In just a few weeks, our annual IGLTA Global Convention will be underway in Palm Springs. With a powerhouse agenda in store—including our expanded two-day Marketplace, LGBTQ+ Tourism Expo, IGLTA Honors, and fabulous social events—our programming brings together some of the travel industry’s most brilliant minds to share innovative best practices and forge direct business connections.
And while the notion of diversity, equity, and inclusion has been undermined by some, we at IGLTA continue to prize it. You’ll see our commitment front and center through our amazing lineup of speakers. They are global thought leaders in travel-industry sectors of all sizes and specialties.
At the core of the convention are main-stage presentations about the state of LGBTQ+ travel around the world. On the topic of “Leading through Uncertainty,” esteemed panelists Laura Schwartz, Susan Santiago, Jean-Marie Navetta, and Michelle Mason will discuss universal topics facing the travel and tourism industry—including economic, political, and DEI challenges. We can’t wait to hear the perspectives of these high-level thinkers, along with their strategies for continuing to build business and inspire teams evenas global commerce sees such rapid-fire change.
We’ll also bring to the stage best-selling author and Valuegraphics Research Founder and CEO David Allison, a research pioneer in human values, and expert in engagement and influence. As our keynote speaker, Allison will address “What Matters Most: The Message LGBTQ+ Travelers Need to Hear Now.” His insights will inspire bold thinking and tactics that help LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and allies move beyond demographic stereotypes to strengthen business. Allison also will lead an interactive breakout session to share practical approaches to real-world challenges. Whether you’re in marketing, operations, guest experience, or leadership, this forum is a chance to put value-driven insights to work in your company.
One of the most meaningful new additions to the 2025 convention is the session we’re calling “QPOC and Beyond: A Bonfire Gathering of Identities, Culture & Power.” Curated by IGLTA’s Intersectional Engagement Subcommittee and sponsored by Miles Partnership, this event establishes a welcoming, intentional spacefor a structured dialogue on the cultural contributions, as well aseconomic and global impacts, of the QPOC (Queer People of Color) community on the travel industry. The team will hold ample time for networking and community building that allows space to continue this vital conversation during the session and beyond.
We’ll also celebrate the expansion of the IGLTA Foundation’s Gender Diverse Travel Advisory Group (GTAG), which is launching its safety guide at the convention—a resource for gender-diverse travelers to navigate their way around the world—and leading the breakout “The Moments of Truth: Trans and Gender Diverse Travel Experiences” to demonstrate how tourism companies can consistently support and welcome them.
Attendees also can expect to hear from panelists George Fleck (EDITION Hotels), Heidi Podjavorsek (Signature Travel Network), and James Rodriguez (Atlas Ocean Voyages) about “The Inside Track on LGBTQ+ Luxury Travel,” moderated by editor and entrepreneur Uwern Jong of OutThere. And learn about strategies for building a future-forward brand to attract LGBTQ+ travelers in a discussion featuring Virgin’s Voyage’s Billy Bohan Chinique and Tryst Hotels founder Tristan Schukraft.
IGLTA is proud of its incredibly diverse membership. That’s why we intentionally designed this year’s breakout sessions to address current topics for our members and partners of all sectors. There are curated workshops to edify meeting planners, small and medium enterprises, travel advisors, and CVB/destination reps, as well as experts in marketing, DEI management, and other roles.
We are thrilled to gather such a diverse roster of industry speakers and other professionals during our convention. Our conversations are critical to expanding LGBTQ+ travel, especially through our challenging times. We look forward to seeing you there!
Register today for the 2025 IGLTA Global Convention, 21-25 October in Palm Springs, California: IGLTAconvention.org
Tags: John Tanzella , IGLTA
