Skift Global Forum 2026: The Decisions on the Table

Skift Global Forum 2026: Travel’s Great Recalibration Through Actionable Decisions

Taking place in New York City from September 22 to 24, 2026, the Skift Global Forum (SGF) is set to redefine how travel industry events are conducted. Moving beyond traditional panels and discussions, SGF 2026 centers every session around real decisions that travel executives must make in the coming year.

Why This Event Matters

The travel sector is undergoing rapid transformation driven by technological advances, shifting traveler expectations, and evolving business models. The rise of AI agents in booking, changing airline strategies, and new growth platforms require leaders to make tough, informed choices. SGF 2026 offers a unique platform to explore these challenges with peers and experts, ensuring attendees leave with clear next steps.

Who Should Attend

• Airline and hotel CEOs
• Distribution, loyalty, and brand managers
• Travel technology innovators
• Investors and startup founders
• Business travel and tourism professionals

Key Topics and Decisions on the Agenda

Each session addresses a pivotal question such as:

• Who truly owns the traveler relationship when AI agents handle bookings?
• Should companies build, buy, or partner for their next growth platform?
• Where should airlines cut costs and where should they invest (capacity, fleet, premium products)?

How Sessions Work

• Prior to the event, attendees receive detailed intelligence briefings outlining the stakes and industry divides on each decision.
• Moderators facilitate on-stage debates with industry leaders, highlighting differing viewpoints.
• Post-session, attendees get structured takeaways summarizing commitments, evasions, and divergent opinions.
• After the forum, Skift publishes a comprehensive verdict detailing shifts in thinking and unresolved issues.

What You Gain from Attending

• Clear, pressure-tested positions on critical industry decisions
• Valuable networking and potential partnerships
• Resources to support internal briefings and board presentations
• Benchmarks to compare your strategies against peers and leaders

Practical Tips for Travelers and Industry Observers

• Verify official event details if planning to attend or follow outcomes.
• Prepare questions about how AI and technology will impact your travel experience.
• Follow post-event reports to stay ahead of travel trends and industry shifts.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can regular travelers attend the forum? The event is primarily for industry professionals, but reports and summaries are publicly available.
• Is there a registration fee? Yes, attendance requires registration with fees varying by participation type.
• Does the forum address AI’s impact on travelers? Yes, one of the main topics is how AI booking agents affect traveler ownership.

Skift Global Forum 2026 promises to be a pivotal moment for the travel industry, offering actionable insights and decisions that will shape the next 12 months. Whether you’re a travel professional or an industry enthusiast, the forum’s outcomes provide valuable guidance for navigating the evolving landscape.