If you were there, you probably still remember the buzz in the air: people excited to reconnect, share ideas, and discuss the future of travel.
A few months might have passed since Skift Global Forum 2024, but the excitement and energy from the event are still alive and well.
But what really stuck with people?
To find out, we turned to the best source of insights: our audience. So, if you’re curious about the ideas that resonated most and what they mean for the future of travel, you’re in the right place.
From exploring new technology to diving deep into sustainability, this year’s Forum was again a chance for people to gather, reflect, and look ahead.
And what made 2024 even more special?
The energy. The connections. And, of course, the conversations that will continue shaping the travel industry long after the event. Here are some of the most memorable takeaways from Skift Global Forum 2024 based on the experiences of those who were there.
Since its inception, the Skift Global Forum has been at the heart of the travel industry, offering a unique platform for leaders, innovators, and visionaries to come together and discuss the issues and opportunities that shape the future.
What started as a modest gathering has grown into a must-attend event, drawing top executives, thought leaders, and industry disruptors from across the globe. Year after year, the Forum sets the bar higher, with the 2024 edition continuing to push the envelope on content, networking, and impact.
The 2024 Forum centered around the powerful themes of sustainability, technology, and consumer shifts, all key drivers of change in the travel industry. It was clear from the very first session that the event wasn’t just about hearing from the usual suspects but also about exploring fresh perspectives that challenge conventional thinking.
“What an amazing event! After having been in the industry for nearly 15 years. This was my first Skift Global Forum – and it lived up to the hype! Rafat’s interview with Glenn, Carolyn’s discussion with Audrey, and of course, Dan’s interview with Damien – the programing and content were incredibly compelling. The entire Skift team should be very proud of the valuable work you are doing.”
People came to the Forum excited to learn, but what they took home wasn’t just knowledge; it was the connections they made and the energy that everyone brought to the table.
When we asked attendees to rate their overall experience, the response was overwhelmingly positive. In fact, 94% of survey respondents said they were “very satisfied” with their time at the event, and for good reason.
The 2024 edition struck the perfect balance between thought-provoking content and interactive networking, something attendees value highly.
That energy wasn’t just felt by attendees.
Skift CEO, Rafat Ali, also took a moment to address the team, remarking how much he loved the vibrant energy that was alive throughout the event. “It was infectious,” he said, praising the dynamic atmosphere that pervaded every corner of the Forum.
His words captured the essence of the event perfectly: an energy driven by passion, innovation, and the collective desire to shape the future of travel.
Networking, of course, is always a standout at the Forum. From breakfast meetups to networking dinners, the opportunities to connect were woven throughout the event, and it’s no surprise that many attendees mentioned these moments as highlights.
“Some of the best moments happened in between sessions,” said another attendee. “I found myself talking to people from different parts of the world, sharing ideas, and thinking about solutions to real problems.”
The chance to connect with like-minded people in a meaningful way was one of the most valuable takeaways for many.
The conversation around sustainability was especially powerful, with Zita Cobb sharing her vision of how tourism can benefit local communities.
Her keynote reminded us that sustainability isn’t just about reducing the environmental impact of travel: it’s about creating long-lasting, positive effects for the communities that are impacted by it. This resonated with many attendees, who walked away with a renewed sense of purpose and action.
Meanwhile, tech was another major topic, and it was clear that artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and personalization are changing the way we think about travel.
“It is the only forum where you can hear CEOs talk about the state of the industry.”
Brian Chesky’s keynote was a particular highlight, offering insight into how Airbnb is evolving to meet the growing consumer demand for authentic, personalized experiences. Tech isn’t just about improving operational efficiency: it’s about enhancing the guest experience in ways that we’ve never seen before.
Many attendees were equally inspired by the panel discussions, where experts from all corners of the industry came together to share solutions to some of travel’s most pressing challenges. Whether it was discussing the role of AI in the future of travel or the push for more inclusive tourism, these conversations shaped how many attendees thought about their businesses moving forward.
Skift Global Forum 2024 has once again proven to be the premier event for those serious about the future of travel. With its unique blend of inspiring speakers, innovative programming, and dynamic networking, it’s clear why attendees return year after year.
As we look ahead to the Skift Global Forum 2025, one thing is certain: the travel industry’s future is brighter, more sustainable, and more connected than ever before.
We can’t wait to see where the next chapter of innovation takes us.