Virtuoso Travel Week, "the Fashion Week of travel," returns to Vegas Aug. 10-16

Virtuoso Travel Week – known as the "Fashion Week of travel" – is gearing up for another year as thousands of luxury travel professionals from more than 90 countries will gather in Las Vegas from August 10-16 at Bellagio Resort & Casino, ARIA Resort & Casino, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and Vdara Hotel & Spa. 

Now in its 36th year,  the event attracts some of the world's most influential travel agencies and advisors, who come together to exchange ideas, strengthen relationships and determine what’s new and next in luxury travel, while focusing on increasing sales. 

This year’s event, which PAX will be covering on location, features VIP speakers, elite entertainment, powerful professional development sessions and opportunities for exchanging ideas and forging new connections. 

The week will kick off with an Opening Session featuring guest speaker Simon Sinek, returning to Virtuoso Travel Week for a fourth time. Sinek will join Virtuoso Chairman and CEO Matthew D. Upchurch for an exchange of impactful ideas and advice on leadership and purpose-led business development. 

Founder of The Optimism Company, as well as a best-selling author, speaker and host of the top-rated podcast A Bit of Optimism, Sinek is perhaps best known for his TED Talk on the power of  WHY, viewed over 60 million times. His influential books include global bestseller Start with WHY and The New York Times bestsellers Leaders Eat Last and The Infinite Game.

Innovative sessions

Virtuoso continues to innovate around its flagship event, with new additions this year including enhanced personalization of the famed one-on-one appointments, which are vital to the luxury travel sales strategy for Virtuoso members, advisors and partners. 

These appointments are now self-selected and matched, instead of assigned, giving attendees greater control over the efficacy of their meetings.  

Another learning and networking opportunity introduced this year comes with the addition of Braindate, offering one-on-one or small-group conversations on topics posted by attendees before and during the event. 

This platform allows participants to brainstorm, tackle challenges and gain insights with like-minded individuals. Held daily Monday through Thursday, Braindate fosters deeper connections through purposeful discussions, offering valuable knowledge that goes above and beyond event programming.

Travel Tech Summit

 A highlight of Virtuoso Travel Week is the third annual Travel Tech Summit, a one-of-a-kind event focused on utilizing smart technology to elevate and enhance human connection, rather than replace it. 

Led by tech entrepreneur, investor and Virtuoso board member, Gilad Berenstein, the Summit will address key trends and developments in travel technology, including AI, among other topics. In addition to panels and presentations from technological innovators, a Startup Showcase with 15 tech businesses will provide a deep dive into what innovation looks like in real time, allowing attendees to be early adopters and advocates of future technologies.

Community Globetrotting

Community Globetrotting will now extend to two days on Saturday, August 10, and Sunday, August 11, due to its high success in engaging participants and driving sales. 

As in previous years, Globetrotting will spotlight the Virtuoso Communities – cruise, adventure, family, culinary, wellness and ultra-luxe travel. 

This year’s event will also introduce a new Sustainability pavilion, highlighting the network’s long-held commitment to furthering sustainable tourism. 

Globetrotting provides Virtuoso members and partners with structured time to discover new product offerings in an immersive environment. Additionally, the new Hotel Showcase will offer advisors a unique chance to engage with Virtuoso preferred properties, boosting brand visibility and deepening their understanding and enthusiasm for luxury offerings.

Additional highlights from the event are forthcoming. Follow Virtuoso Travel Week’s happenings, from award winners to trends and insights, in real-time via the network’s social media channels: @VirtuosoLtd on Instagram and Virtuoso Travel on Facebook and LinkedIn. 

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.