event travel industry

- Global Locations -

Headquarters

Future Market Insights, Inc.

Christiana Corporate, 200 Continental Drive, Suite 401, Newark, Delaware - 19713, United States

616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States

Future Market Insights

1602-6 Jumeirah Bay X2 Tower, Plot No: JLT-PH2-X2A, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

3rd Floor, 207 Regent Street, W1B 3HH London United Kingdom

Asia Pacific

IndiaLand Global Tech Park, Unit UG-1, Behind Grand HighStreet, Phase 1, Hinjawadi, MH, Pune – 411057, India

• Consumer Product
• Food & Beverage
• Chemicals and Materials
• Travel & Tourism
• Process Automation
• Industrial Automation
• Services & Utilities
• Testing Equipment
• Thought Leadership
• Upcoming Reports
• Published Reports
• Contact FMI

Event Tourism Market

A Detailed Analysis of the Event Tourism Market by Festivals and Music Concerts from 2024 to 2034

Decoding the Role of Event Tourism in Reshaping the Tourism Landscape across the United States, India, China, France, and Other Nations

• Report Preview
• Request Methodology

Event Tourism Market Outlook from 2024 to 2034

Recording a y-o-y growth of 4.1%, the global event tourism market size is estimated to reach US$ 1.63 trillion in 2024. Over the forecast period, global demand for event tourism is projected to rise at a 4.3% CAGR, taking the overall market valuation to a staggering US$ 2.38 trillion by 2034.

The dynamic tourism sector has evolved in different ways during the last several decades, and one of the many changes is the rise in event tourism. Today, travel enthusiasts of all age groups are choosing to attend events to improve their travel experience.

Several factors are expected to drive the growth of the event tourism market during the assessment period. These include the growing desire for experiential travel, where events serve as focal points for cultural immersion, entertainment, and social interaction.

Events such as festivals, concerts, sporting tournaments, conferences, and exhibitions act as magnets, drawing tourists seeking authentic and diverse experiences. This is putting the event tourism sector into the spotlight, and the trend will likely continue through 2034.

Destinations around the world are strategically investing in infrastructure and marketing to attract events, leveraging cultural heritage, natural beauty, and unique offerings. This is expected to help them draw in more tourists seeking one-of-a-kind experiences.

The event tourism market is expanding to cater to a wide spectrum of interests and preferences, from music festivals and sports events to culinary gatherings and niche cultural celebrations. As a result, a steady CAGR has been predicted for the target industry.

North America’s market for event tourism is expected to witness steady growth during the assessment period. This is set to be attributed to the rise of special events travel, increasing trade shows & exhibitions, and the growing popularity of virtual tours.

Don't pay for what you don't need

Customize your report by selecting specific countries or regions and save 30%!

Other Factors Boosting Growth of the Event Tourism Industry Include

• Globalization of events
• The evolving consumer preferences and an increased focus on unique experiences
• Surging popularity of event tourism due to the allure of unique experiences it offers to travelers
• Increasing interest in sports event tourism
• The convergence of technology, social media, and a desire for immersive, memorable experiences
• Rise in business event travel
• Increasing influence of social media
• Increasing government investments in developing and transforming event-hosting destinations
• Growing popularity of events like the Olympic Games among travel enthusiasts
• Favorable government support for the event tourism sector as it helps to boost the economy
• Rising number of music concerts and trade shows
• Development of new event-hosting destinations

Global Event Tourism Trends

• Wellness tourism integration in event planning
• Growing interest in experiential travel
• Technology integration in event tourism and the rise of hybrid events
• Rising focus on exploring new cultures, locations, and events
• Event data analytics leveraging insights for enhanced experiences
• Robust growth of business event tourism
• Rising popularity of virtual tours
• Collaborations and partnerships between event organizers, communities, and local companies

Principal Consultant

Talk to Analyst

Find your sweet spots for generating winning opportunities in this market.

Key Tactics that Are Set to Help Event Tourism Companies to Stay Ahead

• Shift toward online booking platforms to make it easy and more convenient for customers to research and book yacht services
• Take maximum benefit of social media platforms and celebrity endorsements to reach a wider audience
• Use advanced technologies like augmented reality (AV) and virtual reality (AR)
• Implement flexible booking and refund policies

2019 to 2023 Event Tourism Market Outlook Compared to 2024 to 2034 Forecast

The global event tourism market witnessed a steady growth trajectory from 2019 to 2024. This was due to increased international events, festivals, conferences, and sports tournaments. However, the report anticipates a more robust and transformative phase for the global event tourism market.

With the gradual recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with innovations in virtual and hybrid event formats, the industry is poised for significant evolution. Factors such as rising disposable incomes, technological advancements facilitating travel, and a growing interest in experiential activities will likely foster market growth.

The forecast period emphasizes a shift toward more diverse, inclusive, and environmentally conscious events, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to augment attendee engagement. Emerging markets and unconventional event destinations are expected to gain prominence, fostering a more globally distributed landscape for event tourism.

Get the data you need at a Fraction of the cost

Personalize your report by choosing insights you need and save 40%!

Comparative View of Adjacent Global Event Tourism Markets

The global market for event tourism will likely be impacted by the peer or tangential markets in the travel and tourism division. These include the Himalaya vacation tourism industry and the lake vacation market.

The lake vacation industry is projected to expand at a higher CAGR than the other two related markets. This is due to the increasing desire among millennials for relaxation and unique outdoor experiences.

The event tourism market is anticipated to expand slower than the other two related industries. This growth is anticipated to be fueled by the rising popularity of experiential travel. Growing interest of tourists to explore the natural beauty of the Himalayas is expected to boost the Himalaya vacation tourism market .

Global Event Tourism Market Analysis:

Himalaya Vacation Tourism Market Outlook:

Lake Vacation Market Outlook:

Event Tourism Industry Dynamics

• Embracing Innovative Tech Solutions for Seamless Event Planning

The global market is experiencing a significant surge due to the widespread adoption of innovative technological solutions that streamline event planning processes. These tech advancements, such as virtual event platforms, data-driven analytics, mobile event apps, and immersive experiences, have revolutionized the way events are organized and executed.

For instance, the integration of virtual and augmented reality in event planning allows for immersive experiences, enabling remote attendees to participate actively. Similarly, data analytics tools provide valuable insights into attendee preferences and behavior, aiding organizers in crafting tailored experiences.

Mobile event apps offer convenience, allowing participants to access schedules, maps, and real-time updates seamlessly. This tech-driven approach not only enhances event engagement but also optimizes operational efficiency.

The tech-driven approach helps to attract a broader audience, improves event outcomes, and fosters innovation in the industry. This, in turn, will likely drive the growth of the event tourism market.

• Tailoring Events to Individual Preferences

The global event tourism market has been significantly influenced by a shift towards tailoring experiences to individual preferences. This trend recognizes the diverse interests and desires of travelers, leading to personalized events that cater to specific preferences.

For instance, music festivals like Coachella and Tomorrowland curate unique experiences by offering various stages featuring different music genres, art installations, and culinary options. They allow attendees to craft their personalized festival journey.

Sporting events such as marathons or extreme sports competitions offer participants a choice of events or categories tailored to their skill levels and interests. This customization not only enhances attendee satisfaction but also drives engagement and loyalty, fostering a deeper connection between the event and its participants.

The global event tourism market continues to thrive by offering bespoke experiences that resonate with individual preferences. This is expected to contribute to sustained growth and innovation within the industry.

• Strategic Alliances between Event Organizers and Local Firms

Strategic alliances between event organizers and local firms are pivotal drivers of global event tourism market growth. These collaborations foster symbiotic relationships, enabling event organizers to tap into local expertise, resources, and networks while offering companies an opportunity for increased visibility and economic benefits.

Event organizers often partner with local accommodations, restaurants, transportation services, and attractions to create comprehensive packages for attendees, enhancing the overall event experience. Such alliances not only ensure seamless logistics but also promote the destination as an attractive hub for tourism, bolstering the local economy through increased visitor spending.

Collaborations facilitate cultural exchange, showcase a region's unique offerings, and contribute to sustainable tourism development by fostering community engagement and support. As a result, strategic partnerships between event organizers and local companies play a fundamental role in driving the success and expansion of the global event tourism market.

Country-wise Insights

The section brings to the fore key highlights of the event tourism industry across prominent nations. China and India are expected to witness higher CAGRs of 12.5% and 11.7%, respectively, through 2034. This is due to the rising middle-class population in these nations, growing interest in experiential travel, and favorable government support.

Robust Infrastructure and a Rich Cultural Tapestry Boosting the United States

The United States event tourism market is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 9.7% during the projection period. This is attributable to several factors, including rising interest in experiential travel, rapid infrastructural development, and increasing business meetings and seminars.

A robust infrastructure and a rich cultural tapestry foster a wide array of events, from festivals and conferences to sporting spectacles and entertainment extravaganzas. This, in turn, is attracting both domestic and international attendees, thereby fostering market growth.

Technological advancements and accessibility innovations have made event planning and promotion more efficient, enhancing the overall attendee experience. The rise of experiential travel trends, where individuals seek unique and immersive experiences, fuels the demand for events that offer a blend of entertainment, education, and networking opportunities.

Collaborations between event organizers, local communities, and companies further amplify the allure of these events. They aid in promoting economic growth, fostering community engagement, and showcasing the nation's cultural and artistic diversity, making the United States a vibrant hub for event tourism.

Emergence of Event Management Companies Spurring Growth in India

India is emerging as a highly lucrative market for event management companies. As per the latest analysis, India’s event tourism market is poised to register a CAGR of 11.7% during the assessment period.

India's rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and historical significance make it an attractive destination for various events, festivals, and celebrations. As a result, the nation draws domestic and international tourists alike.

The government initiatives to promote tourism, improvements in infrastructure, and ease of travel have facilitated hosting large-scale events and conferences across India. This is making it a highly lucrative pocket for event tourism industry.

Rising disposable incomes and changing lifestyles are increasing the demand for experiential travel nationwide. People are showing a keen inclination toward attending events and festivals as part of their tourism experiences, thereby fostering market growth.

India is also becoming a vibrant and happening destination for a wide array of events due to several other factors. These include the emergence of event management companies, technological advancements, and increased investments in marketing and promotion. This will likely fuel the growth of event tourism in the nation.

Government's Proactive Initiatives Propelling Demand in the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates event tourism market is projected to expand rapidly during the forecast period. This is attributable to the country's strategic geographic location, modern infrastructure, and robust connectivity via major airlines, positioning it as a hub for global events.

The government's proactive initiatives, including visa liberalization and investment in state-of-the-art event venues like Expo 2020 Dubai, serve as catalysts for attracting international conferences, exhibitions, and cultural events. The nation's reputation for safety, luxury hospitality, and diverse cultural experiences further amplifies its appeal to a wide spectrum of event organizers and attendees.

Collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors and a focus on innovation are expected to drive the growth and evolution of the event tourism market in the United Arab Emirates. Similarly, sustainability and technology integration in event planning will likely benefit the market.

Category-wise Insights

The section below highlights key segments' estimated CAGRs, including type, consumer orientation, and channel. This information is projected to be vital for companies to offer demanding event tours and find the most suitable channels for their business and maximum sales.

• The exhibitions and conference segment is projected to expand at a 7.4% CAGR through 2034.
• The virtual channel segment will likely witness high growth, accelerating at an 8.3% CAGR between 2024 and 2034.
• The adult category is anticipated to generate significant revenue in the market, exhibiting a CAGR of 11.1% through 2034.

Most of the Tourists are Drawn to Exhibitions and Conferences

Market Growth Outlook by Type

In terms of event type, the exhibitions and conference category is expected to rise with a CAGR of 7.4% during the forecast period. This is attributable to the rising interest of tourists in attending different exhibitions and conferences.

Exhibitions and conferences are prominent in event tourism due to their multifaceted appeal. These events often attract tourists for several reasons. For instance, they serve as hubs for networking, knowledge exchange, and professional development, drawing industry professionals, academics, and enthusiasts alike.

Exhibitions and conferences also frequently showcase cutting-edge technologies, innovations, and trends. They provide attendees with insights into diverse sectors and foster educational experiences. Further, these events are often hosted in globally recognized cities, offering tourists the chance to explore new destinations while attending the event.

Exhibitions and conferences often have a broader impact on the local economy. They attract visitors who contribute not only through event participation but also by engaging in tourism activities, staying in accommodations, dining, and shopping, thereby enhancing the overall tourism experience.

Accessibility and Convenience Making Virtual Channels Popular among Tourists

Market Growth Outlook by Key Channel

Based on channel, the virtual channel segment is anticipated to rise significantly during the forecast period. As per the latest analysis, the target segment will likely thrive at an 8.3% CAGR through 2034.

Virtual channels have gained immense popularity among tourists in the event tourism market due to several compelling reasons. The accessibility and convenience offered by virtual experiences cater to a broader audience, eliminating geographical constraints and travel expenses.

The immersive and interactive nature of virtual channels also enhances the overall experience. It allows tourists to explore and engage with events in innovative ways, such as virtual tours, live streaming, and interactive sessions.

The flexibility encourages greater participation, engagement, and the ability to tailor experiences to individual preferences. This is making virtual channels a preferred choice among tourists in the event tourism market.

Adults to Remain Primary Targets for Event Tourism Companies

Market Growth Outlook by Consumer Orientation

In terms of consumer orientation, the adult category is projected to surge with an impressive CAGR of 11.1% in the forecast period. This is due to their autonomy and freedom.

Adult consumer orientation tends to be more prevalent in the event tourism market as adults often have more disposable income and flexibility in travel. This allows them to pursue event-based experiences such as music festivals, cultural events, and sports tournaments.

Adult consumers also tend to have diverse interests. They seek specific experiences that align with their preferences, whether it's exploring art exhibitions, attending conferences, or participating in culinary events, which are commonly found in event tourism.

Adults have a stronger desire for immersive and educational experiences, making events an attractive option to learn about new cultures, traditions, or industries. Overall, the range of interests, higher spending capacity, and the quest for unique experiences make event tourism more appealing and thriving among adult consumers.

Competitive Landscape

The competitive landscape in the global event tourism market is characterized by a diverse array of players catering to the growing demand for unique and experiential travel. Key players such as CWT Meetings & Events, BCD Meetings & Events, and American Express Global Business Travel dominate the market with their comprehensive event management services, offering end-to-end solutions for corporate and leisure events.

The evolving landscape is witnessing the rise of niche players specializing in specific event categories like sports, entertainment, or cultural festivals. This, in turn, is contributing to a dynamic market where innovation, customization, and strategic partnerships are key differentiators in capturing market share and meeting the evolving demands of event tourists.

Recent Developments in the Event Tourism Market

• In March 2023, Live Nation acquired a majority stake in Clockenflap, a prominent Hong Kong-based event organizer specializing in music concerts and festivals, as well as its flagship Clockenflap Music and Arts Festival.
• In June 2023, AIPC partnered with BCD Meetings & Events to strengthen its presence in the events industry.
• Recently, Airbnb Experiences introduced off-the-grid experiences to focus on unique and adventurous activities in remote locations, catering to the growing demand for immersive travel.

Scope of the Report

Global event tourism market segmentation by category.

• Exhibitions and Conference
• Corporate Events & Meetings
• Music Concert

By Channel:

• Virtual Channel
• Physical Channel

By Tourist Type:

• International

By Revenue Source:

• On-line Registration
• Off-line Registration
• Sponsorship

By Consumer Orientation:

• North America
• Latin America
• South Asia and Pacific
• Western Europe
• Eastern Europe
• Middle East and Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is the global event tourism market.

The global event tourism market value is estimated to total US$ 1.63 trillion in 2024.

At what rate will global event tourism demand grow from 2024 to 2034?

Global demand for event tourism is projected to expand at a 4.3% CAGR.

What is the expected size of the event tourism market in 2034?

The global event tourism market size is set to reach US$ 2.38 trillion by 2034.

Which event type segment is expected to rise rapidly?

The exhibitions & conference category is expected to surge at a high CAGR of 7.4%.

Who are the leading players in the event tourism market?

Live Nation Worldwide Inc., Cvent, Pollstar, and Riviera Events, among others.

What was the historical CAGR of the event tourism industry?

The global event tourism industry grew at 4.0% CAGR from 2019 to 2023.

What is the meaning of event tourism?

Event tourism is a type of tourism involving traveling to attend a specific event.

What is event management in tourism industry?

It is the art of planning and executing events specifically designed to attract tourists.

What is an example of event-based tourism?

Music festivals.

What is an event-based tourism product?

A combination of goods and services tourists demand during travel to and stay at a destination.

Table of Content

List of tables, list of charts.

Recommendations

Travel and Tourism

Medical Tourism Market

Published : November 2023

Tourism Market

Published : November 2022

Lake Vacations Market

Published : October 2022

Himalaya Vacations Tourism Market

Explore Travel and Tourism Insights

Talk To Analyst

Your personal details are safe with us. Privacy Policy*

- Talk To Analyst -

This report can be customized as per your unique requirement

- Get Free Brochure -

Request a free brochure packed with everything you need to know.

- Customize Now -

I need Country Specific Scope ( -30% )

I am searching for Specific Info.

- Download Report Brochure -

You will receive an email from our Business Development Manager. Please be sure to check your SPAM/JUNK folder too.

Wait you forgot to try your Luck

Enter your email and get details on how you can win Prizes/ Shopping Vouchers

• Business Courses How to start a travel agency 4Ps of Tourism Marketing Interpersonal Skills Training Mastering in AIRBNB Travel Consultant Course Travel Photography Travel Agent Essentials Tourism Marketing Course International Tourism Course View All
• Destinations Lakshadweep Oman Andaman Manali Hampi Hawaii Hungary Saudi Arabia Ooty Rajasthan View All
• Hotels Centara Ras Fushi Resort Maldives Centara Grand Maldives Courtyard By Marriott Bangkok JW Marriott Bangkok FIVE Zurich Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta Sinner Paris Kandima Maldives View All
• Experiences ARTECHOUSE Kennedy Space Center An out of this world adventure SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Phillip Island Nature Park Trans Studio Bali Theme Park Zoos Victoria Vana Nava The Wheel at ICON Park View All Free Vouchers

• Register with us
• Webinar Registration
• Destinations
• Experiences
• Business Courses
• TBO Portal Training
• Strategic Alliance

Existing Agents Login Here

Reset Password

Event tourism – impact and types.

The tourism world is dynamic and has evolved in many ways, and one of the many changes is the increase in event tourism, now more than ever. Travelers from all age groups are choosing to attend or participate in events to enhance their travel experiences. From sporting events to music festivals, and conference meetings to outstation weddings, tourism events have become an integral part of the industry. 

Event tourism provides travelers with unique and memorable experiences and brings significant economic and social benefits to the host destination. Event tourism can generate revenue for residents, create new job opportunities and promote the local culture and tradition of the destination.

It's time to explore event tourism in more detail. We will talk about the benefits of event tourism for both travelers and destinations, the different types of events that fall under the umbrella of event tourism, and the challenges and opportunities involved in planning and hosting successful events. Whether you're a traveler looking for a new adventure or a destination seeking to boost your tourism industry, this article will provide valuable insights into the exciting world of event tourism.

This valuable and drastically growing segment in tourism is beneficial for both event organizers as well as tourists.

Types of Tourism Events

Types of events in tourism may widely fall into different categories and experiences. 

1. Cultural or Festival Event Tourism Fair

These events include celebrations, exhibitions, and festivals that showcase the culture and traditions of the host destination. Suggested Read:  Diversity of Festivals and Events in Western Australia

2. Sports Event Tourism

Sports Tourism exhibition is one of the fastest-growing tourism in the travel industry. It has been observed that more and more travelers are interested in sports activities or events during their trips. This may or may not be the main objective of travel. Sports events are of different types and varieties and attract participants and spectators—Mega Sports events such as the Olympics, World Cup, NBA, IPL, and many others. Smaller events like marathons, relay races, run for charity and other events also come under this category. Such Tourism also calls for infrastructure development and other economic benefits.

3. Business Events

Business Events tourism, popularly known as MICE( Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions), is a more limited and focused subset of regular tourism. People are still at their job and are getting paid but are doing so away from their workplaces. Such events are good for networking, marketing, and education. Business event tourism, in comparison to conventional tourism, involves a smaller segment of the population, with distinct objectives and extra freedom-of-choice-limiting limitations imposed by the commercial components. Business tourist destinations are far more likely to be locations that have been heavily developed for corporate purposes (cities, industrial regions, etc.). A typical business tourist is wealthier than a typical leisure visitor and are anticipated to spend more money. Suggested Read:  Exploring Business Opportunities, Culture, and Economic Growth in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030

4. Music and Entertainment Events

Music and Entertainment Event Tourism is the fastest-growing travel trend observed in the new generation. We can see people traveling miles and miles to watch their favorite performers perform live on the stage. Music Tourism is a subset of the vaster category of tourism called cultural and festival tourism, which encompasses travel to observe the festival focusing on the theme of food, beverage, movie, and literature. These festivals include concerts, theater festivals, comedy shows, and other entertainment events.

5. Spiritual and Religious Tourism

These events include pilgrimage, religious festivals and other spiritual gatherings organized around people's religious and spiritual beliefs. Hajj and Umrah are the biggest examples of religious tourism.

6. Travel Trade Shows

Travel trade shows are where suppliers get to meet their buyers on an individual basis. Destinations, accommodations, and attractions are suppliers; travel trade is buyers. Such events are 2 – 3 days long and are most often made up of short appointments with suppliers. These trade shows are also popularly known as travel exhibitions.

Here are some valuable insights into the exciting world of Tourism Events

Economic Benefits

Event tourism can have a significant impact on the economy. It helps generate revenue for businesses such as hotels, restaurants, transportation services, and local vendors. Additionally, events can create job opportunities for residents.

Social Benefits

Events and festival tourism have the potential to bring people together under one shade. Events can be an excellent opportunity for cultural exchange and social intervention. Events can also promote community development, especially in rural areas where tourists can visit during the events to explore the destination's culture.

Environmental Impact

Everything has advantages and disadvantages; thus, there can be good and bad environmental effects. The positive impact of event tourism can include raising environmental awareness, encouraging sustainable behaviors, and supporting local conservation initiatives. In contrast, the negative impact might have increased waste output, energy consumption, and emissions.

Safety and Security

Safety and security are essential considerations for event tourism, as they can impact the experience of attendees, the reputation of the event, and the safety of the local community.

Marketing and Promotion

Marketing and promotions are essential to event tourism as they are the conversation starters. They help to generate awareness and interest to attract attendees and maximize revenue. 

Innovation and Creativity

Incorporating innovation and creativity into event tourism may aid in creating one-of-a-kind and unforgettable experiences that attract tourists to a region. Event planners can create events that stand out and give something unique and intriguing to guests by harnessing technology, sustainable practices, cultural authenticity, and cooperation. Suggested Read:  Types Of Tour Operators

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. when is world tourism day celebrated.

A1. World Tourism Day is celebrated on every year on 27 September.

Q2. What activities can be done on World Tourism Day?

A2. World Tourism Day Activities include can be:

• Travel without moving: visit the neighborhoods of migrant populations, tasting and learning about various cultures!
• Workshops: Participate in workshops that will help you gain insights into the travel industry.
• Travel Literally: Travel to a destination on your bucket list and post a picture on social media.

Q3. What is event tourism packaging?

A3. There is no physical packaging around a product in tourism packaging. On the other hand, the packaging is the act of putting together the core tourist product with additional services the traveler desires. Then this package is promoted to the target travelers who can easily purchase the curated holiday experience.

Q4. What are the different types of tourism activities?

A4. Cultural tourism, sports events, business events, travel trade shows, music and entertainment, and spiritual journeys are some of the top tourism activities.

Q5. What are the features of event tourism?

A5. Economic benefits, social benefits, environmental impact, safety and security, marketing promotions, innovation and creativity are the features of event tourism.

• Things to do in Phillip Island: For an Incredible trip to Melbourne, Victoria
• Top 15 Things to Do in Victoria: Exploring Melbourne and Beyond
• Top 6 Places to Visit in Muscat: Beyond the Famous Beaches
• 10 Things to Do in Saudi Arabia Beyond a Spiritual Experience
• 8 Adventures in Oman: You shouldn’t be missing
• 8 Tourist Places to Visit in Lakshadweep: India’s Island Paradise
• 8 Best Things to do in Oman for a Holiday to Remember
• Full Proof Guide to 13 Top New Attractions in Dubai
• Top Things to Do at Katara Cultural Village, Doha, Qatar
• Exploring the Breathtaking Beaches of Tanzania: A Coastal Paradise
• Discovering Willy’s Rock: Boracay's Hidden Gem
• 10 Top Places to Visit in Oman, Tourist Places & Tourist Attractions
• Camping in Riyadh: A Recreational Escapade in the Desert
• Exploring the Serene Beauty of Big Buddha Temple Pattaya
• Top 8 Cafes and Restaurants in Yas Island: Casual Dining Options

Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline.

Logo Design

Web Development

White Labeling

VIEW ALL SERVICES 

Read Article

Discussion – 

Event Guide

Exploring Event Tourism: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Its Significance

By eventswow.

FREE WEBSITE ANALYSIS

Email Address

Website URL

Event tourism is one of the fastest-growing tourism sectors around the world. As the popularity of events continues to grow, so does the demand for knowledgeable and expert event tourism professionals. In this blog post, we will provide you with the necessary information to understand event tourism and its significance. We will discuss the different types of event tourism, their origins, and the benefits they offer. Additionally, we will provide you with a guide to choosing the right event for you and tips on how to make the most of your event tourism experience. By understanding event tourism, you can enjoy a unique and exciting experience without having to worry about the logistics. So stay tuned, because, in this blog post, we are going to explore everything you need to know about event tourism!

What is event tourism?

Event tourism is the fastest-growing tourism sector in the world. It refers to tourism that is derived from events, such as concerts, sporting events, conventions, and exhibitions. It has become a popular way to experience new locations and cultures.

Event tourism offers a unique opportunity to connect with people from all over the world. It can also be a great way to make money. By attending events, you can earn money by selling tickets, merchandise, and services. You can also make money by being a host or organizer of an event.

Event tourism is growing rapidly because it is a cost-effective way to travel. You can travel to new locations without having to spend a lot of money. You can also travel to locations that you would not be able to visit otherwise.

What are the benefits of event tourism?

Event tourism has become a booming business in recent years. This type of tourism is defined as tourism that takes place during special events, such as conventions, trade shows, sporting events, and concerts. Not only are these events exciting and entertaining, but they also provide a unique opportunity for travelers to experience different parts of the world.

There are a number of reasons why event tourism is becoming so popular. For starters, these types of events tend to be much more affordable than traditional tourism destinations. Additionally, event tourism offers a unique opportunity to see a destination in a way that is not normally possible. For example, attend a trade show in China and you’ll be able to see some of the most iconic brands in the world.

There are also a number of benefits to staying in a destination while attending an event. For example, you’ll be able to get a sense of the local culture and learn about the local cuisine. Additionally, you’ll be able to experience the city in a new way and make connections with locals that you may not have otherwise.

If you’re interested in exploring event tourism, then you’ll want to read our guide to understand its significance. In this guide, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about event tourism and its potential benefits.

What are the challenges of event tourism?

Event tourism has been on the rise for years and it’s only going to continue to grow. In this article, we’ll explore some of the challenges of event tourism and how to overcome them.

Some of the key challenges of event tourism include the following:

1. High investment cost

2. Complexity of event planning

3. Limited availability of quality venues

4. Scalability of event tourism

5. Lack of awareness about event tourism

6. Lack of infrastructure

7. Lack of skilled manpower

In order to overcome these challenges, it’s important to have a well-thought-out plan and to have the right resources in place. Additionally, it’s essential to promote event tourism in order to create awareness and attract tourists.

Why is it so popular?

Event tourism has been growing in popularity over the past few years, and for good reason! It offers a unique experience that can’t be found anywhere else. Here are a few reasons why event tourism is so important:

Event tourism is a great way to boost the economy. When tourists come to your city to attend an event, it creates jobs and revenue for the businesses and restaurants that are in the area.

Event tourism is a great way to promote city pride. When tourists come to your city to attend an event, it shows off your city in a positive light and can help to attract new businesses and residents to the area.

Event tourism is a great way to increase tourism. When tourists come to your city to attend an event, it increases the number of people who visit your city and spends money on your local economy.

How can event tourism be managed?

Event tourism is an industry that is growing by leaps and bounds, and it is no wonder why. It offers a unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else. Whether you are a tourist or business owner, understanding the importance of event tourism is essential.

Event tourism is any tourism that takes place due to an event. Whether it’s a music festival, a sporting event, or a convention, event tourism is on the rise and it has a lot of benefits for both the tourist and the economy.

The first benefit of event tourism is that it creates jobs. This is not only true for the tourism industry but also for the catering and retail sectors. Event tourism is a huge industry and it benefits everyone who is involved.

The second benefit of event tourism is that it boosts the economy. When people come to a destination to attend an event, they spend money. This money is spent in the local economy and it stimulates the economy. Not only does this boost the local economy, but it also creates more jobs.

Event tourism also has a positive impact on the environment. When people attend an event, they usually stay at the destination for a longer period of time. This means that they are not spending their money on transportation, and they are not spending their money on hotels. This has a positive impact on the environment because it reduces the amount of pollution that is produced.

How can event tourism be developed?

Event tourism is an industry that is growing at an exponential rate, with new opportunities being created every day. As events become more and more popular, event tourism is becoming a viable option for many businesses. This is due in part to the fact that event tourism is a very affordable way to bring in new customers and generate additional revenue.

When exploring event tourism, it’s important to first understand its significance. Event tourism is the tourism of events. It refers to the travel of people to attend events, whether they are local or international events.

There are a number of benefits to event tourism. For businesses, event tourism can be a very cost-effective way to bring in new customers and generate additional revenue. Not only is it a great way to boost your image, but it’s also a great way to build relationships with new customers.

Event tourism can also be a very lucrative business. In some cases, event tourism can be more lucrative than traditional tourism. For example, some businesses have found that they can generate more revenue from event tourism than they can from traditional tourism.

What are the future trends of event tourism?

Event tourism has been on the rise for a few years now and there are plenty of reasons for it. The recent recession has definitely played a part in this as people have been looking for ways to save money and enjoy the things they love at the same time.

Another reason event tourism has been on the rise is because of the way technology has been changing. With the proliferation of smartphones and tablets, people are more inclined to take pictures and videos of their experiences and post them online. This not only helps promote the event but also attracts other tourists who are looking for new and exciting destinations to visit.

Event tourism is quickly becoming one of the most important sectors in the travel industry. As the world becomes ever more connected, people are looking for opportunities to explore new and different cultures. This has led to the growth of event tourism, which is now one of the most popular tourist destinations around the world.

In this article, we will explore the importance of event tourism and provide you with a guide to understanding its significance. We will also provide you with tips on how to maximize your event tourism potential. Finally, we will provide you with a conclusion outlining the key points covered in this article.

Event tourism has a number of benefits for businesses and consumers alike. For businesses, event tourism can be a great way to attract new customers and boost revenue. For consumers, event tourism can be a great way to explore new and different cultures.

We hope you enjoyed our blog post exploring event tourism. Event tourism is a growing industry, and it’s important to understand its significance in order to capitalize on its potential. In this post, we outlined the different types of event tourism, as well as the benefits and challenges of each. We also provided a few tips on how to maximize the benefits of event tourism for your business. Thanks for reading, and we hope you’ll join us on our upcoming event tourism adventures!

We welcome any suggestions or questions. You can  email us  or  contact us  using the contact page.

You can also connect with us on the following social networks:

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram

Author: EventsWOW

EventsWOW.com is the foremost international leader catered to online B2B and B2C marketplace fervent in exhibitions worldwide to generate effective business leads and earning the integrity of billions of users who will access this website.

Know Your Website's Full Potential: Click Here to Request Your Complimentary, In-Depth Website Analysis Today!

Events / Listings

Select search type Events Organizers Venues Service Providers Search for Near Search {"hide_search_input":"","hide_near_input":"1","show":"main","filters_pos":"","input_size":"","bar_flex_wrap":"","bar_flex_wrap_md":"","bar_flex_wrap_lg":"","input_border":"","input_border_opacity":"","input_rounded_size":"","btn_bg":"salmon","btn_rounded_size":"","btn_rounded_size_md":"","btn_rounded_size_lg":"","bg":"","mt":"","mr":"","mb":"3","ml":"","pt":"","pr":"","pb":"","pl":"","border":"","rounded":"","rounded_size":"","rounded_size_md":"","rounded_size_lg":"","shadow":"","css_class":""}

Our Services

• Upcoming Events
• Event Organizers
• Event Service Providers
• Event Venues
• Events Website Designing
• Events Digital Marketing

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Submit Comment

Subscribe to Newsletter

Subscribe to our Newsletter for Latest Updates, Special Discounts, and much more.

You May Also Like

Effective Strategies for Mastering Event Logistics: Your Ultimate Guide

Nov 13 | Event Guide

Event planning and management encompass a myriad of details, and at the heart of it all lies the often-overlooked yet...

Empower Your Event Marketing: Dynamic Strategies for UK Event Organizers

Nov 10 | Event Guide

Event marketing in the UK presents a dynamic and challenging landscape, requiring organizers to constantly adapt and...

Event Design Mastery: Crafting Experiences That Captivate

Nov 9 | Event Guide

Imagine walking into a space where every detail, from the lighting to the layout, from the color scheme to the...

Privacy Overview

Change location, find awesome listings near you.

US Travel Header Utility Menu

• Future of Travel Mobility
• Travel Action Network
• Commission on Seamless & Secure Travel
• Travel Works
• Journey to Clean

Header Utility Social Links

• Follow us on FOLLOW US
• Follow us on Twitter
• Follow us on LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook

User account menu

Events & initiatives.

Industry events designed to help you make informed marketing decisions, meet face-to-face with thousands of international travel buyers and media, and champion travel's impact on the steps of City Hall and in the Halls of Congress.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES›

SUBMIT A CALENDAR EVENT ›

REQUEST A SPEAKER ›

Global Meetings Industry Day

Nationwide, Global April 11, 2024

Los Angeles, California May 3-7, 2024

National Travel and Tourism Week

Nationwide, United States May 19-25, 2024

U.S. Travel Summer Summit

Napa, California July 21-23, 2024

Columbus, Ohio August 11-13, 2024

The Future of Travel Mobility

Washington, District of Columbia November 20, 2024

Events Calendar

2024 simpleview summit.

Simpleview Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Vanessa Zuzuarregui

[email protected] https://www.simpleviewsummit.com/

2024 North Dakota Tourism Division

North Dakota Tourism Division Fargo, North Dakota

Sara Otte Coleman

[email protected] https://www.commerce.nd.gov/tourism-marketing/travel-industry-conference

2024 SIS CEO Summit

Society of Independent Show Organizers Amelia Island, Florida

Vincent Polito

[email protected] https://www.siso.org/ceo

2024 Business Events Industry Week

Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Washington, District of Columbia

https://www.pcma.org/beiw/

2024 Pure Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism

Michigan Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus (MACVB) Kalamazoo, Michigan

Larisa Draves

[email protected] https://www.visitmichigan.org/calendar

2024 Convention Sales & Services Summit

Destinations International Washington, District of Columbia

https://destinationsinternational.org/events/convention-sales-services-summit

Nevada's 2024 Rural Round Up

Travel Nevada Lake Tahoe, Nevada

Rafael Villanueva

[email protected] https://www.ruralroundup.com/

2024 Global Meetings Industry Day

U.S. Travel Association Nationwide, Global

U.S. Travel

[email protected] https://www.ustravel.org/events/global-meetings-industry-day

2024 Montana Governor's Conference on Tourism

Montana Office of Tourism Missoula, Montana

Alana Cunningham

[email protected] https://brand.mt.gov/Events/Governors-Conference/

2024 ARDA Spring Conference

American Resort Development Association (ARDA) Las Vegas, Nevada

Lalita Bhulipongsanon

[email protected] https://www.arda.org/events/2024-arda-spring-conference-timeshare-together

2024 Spring Corporate CEO Roundtable (Closed Meeting/Invitation Only)

U.S. Travel Association Washington, District of Columbia

Jennie Olson

[email protected]

2024 California Lodging Industry Legislative Action Summit

California Hotel & Lodging Association Sacramento, California

Melanie Kern

[email protected] https://calodging.com/event/2024-legislative-action-summit/

2024 Texas Travel Expo

Texas Travel Alliance Abilene, Texas

Amanda Garcia

[email protected] https://texastravelalliance.org/event/2024TXTravelExpo

2024 New York State Tourism Conference

New York State Tourism Industry Association Niagara Falls, New York

Nathaniel Gresock

[email protected] https://www.nystia.org/events-pages/2024-new-york-state-tourism-conference

2024 Great American West International Roundup

Great American West & RMI Marketing Casper, Wyoming

Mathias Jung

[email protected] https://internationalroundup.com/

Sports ETA Facilities Summit

Sports Events & Tourism Association Portland, Oregon

[email protected] https://www.sportseta.org/events/facilities-summit

2024 Sports ETA Symposium

[email protected] https://www.sportseta.org/events/symposium

2024 Maine Governor's Conference on Tourism

Maine Office of Tourism Portland, Maine

Steve Lyons

[email protected] https://www.mainetourismconference.com/

2024 FoodTreX Virtual Global Summit

World Food Travel Association Online, Virtual Event

[email protected] https://global2024.worldfoodtravel.org/e/2138609004

8 Emerging Event Industry Trends (2024-2026)

You may also like:

• The Biggest Entertainment Trends
• Important Technology Trends
• Important Hospitality Trends

The coronavirus accelerated changes that would have taken years to catch on.

And much of the industry is still catching up.

The $1 trillion worldwide event industry returned to 'normal' in 2023 .

But there will continue to be major (and permanent) shifts in the industry for years to come.

Despite this, the event industry is expected to experience a CAGR of 6.4% from 2023 to 2032.

Keep reading to learn about 8 rapidly changing event industry trends for 2023 and beyond.

1. Hybrid events continue to grow

Virtual events boomed in 2020, with 52,000 happening on just one platform alone – a 100x increase from the previous year.

Though event organizers can look to a future that allows for more in-person events, it’s likely that virtual is here to stay. 

If not completely, at least as a part of a new hybrid event model.

According to event professional community EventMB’s 2021 research, 71% of event planners said they would continue to employ a digital strategy even after live events return.

And 67% stated that hybrid is the future of events.

Event management solution Bizzabo conducted a survey of industry professionals and found that 97% of respondents expect to see more hybrid events going forward.

Hybrid events allow for the flexibility and reach of a virtual event, but the connection and engagement of an in-person option.

To meet the demand for events that can offer a seamless experience in person and online, many new startups are hitting the scene.

Canapii is a hybrid events platform launched in mid-2020 that will help make creating and planning hybrid events easier.

Hopin, a virtual event platform launched a hybrid event product in December of 2020 and secured a huge amount of funding .

As hybrid events become more common, what exactly will they look like?

There’s still room to grow, but for their 2021 Americas Connect conference, IACC replaced their one large conference in favor of localized “pods”.

These pods will operate in-person, but will all be connected virtually to deliver the experience of a full-sized conference.

In other cases, hybrid events may take place primarily online but offer upgrade packages for an in-person meetup.

Event Tech Live is one such event that is designed mainly around virtual access but reintroduces a live element with two live stages.

Others, like the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Global Summit in April, are primarily in-person, with the content also made available online.

The hybrid event outlook for the next year or two will likely include many different configurations of in-person and virtual offerings.

2. Events become an important PR tool

In his January State of the Industry presentation, founder and executive director of the Event Leadership Institute Howard Givner predicts that corporate events will shift “From [a] revenue source to [a] marketing vehicle”.

There’s no limit to the number of virtual attendees that can gain access to an online event.

So in this way, online events have become a form of mass communication akin to PR.

Givner uses Microsoft’s 2020 conference as an example.

In 2019, they charged $2,395 per person to attend and saw 6,000 attendees.

In 2020, the event was free - 197,000 people showed up.

Many are following this same lead: 80% of organizers are now offering free registration for their events.

As the reach of events expands, the messaging will likely change to accommodate a less niche audience at the top of the sales funnel.

Making tickets free also means that the profitability of events has decreased.

As of March 2020, 90% of event professionals saw some or most of their business gone.

And only 25% of event planners were able to hold a profitable virtual event.

To recoup losses, many companies have pivoted their strategies to include a longer-term ROI and robust sponsorships.

At their 2020 virtual conference, VentureBeat reported earning a greater profit than their in-person event the previous year.

And credit virtual’s increased “ways to track the impressions that sponsors made on the audience”.

To meet the demand for virtual event sponsorships, platforms like Bizzabo have arisen, which offers easy-to-use sponsor profiles and data that makes it easier to secure sponsorships.

3. Events enter a year-round event cycle

Major companies have, in the past, typically held one yearly conference or event.

Now that smaller virtual events are becoming more common, events can be put on more often.

And the conversations they spark can continue online for years to come, blurring the line between one "event" and the next.

Webit, a yearly tech and innovation festival, transitioned in 2020 to a Global Virtual Platform that hosts 12 events a month, with a reach of 250,000 attendees .

The tech has responded to this shift with many event platforms now offering an ongoing community feature.

For example, the event platform Pathable allows companies to create landing pages that offer year-round content and community .

With features to meet this trend, it’s no surprise that this platform is seeing a surge in interest.

4. Professionals use events to help them upskill

The rapid changes in the events industry called for changes in structure, technology, and professional skills which will continue to emerge in the next year.

To keep up with the changes, professionals are upskilling.

When surveyed, 71% of event planning professionals said they wanted to learn to develop their skills in designing live experiences in post-COVID-19 physical environments with more stringent hygiene standards.

As a response to this gap in skills, the Event Leadership Institute has released several new certifications in areas like Pandemic Meeting & Event Design and Pandemic On-Site Protocol .

The need for event professionals to adapt their skills will likely continue through 2023 and beyond.

5. Emphasis on transformational experiences

The total disruption of the event industry in 2020 called into question the purpose of events in society as a whole.

“The pandemic has introduced a new concept to our thought-matrix: Is this essential? In other words, is it worth it?” Says  Teeg Stouffer, Co-founder of the American Association of Event Professionals .

As 68% of marketers believe it is harder to provide networking opportunities in the virtual world, the unique value proposition of events are now the people you meet, and the things you are able to experience.

In a February 2021 survey of event planners, 66% said they needed to learn to design digital event experiences to prepare for professional success in the future.

Even before the pandemic, events were already shifting away from a focus on content to experience.

At their 2020 virtual conference , Cisco capped off the event with concerts from Fall Out Boy and The Chainsmokers. Since they performed virtually, the latter were able to give attendees a full tour of their studio space.

During Bizzabo’s event industry summit the improv hip-hop group North Coast performed a set that involved audience members virtually to maximize the engaging experience.

We will likely see this trend develop further, as people need meaningful, transformative experiences to feel something is worth it.

Corporate event industry news source Event MB asserted a new order of priorities in 2021:

• Meaningful connection
• Entertainment

In conferences and events, the desire for a transformational experience means that content may no longer be the biggest priority.

6. Renewed emphasis on physical and virtual safety

Across every industry, the topic of safety will continue to be prominent through the next year, including the event sector.

39% of event planners say they will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination to attend an event they are planning.

Expect to continue to see pre-screening requirements, socially distanced layouts, protective personal equipment, specialized cleaning crews, and advanced air-filtration systems at events in the coming year.

The company EventScan is offering on-site testing and COVID PCR tests to address the need for safety.

Tackling the event pre-screening side of this problem is the SMS survey tool, Healthshield .

Though virtual events bypass these health risks, they present new risks in cybersecurity.

The FBI reported a 300% increase in cybercrimes since 2020.

How will we see events respond to this need for increased online security?

Industry experts recommend adding two-factor authentication, using a VPN, and using a password manager among others.

7. More data collection during and after events

Big data can help event planners meet rapidly changing consumer expectations.

Chris Cavanaugh, CFO at Freeman , a leading brand experience company, says that for events to survive “data will be the key to helping us stay a step ahead of [the customer’s] wants, needs, and intentions. And if we fail to harness data to understand them, someone else will take our audience from us”.

In a similar way tracking RFID badges works in a real environment, in a virtual event, tracking clicks, how long a user remains in a presentation, and even who they interact with can provide companies valuable insights into who their target demographic is and what they want.

One major driving force behind data collection is the struggle for online engagement.

After a couple of years of living virtually, many experienced “ zoom fatigue ”, or mental exhaustion felt after hours of virtual communication.

Currently, research indicates that only 42% of all attendees watch the entirety of a virtual session.

The industry knows that an entirely virtual event is not ideal – yet it is likely a long way off from finding the right alternative to in-person events.

Real-time data collection will be the main tool to bridge the gap between where events are, and where they should be.

8. Increasing investments in event technology

40% of event planners are unsatisfied with the tech options available to them.

It’s been said that the pandemic condensed years worth of change into months.

The result is that technology is lagging far behind the demand – but it’s going to catch up.

This is something that many investors are well aware of.

Across all sectors, startups raised $36.5 billion in funding in the third quarter of 2020, which is 30% more than the previous year.

While many businesses struggled during the pandemic, there’s a short list that thrived and is highly sought by investors.

Event tech is on that list.

Startups in the event space have been making headlines for their huge valuations.

Hopin raised a whopping $125 million in 2020 and went on to be valued at $5.65 billion in 2021.

This is in part due to its meteoric rise in users: The platform began with 1,800 users and rose to 80,000 in one year.

Event networking app, Grip raised $13 billion in February 2021, and video startup Touchcast raised $55 million in the same month.

Welcome transitioned from restaurant software to a virtual events platform and secured  $6 million .

While, Wave , a virtual concert company raised $30 million.

Event tech will likely continue to thrive as the tech boom continues through 2023 and beyond.

That concludes our list of 8 transformative event trends.

The pandemic necessitated rapid changes in the event industry, which is finding footing again by creating new value virtually.

Event tech will likely continue to proliferate in 2024 and beyond.

And whether they happen online, offline, or in a hybrid model, events that remain flexible, prioritize safety, and emphasize meaning will likely become the norm.

Find Thousands of Trending Topics With Our Platform

The 10 Major Types of Events

Disclaimer: Some posts on Tourism Teacher may contain affiliate links. If you appreciate this content, you can show your support by making a purchase through these links or by buying me a coffee . Thank you for your support!

There are many types of events that are popular around the world, from small intimate events to world-class events on the international stage, there is a lot to know about the event tourism industry! In this article I will teach you about the different types of events and why they are so important to the travel and tourism industry. Ready to learn more? Read on…

What is an event?

Business events, global and national sporting events, large-scale recreation events, local interest events, entertainment, celebrations, social enterprise events, conferences, promotional events, exhibitions, types of events- further reading.

Event tourism is a big industry around the world. Whilst there is a lot that goes into events, to put it simply an event is just a thing that happens – in the context of this article, it refers to a public or social occasion which has been planned in advance. Some events are formal, some are all about fun. Some events are big, some are small, but there are many different types of events. You can find them below, with examples and information included!

There are a few examples of business events. These include:

• Annual General Meeting (AGM)
• Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) – This refers to general meetings outside of the yearly scheduled AGM, usually to deal with urgent matters which occur in between AGMs.
• Awards Evening
• Balls (typically for fundraising)
• Formal Dinners
• Team Building Events

These events tend to be exclusive to employees and/or shareholders of a particular business and form part of the business tourism industry. Some may extend invitations to sponsors, investors, employee family members and so on, particularly for balls and awards evenings.

Business events may be held in various venues. AGMs and EGMs are usually held on the business’ own premises if they are big enough to host all of the people who need to be there. If not, they might be held in a hotel or conference space with more room. Team building events happen in all sorts of places depending on what they are – you might visit an escape room or activity centre, or go to a venue specifically aimed at team building.

There are many examples within these types of event and it is common for sports tourism and event tourism to intertwine. This is to be expected as there are so many different sports, all of which have competitions. Some specific examples include:

• The Olympic Games
• The Paralympic Games
• Winter Olympic Games
• Commonwealth Games
• The Rugby World Cup
• The Great North Run 
• Tour De France
• FIFA World Cup
• The UEFA Champions League
• Premier League
• The Grand National
• Cheltenham Festival
• The Super Bowl
• The US Open
• The French Open

There are so many more examples, with most sports participating in domestic leagues as well as international and global cups and competitions. These are some of the most popular and famous events, all of which you likely will have heard of. You may have even attended some of these, or at least watched on TV.

Depending on the type of sport, they are held at different venues. Tennis competitions like the French Open and Wimbledon are held at large tennis clubs with multiple courts and plenty of space for spectators. Football matches in domestic leagues such as the Bundesliga and Premier League are held at each clubs’ respective stadium. When it comes to the competitions under the Olympic umbrella, they are held in large purpose-built arenas (as well as making use of smaller existing stadiums and arenas) in a different host country every four years.

Sporting events bring in a lot of money through tickets, merchandise, refreshments and more, making these types of events very important to the travel and tourism industry.

These types of events also come in many variations – most large-scale recreation events are held outdoors due to the nature of them, and they cover a lot of different niches or interests. You can see some examples below:

• Flower shows such as the Chelsea Flower Show or the San Francisco Flower and Garden Show
• Regional food fairs such as the Gilroy Garlic Festival in California or the Taste Cheshire Food and Drink Festival
• Town or city Christmas light switch-ons
• Bonfire and firework displays

Some of these types of events are free entry, while others are ticketed. Christmas light events are just a one-evening type of thing, whereas flower shows and food fairs might last a few days or even a week. Often there will be stalls to buy food, drinks and souvenirs too!

Local interest events are types of events that are much more community-focused events. Often they are organised and attended only by locals – people generally don’t visit from out of town specifically to attend these types of events unless they have a personal interest in it for some reason. There is also often a charity focus with these types of events. Examples include:

• Fun runs, colour runs & mud runs
• County fairs (in the US)
• Country fairs (in the UK)
• Village fetes
• Collectors’ fairs
• Car boot sales

For the most part, these examples are outdoor types of events. This is simply due to the need for a lot of space, and also because with country/county fairs there are a lot of animal-related events and shows which by their very nature need to take place outside. There is often an entry fee for these events. With fun runs and village fetes particularly, there is a large fundraising aim involved. You can sponsor people to complete their run, or donate money in other ways.

Entertainment events are some of the biggest types of events – and they, like sporting events, bring in a huge amount of revenue. Generally they are ticketed (unless it is a specific free event) and merchandise is sold alongside food and drink. Examples include:

• Music festivals
• Theatre shows such as plays and musicals
• Theatre festivals
• Mardis Gras
• LGBT+ Pride events
• Fan conventions e.g Comic Con

Depending on the nature of the event, venues will differ. Music festivals tend to be outdoor events stretching over a few days – as such, they will cover a large amount of space to account for stages, audience viewing areas, food stalls, toilets and accommodation/campsite areas. However, concerts are more of a ‘one night in each location’ event. Depending on how many tickets the band or artist puts on sale, they will take place in an arena, stadium or smaller local venue.

Pride events also differ from each other but many follow the idea that the first ever one was a protest. Modern prides may incorporate singers and entertainment but most do generally include a march of some sort.

There is always something to celebrate! As celebrations tend to be organised by individuals, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to venues, sizes, the order in which things go and so on. You might celebrate these events at home if there are only a few of you, or hire a huge venue if you want to invite everybody you know! Some examples are:

• Wedding receptions
• Christening parties
• Birthday parties
• Graduation parties
• Baby showers
• Prom nights
• Royal events
• Religious festivals

These types of events are all, of course, very different from each other. They share in the fact that they are celebratory by nature but often that is where the similarity ends. You might host your wedding reception at a local hotel, whereas royal events are often marked by street parties. Again, it is up to you with this kind of celebration where you have it, who you invite, what the dress code is and so on!

These types of events are usually aimed at fundraising for a specific cause, no matter how big or small that cause is. They might include:

• Charity dinners, galas or balls
• Charity football matches
• Race nights
• Charity fashion shows

There are many other examples to be found, but these are some of the most common. Again they vary when it comes to the venue, as this is dependent on the type of event. Bake sales are likely to be held at church halls or schools, whereas charity galas will be in posh hotels and race nights generally occur in pubs. 

These events are usually ticketed with the cost of your ticket going to the charity. There will also be other chances to donate on the night, usually in exchange for an experience or item.

Conferences are an additional type of business event – but they are a whole type of event in their own right with a lot to cover. They are so diverse in nature, ranging from small local conferences to global conferences. There are internal company conferences, industry-wide conferences and also public conferences. Some are a one-day event while others are overnight or even lasting up to a week; many are now also streamed online which is great in terms of accessibility and also reducing the need to travel, thus having a positive impact on the environment. 

Conferences also include a lot of different elements. Some of these are:

• Staff training sessions
• Keynote sessions
• Breakout sessions
• Team bonding exercises
• Promotional talks

From political conferences to technology conferences, these are a major type of event.

When a brand or company wants to launch a new product of some sort, there are a lot of promotional events which will occur. These vary entirely by nature, but are linked by the fact they are all used to promote the new product. They include:

• Trade shows
• Product launches
• Press conferences
• Publicity stunts e.g flash mobs
• Touring campaigns e.g handing out freebies in city centres

There are many examples you will be able to think of when it comes to promotional events!

Last but not least we have exhibitions. These types of events take place specifically in exhibition centres which are large-scale venues in central locations with excellent transport links, plenty of parking, and brilliant customer facilities. There will generally be a lot of hotels nearby so people participating in the exhibition have somewhere to stay. Exhibitions also tend to run over a few days. Some great examples include:

• Higher Education Exhibition 
• The Clothes Show
• American Trucking Show

There are exhibitions for every niche, topic, interest and area. They are used to promote innovations, sell products, educate people and so much more.

If you enjoyed this article on the different types of events, I am sure that you will love these articles too!

• 150 types of tourism! The ultimate tourism glossary
• Types of rail transport | Understanding tourism
• Types of tourist destinations | Understanding tourism
• Types of air transport
• Types of hotels | Understanding tourism

Liked this article? Click to share!

Table of Contents

January 2024 conferences for event planners, february 2024 conferences for event planner, april 2024 conferences for event planners, may 2024 conferences for event planners, june 2024 conferences for event planners, july 2024 conferences for event planners, august 2024 conferences for event planners, september 2024 conferences for event planners, october 2024 conferences for event planners, november 2024 conferences for event planners, december 2024 conferences for event planners, wrapping up: the best conferences for event planners in 2024, the ultimate guide to conferences for event planners in 2024.

We know how hard it can be to find great events to attend, so we’ve made it easier for you. In this post, you’ll find a comprehensive list of the most important event industry conferences that every event professional should attend this year.

Attending these conferences will allow you to learn more about the events industry and meet other event professionals . Besides access to great networking opportunities and innovative content, the following 60+ events will also provide attendees with great speaker lineups and the chance to travel to amazing locations!

Don’t see your 2024 conference for event planners on this page?   Apply to have your event featured !

back to top

March 2024 Conferences for Event Planners

These 2024 conferences for event planners provide the perfect opportunity to meet, connect, and be inspired by others equally passionate about event management and planning! We hope this list will help you find the event planner conferences that best suit your professional goals.

You might also be interested in the following event directories:

• Education Events and Conferences
• Marketing Events and Conferences
• Technology Events and Conferences
• Top Event Agencies in the USA and Canada
• FinTech Events and Conferences
• Blockchain and Finance Events and Conferences
• Women-in-Tech Conferences
• AI Events and Conferences

Don’t see your 2024 conference for event planners on this page?  Apply to have your event featured !

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2020 and has been updated for accuracy and relevance.

You may also be interested in

Behind the Scenes: Our Journey To Becoming a Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ Leader

A Milestone Week for Event Tech: Insights and Leadership

Bounce Back Stronger: Analyzing and Learning from Event Failures

Enjoying this article.

• Event Software Overview
• Klik Experiential & SmartBadge
• Product Integrations
• Security & Compliance
• Enterprise Event Software
• Insights & Reporting
• Capabilities
• Room Block Management
• Event Content
• Event Management
• Event Networking
• Event Marketing
• Audience Engagement
• Onsite Software & Wearables
• Event Live Streaming
• Sponsors & Exhibitors
• Mobile Event App
• Event Registration Software
• By Event Format
• In-person Events
• Virtual Events
• Hybrid Events
• By Use Case
• Conferences
• Field Marketing
• Internal Events
• By Who You Are
• Corporations
• Higher Education
• Associations
• Customer Stories
• Knowledge Center
• Professional Services
• Help Us Grow
• Bizzabo Studios
• Hopin vs. Bizzabo
• Cvent vs. Bizzabo
• Stova vs. Bizzabo
• Resource Library
• Event Success Book
• Event Experience Podcast
• Conference Planning Guide
• AI-assisted Events Guide
• Event Management FAQs
• Become a Partner
• Press & Awards

Get a free demo of Bizzabo

Travel Industry Events To Mark On Your Calendar In 2022 

• Professional Development

It’s exciting to see so many of the travel industry events in 2022 set to take place in-person once again.  

After two years of event postponements, cancelations, or virtual events, there’s little doubt that tourism stakeholders are thrilled to be able to travel and physically take part in these occasions once more.  

The opportunity to network face-to-face and gain valuable insights from industry experts couldn’t come at a better time either. The entire industry is in the midst of figuring out how to safely navigate travel as we emerge from the pandemic. 

In case you’re planning on attending or following any events in 2022, we’ve listed some of the most popular travel industry events and conferences happening across the world.

As to be expected, there’s a mixed lineup of virtual, hybrid, and in-person events. We’ve listed them in date order to help you plan ahead more easily.

(N.B. - dates are correct at the time of publishing but may change depending on the current situation. Double-check any you are interested in attending)

Travel Industry Events 2022 (in date order)

Skift forum.

This year Skift celebrates ten years as a company along with the return of its in-person events. 

Skift is due to hold several summits throughout 2022, including:

• Skift megatrends
• Skift Forum Europe
• Travel loyalty summit
• Future of lodging forum
• Sustainable tourism summit
• Skift Global Forum and IDEA Awards 
• Skift Aviation Forum
• Skift Global Forum East
• Design The Future

Their conferences are well known, supported by leading industry experts, and have high attendance rates. CEOs of major companies like Delta, AirBnB, Booking.com, Marriot, and JetBlue are often speakers or panelists at the forums. 

Depending on the event you’re interested in, you’ll learn region- and niche-specific insights and tips from the hosted talks, panels, and workshops. 

When : January through to December at various locations across the world. Check their website for more details.  

Arival 360 Europe

Arival 360 Europe is a 3-day travel and tourism event designed for tour, experience, and attraction organizers, mostly (although not only) in Europe.

The event offers an ideal space for business owners, marketers, tech companies, and distributors in the B2B and B2C space to connect and form strategic partnerships. 

When : March 6 to 8 in Berlin (expected). Attendees can join both in-person and online events throughout the three days. 

PATA Annual Summit

The Pacific Asia Travel Association hosts an annual PATA Summit , which is a highlight on the region’s travel event calendar.  

The summit provides essential educational and networking opportunities for stakeholders involved in travel to, from, and within the Pacific Asia regions. 

Each year, a collection of travel professionals and specialists get together to connect and share their knowledge. 

This year, the Summit aims to reconnect the travel industry through an in-person event.

Expect to learn about innovative ways travel professionals can rebuild travelers' trust while inspiring the travel industry with new opportunities. 

PATA’s summit will also look into the latest sustainable travel trends, helping travel brands to align themselves with the different types of travelers today. 

The general lineup includes topics on:

• industry recovery initiatives
• destination resilience and sustainability
• human capital development
• technology and innovation
• women in travel forum

When : The PATA Annual Summit was scheduled for March 22 to 25 at Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. However, it has been postponed. Keep an eye on their website for more information. 

CLIA Cruise360

Every year, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) hosts the Cruise360 event. The event is focused on the cruise industry and is the most prominent official event for professionals in this sector. 

Cruise line representatives, travel agents, industry suppliers, ports & destinations officials, and preferred CLIA partners get together at the event to network and connect. 

It’s not only about networking, though - professional development and ship inspections are also on the agenda. 

When : March 29 to April 3 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Dallas Travel and Adventure Show

The Dallas Travel and Adventure Show is a fun event for travelers and travel industry professionals alike. 

As an exhibitor, the event is an excellent place to meet travelers and travel advisors while promoting your travel business. 

For travel advisors, it’s an opportunity to connect with leading destinations, tour operators, and suppliers on the show floor. 

This year, travel celebrities including Samantha Brown and Peter Greenberg are booked as event speakers. 

The lineup also features informative seminars, family entertainment, door giveaways, and travel show-only deals - they’re expecting a great turnout.  

When : April 2 and 3 in Dallas, Texas.

WTTC Global Summit

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit is one of the most prestigious travel industry events attended by some of the industry’s top leaders and important government representatives. 

This year, the WTTC Global Summit will cover the latest travel industry trends to help businesses navigate the current state of travel. 

The focus will be on bringing together a global audience that can work together to solve the social, environmental, and economic challenges the industry is currently facing. 

When : April 20 to 22 in Manilla, Philippines. 

The Advantage Conference

The Advantage Conference is a key date in the UK and European travel industry calendars. After being postponed for two years, it’s set to take place in Madeira in 2022.

The conference will bring together leading industry professionals, expert speakers, travel consultants, managers, and business owners. 

You’ll learn about the latest industry demands and brainstorm creative solutions to current issues the industry is facing with leading experts.

The conference is designed to be both informative and fun. There’s a scheduled business program, dedicated networking sessions, and many leisure and entertainment activities to look forward to. 

When : April 29 to May 2 in Madeira, Portugal. 

International Luxury Travel Market Arabia

The International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Conference is focused on buyers and investors who want to draw Middle Eastern travelers to their luxury destinations across the world.

As a travel company, you can get your brand exposure to this market of travelers. 

As a travel advisor, you can expand your portfolio with luxury destinations and experiences that appeal to HNW Middle Eastern travelers. 

When : May 10 to 11 in Dubai, UAE.

Travel Tech Show

Next on the travel events list is the Travel Tech Show . Brought to you by Phocuswright, PhocusWire, and WiT, the show welcomes tour operators, travel agencies, airlines, hotels, and more. 

It’s common for big brands in travel to attend this annual event. As the name of the event suggests, attendees can expect to learn all about the latest tech advancements and trends in travel. 

Decision-makers in buying technology can really benefit from attending as the event brings together innovative tech solutions for travel businesses. 

This year, the event will be an in-person experience for better networking purposes. 

When : June 29 and 30 in London, UK. 

GBTA Conference

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Conference draws businesses and speakers at scale through its doors.  

This conference includes over 400 exhibiting companies. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the latest travel trends, network with experts, and chat about your business with some of the industry’s top professionals. 

When : August 14 to 17 in San Diego, California.

Industry professionals from all around the world join the IAAPA Expo to stay up to date with leisure tourisms’ hottest trends and brands. 

The event is split into a conference and a trade show. 

You can expect to find educational keynote presentations, panel discussions, and workshops at the conference.

While at the trade show, there are special events, EDUTours, and networking opportunities aplenty. 

When : September 12 to 15 in London, UK. 

IMEX America

IMEX America is one of the leading exhibitions in the US for the incentive travel, meetings, and event sectors. 

The event showcases some of the industry’s most well-respected speakers. There are small informal sessions after their talks where you can ask additional questions and network with the speakers. 

This annual conference covers emerging trends in the travel sector, the latest technology, in-depth expert clinics, moderated round table discussions, seminars, and more. 

Being one of the highest attended travel events in the US, it's also an excellent place to form new connections. 

When : October 10 to 13 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

WTM is one of the most exciting and well-known travel industry events on the calendar. It covers the top global destinations and brands and is a place where people get together to share expert insights and industry forecasts.

This year, the theme is Reconnect. Rebuild. Innovate. 

Global speakers from various sectors join the WTM event to connect with attendees and share new ideas. You can expect to gather to network, learn from the brightest minds in the industry, and get inspired for what’s ahead. 

When : November 7 to 9 in London, UK. 

With global travel slowly reemerging and physical events opening up again, the 2022 travel industry events lineup is sure to offer some unforgettable experiences.  

Many of these conferences are attended by leading travel experts, innovators , and C-suite travel professionals, presenting great opportunities for networking and learning. 

We’ve included a handful of events to suit a range of businesses and locations. Whatever your target audience, destination, or travel niche, there should be something useful for everyone. 

Sign up for our newsletter below for more news and insights like this directly to your inbox. 

New resources, straight to your inbox

We’re committed to your privacy. WeTravel uses the information you provide to us to contact you about our relevant content, products, and services. You may unsubscribe at any time.

About the author

Related Posts

15 best travel shows for tour operators to attend this year, global travel payment trends to watch in 2022 , travel trends and predictions for 2024: what should you look for as a tour operator.

• Skift Meetings
• Airline Weekly
• Daily Lodging Report
• Skift Research

Destinations

How Travel Trends Are Impacting Destination Events

Miguel Neves

January 24th, 2023 at 8:28 AM EST

The twists and turns of the global travel industry's recovery continue to impact how event destinations are selected. Some effects are obvious, others not so much.

• LinkedIn icon
• facebook icon

Challenges to the travel industry are nothing new. However, the past three years have been unlike anything that came before and hopefully after. The global travel industry connects with hospitality and events in many ways, and their recovery goes hand in hand. Within this link, details make a big difference, particularly when it comes to selecting the ideal destination for a company event.

Travel Recovery

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) fully expects the business travel industry to bounce back to a value of $1.4 trillion, but not quite yet. Recovering from the Covid pandemic has been complex. Nevertheless, GBTA expects the global industry to surpass this value by 2026, and become worth $1,47 trillion. 

Previous estimates suggested that recovery would come in 2025, but deteriorating economic conditions changed that. Persistent inflation, high energy prices, severe supply chain challenges, labor shortages, and economic slowdown in China are all significant impacts on the rebound of business travel in North America. In addition, the war in Ukraine and market pressures on more sustainable business practices are also issues to consider. This is according to Nancy Tudorache, GBTA’s regional vice president, Americas, speaking at the recent  Skift Meetings 2023 Event Trends Summit .

Despite all the challenges, the good news for the travel sector is that according to GBTA’s polling, most companies are not limiting their business travel due to economic concerns. Also, according to GBTA’s data, financial matters have eclipsed concerns over Covid, so the barriers to recovery center on the economic outlook.

The Impact on Destination Selection

With the overall state of business travel still in recovery mode, the fall event season was one of  the busiest on record , boosted by plenty of pent-up demand. Economic uncertainty provided plenty of headwinds. At the same time, U.S. companies traveling abroad took advantage of good exchange rates. Global DMC Partners CEO Catherine Chaulet confirmed a trend of U.S. companies taking advantage of good exchange rates, particularly to offset high airfares. On the other hand, with clients looking at international destinations they may not have previously considered, visa requirements have become more of an issue. As a result, planners must ensure everyone involved in any event can easily access a destination, even if any Covid restrictions are no longer in place.

Pent-up demand means that many primary destinations have very limited capacity and high prices, making second-tier destinations very appealing. Those that are easy to reach benefit the most. Although Chaulet argues that top cities can equally offer very authentic experiences, authenticity also plays a factor. “Groups want experiences that are more personalized […] and these secondary destinations really cater to this as well,” said Chaulet.

For destination events, including incentive travel and company off-sites, destination selection largely depends on the location’s attractiveness and its perceived value. Working with local experts in the form of destination management companies (DMCs) is standard practice for planning purposes. But Chaulet recommends also using DMCs to help promote a destination ahead of time, especially when working with second-tier destinations. Doing this is vital in shaping the destination’s image with participants.

Families and Causes Are Welcome

Bleisure is among the many trends currently fueling the  blending of everything in travel . But mixing leisure and business travel is not just for digital nomads. Family travel is also mixing with business travel more than ever. “Bringing families to incentives is high in demand right now, and so many destinations are selected with this in mind,” said Chaulet.

Not all companies will make family time part of the program, but many select family-friendly destinations and plan to have time for families before or after the conferences. And participants are responding positively to family-friendly incentive travel. “It actually helps the bottom line of the companies because there’s so much interest in participating,” said Chaulet.

Including a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program can also make a destination feel more authentic and get participants to connect with the location. This can be even more impactful if it chosen because of a CSR activity rather than the activity being an add-on. “Put it up front and determine that you’re going to go to a destination with this [CSR activity] in mind first and you’ll see a lot more enthusiasm from attendees,” said Chaulet.

Photo credit: Natalya Zaritskaya / Unsplash

California Helps Make Meetings More Sustainable

California, a leader in the United States regarding sustainability, offers a wide variety of initiatives and properties focused on eco-friendly meetings and events.

The Sphere’s First Corporate Keynote Is Set for June

Las Vegas’ Sphere is now officially working on corporate keynote sessions. These type of events can offer a welcome additional revenue stream for this cutting-edge venue.

Second-Tier Cities Dominate Event Volume Growth in February

Second-tier cities experienced the greatest growth in meetings and events in February with Louisville, KY. leading the pack.

MPI Builds Bridges in Luxembourg

MPI gathered its European community in Luxembourg, a new destination for most participants. The annual conference was an opportunity to build bridges between different groups.

Venetian Macao Refreshes Cotai Arena to Meet Event Demand

Already the largest events operator in Macau, Sands is extending its offering with an upgraded 15,000-seat arena.

Get the Skift Meetings Standup Newsletter

Our biweekly newsletter delivers fresh, original content – straight to your inbox, every Tuesday and Thursday.

65 Best Tourism Industry Events & Travel Conferences 2024/25

Looking for the top travel conferences 2024 has to offer? If you’re working in the tourism industry and you haven’t booked a ticket to one of the many events, what are you waiting for? Not only are these events an excuse to get out of the office and network with like-minded people, but they’re also great opportunities to learn more about travel and tourism.

Travel conferences are great for making new deals, discovering up-and-coming innovations, learning new skills, or just some good old networking. And there are some really exciting travel and tourism conferences in 2024 that exemplify the importance of travel .

We’ve put together this comprehensive list of conferences happening all over the world in the next year. Have a look at which ones you don’t want to miss and start planning your trip now.

Best Travel Industry Conferences 2024/25 by Month

January: Fitur – International Tourism Trade Fair

February: Travel & Adventure Show

March: B Travel Trade Show

April: World Travel Market

May: Tbex San Sebastian Spain

June: ITT Conference

July: Web in Travel (WIT)l Conference

August: Global Business Travel Association Conference

September: World Youth and Student Travel Conference

October: TBEX Africa

November: The Phocuswright Conference

December: International Luxury Travel Market – Worldwide

Fitur — International Tourism Trade Fair

Dates: 24 – 28 January 2024

Location: Madrid, Spain

Fitur is held every year in Madrid. It is one of the biggest tourism fairs in the world and an ideal gateway to Latin American markets. Fitur draws an international crowd of tourism professionals and travellers alike. It provides a platform to develop strategies for consumer demand and communication.

The first three days of the conference are for trade visitors only, with doors opening to the public on Saturday and Sunday. Visitors can use this conference to network with other tourism professionals and travellers, as well as gain new insights and knowledge in the industry.

Find more info here

Matka — Nordic Travel Fair

Dates: 19 – 21 January 2024

Location: Helsinki, Finland

Being the largest travel conference in Northern Europe and the Baltic Region, Matka attracts over 1000 exhibitors annually. These exhibitors travel to Finland from more than 80 different countries, allowing for a diverse crowd. The conference is open to the public and trade buyers, with two days solely dedicated to the professionals.

The main aim behind Matka is for tourism trade professionals to learn about new products and services. As well as make valuable connections, and gather information on the ever-moving innovations of the travel industry.

Travel & Adventure Show

Dates: 13 – 14 January 2024

Location: Chicago, USA

Dates: 20 – 21 January 2024

Location: Denver, USA

Dates: 27 – 28 January 2024

Location: New York, USA

Dates: 3 – 4 February 2024

Location: Los Angeles, USA

Dates: 17 – 18 February 2024

Location: Phoenix, USA

Dates: 24 – 25 February 2024

Location: Washington DC, USA

Dates: 9 – 10 March 2024

Location: Atlanta, USA

Dates: 16 – 17 March 2024

Location: San Francisco, USA

Dates: 23 – 24 March 2024

Location: Dallas, USA

The Travel and Adventure Shows are a series of exhibits that take place across the USA. So American visitors have the option to catch the business travel conferences closest to them.

Discover new travel destinations across the globe, and take the chance to rub shoulders with some big travel celeb names. These travel events bring tourism businesses and the public together.

Dates: 19 – 21 February 2024

Location: Melbourne, Australia

This is the Asia Pacific region’s leading meetings and event industry trade conference. Decision-makers in the event industry engage with each other during this three-day event to share, connect, and do business.

The 2024 AIME is preparing to be one of their biggest yet as they celebrate their 30th birthday. They expect to host 400 buyers and 2000 visitors from around the world, making it a business tourism conference of 2024 you won’t want to miss.

Business Travel Show

Dates: 28 – 29 June 2024

Location: London, England

The largest business travel conference in Europe will be back in 2024. This conference is very business-oriented, so it’s the perfect place to find suppliers and network.

It also offers the opportunity to grow your business knowledge. This is the type of travel industry networking event that will challenge you and teach you to innovate and grow.

Travel Technology Europe

Despite only lasting two days, this is one of the top travel tech conferences in 2024. The event draws in over 5000 attendees and more than 30 conference sessions. It’s focused on technological development in our ever-growing industry.

Travel professionals looking for technological solutions to the industry’s current problems can find all the latest findings at this conference. It’s a gathering place of refreshing ideas and exciting opportunities.

Dates: 5 – 7 March 2024

Location: Oman

The ITB conference is the perfect place for B2B travel trading and gives visitors a taste of future travel and tourism trends. From panel discussions to keynote speakers, there is no better place to get an inside scoop on the year’s upcoming trends.

The three-day conference is exciting and informative, a great way to get exposure to the respective markets and the ideas that are shaping them.

Women’s Travel Fest

Dates: 3 – 5 March 2024

The Women’s Travel Fest is a conference just for ladies who love travelling. It’s been growing since 2013 and has become the largest women-in-travel summit. Join more than 30 amazing female speakers and network with other like-minded women.

This conference is an incredible opportunity to make good connections and upskill in all the right areas. The aim of this travel convention in 2024 is to connect, support, and inspire women to travel the world safely. It is undoubtedly one of the best tourism fairs in the world for solo female travellers.

Web in Travel (WiT)

Date: 5 – 6 July 2024

Location: Tokyo, Japan

Date: 27 July 2024

Location: Penang, Malaysia

Date: 2 – 4 October 2024

Location: Singapore

Date: 2 November 2024

Location: Seoul, South Korea

For anyone interested in travel technology, distribution, and marketing, this conference will bring it all into one room. Join the masses as you get the opportunity to meet with others in the travel-tech and marketing space and gain new insights into the industry.

While the event occurs in several live locations throughout the year, it’s also one of the few travel technology conferences offering a virtual space. So you can connect with travel and marketing gurus from across the world.

Select Traveller Conference

Dates: 17 – 19 March 2024

Location: Buffalo Niagara, New York

This conference aims to boost the relationship between travel clubs and travel loyalty programs. If you are in the industry and hoping to increase your club membership or add value to your loyalty program, this is the place to be.

B Travel Trade Show

Dates: 15 – 17 March 2024

Location: Barcelona, Spain

The tourism trade show is a great all-around travel trade fair. You’ll learn a lot, be introduced to world-class products and ideas, and socialise with industry leaders. It’s Southern Europe’s biggest travel event, with over 24,000 visitors annually, so expect a crowd.

Travel Technology Initiative

Dates: 20 March 2024

TTI continues to establish and maintain technology standards within the travel industry. This conference is the main event of the year, where all the big travel tech names come together. Learn about the technological trends that will affect your business and the greater travel industry.

Travel and Words

Dates: 12 – 14 November 2024

Location: Missoula, Montana

This is a conference built on passion and voluntary work. The Travel and Words event is a great place for travel bloggers , writers, and destination marketers to get together. Here, they can discuss the future of travel marketing in media and print.

Its focus is on freelance travel writers in the Northwest, making it ideal for exposure to potential new markets.

International Luxury Travel Market – Worldwide

Dates: 19 – 22 June 2024

Location: Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Dates: 18 – 21 September 2024

Location: Baha Mar, The Bahamas

Dates: 4 – 7 December 2024

Location: Cannes, France

Dates: 7 – 10 May 2024

Location: São Paulo, Brazil

The ILTM conferences showcase the ultimate luxury travel brands to handpicked travel advisors in different regions. It is here that luxury and travel combine to display fantastic holiday opportunities in each country.

Simply put, it’s one of the best international travel events of the year for luxury marketers and business owners.

World Trade Market

Dates: 6 – 8 November 2024

Dates: 2 – 4 April 2024

Dates: 10 – 12 April 2024

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Dates: 6 – 9 May 2024

Location: Dubai, UAE

WTM hosts thousands of travel professionals in multiple locations each year.

The Latin America WTM showcases the best of Latin America to the rest of the world. Travel agencies, service providers, and travellers themselves all congregate together to see the best of Latin American Tourism.

WTM Africa does much the same, except for the African Continent. All tourism industry people, from hotel owners to tour guides and everyone in between, will meet under one roof to share and expand their network and knowledge.

WTM London celebrated 40 years in 2020 and will host many travel and tourism professionals in 2024. Here, you can connect and mingle with the industry’s head runners, as well as learn more about the world of travel and tourism.

International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association Global Convention

Dates: 4 – 7 October 2024

Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico

The IGLTA tourism convention exists to connect the LGBTQ+ community with gay-friendly travel and tourism brands, suppliers, and buyers. There are interesting educational workshops and numerous networking receptions for all attendees.

IGLTA also runs events around the world for LGBTQ+ travellers and promotes equality and safety within the tourism industry.

Skift Forum

Dates: 26 – 28 September 2024

Dates: 12 – 14 December 2024

The Skift Global Forum 2024 provides a space for innovative leaders in travel and tourism to come together and share, gain, and develop new ideas. With research-driven actionable insights, amazing speakers, and an excellent opportunity to network, it’s one of our favourite travel marketing conferences in 2024.

Women in Travel Summit

Dates: 12 – 14 April 2024

Location: Salt Lake City, USA

This is a wonderful conference for women in the travel and tourism industry. There will be brands, influencers, and creators.

Visitors can attend workshops and talks on travel directed specifically to the ladies. It’s A great opportunity for travel writers and influencers who want to expand their monetization strategies and learn from others.

Africa’s Travel Indaba

Dates: 9 – 11 May 2024

Location: Durban, South Africa

Africa’s tourism and travel industry are showcased well at this annual event, with exhibitor booths for travel services and product suppliers. Buyers, media, and the public can enjoy a first-row seat to the best that Africa has to offer.

This conference is geared more towards businesses (like tour operators and travel agents) than travel writers.

Digital Travel Summit 2024

Dates: 12 – 13 September 2024

Location: South Carolina, USA

One of the best tourism conferences for travel executives, Digital Travel, caters to their niche perfectly. With big keynotes and small face-to-face discussions around customer engagement and personalization, you’re bound to come away with creative new strategies to grow your business.

We Are Africa

Enjoy the luxurious side of African tourism as this event hosts both an African and International audience. It focuses on rebranding Africa as a top luxury destination with exciting investments and lavish products.

Tourism & Leisure Studies Conference

Dates: 14 – 16 June 2024

Location: Granada, Spain

This conference offers a space for travel industry professionals to discuss matters within the industry. Past, current, and future trends, issues, and innovations are presented and debated with like-minded individuals.

This is a great space for those looking to change their business model and adapt to relevant tourism in the new decade.

IPW Conference

Dates: 3 – 7 May 2024

IPW is where US travel exhibitors connect with travel buyers and media from more than 70 countries.

This is one of the best tourism events of 2024 that showcases products and builds relationships. It’s a national showcase of what America has to offer and brings in a great deal of tourism to the country.

Global Business Travel Association

Dates: 13 – 15 August 2024

Location: Toronto, Canada

Dates: 22 – 24 April 2024

Visit Canada’s largest conference for business travel and management professionals. As it attracts over 900 attendees, the event is a fantastic way for travel innovators to showcase their latest products and services to industry professionals.

It’s comparatively small in scale to other travel events of 2024, making it best for networking.

Keyframe 23 by Traverse

Dates: 13 – 16 April 2024

Location: Malta

This travel conference is aimed at bloggers, influencers, YouTubers, and other content creators. The vibrant festival combines travel and technological innovation. Digital content creators from around the world will gather to learn, progress, and develop new ways to show off the world of travel.

ITT Conference

Dates: 5 – 7 June 2024

Location: Doha, Qatar

The Institution of Travel and Tourism conference is held each year to provide a space for all those in the tourism industry to discuss and share.

You can find guidelines on how to be a professional in the industry, as well as support and advice on your travel career. You can also enjoy some networking with others in the industry.

Future Travel Experience

Dates: 19 – 21 September 2024

Location: California, USA

Dates: 8 – 9 November 2024

Learn more about the future of travel and hear from hundreds of airline and hotel representatives. Whether you attend the global travel industry event, the Asian event, or both – there is much to learn and many faces to network with.

As the name suggests, it is all about forward-moving tech and industry.

Digital Travel Summit EU

Date: 15 – 16 November 2024

All things digital and travel combine perfectly in this two-day event held in London. Along with industry-leading speakers, there are workshops, presentations, and small group sessions. There are also over 400 other digital travel professionals to network with.

Global Travel Marketplace

Date: 18 – 20 July 2024

Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

This travel conference is an appointment-only event connecting influential travel advisors with travel suppliers. It’s small-scale and tends to lead to many exciting new business deals.

TECNZ Tourism Conference

Dates: 8 –11 August 2024

Location: Rotorua, New Zealand

TECNZ Tourism Conference is for anyone interested in making partners and learning about New Zealand’s tourism innovations and trends.

Inbound 2024

Dates: 5 – 8 September 2024

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

Inbound is a yearly conference where big ideas are shared and expanded. It’s all about actionable strategies for growth and improvement. And with nightly parties, you’re likely to make good friends with your new connections.

Massive and exciting, it can be a little daunting. But there’s a surprising opportunity to make close connections and brainstorm your niche challenges.

Travel Writers and Photographers Conference

Dates: 10 – 13 August 2024

Location: Corte Madera, California

More niche than most options on our list, this conference is the perfect place for all travel writers and photographers to come together and expand their knowledge and skills.

Hosted by Book Passage, there is a world of knowledge to be shared over the 3-day event. With workshops, panels, and evening activities, you’ll come away with actionable insights and a lot of new contacts.

PATA Travel Mart

Dates: 4 – 6 October 2024

Location: New Delhi, India

The Pacific Asia Travel Association hosts the PATA travel mart each year. The role of PATA in tourism is essential, allowing sellers, buyers, and other industry professionals in the Asia-Pacific region to meet, greet, and network.

There is also a public day when traders can meet visitors and exhibit their products.

Travel Mart Latin America

Dates: 20 – 22 September 2024

Location: TBD

This is a long-standing conference showcasing Latin American tourism. It’s a great place for tour operators, wholesalers, meeting planners, and incentive companies to meet and share their businesses.

Travel Mart is also an expo of all travel and tourism opportunities in Central and South America.

World Youth and Student Travel Conference

Dates: 12 – 15 September 2024

Location: Lisbon, Portugal

This conference is a must for professionals who work in youth and student travel. It hosts over 150 buyers, represents 100 countries, and offers workshops and networking events aplenty, making it a conference worth your time.

Vestnorden Travel Mart 2024

Dates: 17 – 18 October 2024

Location: Reykjavik, Iceland

This is an extremely important trade show for the North Atlantic region. It allows B2B trading and networking for all travel professionals in and around Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroes Islands.

TBEX Africa, North America, and Europe

Dates: 17 – 20 July 2024

Location: Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Dates: 28 – 31 May 2024

Location: San Sebastian, Spain

TBEX has quickly become the largest conference and networking event for content creators, travel brands, and industry professionals. Partnering with fantastic destinations across the globe and attracting hundreds of delegates each year. This is a great place to network and do business.

It’s one of the best travel and tourism conferences in 2024, with the fantastic convention occurring in Africa, North America, and Europe.

Luxury Travel Advisors Ultra Summit

Dates: 20 – 22 June 2024

Location: Scottsdale, Arizona

This is a great international tourism conference for travel agents to attend to network with suppliers and learn more about the industry. It’s also a fantastic opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their businesses and what they offer.

TTG Travel Experience

Dates: 11 – 13 October 2024

Location: Remini, Italy

Anyone looking for a gateway to the Italian travel market should attend the TTG conference. With over 130 countries being represented, this is considered the largest B2B trade conference in Italy.

International Tourism Film Festival

Dates: 24 – 27 October 2024

Location: Caldas Da Rainha, Portugal

This unique event brings travel filmmakers and businesses together, showcasing industry greats and newcomers alike. It’s not a travel conference we all need to attend, but if you have a special talent for promotional travel films or are looking for someone who does, check it out.

GBTA + Conference 2024

Dates: 14 – 16 November 2024

Location: Hamburg, Germany

It’s one of the top business travel conferences in 2024 for B2B exposure. You’ll learn about the latest trends in tourism and make valuable new connections.

Phocuswright Conference

Dates: 13 – 16 November 2024

This is a great place for travel leaders and influencers to meet and discuss the latest innovations in the travel and tourism industry.

Top Travel and Tourism Conferences 2024/25

2024 is an exciting year for travel, with new solutions and innovations constantly breaking ground and a global public itching to explore.

Are you planning to attend any of these conferences? You may just see our team at a few of them too! So maybe, see you there.

More to explorer

9 Common SEO Mistakes You Should Avoid + How to Fix Them

Storytelling in Digital Marketing for Travel Websites

How to Find the Best PPC Agency for Travel Businesses

Book a call with an digital strategist.

Upcoming global travel trade events to attend in 2024

Monday, December 11, 2023 Favorite

The year 2024 promises a diverse selection of travel industry events throughout the world. From the famous ITB Berlin in Germany to the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai and the World Travel Market in London, these events cover a wide variety of regions and industries of the travel industry. Maximise your business in 2024 by attending key travel industry events worldwide. From ITB Berlin 2024 and Arabian Travel Market 2024 to World Travel Market London 2024, these trade shows offer unparalleled business networking, travel and tourism insights, and versatile collaboration opportunities.

Don’t miss these influential travel trade shows to stay informed, connect with industry leaders, and propel your travel business forward.

24 – 28 Jan 2024

IFEMA, MADRID

FITUR, a premier global tourism trade exhibition, marks its 43rd edition from January 24 to 28, 2024, at IFEMA MADRID. Recognised for its international significance, the event showcases innovations, trends, and collaborations across the tourism industry, with support from governments, institutions, and key stakeholders. A vital platform for exploring specialization, technology, and sustainability in global tourism.

BALTTOUR 2024

2–4 February, 2023

Riga, Latvia

Balttour, the leading international travel trade fair in the Baltics, aids travelers in destination selection and planning. It also serves as a vital networking platform for tourism professionals. Scheduled for February 2–4, 2024, it enhances regional tourism sector growth.

EMITT Istanbul 2024

6 – 9 February 2024

TUYAP Fair & Congress Centre

EMITT, a global top-five tourism exhibition, draws 40,000 industry professionals and tourists annually, showcasing travel opportunities and fostering cooperation. Organized for 26 years and supported by key entities, EMITT contributes significantly to sector growth. The 27th edition in 2024 is backed by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, TOBB, Turkish Airlines, and Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.

19 – 21 February 2024

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne hosts the prestigious Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event 2024 (AIME), blending business opportunities and cultural experiences. Scheduled from 19–21 February at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, this trade event unites event planners and exhibitors, fostering connections through AI-driven appointments and 13,000+ meetings.

ITB Berlin 2024

5 – 7 March 2024

Berlin, Germany

The ITB Berlin Convention 2024, themed “Pioneer the Transition in Travel & Tourism. Together,” leads the industry from March 5 to 7. Experts will discuss innovative concepts and strategies across 17 tracks, covering trends in marketing, technology, hospitality, and broader industry challenges.

Arabian Travel Market 2024

6 – 9 May 2024

The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, from May 6 to May 9 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, explores the evolving luxury travel market in the Middle East. Global experts will delve into themes of heritage, innovation, and sustainability.

World Travel Market Latin America

15 – 17 April 2024

São Paulo, Brasil

WTM Latin America is the premier B2B travel event in the region, providing unparalleled business opportunities and ROI. Connecting professionals from travel agencies, operators, airlines, and more, it’s a 3-day platform to discover trends, new products, and enhance your business network.

ILTM Africa

7 – 9 April, 2024

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Cape Town

ILTM Africa is a key sales and marketing opportunity for travel specialists seeking to enter or expand in the African market. With curated meetings connecting exclusive experiences to top agents, it’s the place to meet clients, generate leads, and build lasting relationships.

IBTM Africa

10 – 12 April 2024

Cape Town, CTICC

14-16 May 2024

Frankfurt, Germany

IMEX is the epicenter for the global business events community, uniting 3,800 meeting planners and 2,900 suppliers worldwide. Enjoy expert education, discover event trends, and make powerful connections for real ROI. Attend IMEX 2024, where participation is completely free.

IBTM America 2024

August 21 – 22, 2024

Centro Citibanamex, Mexico City

IBTM America, held annually in Mexico City, is the premier event for the Americas’ incentives, meetings, and business travel industry. It offers a platform for professionals to discover products, network, and build relationships, with seminars and workshops providing valuable insights and connections. Stay ahead in the industry at IBTM America.

Uzbekistan International Travel Market 2024

16 April 2024 to 18 April 2024

Tashkent, Uzbekistan

UITM (Uzbekistan International Travel Market) is scheduled from April 16 to 18, 2024, at the International Hotel Tashkent. This event serves as a platform for companies in the tourism sector, showcasing news and developments in Uzbekistan and internationally. With a focus on tourism, UITM provides an opportunity for networking, collaboration, and the exchange of information within the industry, contributing to the growth and promotion of tourism in Uzbekistan and beyond.

IGTM – International Golf Travel Market

14–17 October 2024

Lisbon, Portugal

IGTM (International Golf Travel Market) is a community for golf travel professionals seeking a focused and cost-effective platform for business growth. Pre-scheduled meetings form the core, connecting golf destinations, resorts, and courses with leading travel agents to boost the global outbound tourism market.

1 – 4 July 2024

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

ILTM (International Luxury Travel Market) presented their latest research, “Decoding the Luxury Traveller’s Mindset: Spotlight China,” during the ILTM Asia Pacific Opening Forum. The report, a collaboration with Altiant, delves into the behaviors and expectations of Wealthy Chinese travelers, serving as a crucial resource for luxury travel professionals.

WTM London 2024

5 – 7 November 2024

ExCeL, London

World Travel Market London 2024, the global travel and tourism event, witnessed a remarkable increase in attendance, with numbers rising by more than a fifth compared to the previous year. The event continues to be a significant platform for industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and explore new opportunities in the travel sector.

Subscribe to our Newsletters

« Back to Page

Related Posts

• Trip.com Group Books Record 57,000+ Room Nights in Abu Dhabi
• Arabian Travel Market 2024: Global travel technology market projected to reach $21 billion by 2032
• Arabian Travel Market 2024 to highlight surge in Chinese tourism with special focus on luxury travel
• Arabian Travel Market 2024 to focus on aviation industry sector development
• Saudi’s Hidden Gems and Vibrant Culture to Dazzle at Arabian Travel Market 2024

Tags: Arabian Travel Market , ITB Berlin , ITB Berlin 2024 , travel trade events , World Travel Market London 2024

Select Your Language

I want to receive travel news and trade event update from Travel And Tour World. I have read Travel And Tour World's Privacy Notice .

REGIONAL NEWS

Unlock Insights: Attend the Presentation of Scandic Q1 2024 Interim Report

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

5th Annual Midnight Runway Run: A Night Of Charity and Excitement at Aberdeen In

TRU and Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association sign MOU

Sustainable Soaring: Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Path to Net-Zero Tr

Middle east.

Burniq Airways Bridges Cultures and Continents with Inaugural Benghazi-Dubai Fli

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Elevate Your Summer Plans: Abu Dhabi Rolls Out 101 Experiences for Every Type of

Monday, April 8, 2024

Indian Tourism Destinations Feels the Burn as Heat Wave Intensifies Across Count

Hong Kong Canlife Leads The Way With ISO-Certified ‘Furry Travel’ Se

Upcoming shows.

Apr 07 April 7 - April 10 GLOBAL MEETING & INCENTIVE Find out more » Apr 08 April 8 - April 11 Seatrade Cruise Global Find out more » Apr 10 April 10 - April 12 AFRICA TRAVEL WEEK 2024 Find out more » Apr 11 April 11 - April 14 ITF SLOVAKIATOUR 2024 Find out more »

Privacy Overview

Search Travel Market Report

• Packaged Travel
• Hotels & Resorts
• Destinations
• Retail Strategies
• Niche & Luxury
• Training & Resources
• Brian Israel
• Briana Bonfiglio
• Dan McCarthy
• Dori Saltzman
• Jennifer Arango
• Kelly Fontenelle
• Keri-Anne Slevin
• Louis Intreglia
• Sarah Milner
• Tom McCarthy

• Motorcycles
• Car of the Month
• Destinations
• Men’s Fashion
• Watch Collector
• Art & Collectibles
• Vacation Homes
• Celebrity Homes
• New Construction
• Home Design
• Electronics
• Fine Dining
• Costa Palmas
• L’Atelier
• Les Marquables de Martell
• Reynolds Lake Oconee
• Scott Dunn Travel
• Wilson Audio
• 672 Wine Club
• Sports & Leisure
• Health & Wellness
• Best of the Best
• The Ultimate Gift Guide

Travel Will Inject a Record $11 Trillion Into the Global Economy This Year: Report

Tourism is expected to become a $16 trillion industry by 2034, the world travel & tourism council says., rachel cormack.

Digital Editor

Rachel Cormack's Most Recent Stories

• Chrono24 Launches an Authentication Program, Addressing the Used Watch Market’s Biggest Pitfall
• You Can Now Play Padel Ball on the Deck of Your Superyacht
• Forget Crocs. Drake Just Stepped Out in Kane’s Campy Bubblegum Revive Shoes.
• Share This Article

All your jet-setting and hotel-hopping is having a significant effect on the global economy.

Related Stories

How this remote norwegian archipelago became a new travel hot spot.

• What It’s Like to Stay at the Peninsula Istanbul, One of Turkey’s Buzziest New Luxe Hotels
• What It’s Like to Stay at Atlantis the Royal, the Most Over-the-Top Hotel in Dubai

The 14-figure sums can be broken down into three types of travel transactions, Bloomberg notes. Direct travel spending includes things like hotels, tours, and transportation, as well as public investment in these types of services. Indirect travel spending covers the expenses of those businesses, such as sheets and towels or the ingredients for the breakfast buffet. Finally, induced spending accounts for the trickle-down effects of hospitality employees.

In total, 142 out of the 185 surveyed countries are expected to exceed their 2019 tourism performance levels in 2024. Almost all nations are expected to see year-over-year growth, too. As a result, records are likely to be broken on a local level as well as a global.

Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…

Read More On:

• United States

More Destinations

Netflix Cofounder Reed Hastings Wants to Turn Half of a Utah Mountain Into a Members-Only Ski Club

Tokyo’s Newest Neighborhood Is a $4 Billion Mini City—Here’s Everything We Know

How This British Columbia Lodge Created an Uber-Exclusive Heli-Skiing Community

Culinary Masters 2024

MAY 17 - 19 Join us for extraordinary meals from the nation’s brightest culinary minds.

Give the Gift of Luxury

Latest Galleries in Destinations

Oceaya in Photos

Meet the Robb Report Travel Masters: 22 Renowned Specialists Who Can Make Your Dream Vacation a Reality

More from our brands, charles & colvard takes strategic shift amid tough business conditions , ncaa men’s final ratings can’t match women amid uconn routs, robert pattinson confronts robert pattinson as bong joon ho debuts wacky, bold ‘mickey 17’ trailer at cinemacon, employee secretly hangs his own art in german museum, spurring a police investigation, amazon sale: flexispot’s adjustable exercise bike is over $100 off right now.

• Share full article

Planning to Combine Business and Leisure Travel? You’re Not Alone.

As employees increasingly add leisure time to their business trips, companies are trying to figure out where their duty of care obligations begin and end.

Credit... Aart-Jan Venema

Supported by

By Amy Zipkin

• April 7, 2024

On a Sunday in late January, Melinda Buchmann, who lives in Florida and supervises client relations for RevShoppe, a 30-person remote company advising organizations on sales techniques and strategies, arrived in Banff, Alberta, to help set up a four-day company meeting.

The last day of the event, her husband, Josh, a director of strategic partnerships for the delivery company DoorDash , who also works remotely, joined her. They spent two leisurely days hiking in Banff National Park and visiting Lake Louise.

“I take advantage, because I don’t know when I’m going to return,” Ms. Buchmann said of the decision to combine downtime with a business trip.

As postpandemic work life has changed, and arrangements now include full-time office attendance as well as hybrid and remote work, so, too, has business travel. The phenomenon known as bleisure, or blended business and leisure travel, was initially embraced largely by digital nomads . But such combined travel is now also popular with people outside that group . Allied Market Research, a subsidiary of Allied Analytics, based in Portland, Ore., estimated that the bleisure travel market was $315.3 billion in 2022 and would reach $731.4 billion by 2032.

As employees increasingly add leisure time to their business trips, companies are struggling to determine where their legal obligation to protect employees from harm — their so-called duty of care — begins and ends. And workers may think that because their trip started with business, they will get all the help they need if something goes wrong on the leisure end. Instead, they should generally consider the leisure part of a trip as a regular vacation where they cover all expenses and contingencies.

Companies are responsible for knowing where their employees are during a business trip, covering expenses if an accident or emergency occurs, securing new lodging if a hotel is damaged, even swapping out a broken down rental car. Still, it’s not entirely clear if that coverage ends completely after the conference or the last client meeting.

Companies recognize that threats are increasing, said Robert Cole, senior research analyst focusing on lodging and leisure travel at Phocuswright, a market research company. They are trying to figure out how to take care of a valuable company resource, the employee, without leaving themselves open to financial risk or potential litigation.

“Crafting a comprehensive policy that balances business objectives, employee well-being and legal considerations can be challenging,” Nikolaos Gkolfinopoulos, head of tourism at ICF, a consulting and technology services company in Reston, Va., wrote in an email.

Employees may be on their own without realizing it and may be surprised by out-of-pocket expenses if they require hospital care abroad or evacuation, said Suzanne Morrow, chief executive of InsureMyTrip , an online insurance travel comparison site in Warwick, R.I.

Ms. Morrow said medical coverage provided by a company “is generally only for the dates of the actual business trip abroad.” If travelers are extending the trip for personal travel, she added, “they would want to secure emergency medical coverage for that additional time abroad.”

Employers and employees are left to figure out when the business portion of the trip ends and the leisure segment begins, a significant detail if an employee has a medical emergency. “Where does the corporation liability end?” said Kathy Bedell, senior vice president at BCD Travel, a travel management company.

Companies have varying policies to deal with the new travel amalgam. The chief executive of RevShoppe, Patricia McLaren, based in Austin, Texas, said the company provided flexible travel options and allowed employees to work anywhere they choose.

Even so, there are constraints. The company requires all employees, including executives, to sign liability and insurance waivers when they are on a voluntary company-sponsored trip, such as an off-site meeting. Such waivers typically place responsibility on employees for their own well-being. And if they bring someone, they are responsible for that person’s expenses.

Employees are responsible for requesting the paid time off and notifying their managers of their whereabouts, although that part is not a requirement. Managers have to ensure adequate staffing, Ms. McLaren said.

Elsewhere, employees may not bother to mention the leisure portion of their trip. Eliot Lees, a vice president and managing director at ICF, said he had been on trips as a child with his parents when they combined business and leisure. His parents were academics, who would piggyback vacations onto conferences.

Now he does the same. “I don’t think I ever asked for approval,” he said. (ICF has no formal business-leisure travel policy. It’s allowed as part of personal time off.) After a conference in the Netherlands last year, he spent four days hiking in the northern part of the country.

“I go anywhere, and take more risks than I should,” he said. He said he didn’t carry personal travel or accident insurance.

Any nonchalance may quickly evaporate if a threat emerges. Security experts say even low-risk locations can become high-risk for a few days or weeks of the year.

“Companies are concerned about losing visibility into a traveler’s whereabouts if they booked flights and hotels outside their corporate travel management company,” Benjamin Thorne, senior intelligence manager in London for Crisis24, a subsidiary of GardaWorld, wrote in an email. “The company may think the traveler is in one city when, in reality, they could have booked a holiday package to another nearby city. This lack of visibility by the company makes it difficult to support travelers when a disaster occurs.”

He also raised the possibility that “a traveler with bleisure travel reservations and expectations may find their work trip canceled due to changes in the risk environment or company policy, disrupting their leisure plans.”

Will a company step in off hours if there’s a problem? “That depends on how you are booked,” Mr. Cole, the senior research analyst at Phocuswright, said. A rule of thumb is the further you get from corporate control, the greater the gray area gets.

Half of GoldSpring Consulting’s clients take the responsibility for the entire trip, said Will Tate, a partner at the consultancy based in Cross Roads, Texas, and a certified public accountant. They don’t want the reputational risk. The other half say: “The business trip ended Friday. That’s when we end our duty of care.”

Some companies are trying to define and narrow the gray area. “If you are clearly on personal time, there is no legal requirement for your employer to provide for you,” said Nicole Page, a lawyer whose practice includes employment law at Reavis Page Jump in New York.

Uber provides employees with advisories before a trip, travel assessments, safety tips while traveling and emergency travel assistance, including medical aid, airport travel support, urgent and emergency assistance, and lost or stolen personal property insurance whether they are on business or pleasure travel or a combination.

And at DoorDash, Chris Cherry, head of global safety and security, wrote in an email that “while personal travel is not something we track, we have received requests to extend our travel support capabilities to personal travel.” Mr. Cherry said in those cases, the company has manually added employee leisure itineraries to its travel risk management system and “provided the same level of overwatch that we do for regular business travel.”

The Buchmanns plan to travel this month to Barcelona, Spain, for the McDonald’s Worldwide Convention. DoorDash will have a booth, and Mr. Buchmann will work on the exhibit floor and also entertain clients.

Ms. Buchmann will accompany him. She plans to go sightseeing in the morning, and work in the afternoons and evenings Barcelona time. She will also take three days of paid time off and has shared her plans with Ms. McLaren, the RevShoppe chief executive.

They will stay a day after the conference and plan to visit the Dalí Theater and Museum in Figueres. “I’m sure there will be no shortage of tapas and window shopping along way,” Mr. Buchmann said. He expects to be back at work the next Monday.

Explore Our Business Coverage

Dive deeper into the people, issues and trends shaping the world of business..

Stopping a Huge Cyberattack: A Microsoft engineer noticed something was off on a piece of software he worked on. He soon discovered someone was probably trying to gain access to computers all over the world .

Hoping for an A.I. Productivity Boost:  Economists doubt that A.I. is already visible in productivity data . Big companies, however, talk often about adopting it to improve efficiency.

Cashing In on Graffiti:  Brands, developers and even officials are embracing the global appeal of street art , but the boom comes with questions about preserving a neighborhood’s cultural cachet.

‘Twitter Menace’ or True Believer?: The deep-pocketed tech investor Garry Tan says he wants to save San Francisco. But his pugnacious online habits are making him enemies .

A C.E.O.’s Bold Claims:  Amira Yahyaoui, a human rights activist, promoted the success of her student aid start-up, Mos. Some of her statements do not add up .

Advertisement

Global Meeting Industry Day 2024

We celebrate the power of meetings and events to drive innovation, growth, and connections around the world on Global Meetings Industry Day 2024 on April 11.

Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) not only celebrates the way communities benefit from meetings and events but reminds the wider community of the positive social and economic benefits that happen when we gather to collaborate.

At Ottawa Tourism, we are proud to be a part of the global meeting industry, and we recognize the vital role that our industry plays in supporting our local economy and community. From major conventions and conferences to smaller meetings and events, our city has been the backdrop for countless gatherings that have brought people from all walks of life together.

April 16, 2024, marks the first time that the  Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) will devote a day during  National Tourism Week (April 15-19) to increasing awareness of the business events sector.

Following GMID tradition, meeting sites across the country will be #LightingUpBlue to commemorate the day.  And to mark the occasion of Global Meeting Industry Day 2024 in Ottawa, the Shaw Centre, one of our premier event venues in Ottawa, will be lighting up blue in honor of this important day of advocacy. This special lighting display is a tribute to the many professionals who work tirelessly to make meetings and events happen, and a symbol of our industry's resilience, innovation, and importance.

But beyond the economic impact, meetings and events have the power to inspire, educate and drive positive change. They provide a platform for sharing ideas, building relationships, and sparking innovation. In an increasingly divided and polarized world, meetings and events can bring people together in a spirit of collaboration and mutual understanding.

If you’re interested in attending an industry event on April 11,  Meetings Mean Business Canada has compiled a  list of events that range from networking sessions to educational workshops.

As we celebrate Global Meeting Industry Day 2024, we invite you to join us in recognizing the power of our industry to shape a better future for all. Whether you are a meeting planner, an event attendee or simply someone who values the connections and learning that come from gathering with others, your support is crucial to ensuring that our industry continues to thrive and make a positive impact on the world.

Let us come together today to celebrate the global meeting industry and all the amazing professionals who make it happen. Let us commit to continuing to innovate and collaborate as we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead. And let us remember the power of our industry to bring people together and make a positive impact on the world.

Most Recent

The evolution of Ottawa’s Professional Women’s Hockey League

Rest and recharge with winter wellness experiences

See more Connect in Ottawa Blog articles

General inquiries: 1-833-864-7839 [email protected]

Stay up to date

Stay up to date on upcoming events and ideas to plan your next trip to Ottawa with friends, family or on your own by signing up for the Ottawa Tourism Newsletter.

Our partners:

Millions of people are traveling to see the total eclipse. Hotels, motels, and skydiving operators are making bank on it.

• Millions of tourists are expected to boost economies in Texas and New York during the eclipse.
• Hotels, an eyeglasses manufacturer, and even skydiving companies are preparing for increased business.
• One study predicted that the eclipse could benefit the US economy with nearly $1.6 billion.

As millions of Americans get ready to watch the total solar eclipse on Monday — an event NASA has described as rare and "spectacular" — the phenomenon stands to lift local economies.

Various industries are poised to benefit from the millions of tourists flocking to cities in Texas, Ohio, and New York , which are on the eclipse's "path of totality" and offer the best views of the ring around the sun.

According to NASA, this year's eclipse is set to last three to four minutes, longer than the last solar eclipse , in 2017. People who miss this one will not be able to see another in the contiguous US until 2044 or 2045, the agency said.

Up to 3.7 million people are set to travel to the path of the eclipse, joining the 31 million people already living along the stretch, according to predictions by the eclipse-tracking website Great American Eclipse .

Visitors are expected to spend big: They'll shell out up to $1.6 billion on lodging, activities, food, and gas, the Texas economic consultancy Perryman Group estimated .

Here are some of the industries seeing big boosts from Monday's eclipse.

Hotels and Airbnbs book out

The budget hotel chain Super 8 has over 300 locations within the path of totality, per The New York Times. About 100 of these hotels are sold out for Sunday or Monday, according to the chain's website.

One two-star Super 8 branch in Grayville, Illinois, is advertising rooms for between $765 and $950 from Sunday through Tuesday. On most days, the rooms typically cost $80, the Super 8 website shows.

Higher-end hotels are seeing similar spikes. A JW Marriott in Dallas listed a standard room for $1,039 for Sunday night. It typically costs between $355 and $482, the website said.

Related stories

Visitors are flocking to Airbnbs, too. As of March 25, occupancy rates for April 7 soared to 88% across 110,000 active listings on the path of totality, according to the vacation-rental-data company AirDNA.

The biggest glasses manufacturer has sold out

People can permanently damage their eyesight by looking straight into the sun during an eclipse, so NASA recommends specific solar-filtering glasses .

The eye-protection guidelines translated into huge sales for some glasses manufacturers.

Tennessee's American Paper Optics, the country's largest producer of protective eclipse eyeglasses, has seen a big jump in sales compared with the total eclipse in 2017.

The company started taking eclipse orders two years in advance, John Jerit, the company's founder, told NPR on Friday. The glasses sold for $1.50 to $2 apiece.

"We've shipped already about 70 million glasses, and I suspect I'm going to approach right at 75 million by the time next week comes," Jerit said.

American Paper Optics sold out of glasses this year after producing about 30 million more glasses than it did for the total solar eclipse in 2017, according to a sales figure on the company's site .

Eclipse skydiving attracts thrill seekers

Some adrenaline junkies seeking a novel vantage point are planning to jump during totality to enjoy the darkness from the sky.

A group of 30 skydivers plans to jump in northern New York on Monday, Fox News reported . Tickets for the dive, hosted by the local company Skydive the Falls, sold out in seven minutes after they went live in January.

"We're going to jump one minute prior to totality, so we can enjoy totality in full under our parachutes," Jason Berger, a co-owner of Skydive the Falls, told Fox News.

A similar event in Dallas sold out of its $250 eclipse skydive tickets, too.

For sun observers on the ground, restaurants are making the most of the celestial phenomenon with eclipse menus and specials. Establishments like Smoothie King, Applebee's, and Sonic are offering special eclipse-themed smoothies and margaritas, as well as "blackout" drinks to mark the occasion.

Watch: A small Australian town was treated to a rare hybrid solar eclipse

• Main content

Cruise industry noticing success in Mobile according to city officials

MOBILE, Ala. ( WALA ) - It’s safe to say Carnival Spirit left the Port City on a very high note.

“This was an experiment with Carnival -- if you look at what is offered in New Orleans and what’s offered at Tampa -- they don’t offer the same class ship doing these itineraries. So we were able to show to Carnival - we told Carnival - you give us a nice ship with exciting itineraries and we will fill it,” said Joe Snowden, City of Mobile Executive Director of Transportation & Maritime.

The City of Mobile more than meeting their end of the bargain during the last six months. According to Snowden, during the Spirit’s inaugural season -- the ship was never at less than 100% capacity -- often times at 120% based on more than one person per room.

It’s a big part of the story -- the team from Mobile is sharing with cruise industry down in Miami -- attending the Annual Seatrade Cruise Global event. Monday they met with Carnival and Tuesday with Norwegian and Margaritaville at Sea cruise lines. Snowden -- along with Mayor Sandy Stimpson, and Visit Mobile President & CEO David Clark -- among those in the meeting. The goal to fill the vacancy during Spirit’s 6-month hiatus.

“They’ve already done their research -- and they’ve actually sailed out of Mobile. So, Margaritaville at Sea -- they’re executive staff knows Mobile. This is the first time where we’ve had heavy engagement. Very promising -- very, very promising,” said Snowden.

Also attractive -- the Alabama Cruise Terminal is within walking distance to restaurants, hotels, and entertainment -- all benefiting over the last six months. In that time -- Snowden says the City made $3-million from parking and wharfage fees.

Another thing to be proud of -- the Alabama Cruise Terminal consistently out performed Carnival’s entire fleet when it comes to customer service --something Snowden says goes a long way with the “decision-makers.”

“So as they look at all of the numbers of all of the different ships that they have we were ranked #1 with the surveys that people sailing out of Mobile -- we had the best overall southern hospitality. The scores showed that we were #1 in the fleet,” said Snowden.

Snowden says what also makes Mobile attractive -- plans for a new downtown airport, a new riverfront hotel near the Convention Center -- along with a recently announced world-class entertainment venue to replace the Mobile Civic Center -- not to mention an upgraded gangway for boarding the cruise ship. It’s all positive attention -- city leaders hope will drive future cruise momentum.

“We are getting noticed. I can tell you just from our engagement today -- people are noticing that,” said Snowden.

Something else the team from Mobile is taking advantage of at Seatrade -- they’re learning better business practices from industry experts on how to improve shore power to reduce carbon emissions and how to better promote excursions in the Port City -- to attract more passengers to stay a night or two before on the front and back end of the cruise.

Copyright 2024 WALA. All rights reserved.

UPDATE: Mississippi Highway Patrol now says charter bus involved in crash was carrying University of South Carolina students, not South Alabama students

School times for Wednesday, April 10

EXCLUSIVE: Surveillance video shows deadly crash involving Mobile police officer

Convenience store owner shot multiple times during robbery; Prichard police identify suspect

Second 19-year-old charged with murder in connection with Euclid Avenue shooting

Latest news.

18th annual Serving it up with Love Tournament

18th annual "Serve it up with Love"

Paul Prine intervew: Part 2

City leaders continue to meet with cruise lines

The Complete Side Events Lineup At TC Early Stage 2024

Get ready to amplify your  Early Stage 2024  experience with the electrifying lineup of  Side Events  taking Boston by storm during the week of April 22–28.

As the countdown to TechCrunch Early Stage begins, we’re thrilled to share our  Side Events  lineup to foster meaningful connections within the vibrant Boston tech community. Whether you’re a seasoned industry pro or a budding entrepreneur, our Side Events promise an unforgettable week filled with networking opportunities, innovation showcases, and engaging conversations. So mark your calendars, secure your spot, and dive into the excitement of Early Stage Week like never before!

Quick Side Event Disclaimers:

• Registering/RSVPing to a Side Event does not grant you access/ticket/badge to the main Early Stage 2024 conference on April 25.
• Each event is organized and operated solely by a host (i.e., not Yahoo Inc. or any of its affiliates or brands, including TechCrunch).
• Attendance is 18+ minimum and some venues are 21+ only.
• Side Events are open to the public unless specified.
• Please register/RSVP for any of the Side Events you want to attend.

Early Stage 2024 Side Events schedule

Techcrunch early stage happy hour.

Hosted By:   Descope Time: April 25, 6pm to 9pm Description:  Join us for an after-hours TechCrunch Early Stage Founders Happy Hour. Let’s raise a glass to innovation and disrupt together!

   Register

Smart contract driven development.

Hosted By:   Rezoomex Time: April 26, 9am to 1pm Description:  Join our invaluable 4-hour workshop aimed at early-stage startups looking to quickly develop end-user-ready products. Founders will learn how to build smart contracts for effective team engagement, guaranteeing fairness and integrity. Non-technical? No problem—our AI tools will transform your ideas into reality. We’re offering a 20% discount on all smart contracts and a lucky draw for $10,000 in free development time! The event concludes with an opportunity for networking over beer and lunch.

Techstars Startup Weekend Boston

Hosted By:   Prepare 4 VC Time: April 26, Starts at 5pm and runs through weekend Description:  Gain valuable insights on transforming your concept from an initial sketch to a fully-fledged startup. From pitching your idea, scrutinizing business models, identifying your target audience, to marketing your product – we cover it all! By the culmination of the 3-day event, you’ll craft an MVP and showcase it. Use the promo code “TCEARLYSTAGE” for 15% off your ticket!

Super Founders and Funders in AI Panel & Mixer Featuring Venture-backed Founders and VCs

Hosted By:   Supermomos  and HBS AI Club Time: April 22, 6pm to 8pm Description:  Join us for an intimate evening over a Founders and Funders in AI Panel & Mixer featuring venture-backed Founders and VCs, in honor of TechCrunch week! We will feature venture-backed founders and VCs in the panel. There will be time for networking and mingling, with drinks and food on the house. This event is catered to founders, VCs, and operators building full-time in the AI ML space, and also a select group of students from the HBS AI Club.

Built World Startup Happy Hour

Hosted By:   Suffolk Technologies  and  TriNet Time: April 23, 430pm to 630pm Description:  Calling all innovators shaping the built environment! Find the next step for your entrepreneurial journey with Suffolk Technologies + TriNet at our exclusive rooftop happy hour! Learn more about Suffolk Technologies’ BOOST Accelerator Program and TriNet’s HR solutions for startups. Network amidst breathtaking views of the Boston skyline, including iconic landmarks crafted by Suffolk such as Raffles, One Dalton, and the BU Data Science Center. Enjoy refreshing beverages, appetizers, and ignite connections that could redefine the future of the built environment.

Founders History Tour w/SVB!

Hosted By:  Silicon Valley Bank Time: April 24, 1pm to 3pm Description:  Join SVB on an interactive and non-traditional deep-dive into Boston (and America’s) rich history; founded on innovation, grit, resilience, and freewill. Hosted by SVB Boston’s Director of Startup Banking (who also happens to be a Revolutionary War re-enactor), this tour will begin with a cup’a choudah at the nation’s oldest restaurant and continue through downtown to most of the historic spots; ending at the only place in the world where you can drink a Sam Adams while looking at Sam Adams. So enjoy our historic city before TechCrunch Early Stage and join fellow founders following in the footsteps of our nation’s early founders.

Early Stage Round Table

Hosted By:  9point8 Collective  and  Orrick Time: April 24, 4pm to 630pm Description:  Join 9point8 Collective and Orrick for a round table focused on accelerating your early-stage start-up. Attendees will hear from serial entrepreneurs and investors covering various aspects of start-up success including going to market, cap table management, growth and scaling, and managing exits. The round table will be collaborative with audience Q&A and group participation along with the main panel.

Startup Launchcode Founder Workshop

Hosted By:  Startup Launchcode Time: April 24, 5pm to 630pm Description:  Startup Launchcode Founder Workshop is an interactive session designed to equip early-stage founders with the strategy, tools, and framework to build a great startup.

Founders Happy Hour with Vouch, Remofirst, and SVB

Hosted By:   Vouch ,  Remofirst , and  SVB Time: April 24, 6pm to 9pm Description:  If you’re in town for TechCrunch Early Stage or looking for a place to connect with others in the startup space, join us for a Happy Hour hosted by Vouch, Remofirst, and SVB at  Black Lamb  – just a 10 minute walk from the conference center! RSVP today to secure your spot for this exclusive networking event. See you soon 🥂

Disrupt Your Chaotic Startup Life with Productivity Innovation – Networking Reception

Hosted By:   SiloClick LLC Time: April 24, 630pm to 830pm Description:  Join SiloClick for a private Networking Reception on Wednesday, April 24. This event is not just a warm-up for the TechCrunch Early-Stage Conference but a transformative opportunity to navigate your startup journey more effectively. Enjoy food, beverages, and engaging conversations within your startup founder community. We welcome startup founders seeking innovative solutions to maintain wellness while achieving the optimal point of productivity for those crucial momentum moments throughout your startup journey. Investors interested in the future-of-work & productivity space and industry peers aiming to enhance both productivity and wellness in the workplace are also warmly invited!

Startup Happy Hour with Onshape

Hosted By:  Onshape (PTC Inc.) Time: April 24, 630pm to 9pm Description:  Join us the week of TechCrunch Early Stage 2024 at PTC’s headquarters for an exciting happy hour for founders! Immerse yourself in Boston’s dynamic startup community and connect with local hardware experts and innovative product designers. This event is curated for professionals seeking to broaden their network, as well as venture firms and accelerator spaces exploring collaboration opportunities. Join us for an evening dedicated to insightful conversations, new ideas, and fostering a creative community.

Accessibility Tech and Innovation

Hosted By:  Verizon Time: April 25, 5pm to 7pm Description:  At Verizon, we are striving to move our world forward through diversity, equity and inclusion. On April 25th at our Boston Innovation Lab, we are inviting and would like to hear from people who are interested in emerging technologies that can help our mission. We will have our Head of Accessibility and several startups present their ideas and would love to hear your thoughts. Together, we can do more – we can unlock opportunities for all!

Women Tech Meetup: Fundraising & Growth Powered by Techstars

Hosted By:  Women in Tech – Global Movement Time: April 25, 530pm to 8pm Description:  Join our Women Tech Meetup—an incredible gathering of women in technology, female founders, entrepreneurs, community builders, and other professionals! Enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks, engaging conversations, networking, and a beautiful venue. Additionally, we will host a panel discussion on fundraising, venture capital, and the challenges that founders face on their journey to building successful companies, along with strategies to overcome them.

Early Stage Deep Tech Happy Hour

Hosted By:   AlleyCorp Time: April 25, 530pm to 830pm Description:  Join AlleyCorp, Anzu Partners, Argon VC, Aurelia Foundry, Converge Ventures, Cybernetix Ventures, First Star Ventures, Glasswing Ventures, Hyperplane Ventures, and SkyRiver Ventures after TechCrunch Early Stage, for a happy hour with deep tech founders, operators, and investors. Special thanks to J.P. Morgan. The party will start at 5:30pm, immediately following TechCrunch Early Stage 2024 on April 25th. This event is 21+.

Is it SAFE?

Hosted By:   Corpora Time: April 26, 10am to 1130am Description:  Safes are the most popular early-stage financing tool today. They’re so easy to use, so they seem like a no-brainer for founders. But… are they as founder-friendly as you would think? Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s talk about some of the lesser-known dangers of safes, which often become apparent to founders only when it’s too late.

Getting Ready for Due Diligence from Angel Groups and Seed Investors

Hosted By:   Launchpad Venture Group Time: April 26,1pm to 3pm Description:  This is an in-depth workshop for founders to learn when raising money from angel groups and other seed investors:

– What does the diligence involve – Areas of the diligence and what investors look for in each case – How to prepare and what documents and artifacts you need to have ready in each area

Women in Business

Hosted By:   At the Table  and  Northeastern University Time: April 26, 6pm to 9pm Description:  Get ready for an extraordinary evening at Northeastern University with our “Women in Business” Networking Event, a cornerstone of our partnership with AtTheTable.io. This isn’t just an event; it’s a celebration of female entrepreneurship, designed to inspire, connect, and energize.

The one thing you'll want to do is the only thing not to do while driving during solar eclipse

The 2024 solar eclipse will shroud much of the United States in darkness on Monday, leaving many people to wonder: Is it safe to drive during the celestial event?

We know Americans should wear certified eclipse glasses when looking directly at the eclipse. And millions of Americans are in the eclipse's path of totality , the moment that occurs when the moon completely blocks the sun's light from reaching us. During totality, the eclipse can be viewed with the naked eye.

The eclipse will begin in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CDT and end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT, but the exact time of the eclipse varies by where you are in its path. If you plan to drive during this time, you may not only have to contend with traffic , but need to take steps to stay safe.

Here's what to know about driving during the eclipse.

Where to get free solar eclipse glasses: Libraries, Warby Parker and more giving glasses away

Is it safe to drive during an eclipse?

It's safe to drive during an eclipse as long as you don't look up at the sky. AAA is telling drivers to be focused on the road if they are operating a car during the total solar eclipse.

"Anyone operating a vehicle should not be attempting to look up at the sky during the eclipse – their eyes should be on the road," said Aixa Diaz, a spokeswoman from AAA.

The automobile insurance company is advising Americans who want to safely view the total eclipse to "find a safe place to park (not on the side of a road or highway) away from other traffic and then wear your eclipse glasses," Diaz said.

Do not wear eclipse glasses while driving

It should go without saying, but authorities are also reminding people to not drive while wearing eclipse glasses .

The Missouri and Texas departments of transportation are both advising drivers to not wear eclipse glasses during the natural phenomenon and to focus on the road.

"Do not wear eclipse glasses while driving," reads a list of safety tips from the Texas department. Thousands people are expected to drive to towns along the path of totality, including Dallas, ahead of the eclipse.

Several state transportation departments  released similar warnings  ahead of the 2017 total solar eclipse. Wyoming's, for example, warned people traveling to the state about how they wouldn't be able to see the road with solar eclipse glasses on.

"When the glasses are worn, a person shouldn’t be able to see anything except the solar eclipse, which is why it is unsafe for a person to wear them when driving," the warning reads.

"Eclipse glasses are for eclipse viewing, not driving. They shouldn’t be treated like normal sunglasses," Diaz said.