The energy is mounting in these last few weeks before Milan. IGLTA heads to the financial capital of Italy 26-29 October for our 38th Global Convention, bringing together our powerful network of travel and tourism partners.

Our convention always serves as an unparalleled forum for the LGBTQ+ business community to connect. And after postponing our Milan convention from 2020 to this October, we’re thrilled about the turnout and enthusiasm heading into IGLTA’s much-anticipated European return. Attendee rosters are growing, and already our annual IGLTA Foundation fundraiser Voyage has sold out, as has our annual Buyer/Supplier Marketplace on 26 October, the convention’s first day.

                                                                                     

Part of the gusto for this year’s marketplace comes thanks to IGLTA’s collaboration with UK-based Jacobs Media Group. Jacobs is Europe’s largest B2B travel and hospitality media firm and the parent company of Travel Weekly. By teaming up, our marketplace will welcome an expanded database of buyers—especially European buyers from travel agencies, outbound tour operators, and meeting planners—many of whom will be attending for the first time.

IGLTA convention registration remains open, and all attendees are invited to join a variety of daily programs. After the marketplace and our third annual invite-only Think Tank, there are two days of general sessions focused on industry insights, trends, and DEI strategies, plus networking lunches, the IGLTA Honors presented with the support of American Express Travel, media events, and breakout sessions—including our popular Travel Advisor Roundtable where our buyers can share best practices. We also have a special Women’s Networking Reception to connect our women in travel with keynote speaker and award-winning author/entrepreneur Jennifer Brown of JBC Consulting.

Other exciting opportunities are pre- and post-convention events and tours, including the 29 October “Italy’s LGBTQ+ History and Art” lecture hosted by Oscar Wilde Tours and free to convention attendees (be sure to RSVP). There are 15 different overnight trips available too, inviting buyers and other attendees to explore different regions of Italy, like greater Milan, Turin, Venice, Puglia, and the Amalfi Coast.

                                                                                                                         

 

Of course, the convention is also the perfect reason to stay in Milan a little longer, and attendees can enjoy special IGLTA discounted rates at hotels in the city and around the country (click here for more details).

If you haven’t already, consider registering today to join IGLTA in Milan. And even if you can’t make it to Italy this month, remember you can always become a member of IGLTA’s global community to enjoy year-round benefits to elevate your tourism business.