WHY IT RATES: Attendees capitalized on invaluable networking opportunities and heard from a plethora of insightful speakers as they considered the big questions that will shape the future of the travel industry.—Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse Senior Editor
The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) concluded The Summit, held October 14–16 in Denver, Colorado, bringing together travel agency owners and executives, corporate travel leaders, buyers and supplier executives to address the business decisions shaping travel’s future.
The executive gathering combined two distinct programs, the Leisure and Luxury Ascent and the Corporate Ascent, with shared sessions and experiences that connected leaders across sectors. The format paired focused business discussions with opportunities to exchange perspectives on challenges facing the broader travel industry.
“The decisions facing travel leaders today have consequences well beyond any one company or sector,” said Zane Kerby, ASTA President and CEO. “The Summit brought those leaders together for the candid conversations our industry needs. The exchange strengthened ASTA’s ability to represent the travel agency community and gave participants a broader perspective as they lead their businesses forward.”
Keynote speaker Chris Sununu, President and CEO of Airlines for America and former governor of New Hampshire, led a lineup spanning aviation, technology and executive leadership. Featured speakers included: Bob Somers, Senior Vice President of Global Sales at Delta Air Lines; economist, futurist and bestselling author Dr. Shawn DuBravac; Caroline Moultrie of World Travel and Tourism Council; and Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, author and former President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises.
Programming explored artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, airline retailing and distribution, business performance and evolving traveler expectations. Leadership, accessibility and workforce transformation also formed part of the agenda, connecting industry developments with the practical decisions executives face within their organizations.
The Leisure and Luxury Ascent and Corporate Ascent provided dedicated settings for participants to examine priorities specific to their businesses. Shared “Base Camp” sessions brought both groups together, creating opportunities to compare approaches and identify common interests across corporate and leisure travel.
Beyond the sessions, golf, curated dining and Colorado experiences extended conversations throughout the three-day event. These smaller settings gave participants additional time to build relationships and discuss ideas introduced during the program.
SOURCE: ASTA press release.
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