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Texas Travel Summit
The Premier Conference for the Texas Travel Industry
Texas Travel Summit
San Antonio, TX | October 1-3

This event offers an unparalleled mix of networking opportunities, cutting-edge insights, and best practices. Join industry professionals as they delve into the latest travel trends, uncover innovative marketing strategies, and build valuable connections. Whether you’re aiming for professional growth, seeking inspiration, or exploring new business prospects, Summit is a dynamic platform to thrive and flourish in the travel industry.
Registration Rates

Early bird deadline is 5:00 PM on July 18, 2025. No refunds after 5:00 PM on July 18, 2025. Rates will increase after July 18th.

Cancellation Policy - Full refund until 5:00 PM on August 30, 2025. No refunds after 5:00 PM on August 30, 2025. This cancellation policy helps us ensure the most accurate counts possible for the event. For questions about this policy, please contact the Texas Travel Alliance office at (512) 328-8842.

Early Bird Member Rates
Regular Member Rate
$525
Regular Member Rate PLUS Vendor Table
$1075
  • Early bird deadline is 5:00 PM on July 18, 2025
REGISTER
Regular Member Rate
Regular Member Rate
$625
Regular Member Rate PLUS Vendor Table
$1175
  •    
REGISTER
Non-Member Rates
Regular Non-Member Rate
$925
Regular Non-Member Rate PLUS Vendor Table
$1475
  •    
REGISTER
Vendor Tables
Vendor Table FeE
$550
  •    
REGISTER
Schedule at a Glance
For session details, visit the full schedule page.
10:00am – 2:00pm
TCAA Board of Directors Meeting

La Condesa Room (Mezzanine Level) at Hilton Palacio del Rio
Sponsored by San Antonio International Airport, Garver and Aira
(TCAA Board Members Only)

2:30 – 5:30pm
TTA Board of Directors Meeting

Salon A (Mezzanine Level) at Hilton Palacio del Rio
(TTA Board Members Only)

2:00 – 5:30pm
Conference Registration & Auction Drop-Off

Tower View/Room 217 Foyer Area, Meeting Level at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center

2:00 – 5:30pm
Vendor Table Setup

Room 217, Meeting Level at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center

4:00 – 5:30pm
TCAA Board Reception

River Barges at Hilton Palacio del Rio
Sponsored by San Antonio International Airport, Garver and Aira
(TCAA Board Members Only) 

4:30 – 5:00pm
College Student Orientation

Salon B (Mezzanine Level) at Hilton Palacio del Rio
Sponsored by Landry's, Inc.

6:30 – 8:00pm
Opening Event at The Alamo

Sponsored by Visit San Antonio, San Antonio International Airport, The Alamo, Silver Eagle Beverages, LALO Tequila, and Messina Hof Winery
Kick off Texas Travel Summit with a vibrant, Fiesta-themed celebration at the most iconic landmark in the Lone Star State. Attendees will enjoy exclusive after-hours access to the Alamo Church, sip cocktails and savor local flavors in the lush garden and explore the fascinating Phil Collins Collection at the Ralston Family Collections Center. As a playful nod to pop culture, guests can even snap a photo with the original stunt bicycle from Pee-wee’s Big Adventure. Be where history happened - and experience a few surprises along the way. Badge required for entry.

8:00 – 9:30pm
After Party at Be Kind & Rewind

Sponsored by Be Kind & Rewind
Step into the neon-lit world of Be Kind & Rewind, where you can enjoy a drink on us and listen to the best music and memories of the 80s, 90s, and 2000s come alive in downtown San Antonio. Unwind and keep the party going with throwback tunes and great company. Badges required for entry.

8:00am – 5:00pm
Conference Registration & Vendor Village Open

Tower View/Room 217 Foyer Area, Meeting Level at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center

8:00 – 8:45am
Continental Breakfast

Tower View/Room 217 Foyer Area, Meeting Level at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center

Sponsored by Houston First Corporation
8:00am – 4:30pm
Professional Development Lounge

Park View/Room 214 Foyer Area, Meeting Level at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center

Enhance Your Professionalism - Visit the Professional Development Lounge to receive expert feedback on your resume and have a conversation about what employers are looking for to help you present your best self and elevate your professional image. In addition, make sure to stop by the headshot station, courtesy of Laurie Rush Photography!
9:00 – 9:30am
Welcome Remarks

Room 217, Meeting Level at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center

9:30 – 10:30am
KEYNOTE: Resilience@Work – How to Lead Your Team into a Thriving Future

Room 217, Meeting Level at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
Keynote Speaker: Simon T. Bailey, Professional Speaker and Author
Sponsored by Gray Media

10:45 – 11:30am
Concurrent Breakout Sessions (4)

Tripadvisor Trendcast 2025
Room 214A
Speakers: Scott Caufield, Senior Principal Client Partner, Tripadvisor

The Destination Guide to the Galaxy of Digital Marketing
Room 214B
Speakers: Paul Brannock, President/Associate Publisher, VistaMedia INC and Eileen C. Sperry, Advertising Account Executive, VistaMedia INC

Access for All: Making Texas Travel Welcoming and Inclusive
Room 214C
Moderator: Kelly Woodward, COO, Houston Airports System
Panelists: Kevin Phelan, Chief Revenue Officer, Aira Tech Corporation; Tim Joniec, Director Government & Stakeholder Relations for Houston Airports System and Chair of Texas Commercial Airports Association (TCAA); Jessica Burke, Accessibility Manager and ADA Coordinator, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department; and Sharon Newhardt, Director of Inclusion and Culture, Morgan's Inclusion Institute

What Travel CEOs Need to Know About AI
Room 214D
Speaker: Greg Oates, Director of AI Advocacy, Matador Network

11:45am – 1:00pm
Networking Luncheon & Annual Business Meeting

Room 217, Meeting Level at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
College Scholarship Awards sponsored by Natural Bridge Caverns
Join us for our networking luncheon where we will dive into the TTA Annual Business Meeting - the business of YOUR association, and we'll celebrate the bright minds of tomorrow by announcing the Texas A&M University college scholarship winners and the Daniel J. Decker scholarship award winner. Seize this chance to learn more about TTA, meet new people, and build lasting connections with your peers.

1:00 – 1:45pm
Texas in Focus: A Year in Review and What's Next for Travel Texas

Room 217, Meeting Level at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
Speaker: Tim Fennell, Tourism Director, Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism and Nate Gieryn, Tourism Deputy Director, Office of the Governor Economic, Development and Tourism

1:55 – 2:55pm
General Session: Adapt. Evolve Repeat. Understanding the Ever-Changing Travel Industry Landscape

Room 217, Meeting Level at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
Speaker: Craig Compagnone, President, MMGY Global Americas
Sponsored by AJR Media Group

3:10 – 4:00pm
Concurrent Breakout Sessions (4)

Henry B. González Convention Center

Travel in Transition: National Insights & Texas Market Performance
Room 214A
Speaker: Matt Klug, Senior Regional Manager of Business Development for North America, Expedia Group Media Advertising

Mastering Digital Storytelling: Practical Tips for America’s 250th and Beyond
Room 214B
Speaker:  Jaime Duffy, Travel Sales Director, Smithsonian Media

Money Talks (And We’ll Teach You Its Language)
Room 214C
Moderator:  Julie Hart, President & CEO, CFO by Design
Panelists:  Margo Richards, Sr. Vice President, Lower Colorado River Authority; Keith Minick, President, Cinnamon Shore; and Diann Bayes, How Big is Texas

Game On! The Beautiful Game Comes to Texas
Room 214D
Moderator: Jorge Franz, SVP of Tourism and Industry Relations, Houston First Corporation
Panelists: David Brady, Chief of Staff, FIFA World Cup 26 Houston Host Committee and Matt Wilson, Senior Vice President of Sports & Events, Arlington CVB

3:30 – 5:00pm
Kendra Scott Pop-Up Shop

Tower View/Room 217 Foyer Area, Meeting Level at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
Shop for good with Kendra Scott who will be onsite while you shop the latest collection and most-loved jewelry styles, 20% of all sales will benefit Texas Travel Alliance.

4:00 – 4:45pm
Sip & Strategize with Industry Vendors

Room 217 and Foyer Area, Meeting Level at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center

Sweets Social Break Sponsored by Miles Partnership

Grab a beverage and meet face-to-face with industry vendors and colleagues. This is your opportunity to forge valuable connections, explore cutting-edge products and services, and strategize future collaborations. Whether you’re looking to expand your professional network or discover new products or trends, our Sip & Strategize networking event is the perfect setting to connect and grow your business. Don’t miss out on this unique blend of relaxation and professional engagement—your next big opportunity awaits

4:00 – 4:45pm
Cocktails and Meet & Greet with J.B. Sauceda, Texas Country Reporter

Room 217 and Foyer Area, Meeting Level at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center

Sponsored by Texas Monthly

Join Texas Monthly for a surprise cocktail or mocktail and don’t miss the opportunity to meet J.B. Sauceda, the charismatic storyteller behind Texas Country Reporter. Chat with J.B. about his journey capturing the heart of Texas, snap a photo, and get inspired by his unique perspective on the people and places that make our state special.

4:00 – 4:45pm
Next Gen Meet & Greet

Room 216, Meeting Level at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center

College students have the opportunity to connect with experts from all facets of the Travel & Tourism Industry. College students get ready to learn about different career paths and gain valuable insights from industry thought leaders.

4:45 – 5:30pm
Join Us for “Jeoparty” – Back by Popular Demand at Texas Travel Summit!

Room 217, Meeting Level at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
Last year, Texas Travel “Jeoparty” made its debut — and it was a huge hit! The energy, the laughs, and the friendly competition had everyone talking long after the session ended. This year, we’re bringing it back for round two, hosted once again by Tripadvisor.

Think you know Texas like the back of your hand? It’s time to prove it! Texas Travel Jeoparty will test even the most seasoned Texans with questions about quirky state facts, iconic landmarks, and hidden travel gems. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or just a proud Texan, this lively event is for you.

Grab your friends, bring your A-game, and get ready for trivia, laughs, and bragging rights — Jeoparty-style!

Sponsored by Tripadvisor

6:15 – 6:30pm
Sponsor Thank You Cocktail

Garden Terrace at Hilton Palacio del Rio
*By Invitation Only

6:30 – 7:15pm
Cocktail Reception

Garden Terrace at Hilton Palacio del Rio
Sponsored by Dallas Cowboys Football Club/AT&T Stadium

7:30 – 9:00pm
TTA Awards Gala

Salon del Rey at Hilton Palacio del Rio
Join us as we bestow the Lifetime Achievement Award, a testament to a career dedicated to excellence and innovation, and the Tall in Texas Award, celebrating a towering presence with outstanding contributions to the industry. We will also shine a light on the stars of tomorrow with the Rising Star Award, honoring the ambition and promise of up-and-coming talent. And, we will commemorate the rich cultural tapestry of our industry with the Heritage Award, recognizing those who have enriched the heritage of and made a lasting imprint on the Texas travel industry.

We’re thrilled to announce that J.B. Sauceda of Texas Country Reporter will serve as the emcee for the evening, bringing his signature storytelling style and Texas pride to this unforgettable celebration.

Don't miss this celebration of passion, dedication, and the enduring spirit of the travel and tourism industry where you can help us honor the past, present, and future of tourism excellence.

8:00 – 11:00am
Conference Registration

Tower View/Room 217 Foyer Area, Meeting Level at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center

8:00 – 8:45am
Continental Breakfast

Tower View/Room 217 Foyer Area, Meeting Level at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center

8:00am – 1:00pm
Professional Development Lounge

Park View/Room 214 Foyer Area, Meeting Level at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center

8:00am – 1:30pm
Vendor Village Open

Room 217, Meeting Level at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center

9:00 – 9:45am
KEYNOTE: Thriving Connections: Meaningful Networking and Better Relationships

Room 217, Meeting Level at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
Keynote Speaker: Melissa Majors, Consultant, Coach, and Author

10:00 – 10:45am
Concurrent Breakout Sessions (4)

Henry B. González Convention Center

Meetings Outlook: Future Predictions for the Business of Meetings
Room 214A
Speaker: Jessie States, Vice President, MPI Consulting, Meeting Professionals International

Saddle Up for Success: Designing Experiences That Attract Visitors and Build Loyalty
Room 214B
Speaker: Tiffany Rawson, Principal & Chief Strategy Architect of Monumental Strides, LLC and Stacey Ludlum, Founder & Principal Planner of Felis Consulting LLC 

Destination Resilience: Planning for Digital Chaos and Real-World Emergencies
Room 214C
Moderator: Cyle Perez, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation
Panelists: Assistant Chief Brandi Ashby, Texas Division of Emergency Management, Mario Bass, President & CEO, Visit San Antonio; Jeff Davis, Park President, SeaWorld San Antonio; Diana Worden, Sr. Director of Safety & Security, Dallas Zoo

Inbound International Travel to Texas
Room 214D
Moderator: Nelson Gumm, President & CEO, AJR Media Group
Panelists: Jorge Franz, Sr. VP of Tourism and Industry Relations, Houston First; Dave Krupinski,
Leisure Development Officer, Visit San Antonio; and Veronica Castro, Director of Tourism Development & Strategic Alliances, Visit El Paso
Sponsored by AJR Media Group 

11:00 – 11:45am
General Session: Building a Roadmap for the AI-Driven Workplace

Room 217, Meeting Level at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
Speaker: Greg Oates, Director of AI Advocacy, Matador Network

11:45am – 12:30pm
Networking with Vendors

Room 217, Meeting Level at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center

12:30 – 1:15pm
Luncheon & Featured Speaker

Room 217, Meeting Level at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
Regional Economic Outlook
Featured Speaker: Luis Torres, Senior Business Economist, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
Sponsored by Visit Fort Worth

1:15 – 2:15pm
Auction Check-out Pickup

Tower View/Room 217 Foyer Area, Meeting Level at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
*Auction and raffle close at 1:00pm

1:30 – 2:30pm
Vendor Teardown

Room 217, Meeting Level at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center

Keynote Speakers
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Resilience@Work – How to Lead Your Team into a Thriving Future
Simon T. Bailey, a featured leader in Success magazine's Top 25 alongside Brené Brown and Tony Robbins, equips organizations with tools to lead, live, and finish well. With over 2,400 organizations in 54 countries benefiting from his expertise, Bailey’s session, "Resilience@Work – How to Lead Your Team into a Thriving Future," offers actionable insights on building agile, high-performing teams. Drawing from his research-backed "State of Working America Report," Bailey will share strategies to future-proof organizations, elevate team engagement, and foster resilience, all while optimizing well-being. His 11 books and experience as a former Sales Director at Disney Institute offer a unique blend of customer experience and business acumen.

Thriving Connections: Meaningful Networking and Better Relationships

Melissa Majors, a leadership expert, author, and dynamic storyteller, brings her signature blend of neuroscience, business strategy, and humor to help audiences build real, meaningful relationships. In her interactive session Thriving Connections, she’ll guide attendees through practical, human-centered networking strategies that go beyond small talk and stale icebreakers. Expect to break out of your comfort zone, use smarter tools (goodbye, business cards), and walk away with connections that actually move your career forward. Known for her engaging style and sharp insights, Melissa has inspired teams at Google, 7-Eleven, and Blue Cross Blue Shield—and now, she’s ready to help you thrive.

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Supporting Supporters
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Room Block
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Hilton Palacio del Rio

200 South Alamo St.
San Antonio, TX 78205

TTA Block Rate: $239/night (single/double) plus taxes
Cut-off Deadline: September 19, 2025 (unless sold out prior to this date)

Reservations
Texas Travel Alliance: Our mission is to improve the quality of life in Texas by strengthening travel and tourism.
  • 9600 Escarpment Blvd. Suite 745-40, Austin, TX 78749
    •  
  • 512-328-8842