Virtuoso to spotlight AI, advisor innovation at annual Travel Tech Summit

Virtuoso will put the future of travel technology in the spotlight during its fifth annual Travel Tech Summit, taking place Sunday, Aug. 9, at the Bellagio Resort & Casino as part of the 38th annual Virtuoso Travel Week.

The summit brings together technology leaders, venture capitalists, travel innovators and travel professionals to explore how emerging technologies can help advisors work more efficiently while delivering more personalized luxury travel experiences.

Led by tech entrepreneur, investor and Virtuoso board member Gilad Berenstein, the event will open with a look at the trends shaping travel technology.

“Five years in, the Travel Tech Summit has become a proving ground for the ideas, solutions and partnerships that are reshaping luxury travel,” said Berenstein in a press release “This year’s program moves beyond conversation to show innovation in action, from AI-enabled workflows and advisor-built solutions to new models for collaboration across the Virtuoso network. Our goal is for advisors and partners to leave not only inspired but equipped with practical ways to turn emerging technology into stronger businesses and more meaningful client relationships.”

AI, product strategy take centre stage

The summit's keynote will be delivered by Janette Roush, chief AI and innovation officer at Brand USA, who will explore how travel brands are using artificial intelligence to reshape marketing, storytelling and destination content. Her presentation will examine how AI tools can help advisors organize destination information, personalize audience engagement and strengthen the link between travel inspiration and trip planning.

Virtuoso Chairman and CEO Matthew D. Upchurch will also discuss the broader technological shifts affecting the travel industry, including how the network is developing solutions that connect expertise, insights, data and relationships across the Virtuoso ecosystem.

Helen McCabe-Young, Virtuoso's senior vice president, global products, and Paul Kearney, senior vice president, global technology, will outline how the company's product and technology strategy is being implemented for advisors and partners. Both executives, along with Virtuoso's product and technology teams, will also participate in the marketplace throughout Virtuoso Travel Week.

“The strongest technology makes it easier for our network to deliver exceptional experiences for clients and guests,” stated McCabe-Young. “Our focus is on building product solutions that simplify complexity, strengthen connections across our global network and help advisors and partners accelerate their own capabilities for business growth. When technology enhances human connection and empowers our network collectively, travelers feel the difference.”

Research, startups & advisor case studies

Professor Lisa Cain of Florida International University will present new research examining AI adoption among luxury consumers and how affluent travellers are engaging with emerging technology. Based on focus group discussions with Virtuoso advisors, her research suggests AI is best used to enhance—not replace—the personalized service that defines luxury travel.

TBO co-founder Gaurav Bhatnagar will also discuss how AI can strengthen advisor efficiency, deepen client relationships and create new business opportunities while keeping personal service at the forefront.

New additions to this year's program include the Travel Tech Summit Game Show, an interactive session hosted by Berenstein featuring audience polling and expert discussion on travel technology trends, and Case Studies, Startups and Big Ideas, which combines Virtuoso's Startup Showcase with advisor case studies and presentations on emerging concepts and technologies.

The program will also feature presentations from travel technology companies and advisors covering topics including embedded finance, AI-powered agency operations, workflow automation, business analytics, autonomous travel, payments and agentic commerce.

Following those presentations, Berenstein will moderate the Innovation Models Panel, where Virtuoso advisors will discuss different approaches agencies are taking to innovation, from in-house technology development to outsourced and third-party solutions.

Tech Marketplace returns

The Travel Tech Summit will once again feature the Virtuoso Tech Marketplace, where attendees can connect with technology providers and Virtuoso's own product and technology teams to explore new tools and business solutions.

Participating companies include Aeronology, AirWallex, Axus Travel App, Cyber Watch Systems, Fareladder, Fly with VWT by Chase Travel, GenieVerse, Grasp Technologies, KeyBrain, PlanitEasy, Rallio, Sabre, Sion, Sugati Travel, TBO, Tern Travel, The Trip Boutique, Travefy, Travel Agency Tribes, TravelWits, Tres Technologies, TripSuite, Worldia and others.

“Technology at Virtuoso is about empowering, not replacing, the human expertise that defines our network,” said Kearney. “As we continue to advance our ecosystem, we’re focused on making AI and emerging tools more practical, so advisors can integrate innovation into their workflows, strengthen client relationships and unlock new growth. A key part of that effort is translating these capabilities into useful tools for our network. This year's Tech Marketplace is where that comes to life, bringing together the providers and solutions that turn emerging technology into real results for advisors and their clients.”

Programming will continue beyond Sunday's summit with invite-only sessions, executive roundtables, VIP gatherings, behind-the-scenes tours, one-on-one meetings, meals and networking events throughout Virtuoso Travel Week.