Phocuswright Launches Travel Marketing AI Summit, a New Executive Forum for Leaders Shaping AI Strategy in Travel

 

NEW YORK — Jan. 27, 2026 — Phocuswright announced the launch of Travel Marketing AI Summit, a new one-day executive event designed for senior leaders at the intersection of travel, marketing and artificial intelligence. Taking place March 24, 2026 at Convene 237 Park in New York City, the Summit brings together the industry’s most influential marketers, technologists and strategists to focus on real-world application of AI across the traveler journey.

 

Phocuswright does not launch new events often. When it does, it is in response to a clear shift in the market.

 

“As AI rapidly reshapes how travelers discover, decide, book and remain loyal, marketing leaders are under growing pressure to move from experimentation to execution,” said Pete Comeau, Managing Director at Phocuswright. “We created Travel Marketing AI Summit because the industry needs a focused, executive-level forum where leaders can share what’s actually working, learn from one another and leave with clarity they can apply immediately.”

 

Built for the doers, not the sidelines

 

Travel Marketing AI Summit is designed for senior leaders who are actively shaping strategy and delivering results — the CMOs, digital, data and innovation executives, MarTech and AI leaders who are in the trenches proving the value of AI day to day, month to month.

 

The one-day program blends strategic insights, Phocuswright research, data-driven discussion and real-world case studies, with a strong emphasis on peer exchange and meaningful networking. It is intentionally not a traditional conference and not a replica of The Phocuswright Conference.

 

“This is not about product pitches or theoretical conversations,” Comeau added. “It’s about practical application, shared learning and supporting one another as an industry at a moment of real transformation.”

 

A curated, executive-level experience

 

Unlike large-scale events with crowded expo halls and packed agendas, Travel Marketing AI Summit offers fewer sessions and deeper conversations, bringing together senior-level peers in a highly curated setting. The format is designed to encourage candid dialogue, executive exchange and actionable takeaways.

 

The Summit program runs from morning through late afternoon, including keynote presentations, executive interviews, panel discussions, interactive sessions and dedicated networking moments, concluding with a networking happy hour.

 

Easy to access, easy to say yes

 

Hosted in New York City, Travel Marketing AI Summit is intentionally easy to access for both local leaders and those traveling in. With a dense concentration of travel, marketing and technology executives already based in the region — and NYC’s unmatched connectivity — the location removes friction and makes participation simple.

 

“There’s no better use case for a one-day event,” said Comeau. “You can come in, engage deeply with peers, and leave with insights that directly inform how you’re leading AI inside your organization.”

 

Senior leaders already confirmed to speak include:

• Nelson Boyce, Managing Director, Travel, Google
• C.A. Clark, VP of AI, Miles Partnership
• Michelle Denogean, Chief Marketing Officer, MindTrip
• Mario Gavira Etzel, Chief Marketing Officer, Travelier
• Ben Harrell, Managing Director, United States, Booking.com
• Richard Kerr, GM, Bilt Travel
• Frederic Lalonde, Founder & CEO, Hopper
• Sarah Mainprize, Head of Global Marketing, Brand & Digital, G Adventures
• Hari Nair, SVP and General Manager, Hotels.com
• Tahnee Perry, CEO and Founder, A25
• Christine Petersen, Chief Executive Officer, Savanta
• Travis Pittman, CEO, TourRadar
• Janette Roush, SVP, Innovation and Chief AI Officer, Brand USA
• Rahul Todkar, VP, Head of Data and AI, Tripadvisor

 

Additional speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

Registration now open

 

Travel Marketing AI Summit takes place March 24, 2026. Registration is now open, with early registration pricing of $499 available through February 13, offering a savings of $300.

 

For more information or to register, visit phocuswright.com/Travel-Marketing-AI-Summit.

 

About Phocuswright

Phocuswright is the travel industry’s definitive authority on research, events, and media, powering smart decisions with unmatched insights. Phocuswright decodes market trends, tracks consumer behavior, and spotlights industry innovation, giving travel leaders the data and intelligence they need to stay ahead. From cutting-edge research to high-impact events and strategic partnerships, Phocuswright is where the industry connects, learns, and leads.