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2018

www.phocuswrightconference.com

POSTSHOW REPORT

2CONFERENCE OVERVIEW

THEME POWER PARADOX

For 25 years, The Phocuswright Conference has delivered an unbeatable combination of compelling content, top-tier attendees and an electrified atmosphere. It’s where ideas are born, partners are found, strategies are honed, and deals are done.

Over 1,750 of the travel industry’s most influential leaders from around the world attended the 2018 Phocuswright Conference in Los Angeles, California. The most visionary thinkers and innovators with the “Next Big Idea” poured into the conference to learn, connect and innovate.

We revamped the program to increase value for our attendees with an updated pace and new formats, and added new events: Attendee Speed-Meet, Startup Program, Women’s Leadership Initiative, and Hospitality ThinkTank. As always, attendees listened intently to the highly anticipated Center Stage sessions, interacted in breakouts and the exhibitor showcase, and found high-level networking throughout each day.

To learn more about The Phocuswright Conference, visit www.phocuswrightconference.com.

Travel’s biggest have never been bigger. So much market power for so few and dominance defines the state of the industry. This status quo is unprecedented.

But the powerful know this paradox best: As they grow, their growth slows. Size encumbers, speed wins and the Next Big Thing often comes from unseen origins. When the invincible sit at the center of a complex system, they are vulnerable from every side.

This Power Paradox set the stage for The Phocuswright Conference 2018, which took place November 13 to 15 in Los Angeles.

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38%

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16%

5% 1%

36%

22%

12%

9%

6%

5%4%

4%2% 2% Technology Solution Provider

Travel Agencies/Tour Operators

Financial Services

Hotel/Hospitality/Resorts/Rentals

Publishing/Editorial/Press

Search/Content/Community

Attractions/Cruise/Ground/Rail

Advertising/PR/Marketing Agency

Air

DMO/Association

AUDIENCE OVERVIEW

2018 ATTENDEES BY SECTORDream demographics

2018 ATTENDEE TITLESThe people you want to meet were there

A GLOBAL EVENTThe Phocuswright Conference was packed with senior executives from the top travel businesses from around the globe. Attendees represented over 45 countries.

The Phocuswright Conference attracts nearly 2,000 decision makers and C-level executives, representing dozens of countries from every travel, tourism and hospitality sector. No other conference provides access to such an elite and motivated group of prospective clients.

The number one reason to attend The Phocuswright Conference is networking. Other attendees are eager to meet you and build a partnership.

C Level Executive/President/Partner

Director

Vice President

Manager

Analyst/Consultant

Journalist

5SPEAKERS

Alice JongResearch ManagerPhocuswright Inc.

Arlene CoyleSenior Vice President, Corporations SalesAmadeus IT Group S.A.

Benjamin Jost CEO TrustYou

Bill GurleyGeneral Partner Benchmark Capital

Brad GerstnerCEOAltimeter Capital

Brian NowakManaging DirectorMorgan Stanley & Co. Inc.

Bryan DoveCEOSkyscanner

Chetan KapoorResearch Analyst, Asia PacificPhocuswright Inc.

Cindy WangCFOCtrip.com International, Ltd.

Dan ChristianChief Digital OfficerThe Travel Corporation

CENTER STAGE

Dana DunneCEOeDreams ODIGEO

David BergerCo-Founder and CEOVolara

David HolyokeGlobal Head of Airbnb for WorkAirbnb

Dee WaddellGlobal Managing Director, Travel & Transportation IndustriesIBM

Dhruv ShringiCo-Founder and CEOYatra Online Pvt. Ltd.

Douglas QuinbySenior AnalystPhocuswright Inc.

Eric Gnock FahCo-Founder & COOKlook

Eric SheridanManaging DirectorUBS

Frederic Lalonde Founder and CEOHopper Inc.

Glenn FogelChief Executive Officer and PresidentBooking Holdings

Greg GreeleyPresident of HomesAirbnb

Haydn SonnadFounder and Chief Customer OfficerTesloop

Jack LouisPresidentFat Tire Tours

Jake FullerManaging DirectorGuggenheim Securities LLC

Jeff MaSVP of Product & AnalyticsDuetto

Jeffrey KatzFounding Chairman and CEO, Orbitz and CEOJournera

Jerry HuVice PresidentAlibaba Group

Jim DavidsonPresident and CEOFarelogix Inc.

Jonne De Leeuw PrincipalHPE Growth Capital

Kellyn Smith KennySenior Vice President and Chief Marketing OfficerHilton

Kevin Kopelman Director, Technology, Media and Telecom - Hotels; Online TravelCOWEN INC.

Kevin MayEditor in ChiefPhocusWire

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Lorraine SileoSenior Vice President, Research and Business OperationsPhocuswright Inc.

Maggie RauchSenior Director, ResearchPhocuswright Inc.

Mark Okerstrom President and Chief Executive OfficerExpedia Group, Inc.

Martha Honey Co-Founder and Executive DirectorCenter for Responsible Travel

Matt CurtisFounderSmart City Policy Group

Maud BaillyChief Digital OfficerAccorHotels

Norman RoseSenior Tehnology and Corporate Market AnalystPhocuswright Inc.

Pete ComeauSenior Vice President, Sales and MarketingPhocuswright Inc.

Philip WoldFounderPhocuswright Inc.

Rajesh MagowCo-Founder and CEO, IndiaMakeMyTrip Ltd.

Richard HoldenVice President, Product ManagementGoogle

Ritesh Agarwal Founder & CEO OYO

Robert ColeSenior Research Analyst, Lodging and Leisure TravelPhocuswright Inc.

Ronnie GurionGM, Global Head of Uber for BusinessUber

Ruzwana BashirFounder and CEOPeek

Sam ShankCEO & Co-FounderHotelTonight

Seema ModyGlobal Markets ReporterCNBC

Siew Hoon YeohFounder, WIT and Editorial DirectorNorthstar Travel Group Asia

Simon Ferguson President and Managing Director, Americas TravelPort

Stephen KauferPresident and CEOTripAdvisor

Steve HafnerCo-Founder and CEOKAYAK

Troy FlanaganVice President, Government Affairs & Industry Relations American Hotel & Lodging Association

Tye RadcliffeDirector of Distribution United Airlines Inc.

SPEAKERS

7SPEAKERS

Brian Clark PartnerHudson Crossing LLC

Flo LugliPrincipal Navesink Advisory Group, LLC

Greg AbbottSVP, Travel & HospitalityDataArt Solutions, Inc.

Jeff KleeCEOAmTrav

Ken FrohlingOwner/PrincipalKeystone Travel Advisory Group

Leith StevensVP Business DevelopmentRedeam

Mike BenjaminCTOOAG

Philip WolfFounder Phocuswright Inc.

Valyn PeriniVice Persident, Strategic Relationships Nor1 Inc.

William CarrollSenior Hotel and Lodging AnalystPhocuswright Inc.

Amy FarleySenior EditorFast Company

Brian ClarkPartnerHudson Crossing LLC

Chris HemmeterManaging DirectorThayer Ventures

Erik Blachford Venture Partner Technology Crossover Ventures

Evan Konwiser VP Product Strategy & MarketingAmerican Express Global Business Travel

Jim HornthalChairman, Triporati and Zignal Labs and Executive Chairman Launchpad Central

Miriam MoscoviciSenior Director, Research and Corporate Innovation BCD Travel

Regi Vengalil Head of Corportate Development Expedia Group, Inc.

Richard Harris CEOIntent Media Inc.

Todd Henrich SVP, Corporate Development Booking Holdings

Tom BottsChief Commercial OfficerUplift, Inc.

Yue Feng Head of Oasis Lab Ctrip.com International, Ltd.

LAUNCH PHOCUSGROUP

SUMMIT DRAGONS

8SPONSORS AND EXHIBITORS

3Victors, LLCAccorHotelsAcxiomAdobeAIG TravelAirlines Reporting Corporation (ARC)Allianz PartnersAmadeusAmerican AirlinesAmerican Express Global Business TravelAon Travel PracticeArkose LabsArrivalistAXUS Travel AppBooking.comBrand USA - VisitTheUSA.comBrillembourg GroupCambon Partners

The BeatBusiness Travel NewsChinaTravelNewsJacobs Media GroupL’Echo Touristique

Travel Forward

CarTrawlerChargebacks911ChetuClicktripz, LLCCollinsonConnexions Loyalty & Tavisca SolutionsConversant and EpsilonCybbaDataArtDayuse.comDiscover Global NetworkDoHopDragon Trail InteractiveELO CARDExpedia Media SolutionsExpedia Partner SolutionsFareportalFastlyFlight Centre Travel Group

ForterGeneral Catalyst PartnersGo MoxieGoogleGreater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors BureauHertzHiltonHotelbedsIHG Intercontinental Hotels GroupInspiratoIntelliguideIntent MediaInteractionsiSeatzITB BerlinJ.D. PowerJourneraJumpshot

JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVEKAYAKKlookLeanplumLEXETravel by AmericanTowns MediaLyft BusinessGoibiboMapboxMarchexMarketo, Inc.Marriott InternationalMediaAlphaMessenger for BusinessmParticlemsg.aiNearsoftNetacticaNorthstar Travel Group’s Content Licensing Solutions

OAGOlapicOravel Stays Private LimitedPayCertifyPerimeterXRateGainRecruit Co., Ltd.RedeamResponseTapRiskifiedSabreSkyroamSmartly.ioSojernTCVTeleperformanceTrackExTranslations.comtravel42

OFFICIAL EVENT PARTNER MEDIA PARTNERS

Travel Media GroupTravelportTravelsifyTripAdvisorTripXTrisept SolutionstrivagoUNiDAYSU.S. Bank - Corporate Payment SystemsVariFlightVisit CaliforniaVRM IntelwemovoWEXWNS Global ServicesWorldpayYapStone

PhocusWire Powered by PhocuswrightTravel Voice JapanTravel Weekly

9INNOVATION

Phocuswright Innovation Platform events showcase the most innovative companies in travel across the globe. A total of 36 companies (22 at Summit and 14 at Launch) demonstrated groundbreaking applications and solutions poised to change the travel landscape, competing for the attention of investors, numerous industry awards, as well as peer recognition.

Summit winners were chosen by a panel of Dragons comprised of travel and technology experts. The General Catalyst Award for Travel Innovation, which comes with a $100,000 convertible bridge loan, was determined by the Dragons with an increased emphasis on whether the company’s innovation has the potential to create breakthrough value in the travel industry. Brand USA selected the winner for their Travel Marketing Innovation award, and OAG selected the winner for their AI Innovation award. Phocuswright Conference attendees voted to determine the People’s Choice Awards for both Summit and Launch.

425 innovators have now participated in Phocuswright’s innovation events since the first Travel Innovation Summit in 2008. This esteemed group of companies has brought countless innovations to the market and collectively raised over $3.4B in the process.

Learn more about the Phocuswright Innovation Platform here: www.phocuswright.com/Events/Phocuswright-Innovation

BY THE NUMBERS

+$3.4 225 65FUNDING FUNDED ACQUIRED

(as of January 2019)

AWARD FOR TRAVEL INNOVATIONEmerging Category Winner: Sleepbox, Inc.

Emerging Category Runner-Up: Perfect Price

AWARD FOR TRAVEL INNOVATIONStartup Category Winner: ConnexPay

Startup Category Runner-Up: Airside Mobile, Inc.

BRAND USA MARKETING INNOVATION AWARDWinner: Vivere.travel

THE GENERAL CATALYST AWARD FOR TRAVEL INNOVATIONWinner: Sleepbox, Inc.

OAG AWARD FOR AI INNOVATION

Winner: Baarb

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD – SUMMITWinner: Sleepbox, Inc.

Runner-Up: Rentals United

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD – LAUNCHWinner: AirHelp

Runner-Up: Tinyclues

2018 PHOCUSWRIGHT INNOVATION PLATFORM WINNERS

INNOVATION PLATFORM PATRONS

10STARTUP PROGRAM

Pitching isn’t everything, nor is it the only thing. In 2018, Phocuswright introduced the Startup Program at The Phocuswright Conference.

This private event - with participation only by acceptance - enabled startups to network with investors, industry experts and fellow travel tech startups, while Phocuswright helped facilitate one-on-one meetings. Relationships deepened at curated roundtable discussions, a private cocktail reception and throughout the conference.

MENTORSJason DietrichPrincipalA3Ventures Corporate Venture Capital

Ken GregerManaging DirectorAethos Consulting Group

Kerri ZeilDirector, Amadeus for StartupsAmadeus

Evan KonwiserVP of Marketing and Product StrategyAmerican Express Global Business Travel

Ko OritaAngel Investor

Miriam MoscoviciSenior Director Research and Corporate InnovationBCD Travel

Henry WeinsteinCEOCockpit Innovation (CVC)

Lawrence HesterCEOFareharbor

John MorhousChief Experience OfficerFlight Centre Travel Group Limited

Alex TranPrincipalGeneral Catalyst Partners

Andrew KrimstockVice President of Business DevelopmentGLIDR

Sascha HausmannPartnerHOWZAT Partners

Christina HeggieInvestment PrincipalJetBlue Technology Ventures

Ken FrohlingPrincipal, Keystone Travel Advisory Group; Global PartnershipsTripAdvisor Attractions

Flo LugliFounder and PrincipalNavesink Advisory Group

Bob OffuttSenior Technology Analyst and Editorial Director, Innovation EditionPhocuswright Inc.

Norm RoseSenior Technology and Corporate Market AnalystPhocuswright Inc.

Alex KremerCo-Founder and VP, ProductRedeam

Mark FarrellManaging DirectorThayer Ventures

Rom HendlerFounder and CEO TravelTech, Open Innovation Center

Jim HornthalChairman, Triporati and Zignal Labs and Executive Chairman, Launchpad Central

Roland ZellerChairman, Viselio; Owner, Innuvik Ventures; Venture Advisor, Redalpine Venture Partners

Rod CuthbertFounder & Former Chairman & CEO, Viator; Former Chairman and CEO, Rome2rio

SPONSORED BY

11YOUNG LEADERS SUMMIT

Each year, Phocuswright brings together the industry’s best and brightest travel leaders aged 35 and under to be part of this elite group of Phocuswright Conference participants.

This program is a launching pad for the next generation of travel luminaries to connect, debate and collaborate.

MENTORS AND SPEAKERS

Decius ValmorbidaPresidentAmadeus

Evan KonwiserVP Product Strategy & MarketingAmerican Express Global Business Travel

Michelle VincentIndustry Manager, TravelFacebook

Lawrence HesterCEOFareharbor

Gianni MarosticaDirector Business Development, TravelGoogle Inc.

Dee WaddellGlobal Managing Director, Travel & Transportation IndustriesIBM

Rod CuthbertFounder & Former Chairman & CEO, Viator; Former Chairman & CEORome2rio

Christina HeggieInvestment PrincipalJetBlue Technology Ventures

Jim HornthalChairman, Triporati and Zignal Labs and Executive ChairmanLaunchpad Central

Mark BlutsteinResearch AnalystPhocuswright Inc.

Philip C. WolfFounderPhocuswright Inc.

Walter BuschtaVice President, MarketingPhocuswright Inc.

Erik BlachfordVenture PartnerTechnology Crossover Ventures

Chris HemmeterManaging DirectorThayer Ventures

Kei ShibataCEOVenture Republic

Siew Hoon YeohFounder, WIT and Editorial DirectorNorthstar Travel Group Asia

SPONSORED BY

12WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE

Despite there being a clear business case for hiring women in leadership positions, there is still much to be done to advance the standing of women at travel companies.

That was one of the key takeaways of the debut Women’s Leadership Initiative at the 2018 Phocuswright Conference, a session dedicated to exploring what technology companies need to do to thrive in business.

In addition to a panel discussion on gender diversity and leadership in travel and technology, this event provided a platform for companies who have implemented women’s leadership initiatives to share them with others in the industry as Phocuswright LeadHERs. These selected LeadHERs shared the details with a table of attendees and, in-line with our “culture of connection,” were available throughout the conference to talk about those initiatives informally.

2018 PHOCUSWRIGHT LeadHER MENTORS

2018 PHOCUSWRIGHT LeadHER PANELISTS

2018 SESSION MODERATOR

Rhonda SloanGlobal Head of Travel CommunicationsAIG Travel

Alix ArguellesVice President, Online Travel GroupAmadeus

Anthony RaderManager Sales StrategyAmerican Airlines

Julia PirrungFounderAXUS

Erika SanchezHead of Global Supply and Managing DirectorCarRentals.com GmbH

Michelle VincentIndustry Manager, TravelFacebook

Seija SamoylenkoBusiness DevelopmentHopjump

Dorothy DowlingSenior Vice President and Chief Marketing OfficerBest Western Hotels & Resorts

Eva JennerVice President, SalesHolland America Line and Seabourn

Mary Pat SullivanFounderSullivan Marketing Associates

Susan BillingsleyVice President, MarketingIntent Media Inc.

Christina HeggieInvestment PrincipalJetblue Ventures

Krista PappasSenior Vice PresidentLola

Mitra SorrellsSenior EditorPhocusWire

Carol HutzelmanCo-FounderPhocuswright Inc.

KP PhelanCEORome2rio

Traci MercerSenior Vice President, Global Lodging, Ground & SeaSabre Corporation

Sylvia WeilerVice President of AudiencesSojern

Helen EnriquezVP, Product DevelopmentTechnology Solutions

Jenn LeeVP of Sales and MarketingTravel Planners International

Cara WhitehillChief Commercial OfficerTraxo

LouAnn Daggs CarterGlobal Director, Strategic InitiativesTripAdvisor

Erika MooreVP and GM, US SalesTravelport

Siew Hoon YeohFounder, WIT and Editorial DirectorNorthstar Travel Group Asia

SPONSORED BY

13HSMAI HOSPITALITY MARKETING INNOVATION THINKTANK

The hospitality and lodging sector was well represented at The Phocuswright Conference as evidenced by the full house at the HSMAI ThinkTank on marketing innovation featuring top hospitality companies. The ThinkTank covered research presented by HSMAI president and CEO Bob Gilbert as well as a panel with four C-level executives with varied expertise, who shared their perspectives on hospitality marketing innovation.

This interactive hospitality marketing innovation HSMAI ThinkTank included opportunities for participants to delve into big-picture questions and look ahead to the future with new insight.

SPEAKERSDorothy DowlingSenior Vice President, Chief Marketing OfficerBest Western Hotels & Resorts

Bob GilbertPresident and CEOHSMAI

Michael VermillionVice President, Service IndustriesJ.D. Power and Associates

IN COOPERATION WITH SPONSORED BY

Sponsors from the lodging sector were well-represented this year with a variety brands participating to increase exposure and access to the travel technology distribution ecosystem:

AccorHotels

Hilton

Intercontinental Hotels Group

Marriott International

... and many more

Jeff SeniorVice President MarketingKSL Resorts

Chris DonnellonGlobal Vice President, MarketingMarketo

14PHOCUSWIRE STUDIO

The PhocusWire editorial team was busy conducting interviews and filming its PundIT Show over the three days of the conference. See PhocusWire’s coverage of the event here and view their interviews and videos on their YouTube channel.

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November 19-21, 2019Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood

Florida, U.S.

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