The International Luxury Hotel Association (ILHA) has confirmed that its flagship North American conference, INSPIRE 2026, will take place on 15–16 December at the JW Marriott Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa in Orlando, Florida. The event is expected to draw 900 to 1,000 senior decision-makers from the global luxury hospitality sector, including investors, developers, and operators.
Keynote Speakers and Sessions
INSPIRE 2026 will feature two headline keynote sessions. Tina Edmundson, President of Luxury at Marriott International, will participate in a keynote interview with Hermann Elger, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide, focusing on luxury hotel strategy and brand positioning. Carolyne Doyon, President and CEO of Club Med North America and Caribbean, will lead a fireside chat on Club Med's record revenue performance and brand modernisation.
Edmundson commented on the shifting expectations of luxury travellers: “Luxury travellers have become extraordinary curators of their own lives. Our role is to create experiences that are as emotionally resonant as they are exceptional.” Doyon added, “Luxury today is a feeling more than it is a product. Travellers now are craving a true holiday from the day-to-day.”
The conference agenda will address investment trends, artificial intelligence, technology integration, wellness, sustainability, and the future of luxury guest experiences. Additional speakers and session details will be announced in the coming months. The event will also include the ILHA Board Meeting and a Presidents Dinner.
Barak Hirschowitz, President of ILHA, emphasised the collaborative nature of the gathering: “INSPIRE isn’t just about who’s in the room. It’s about the questions we ask each other whilst we’re there.”
Registration for INSPIRE 2026 is now open. For travel professionals seeking to understand the latest dynamics in luxury hospitality, this event offers a concentrated opportunity to network and learn. The luxury segment continues to evolve, with brands like Marriott International and Club Med adapting to travellers who prioritise emotional resonance and personalised experiences over standardised offerings.
As the industry watches how luxury hospitality intersects with technology and sustainability, INSPIRE 2026 provides a platform for executives to share strategies. The choice of Orlando as a venue underscores the city's growing role as a MICE destination, with the JW Marriott Bonnet Creek offering a dedicated conference environment.
For further context on luxury hospitality trends, see our coverage of luxury brands driving experiential fashion tourism and Gilles Cretallaz's return to Accor. Additionally, the rise of dual-destination packages, such as METT Singapore and Song Saa Private Island, reflects the demand for curated luxury experiences that INSPIRE will address.
