10 Best Conferences for Group Travel Planners to Attend in 2023-24

Part of taking your group travel planning game from okay to awesome is knowing which organizations to get involved with.  There are a HOST of travel organizations with annual conferences packed with industry insiders, tips of the trade, and (most importantly) potential clients.  When you’re ready to grow your group business, consider one of these 10 best conferences for group travel planners to attend.

1. Marketplace 2024 for the American Bus Association (ABA)

January 13 – 16, 2024  in Nashville, TN

Marketplace is the must-do, appointment-based show for more than 1600 motorcoach operators, tour operators, and travel industry suppliers who want to grow their group business.

The show highlights strategic educational sessions, valuable networking opportunities, and qualified business appointments for the very best return on your investment.

2. African American Travel Conference

April 16 – 18, 2024 in Chesapeake, VA

The African American Travel Conference is great for planners who want to find out more about this influential travel niche.

Marketplace sessions encourage business relationships, while education sessions focus on the latest trends, destinations, policies, and best practices.

3. Arival 360

October 9 – 12, 2023 in Orlando, FL

Arival 360 in Orlando is three-and-a-half days of “connection, collaboration, and boundary-pushing innovation at THE premier conference for the In-Destination Experiences Industry.”

Arival is a bit of a departure (pun intended) from typical show formats.  The schedule focuses on “unboxed” meetings tailored to your interests, trend-setting education sessions, and game-changing connections.

If you can’t make it in October, plan to attend the Berlin conference in March of 2024!

4. Boomers in Groups Conference

November 6 – 8, 2023 at the Big Ark Encounter in Hebron, KY

According to recent stats, Baby Boomer travel is, well, booming.  Boomers spend more than $120 billion annually on leisure travel and a whopping 99% plan to take at least one trip per year.

So, it’s no surprise that many group travel planners are eager to tap into this market.  The Boomers in Groups Conference brings the largest consumer group in America together while showcasing some great travel options!

5. Going on Faith 2024

August 6 – 8, 2024 in Branson, MO

Going on Faith is an association of 3,000+ faith-based group travel planners.  Religious groups travel as part of group tours twice as often as the general public, making them a key audience for growing group sales.

The Going on Faith Conference shines a light on this travel industry nook – delivering timely information and important innovations to help your group business grow.

6. IATDG TourConnect 2023

November 5 – 9, 2023 in New Orleans, LA

IATDG is the International Association of Tour Directors & Guides, a great resource for anyone planning group trips.  IATDG 2023 is an exclusive opportunity to meet qualified, skilled, and trained tour directors and guides to staff those trips!

This show connects you with top industry leaders, in-depth professional development, and the latest travel news as you learn more about IATDG and how it benefits your business.

7. Select Traveler Conference 2024

March 17 – 19, 2024 in Buffalo Niagara, NY

The Select Traveler Conference targets loyalty program directors for banks and other financial institutions. They’ve developed senior deposit and travel club programs that generate great results and loyal customers.

Now these clubs have blossomed into a successful travel niche and a great opportunity for group travel planners.

8. Student and Youth Travel Association (SYTA) Conference

August 9 – 13, 2024 in New York City, NY

SYTA is the go-to organization for anyone with a passion for student and youth travel.  Its annual conference brings dedicated travel providers from across the globe together for collaborative networking, education sessions, and insightful conversations about student group travel.

Another bonus – you can tap into several certification programs for student and youth travel safety and risk management!

9. Travel and Adventure Show

Multiple Dates and Locations

The Travel and Adventure Show is a series of trade shows that meet throughout the country.  They connect you with travel buyers and professionals with one-on-one engagement and opportunities to target your specific demographic.

It’s a great way to maximize your brand awareness and find your travel tribes.

10. Women’s Travel Fest

2024 Dates TBA

The number of women who travel is increasing exponentially.  In fact, companies that cater to women-only travel have grown by nearly 230% in recent years.  64% of travelers across the globe are female, accounting for nearly $125 billion in spending.

If your group business development plan includes women who travel, consider registering for the Women’s Travel Fest.  This show unites, inspires, and empowers women as they travel the world.  2024 dates have not yet been announced, but typically are in March.  Check for updates.

10 Best Conferences for Group Travel Planners

Attending a conference is one of the smartest and most efficient ways to improve your group travel planning game.  These 10 best conferences for group travel planners will help you build your network, your brand, and your group business!

Related Reading: 5 New Niches to Help Grow Your Group Tour Business