Skift Global Forum is where the world’s travel leaders set the agenda. If it’s your first time attending, here’s how to navigate it and get the most out of your experience.
Each year, more than 1,000 senior travel executives from 60+ countries gather in New York City for Skift’s flagship event. Skift Global Forum offers a fast-paced, editorially curated look at the trends, strategies, and innovations shaping the future of travel worldwide.
On stage, you’ll hear CEOs, founders, and visionaries from airlines, hotels, technology companies, and investment firms sharing insights that set the industry’s agenda. Off stage, the hallways and lounges buzz with candid conversations and spontaneous meetings.
For newcomers, the energy and pace can feel intense. With preparation and focus, you can turn your first visit to Skift Global Forum into actionable insights and meaningful connections.
Skift Global Forum is not a trade show. There are no vendor booths or sales pitches, only big-picture conversations and a curated audience of decision-makers from across the travel sector.
Think about what you want to accomplish: whether it’s finding partners, gathering competitive intelligence, meeting clients, or raising your profile.
Here are some sample goals to consider:
This way, you’ll turn the great energy of the Skift Global Forum into results you can put to work.
“It was my first time attending a Skift forum, I found the content and presenters very relevant. Well organized, well located, well done team Skift!”
The program is thoughtfully paced with engaging sessions and moments to connect in between. Every session is editorially designed to tell a story about where the travel industry is headed. Highlight the sessions most relevant to your priorities.
The Skift Global Forum’s official event app lets you browse the attendee list and schedule meetings onsite. Many seasoned attendees use it weeks in advance to secure key conversations. The most valuable interactions often happen in one-on-one meetings.
While much of the networking is digital, many attendees still exchange business cards. Bring plenty to make introductions quick and seamless.
This year, by popular demand, Skift Global Forum is introducing interactive roundtables: small, expert-led discussions where you can engage directly with peers and speakers on specific topics.
These roundtables have been a standout feature at other Skift events, offering a chance to dive deep on key issues and connect directly with industry peers and speakers.
Spots are limited. So, book your tickets early, not just to secure your seat at an early-bird price, but also to gain priority access to expert-curated roundtables before they fill up.
Getting to the venue before the sessions begin gives you time to get oriented, find a good seat, and settle in.
Skift Global Forum is known for its sleek stage design, fast pace, and high production value. The program moves briskly, with sharp visuals and strong storytelling to keep the energy high.
“Great job!! My first time attending. Loved the data.”
The main stage delivers strategic insights and fresh perspectives. But the informal conversations over coffee or between panels can be equally valuable.
We take hospitality very seriously at all our events, and Skift Global Forum is no different. Expect great food and beverage options throughout the day, designed to keep you energized and to encourage relaxed networking over meals and coffee breaks.
Speakers often use this stage to share priorities or test ideas before announcing them publicly. Listen carefully for emerging trends and subtle cues about where the market is going.
“This was my first Skift event, I will definitely return next year. Great to see Skift mature and become such an authority in this space!”
Here are a few things to avoid so you can focus on what really matters:
Skift Global Forum combines a global perspective, cross-sector insights, and a focus on innovation, all shaped by Skift’s editorial team to reflect the most important stories in travel. The event attracts top-level speakers and a curated audience, creating a uniquely valuable environment for learning and networking.
The Skift team’s creativity, hospitality, and personal touch help make even first-time attendees feel welcome and engaged.
For the latest agenda, registration information, and more details, visit the Skift Global Forum website.