On September 22, New York will host a select group of senior leaders from the tourism, destination management, and events sectors at the Skift Live Tourism Summit. Backed by Live Nation, this exclusive gathering is intentionally capped in attendance and aims to explore the growing influence of live events on tourism and broader economic trends. The program features chief executives from international tourism boards, top event organizers, and leading experience platforms.
Live Event Economy Stakeholders Gather in New York
Senior professionals and decision-makers guiding the live events economy will unite at the Skift Live Tourism Summit, where the agenda delves into where demand for in-person experiences originates, who ultimately benefits from this demand, and the ways those gains are allocated. This summit is positioned as an invaluable occasion for travel, hospitality, sports, entertainment, and public sector leaders to tackle the core questions shaping the evolution of destination marketing and economic progress.
Recently finalized, the summit agenda facilitates in-depth conversations among executives involved in every link of the live event value chain, encompassing decision-making about host destinations, enhancing city preparedness, and sparking traveler engagement. Attendance is by invitation only, reinforcing the event’s rare access and its focus on pivotal topics for the industry’s future.
Exploring Live Tourism’s Next Chapter with Top Executives
The lineup of prominent speakers includes Steve Hill, CEO and President at the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Leah Chandler, Chief Marketing Officer at Brand USA, and Achraf Fayda, CEO of the Moroccan National Tourism Office. These thought leaders will discuss the tangible economic advantages brought by live events, weighing immediate financial boosts against ongoing growth achieved through strategic event initiatives.
Additionally, Angela Val, President and CEO of Visit Philadelphia, will team up with Kenny Sham, Global Events Head & GM for Hong Kong & Macau at Klook, to address strategies for generating value that spreads throughout entire cities—not just within venue boundaries. Their conversation will focus on operational preparedness and improving the overall experience for visitors so destinations can extract maximum benefit from live event tourism.
When it comes to bookings and packaged experiences, Paul Caine, President of On Location, will spotlight efforts to simplify how travelers purchase all-inclusive event trips. The move toward bundling entire event journeys, rather than single components, marks a major shift and unlocks fresh opportunities for industry players serving event travelers.
Insights from Russell Wallach, Global President of Media & Sponsorship at Live Nation, and Charlie Walker, Partner at C3 Presents, will illuminate the considerations behind venue selection for large-scale live events—a vital topic for destinations eager to attract significant gatherings and reap the associated rewards.
Attendees will also have access to the latest data and analysis from Skift Research, providing a fact-based assessment of live event economic dynamics and value capture. Alongside mainstage keynotes, select guests will participate in private roundtables to facilitate open, strategic discussions. View the Full Agenda
Attendance Reserved for Top-Level Tourism Professionals
With a highly curated and limited guest list, this summit is structured as a strategic forum for the industry’s most influential leaders who steer live event tourism and its far-reaching economic effects. Only executives and senior stakeholders from hospitality, destinations, aviation, government, sport, and venue operations are eligible to join.
Organizers note that this summit presents a rare chance to actively shape the future landscape of live event demand, destination development, and the industries that support them. Those not attending will need to rely on event coverage afterwards for insights on the sector’s next big moves. Apply to attend the Skift Live Tourism Summit
Building on the partnership between Skift and Live Nation, this single-day forum will foster crucial conversations about turning enthusiasm for live experiences into sustained, impactful economic growth for destinations around the world.