Tuesday, 16 June 2026
09:00 – 09:45 CET
Ever wanted to pick the brains of people who've actually built, led and exited successful travel companies and are shaping where the industry goes next? Grab a coffee and join Rod Cuthbert, straight-shooting founder and former CEO of Viator (yes, the one he sold to Tripadvisor); Chris Hemmeter, managing director at Thayer Investment Partners and a seasoned entrepreneur and investor; and Mario Gavira, one of the sharpest voices on AI and travel marketing, for a candid and unfiltered session.Between them, Rod, Chris and Mario have built iconic brands, backed the next generation of travel startups and navigated the AI shift rewriting how travel brands find and win customers. They'll share real-world lessons from the front lines of travel innovation, revealing what worked, what didn't and what they'd never do again.New to Phocuswright Europe? This session is tailor-made for first-timers, rising stars and anyone looking to fast-track their understanding of what it really takes to succeed in travel today. But even seasoned pros will walk away with fresh insights, hard truths and maybe a few laughs.No fluff. No filters. Just real talk from three of the best.
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Wednesday, 17 June 2026
16:30 – 16:50 CET
As the day comes to a close, this session brings a few thoughtful voices from the audience to the stage to reflect on the ideas, debates and signals that stood out most. What felt genuinely important, what challenged assumptions and what deserves more attention as the industry moves forward? The conversation may also open to the wider audience, creating space for a more candid and collective reading of the day.
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