Nearly 1,500 travel industry professionals gather for ASTA’s flagship conference focused on education, connection and the future of the travel advisor profession
San Diego, CA; May 27, 2026 – The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) today opened its 2026 Travel Advisor Conference, welcoming nearly 1,500 travel industry professionals to San Diego for three days of education, networking, business development and industry leadership.
Taking place May 27-29 at the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center, the Travel Advisor Conference brings together professionals from across the travel ecosystem, including new and experienced travel advisors, suppliers, host agency leaders and consortia partners. Designed to meet advisors at every stage of their careers, the conference delivers targeted education, practical business tools and meaningful opportunities to build relationships that strengthen the advisor community.
“This conference is where the travel advisor profession comes together to learn, connect and lead,” said Zane Kerby, ASTA President and CEO. “As consumer expectations evolve and the business of travel becomes more complex, advisors need more than inspiration. They need practical insight, trusted partners and a strong professional community behind them. That is exactly what ASTA’s Travel Advisor Conference provides.”
Rachel Hollis, New York Times best-selling author, entrepreneur, podcast host and motivational speaker, will headline this year’s conference as the featured keynote. Known for her unfiltered honesty, optimism and focus on personal growth, Hollis has built a global audience through her bestselling books, including Girl, Wash Your Face and The Rachel Hollis Podcast. Her keynote will bring an energizing perspective on resilience, leadership and empowerment to an audience of travel professionals navigating a rapidly changing marketplace.
This year’s agenda features actionable educational sessions, insights from industry leaders and top-selling advisors and ASTA’s largest and most robust trade show of the year with more than 200 suppliers participating. Additionally, an onsite Fast-Track Verified Travel Advisor (VTA) training and certification is scheduled to provide interested advisors with the ability to complete the accreditation in one day. The conference will also recognize outstanding achievement across the advisor community, with both the Travel Advisor of the Year award and Entrepreneur of the Year award presented during the event.
The conference also includes signature networking experiences that bring the industry together beyond the classroom, including evening events for all attendees, the ASTAPAC Fun-Run 5K and ASTA’s Advocacy Dinner, an invitation-only black-tie gala supporting the association’s advocacy work on behalf of the travel advisor profession.
The 2026 Travel Advisor Conference reflects ASTA’s continued commitment to raising the standard of excellence across the travel industry by equipping advisors with the knowledge, connections and support they need to grow, protect and future-proof their businesses.
Photos from this year’s event will be updated throughout the conference on ASTA’s Flickr page.
Tags: American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) 2026 Travel Advisor Conference, San Diego
