focused on meaningful innovation. We don't chase scale for the sake of scale. We chase impact, resonance, and connection. We give a shit about the people who build, transform, and lead the travel industry. This focus, this intentionality, is why we've succeeded where others have struggled. To Hannah, Wil, and our incredible global team: Let's build the future. Let's make it meaningful. Let's keep going deeper into the heart of travel. We're just getting started.
Skift
10-07-2025
- Business
- Skift
Skift Global Forum 2025: A New Era Demands a New Map
The last five years were about resilience and regrowth. The next five? Reinvention. Skift Global Forum 2025 is where travel's next chapter takes shape — through bold ideas, strategic clarity, and the people reshaping the industry. September 16–18, 2025 | The Glasshouse, New York City This year's theme is clear: "Travel 2030: People, Platforms, and New Paths Forward." We're in an era of perma-disruption — political tension, AI breakthroughs, shifting platforms, economic whiplash, and travelers redefining what they want. The travel industry isn't waiting for stability anymore. The most forward-thinking leaders are rewriting the rules right now — and you belong in the room where it's happening. Navigate What's Next and Lead With Purpose This theme captures how people, breakthrough technologies, and bold strategies are reshaping how we move, connect, and belong. On stage, you'll hear from leaders at global brands and rising startups challenging the status quo. Topics include: How airlines are innovating under pressure Navigating political and cultural upheaval, reshaping global travel Why destinations are prioritizing sustainable tourism over pure volume How hotels are redefining hospitality for a new generation The role of AI, personalization, and loyalty in a fragmented marketplace The rising power of sports, food, culture, and entertainment as drivers of travel demand and telling stories Real strategies to make travel more regenerative How travel continues to unite a divided world Leading through constant change and staying ahead of the curve Tangible Insights. Unscripted Conversations. Lasting Connections. This isn't just another travel leadership conference — it's where big thinking meets real strategy. The clarity, connections, and candid conversations you'll only experience at Skift Global Forum: Frank conversations with travel's top CEOs Clear strategies for growth in uncertain times New connections through expert-led roundtables Real-time insight into platforms, personalization, and what travelers want next You'll leave with clarity, confidence, and fresh partnerships to lead through disruption and thrive. Don't Miss Your Seat in Travel's Most Influential Room If you're building, leading, or rethinking the future of travel, this is where it all comes together. Seats are limited, and early-bird rates won't last. Join us in New York this September. This is not just another event. It's the forum that moves the industry forward. Skift Global Forum: What to Expect Now in its 12th year, Skift Global Forum has become a global benchmark for what's next in travel. Kick things off at the Opening Night Event on September 16, then dive into full days of main stage talks, networking, and industry collaboration on September 17–18 at The Glasshouse. Read More
Skift
09-07-2025
- Business
- Skift
Skift Global Forum East Heads to Abu Dhabi With a Bold Look at Travel's Power Shift
As travel's tectonic plates shift, Skift Global Forum East returns to spotlight the industry's future - and the forces redefining its center of gravity. This October, Abu Dhabi takes the stage. Skift Global Forum East is back - and this year, it lands in Abu Dhabi. On October 29-30, 2025, the Middle East's most essential travel conference convenes at the St. Regis Abu Dhabi to explore how global power in travel is tilting toward the East - and what it means for the decade ahead. As technology evolves, traveler behavior shifts, and geopolitical alignments realign, the region is emerging not just as a destination, but as a global travel architect. This year's Forum will bring together CEOs, policymakers, creators, and community leaders to unpack how travel's future is being built - right now. Spotlight on the Future Skift Global Forum East will dig into the forces shaping the next chapter of travel through a future-forward lens. From AI deployments and air infrastructure to luxury transformation and cultural experiences, the program will trace how today's decisions are paving the way to 2030 and beyond. Key themes include: Growth and Agility Across the Region With shifting traveler flows and new demand drivers, destinations across the Gulf and Asia are retooling their strategies and infrastructure - often at record speed. Luxury, Redefined Today's luxury isn't just about opulence. It's about meaning, identity, and hyper-personalization. We'll explore how high-end travel is being reshaped by new consumer mindsets and regional innovations. Aviation's Expanding Horizon From next-gen fleets to mega-airport investments, the region's carriers are staking their claim as global connectors - even as disruption and capacity constraints reshape the skies. The Rise of Experience-Led Travel Whether it's mega-events, immersive design, or content creators shaping itineraries, experiences are becoming the heart of travel storytelling - and the key to destination loyalty. AI in Action No longer hype, artificial intelligence is transforming everything from operations to personalization. But what does real-world implementation actually look like today? Live Tourism's Soft Power Sporting events, entertainment, and film tourism aren't just moments - they're national brand builders. We'll examine their growing role in demand generation and diplomacy. Community and Culture at the Core As growth accelerates, so does the question: how can tourism create lasting value for local communities, safeguard heritage, and ensure inclusive development? The Eastward Shift As Asia and the Gulf increasingly set the pace for global travel, what does it mean for strategy, capital flows, and competitive positioning across the industry? Where Global Meets Regional Ambition Skift Global Forum East will feature high-impact CEO interviews, deep-dive market sessions, and candid conversations with the people shaping travel's trajectory. It's where global perspectives meet regional dynamism - and where new alliances are forged. Whether you're a travel executive, policy leader, or investor, this is where the industry's most consequential conversations happen. October 29-30, 2025 St. Regis Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Stay tuned for speaker announcements and agenda details - and join us as we map the future of global travel from the heart of where it's happening. Get Your Super Early Bird Ticket by Aug 7 Limited release, pricing increases as tiers sell out. Full Price Tickets: $895. 1 Person Solo Ticket $595 REGISTER Now 2-6 People Group Ticket From $545 REGISTER Now
