WTE Miami, the international B2B travel trade event organized by Fairfest Media, has announced the conference program for its fourth edition, scheduled for October 27–28, 2026, at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The two-day event will bring together travel professionals from across the globe to examine the technologies, market shifts, and consumer behaviors that will define 2027 and beyond.
The conference agenda is built around several core themes: artificial intelligence, travel technology, host agency models, air connectivity, and the evolving preferences of U.S. travelers. Sessions will also delve into adventure, wellness, culinary, and cultural travel—segments that are driving growth for advisors and suppliers alike.
AI takes center stage
Artificial intelligence will be a dominant thread throughout the program. Dedicated sessions such as “AI Solutions for the Travel Industry” and “AI in Tourism: How It’s Changing Travelers and How It’s Changing the Travel Industry” will examine how machine learning and automation are reshaping both traveler behavior and back-office operations. Practical workshops and roundtable discussions will offer attendees hands-on guidance for integrating AI into their businesses.
The focus on AI comes at a time when the industry is still grappling with the balance between automation and human touch. As travel tech leaders urge caution on full AI autonomy, WTE Miami’s sessions will provide a pragmatic look at what works—and what doesn’t—in real-world applications.
Air connectivity and the Latin American market
With Miami serving as a primary gateway to Latin America, air connectivity is a natural focus. Ignacio Borbolla, General Manager for South Florida at Delta Air Lines, will discuss the Latin American travel landscape and the airline’s perspective on route development. Peter Cerda, Regional Vice President for the Americas at IATA, will present the “Latin America Travel Outlook 2027,” offering data-driven projections for the region’s aviation market.
Miami International Airport will participate as a sponsor, underscoring its role in global connectivity. Emir Pineda, Director of Air Service Development at MIA, will share insights on air service development and how airports can support new routes. The conversation comes as airlines continue to expand their networks—for instance, Delta’s planned nonstop Austin–Paris service in 2027—highlighting the ongoing demand for transatlantic and intra-Americas connections.
Understanding the American traveler
Several sessions will focus on the shifting profile of U.S. outbound travelers. Rose Mary Cortes, Vice President of International Marketing & Communications at MMGY, will present findings from the firm’s “Portrait of American Travelers” annual study, offering a data-rich look at consumer sentiment, spending patterns, and destination preferences.
Dorothy Calba, Consultant at Euromonitor International, will examine how American travel to Europe is evolving, and what that means for travel advisors seeking to capture a share of the transatlantic market. Naledi Khabo, CEO of the Africa Tourism Association, will address what American travelers are looking for in African safaris and cultural experiences in 2026.
Host agencies and the advisor ecosystem
The host agency model continues to evolve, and WTE Miami will dedicate a session to it. Shayna Zand, Managing Director of Host Agency Reviews, will lead “The Host Agency Playbook: Finding the Right Fit for You,” exploring how advisors can choose the right host and how the ecosystem is adapting to new technologies and consumer demands.
Elizabeth Chin, Executive Director of the PATA New York Chapter, will cover opportunities in Asia, including experiential travel, wellness, and medical tourism. Eva Mossberg, Regional Business Development & Partnership Manager at the Adventure Travel Trade Association, will discuss the growth of adventure travel and how to market it effectively.
Professional development and networking
Beyond the main stage, WTE Miami will offer MPI Academy sessions on AI for travel professionals and on contracting and pricing group travel, led by Tim Luepke, Director of the MPI Academy. These workshops are designed to provide tangible takeaways that attendees can apply immediately.
Additional programming will explore luxury travel, solo travel, food and culinary travel, sports tourism, family and multigenerational travel, and business travel. The event will also host roundtable discussions where attendees can share best practices and build partnerships.
Javier Pérez-Palencia, Director of WTE Miami, said: “WTE Miami is bringing together voices from across the travel industry to address the changes happening right now and the opportunities that are coming next. Our goal is to give travel advisors, suppliers and industry professionals practical knowledge, new relationships and ideas they can put to work in their businesses.”
Exhibition and market access
The conference will run alongside a global exhibition expected to feature more than 500 exhibitors from over 70 countries. Confirmed exhibitors include the Jamaica Tourist Board, South African Tourism, and Royal Jordanian, alongside hundreds of destinations, airlines, hotels, and travel technology providers. The event anticipates 7,000 travel trade professionals, 500 hosted and VIP buyers, and over 10,000 pre-scheduled B2B meetings.
For travel advisors and suppliers looking to expand into the U.S., Latin American, and Caribbean markets, WTE Miami offers a concentrated opportunity to meet qualified buyers and explore new partnerships. As the industry looks toward 2027, the event’s blend of strategic insight and practical networking positions it as a key date on the trade calendar.
