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
15:00 – 15:30 CET
Travel demand is shifting in more ways than one, shaped both by changing traveler preferences and by industry efforts to influence where, when and how people travel. This session begins with new data on the patterns emerging across destinations, then expands into a discussion of how the industry can respond through smarter dispersal, better coordination and a more thoughtful approach to growth. From destination strategy and traveler choice to distribution and transport, the conversation will examine what these shifts could mean for the wider industry.
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