We are excited to have announced our 2nd Annual Skift Global Forum East on December 12-14, 2023 in Dubai
December 13-15 – Dubai
At Madinat Jumeirah
Videos BelowWatch All Sessions on Demand
Use link in top right to view full playlist
Presented by:
December 13-15, 2022 – Dubai
We are excited to launch our premier Skift Global Forum series to a part of the world at the center of global connectivity between Asia and the West — Dubai.
Skift Global Forum East, presented by Dubai, will be a two-day conference assembling top CEOs and creative leaders to discuss innovations coming to bear on the future of travel. The energy around the travel industry in the Middle East right now is unprecedented, and Dubai is at the center of it all.
Around the globe, Skift Forums are known throughout the travel industry for bringing expert-level discussions and incisive journalism-led interviews to our stage. Skift Forums are where travel’s most innovative leaders come to decipher and define the future of travel.
- December 13: Evening Reception
- December 14 & 15: Forum Sessions and Networking
Topics
- Consumer-facing global trends and macro forcing factors for the year ahead
- How hospitality will adapt to the continued blending of lifestyle and work in travel
- The growth of emerging inbound markets, and how suppliers are adapting
- Why technology, collaboration, and regional growth will spur demand
- Exploring the brand-driven and performance marketing strategies leading bookings
- How meetings and events will foster growth for destinations in the future
- What travel can do to take action and drive profits through a more sustainable future
- How startups across the region are driving innovation and growth from the ground-up
- Why digitizing and broadening the experiences and activities sector matters
- How the Middle East will be a vital focal point for global tourism in the years ahead
Speakers
![[Yanolja] Jongyoon Kim](https://live.skift.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Yanolja-Jongyoon-Kim-1024x919.jpg)
Agenda
December 13, 14, and 15
OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION
Summersalt Beach Club
Jumeirah Al Naseem, Madinat Jumeirah
Jumeirah St, Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai
December 13, 6-8pm
FORUM VENUE: Madinat Jumeirah Conference Centre, Joharah Ballroom – Dubai
Wednesday, December 14th
Welcome
Skift Research Presentation: The State of Travel
Driving Growth Through Industry Collaboration
Powering a Connected Ecosystem for Travelers
Priyanka Lakhani
Collinson
Senior Vice President Commercial
Moderator
Dan Marcec
Why Travel Should Think Like a Community
Networking Break
Driving Innovation and New Ideas Through Tech
Expanding the Reach of Today’s Independent Hotel Brands
Chris Hartley
Global Hotel Alliance
CEO
Moderator
Carolyn Kremins
Opening the Door to Tomorrow’s Travel Leaders
Aisha Al Mansoori
Etihad Airway
Captain
Moderator
Peden Bhutia
Behind the Scenes at Almosafer, the Region’s Largest Travel Business
Muzzammil Ahussain
Almosafer
Chief Executive Officer
Moderator
Jeremy Kressmann
Can SuperApps Disrupt Online Travel?
Jong Yoon Kim
Yanolja and Yanolja Cloud
CEO
Moderator
Sean O’Neill
Lunch
A Macro View on Travel’s Future
How Blended Travel Is Reshaping Experience
Enticing and Engaging Tomorrow’s Travelers
Beyond Conservation: The Future of Regenerative Tourism
Nicholas King
Red Sea Global
Group Chief Development Officer
Moderator
Carolyn Kremins
Expanding the Travel Experience Market
Lessons from the World Cup: Where We Go From Here
Berthold Trenkel
Qatar Tourism
Chief Operating Officer
Moderator
Rafat Ali
Break
How Tour Operators Can Drive New Demand to the Middle East
Casper Urhammer
FTI Group
CEO, Tour Operating
Moderator
Matt Parsons
Reimagining The Stories We Tell to Travelers
The Role of Culture and the Arts in Destination Place-Making
A Global Outlook for 2023: In Conversation Via Hologram
Christopher Nassetta
Hilton
President & CEO
Moderator
Rafat Ali
Reception
Thursday, December 15th
Doors Open
Building Collaboration, Technology, and Regional Growth
Dubai and The Future of Travel
Lunch
Bringing Travel Into the Future
Overcoming Travel’s Labor Challenges
Global Events and Experiences: What Comes Next?
Liveable, Agile, and Resilient: Dubai’s Blueprint for 21st Century Tourism
Putting Data-Driven Insights at the Core of Your Business Strategy
Jens Munch
FLYR for Hospitality
CEO
Moderator
Dan Marcec
Unlocking Tourism’s Potential
Asmaa Quorrich
Saudi Tourism Authority
Chief Marketing Officer
Moderator
Rafat Ali
The Middle East’s Growth as a Global Gateway
Ross Veitch
Wego
CEO & Co-Founder
Schubert Lou
Trip.com
Chief Operating Officer
Moderator
Peden Bhutia
Forum Ends
What to expect
Skift Global Forum East will assemble top CEOs and creative leaders to discuss innovations coming to bear on the future of travel, in the dynamic Middle East region and globally. The conference program will dive deep into what’s shaping the industry post-pandemic— the intersection of technology and marketing, consumer-facing advances across user experience and design, how sustainability will play an ever-increasing role in the business of travel, how progressive modern economies prioritize travel as their future economic engine, and much more.
Presented By
Sponsors
FAQs
What is included in my in-person registration?
- Live access to all sessions via our online platform
- Access to the event app for iOS and Android
- Networking with event attendees using event app
- Access to on-demand session recordings
- Pre-event evening reception in Dubai
- Entry to the event
- Option to attend break-out sessions
- In-person networking breaks
- On-site refreshments during sessions
Is there a room block associated with this event?
We don’t have an attendee room block this year, but please visit the following link from HotelMap of all the nearby hotels and rates during our event – https://hotelmap.com/MMW49
Is COVID-19 vaccination required?
Yes, please be fully vaccinated when attending this event.
How do I apply for a press/media pass?
Please apply via the following link and we will get back to you once your application has been reviewed: https://skift.typeform.com/to/ZKW3l928?typeform-source=live.skift.com
I purchased multiple event tickets – how to share the registration link with my colleagues for them to register?
Upon payment for the event, you will receive a confirmation email, which will contain the registration link to share with your colleagues.
When will I have access to the Skift Live app?
The Skift Live app will be available to all attendees one week prior to the event start date. You will then be able to view all attendee names and titles, and message them directly to set up networking opportunities.
