2023 Program

Monday 12 June
All Day
09:00
-
18:30
Attendee Services Open Control Center, Level E Elevator area
Register or check in and collect your conference materials. Attendee Services is the go-to spot for all your needs.
9:00 – 18:30
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Limited Access
The pre-conference events are included with your ticket. All times shown are CEST (UTC +2).
10:00
-
13:00
The Young Leaders Summit MR. 14, Level E
Private event - by acceptance only.
Each year, Phocuswright brings together the industry’s best and brightest travel leaders aged 35 and ... [read more]
10:00 – 12:30
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Startup Program MR. 05+06, Level E
Private event - by acceptance only.
Innovation is the lifeblood of any industry. The Startup Program is a curated networking platform to ... [read more]
12:00 – 13:00
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Networking + Industry Roundtables + Breakouts
The pre-conference events are included with your ticket. All times shown are CEST (UTC +2).
13:00
-
18:30
Networking Lunch Oxygen Restaurant
13:00 – 14:00
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Exhibitor Showcase and Networking Lounge Open Exhibit Showcase, MR. 10+11, Level E
Meet with innovators and exhibitors one-on-one! The showcase is open for business and abuzz with activity.
14:00 – 18:30
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Breakout: Living Up To Sustainable Promise - Leveraging Payments to Deliver Sustainable Choices Sponsored by: Visa MR. 14, Level E
Demand is increasing to deliver sustainable travel choice for both work and pleasure. Consumers are more likely to not only expect to see ... [read more]
Stephen King, Vice President, Sustainability Solutions, Visa Europe Ltd.
14:15 – 14:45
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Industry Roundtables MR. 05, Level E; MR. 06, Level E; MR. 07, Level E; MR. 08, Level E


Participate in intimate, off-record curated roundtable discussions based on your business interests, moderated by industry experts ... [read more]

15:00 – 17:00
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Networking & Happy Hour
17:00
-
18:30
Welcome Reception Sponsored by: TerraPay Exhibit Showcase, MR. 10+11, Level E
Join your fellow attendees, speakers and the Phocuswright team to network and enjoy beverages and tasty bites.
17:00 – 18:30
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Tuesday 13 June
All Day
08:15
-
19:30
Exhibitor Showcase, Networking Lounge, and Attendee Services Open Control Center & Exhibit Showcase, MR. 10+11, Level E
Register or check in, and collect your conference materials. Phocuswright Reception is the go-to spot for all your needs.

Then, meet ... [read more]
8:15 – 19:30
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Center Stage
All times shown are CEST (UTC +2).
08:15
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11:40
Networking and Coffee Exhibit Showcase, MR. 10+11, Level E
8:15 – 9:00
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Executive Interview: Back to Basics
The first true social platform for travel goes back to its roots as the trusted place for everyone's trip planning.
John Boris, Chief Growth Officer, TripadvisorInterviewer Mitra Sorrells, Editor in Chief, PhocusWire
9:10 – 9:30
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Executive Panel: Leadership in Complex Times
Top leaders from European hotel groups speak about servicing high demand, solving the labor shortage, protecting the environment, and accelerating ... [read more]
Panelists Javier Águila, Group President, EAME, Hyatt Hotels CorporationRaúl González, CEO EMEA, Barcelo Hotel GroupModerator Giancarlo Carniani, General Manager, ToFlorence Hotels and Market Analyst, Italy, Phocuswright Inc.
9:30 – 9:55
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Executive Panel: The Investor View
Finding the next titan requires a keen eye and deep investment. Some of Europe's smartest investors share their views on the state of startups and ... [read more]
Panelists Bobby Demri, Managing Partner, ROCH VenturesChristoph Schuh, Partner, LakestarJohanna Von Herman-Kim, Director of Operations, Ennea Capital PartnersModerator Mike Coletta, Manager, Research and Innovation, Phocuswright Inc.
9:55 – 10:20
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Executive Interview: Checking In
Business is booming despite tough competition and increased regulation. Find out what’s new, what's in and what's out as Airbnb continues to ... [read more]
Amir Segall, Commercial Director, AirbnbInterviewer Linda Fox, Senior Reporter, PhocusWire
10:20 – 10:40
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Tech Talk: Manna Drone Delivery
A trailblazer shows the titans how it's done when it comes to drone delivery. Its founder shares his flight path to success.
Bobby Healy, CEO and Founder, Manna Drone Delivery
10:40 – 10:50
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Executive Panel: The Bridge Series - Products in the New World
Innovative products have come to the forefront in 2023 and are driving the industry forward. The most innovative and agile Titans and Trailblazers ... [read more]
Panelists Karen Bolda, Senior Vice President of Product & Technology, Expedia GroupRoss Veitch, CEO & Co-Founder, Wego GroupPhilip Yan, Managing Director and Head of International Flights, Alibaba FliggyModerators Pete Comeau, Managing Director, Phocuswright Inc.Siew Hoon Yeoh, Founder, WIT and Editorial Director, Northstar Travel Group Asia
10:50 – 11:20
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Networking Break Sponsored by: wbe.travel Exhibit Showcase, MR. 10+11, Level E
11:20 – 11:40
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Breakouts
All times shown are CEST (UTC +2).
11:40
-
13:00
Breakout: Online Checkout Masterclass: Drive More Revenue With a Better Payments Experience Presented by: Stripe MR. 07+08, Level E
Sixty-two percent of European customers abandon a purchase after two minutes. In this interactive session, we’ll share the most common web and app ... [read more]
Ranjit Balijepalli, Payments Performance EMEA, StripeJames Lemon, Global Lead - Travel & Leisure, Stripe
11:40 – 12:10
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Breakout: The New Customer Journey and How to Meet Them Wherever They Are Presented by: Google MR. 05+06, Level E
Traveler preferences are evolving as consumers have more ways to get inspired, research, and book their trips. It’s critical to understand how to ... [read more]
Maialen Carbajo, Head of Industry, Travel, Spain, Google LLC
11:40 – 12:10
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Breakout: One Destination, Many Voices: A.I. and Data to Empower Residents and Tourists Alike Presented by: The Data Appeal Company MR. 05+06, Level E
Offering a positive, satisfying and sustainable experience for both tourists and residents is one of the greatest challenges for tourism ... [read more]
Mirko Lalli, CEO & Founder, The Data Appeal Company
12:30 – 13:00
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Breakout: Travel FinTech: Have We Only Just Seen The Beginning? Presented by: Nium MR. 07+08, Level E
For decades, the travel industry has relied upon large scale institutional clearing houses in numerous geographies to pay each other and get paid. ... [read more]
Pascal Burg, Director, Edgar Dunn & CompanyRoberto Da Re, Founder and CEO, Travel Ledger Ltd.Spencer Hanlon, Global Head of Travel Payments, Nium Inc.Will Plummer, CEO, Trust My Group
12:30 – 13:00
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Lunch
13:00
-
14:00
Networking Lunch Oxygen Restaurant
13:00 – 14:00
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Launch
All times shown are CEST (UTC +2).
14:00
-
15:00
Welcome to Innovation: Launch
Innovation isn't just for startups - scaleups and established companies are also breaking new ground and developing new technologies. Launch ... [read more]
Pete Comeau, Managing Director, Phocuswright Inc.
14:00 – 14:06
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Operto Guest Technologies
Operto Connect: the all-in-one hospitality operating system that streamlines operations, automates workflows, and enhances guest experiences.
Presenter Steve Davis, CEO, Operto Guest Technologies
14:06 – 14:15
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TRVLR
The most profitable payment platform for hotels and advisors. 100% of commissions paid in 7 days, automated settlement.
Presenter Nicolas Peluffo, CEO, TRVLR
14:15 – 14:24
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BREEZE
A refreshing new way to travel. Smooth personalized trip discovery & management.
Presenter Myank Jain, CEO & Founder, BREEZE
14:24 – 14:33
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Justt.ai
Justt opens up data-driven chargeback insights and win-rate optimization with its AI-based chargeback mitigation solution.
Presenter Roenen Ben-Ami, Co-founder and Chief Risk Officer, Justt.ai
14:33 – 14:42
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WeSki
Attention snow enthusiasts! WeSki is here to revolutionize your ski holiday experience with limitless choices, tailored trips and unrivaled ... [read more]
Presenter Yotam Idan, Co-Founder & CEO, WeSki
14:42 – 14:51
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Uptrip (Lufthansa Innovation Hub)
Uptrip rewards travelers every time they fly, with digital trading cards that can be used to get rewards provided by airlines or travel companies!
Presenter João Fernandes, Venture Development Manager, Lufthansa Innovation Hub
14:51 – 15:00
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WiT Europe
All times shown are CEST (UTC +2).
15:00
-
16:20
WiT Europe: Hello, New World
In this curated session, WiT puts the spotlight on the new world of trends and tech in the more unconventional markets where things are changing at ... [read more]
Panelists Muzzammil Ahussain, Chief Executive Officer, Almosafer (Saudi Arabia)Philip Akesson, Group Head Corporate Development, Travelstart (Nigeria)Caesar Indra, President, Traveloka (Indonesia/Southeast Asia)Jongyoon Kim, CEO, Yanolja Cloud (South Korea)Nancy Zhou, VP & Co-Founder, Flightroutes24Moderator Siew Hoon Yeoh, Founder, WIT and Editorial Director, Northstar Travel Group Asia
15:00 – 16:00
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Networking Break Sponsored by: wbe.travel Exhibit Showcase, MR. 10+11, Level E
16:00 – 16:20
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Center Stage
All times shown are CEST (UTC +2).
16:20
-
18:00
Innovation Launch Award Ceremony
Find out the winner of the Innovation Launch People's Choice Award!
16:20 – 16:25
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Presentation + Interview: Leadership - What Matters
Two of travel's smartest architects discuss opportunities, surviving shocks, ignoring the hype and building great businesses in this ... [read more]
Simon Breakwell, Chair & Investor, IndependentInterviewer Chris Hemmeter, Managing Director, Thayer Ventures
16:25 – 16:50
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Executive Panel: Much to Do
Tours and activities came of age during the pandemic as travelers' desire for new adventures and experiences sparked a rapid move to ... [read more]
Panelists Ben Drew, President, ViatorAlberto Gutiérrez Pascual, CEO and Founder, CivitatisPeter Ulwahn, Chief Executive Officer, TUI Musement, TUIModerator Fabián González, Market Analyst, Spain, Phocuswright
16:50 – 17:15
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Executive Panel: Getting Around - Easier Said Than Done
Multi-modal travel, the connected trip. Are they any closer now than a decade ago? Is it about policy, innovation, or busting travel silos? Experts ... [read more]
Panelists Björn Bender, President & CEO, Rail EuropeThomas Doering, CEO, Distribusion TechnologiesAdrien Tahon, VP, Western Europe, BlaBlaCarModerator Lorraine Sileo, Founder, Phocuswright Research and Senior Analyst, Phocuswright Inc.
17:15 – 17:40
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Executive Interview: Building Momentum
As Expedia's partner list grows, so do its efforts to innovate tech and service capabilities on a global scale. That's a tall order for this giant ... [read more]
Alfonso Paredes, SVP, Commercial Partnerships, Expedia GroupInterviewer Charuta Fadnis, SVP, Research and Product Strategy, Phocuswright Inc.
17:40 – 18:00
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Happy Hour
18:00
-
19:30
Center Stage Reception Sponsored by: Google Exhibit Showcase, MR. 10+11, Level E
18:00 – 19:30
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Wednesday 14 June
All Day
08:30
-
15:00
Exhibitor Showcase, Networking Lounge, and Attendee Services Open Control Center & Exhibit Showcase, MR. 10+11, Level E
Register or check in, and collect your conference materials. Phocuswright Reception is the go-to spot for all your needs.

Then, meet ... [read more]
8:30 – 15:00
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Center Stage
All times shown are CEST (UTC +2).
08:30
-
13:40
Networking and Coffee Exhibit Showcase, MR. 10+11, Level E
8:30 – 9:00
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Phocuswright Research: The State of Travel Startups
A presentation on the state of travel startups, analyzing how funding is holding up in 2023, highlighting regional and categorical trends, and ... [read more]
Mike Coletta, Manager, Research and Innovation, Phocuswright Inc.
9:00 – 9:15
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Executive Interview: Connect the Dots
Mobile, marketing, money and merchandising: How Booking.com plans to pull it all together.
Arjan Dijk, Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, Booking.comInterviewer Lorraine Sileo, Founder, Phocuswright Research and Senior Analyst, Phocuswright Inc.
9:15 – 9:35
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Phocuswright Research: The Research Says…
Phocuswright brings the findings from its latest research on the European consumer to Center Stage in this presentation.
Madeline List, Senior Research Analyst, Phocuswright Inc.
9:35 – 9:50
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Executive Panel: Dare to Compare
As the travel landscape keeps shifting, so do travelers' intentions. The art of turning leads into sales has become even more complex and ... [read more]
Panelists Phil Donathy, Vice President, Product Management, Flights, SkyscannerLisa Katsouraki, SVP Corporate Development, Etraveli GroupMatthias Tillmann, CFO, trivagoModerator Pete Comeau, Managing Director, Phocuswright Inc.
9:50 – 10:15
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Executive Panel: How ChatGPT Can Shock Travel Retailing
Generative AI is set to revolutionize travel. Pioneers in the field tell us how the technology will change everything from the back of the house to ... [read more]
Panelists Matthias Keller, Chief Scientist & SVP Technology, KAYAKPablo Laucirica, Regional Sales Director, Western Europe, MicrosoftAmy Wei, Senior Director of Product Management, Trip.com GroupModerator Mitra Sorrells, Editor in Chief, PhocusWire
10:15 – 10:40
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Tech Talk: Hotelverse
Find out how hotels can bring web3 content – virtual, interactive, immersive, bookable experiences – to web2 platforms, making it accessible to ... [read more]
Alex Barros, Growth & Innovation Advisor, Hotelverse
10:40 – 10:50
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Executive Panel: Making Flying Fun Again, or At Least Predictable
Labor and supply shortages have marred the airline experience amid recovery, but unfazed travelers keep flying. Learn how the new economics of ... [read more]
Panelists Tamur Goudarzi Pour, Chief Commercial Officer, Swiss International Air LinesRogier Van Enk, Senior Vice President, Customer Engagement, FinnairModerator Linda Fox, Senior Reporter, PhocusWire
10:50 – 11:15
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Networking Break Exhibit Showcase, MR. 10+11, Level E
11:15 – 11:45
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Executive Interview: Beyond the GDS - Tips from the Top
Staying ahead of traveller and technology trends has helped Amadeus drive growth. Its leader discusses innovation, market growth and navigating ... [read more]
Luis Maroto, President & CEO, Amadeus IT Group SAInterviewer Linda Fox, Senior Reporter, PhocusWire
11:45 – 12:05
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Executive Interview: Packaging Paradox
The recent shift in traveler behavior has revived packaged holidays. It's time for a fresh start with a new mindset - and toolset.
Alan French, CEO, Thomas CookGines Martinez, Chief Executive Officer, Jumbo ToursInterviewer Cristina Polo, Market Specialist, EMEA, Phocuswright Inc.
12:05 – 12:25
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Executive Panel: Big and Getting Bigger: What's Next for Short Term Rentals
Despite government pressure and post-Covid shifts, short term rentals continue to surge. Just how much has traveler behavior permanently changed ... [read more]
Panelists Sylvia Epaillard, Co-Chief Executive Officer, InterhomeHenrik Kjellberg, Group Chief Executive Officer, AwazeLeda Zanlungo, General Manager Iberia, SonderModerator Lorraine Sileo, Founder, Phocuswright Research and Senior Analyst, Phocuswright Inc.
12:25 – 12:50
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Tech Talk: Worldline
The metaverse – just buzz or a bona fide innovation for travel companies? Global payment powerhouse Worldline believes the latter. Hear about the ... [read more]
Sascha Münger, Head Competence Center Crypto Related Products & Metaverse, Commercial Acquiring, Worldline
12:50 – 13:00
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Keynote + Executive Panel: Crisis? What Crisis? Ramping up Sustainability in Tourism
Policy, sacrifice, and innovation can make a positive difference in tourism's global impact. But are travelers convinced when they make their ... [read more]
Bernadett Papp, Senior Researcher, European Tourism Futures InstitutePanelist Hazel McGuire, General Manager, UK & Ireland, Intrepid TravelModerator Madeline List, Senior Research Analyst, Phocuswright Inc.
13:00 – 13:35
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Lunch
13:40
-
15:00
Networking Lunch Sponsored by: Skyscanner Oxygen Restaurant
13:40 – 15:00
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Post-Conference Activities
15:30
-
18:30
Experience Barcelona With Us Sponsored by: Turisme de Barcelona
Turisme de Barcelona is offering Phocuswright Europe attendees the chance to tour Barcelona on a complimentary 3-hour double decker bus. From ... [read more]
15:30 – 18:30
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Note: All conference information (including program, speakers, etc.) is subject to change without notice.