WTE Miami 2026 Announces Cutting-Edge Conference Programming Focused on the Future of Travel

Featuring industry leaders from IATA, Delta Air Lines, Host Agency Reviews, Euromonitor International, MMGY and more, the two-day program will explore AI, technology, air connectivity, traveler trends and emerging opportunities shaping travel in 2027 and beyond

WTE Miami 2026 is bringing together leading voices from across the global travel industry for two days of forward-looking education, networking and business opportunities, taking place October 27-28 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

The fourth edition of WTE Miami will feature a robust conference program alongside a global exhibition representing destinations, airlines, hospitality companies, travel technology providers and other organizations from across the travel ecosystem.

With the travel industry rapidly evolving, this year's conference program will focus on the trends and tools travel professionals need to understand now to prepare for 2027 and beyond. Key topics include artificial intelligence, travel technology, host agency models, air connectivity, changing U.S. traveler behavior and emerging opportunities across adventure, wellness, culinary and cultural travel.

The 2026 conference will feature insights from leading voices across the travel industry, including:

• Shayna Zand, Managing Director, Host Agency Reviews — The Host Agency Playbook: Finding the Right Fit for You and the evolving host agency ecosystem

• Rose Mary Cortes, Vice President, International Marketing & Communications, MMGY — Understanding the American Traveler: "Portrait of American Travelers" Annual Study and changing consumer behavior

• Peter Cerda, Regional Vice President, The Americas, IATA — Latin America Travel Outlook 2027 and the future of air connectivity

• Grace Van Hollebeke, Head of Marketing, Tern AI — and emerging travel technology solutions

• Ignacio Borbolla, General Manager, South Florida, Delta Air Lines — air connectivity and the Latin American travel landscape

• Dorothy Calba, Consultant, Euromonitor International — How American Travel to Europe is Changing and emerging opportunities for travel advisors

• Emir Pineda, Director of Air Service Development, Miami International Airport — air service development and global connectivity

• Naledi Khabo, CEO, Africa Tourism Association — Selling Africa: What American Travelers Want in 2026

• Elizabeth Chin, Executive Director, PATA New York Chapter — opportunities in Asia, experiential travel, wellness and medical tourism

• Eva Mossberg, Regional Business Development & Partnership Manager, Adventure Travel Trade Association — the growth of adventure travel

• Tim Luepke, Director, MPI Academy — AI for travel professionals and contracting and pricing group travel

The program will also feature additional speakers and industry experts representing destinations, airlines, hospitality, travel technology and tourism organizations from around the world.

Artificial intelligence will be a major focus throughout the program, with sessions examining how AI is changing both traveler behavior and the way travel professionals operate. Programming will include "AI Solutions for the Travel Industry" and "AI in Tourism: How It's Changing Travelers and How It's Changing the Travel Industry," alongside practical workshops and roundtable discussions.

Beyond the main stage, WTE Miami will offer workshops and professional development opportunities designed to provide tangible takeaways, including MPI Academy sessions covering AI for travel professionals and contracting and pricing group travel. Additional discussions will explore luxury travel, solo travel, food and culinary travel, sports tourism, family and multigenerational travel and business travel.

"WTE Miami is bringing together voices from across the travel industry to address the changes happening right now and the opportunities that are coming next," said Javier Pérez-Palencia, director of WTE Miami. "Our goal is to give travel advisors, suppliers and industry professionals practical knowledge, new relationships and ideas they can put to work in their businesses".

The conference will take place alongside WTE Miami's global exhibition, which is expected to feature 500+ exhibitors representing 70+ countries. Confirmed exhibitors include Jamaica Tourist Board (Jamaica/Caribbean), South African Tourism (South Africa/Africa) and Royal Jordanian (Jordan/Middle East), alongside hundreds of destinations, airlines, hospitality companies and travel technology providers from around the world. The diverse lineup will give travel advisors access to new destinations, products and partnerships across the global travel marketplace.

Miami International Airport will also participate as a sponsor of WTE Miami, reinforcing the event's focus on global connectivity and Miami's role as a leading gateway for international travel.

WTE Miami 2026 will take place October 27-28, 2026, at the Miami Beach Convention Center, bringing together the global travel trade for two days of education, networking, business opportunities and discovery.