Who Attends Skift Global Forum? A Closer Look at the Industry’s Most Strategic Gathering

Geopolitical shifts, AI acceleration, and evolving traveler expectations are rewriting the rules of travel. In this age of perma-disruption, where do the industry’s top minds convene to chart a meaningful path forward?

The answer is Skift Global Forum.

Now entering its 12th year, Skift Global Forum remains a vital space where senior travel executives and decision-makers come together not just to follow trends but to shape the industry’s next chapter.

The Forum’s attendee profile reflects its mission: delivering high-level conversations grounded in reality.

In 2024, the Skift Global Forum welcomed nearly 1,000 professionals from 60 countries and 819 companies across 18 industries, including aviation, hospitality, tech, finance, and more, creating a rare convergence of insight across the travel ecosystem.

This cross-sector mix sparks conversations that break silos and explore evolving business models reshaping travel’s platforms and ecosystems.

Over 70% of attendees held director-level positions or above in 2024, up from 63% in 2023. This steady rise underscores Skift Global Forum’s reputation as a go-to event for those entrusted with strategic decisions and large budgets.

Numbers matter, but what really sets Skift Global Forum apart is the community — the professionals you meet and the conversations you have.

Here’s what a few past attendees say:

“Skift Global Forum is where I reset my strategic priorities. The quality of conversations and the diversity of perspectives help me challenge assumptions and uncover new opportunities.”

“Being in New York City with such a global mix adds an energy that fuels innovation and connection. It’s a place where ideas get real traction.”

Market volatility and shifting consumer behaviors won’t slow down, and neither will Skift Global Forum. It is finely tuned to address the exact challenges senior leaders face today: how to harness emerging tech like AI without losing the traveler’s trust, how to embed sustainability authentically, and how to find strategic clarity amid constant disruption.

Skift’s editorial team curates the sessions to eliminate fluff and focus on what matters. The agenda delivers actionable insights from CEOs and C-suite leaders of major travel brands. And, the premium production helps busy executives maximize their limited time.

NYC remains an electric backdrop, pulsing with ideas, investment, and innovation. That energy feeds directly into the Skift Live experience, combining inspiration with practical takeaways.

If you’re responsible for steering your company through this dynamic environment, Skift Global Forum 2025 offers a rare blend of strategic insight, high-caliber networking, and forward-looking dialogue. It’s a space built for leaders who demand more than buzzwords and surface-level solutions.

With a global mix of peers, a focus on big-picture innovation, and a commitment to real-world challenges, Skift Global Forum is your strategic advantage.

Secure your seat today and join the leaders rewriting travel’s next chapter. See you in New York.

September 16-18, 2025 - NEW YORK CITY