speakers
For 2024, we’re curating the space and conversation around reimagining BIPOC travel, for the future. There is no getting away from the conversations on how things like AI and media influence our industry. From television hosts, content creators, to representatives at some of the biggest travel tech companies, we’ll hand the stage over to them all, so we see what’s at the front of mind (and screen) for the future of travel.
This year we answer the question:
What is the future of BIPOC travel?
2024 Tracks
Media + Tech:
From AI, scaling travel communities, to content creators turned travel show hosts — media and tech aren’t going anywhere. The future is now, and we dictate the role that BIPOC culture plays in the process. This track explores all forms of media and tech and how it intersects with tourism and culture.
Leisure Travel
This track is our ‘go to’ for highlighting destinations and their offerings as well as covering the interests of our leisure travelers — from a novice needing help getting a visa to an avid traveler planning out their bucket list destination.
Community Impact
In a world focused on what’s next and how fast tech can alter the future, it will still never supersede the need for true community. Whether international or local, in person or online, we sit with a number of known travel community leaders and explore what it takes to sustain, grow, and cultivate true community impact within tourism.
KEYNOTE: Can BIPOC Travelers be Colonizers?
Real Talk on Navigating our Privilege Abroad
EVITA ROBINSON
NOMADNESS Fest Host
Panel: Wellness Travel for Communities of Color
From hosted international retreats to domestic nudist meetups when traveling closer to home — this panel outlines the vast range of options and practices for BIPOC travelers to feel safe, and seen, while out in the world.
Panel: Travel Effects of Overtourism + Social Media
Social media both democratized travel, and also exacerbated it. This panel takes an honest look at the effects that online behaviors have had on overtourism and local communities around the world. Is the Instagram photo always worth it? Hmm…
Ashley Renne
Dr. Alana Dillette
Panel: Beyond Black Squares: The State of DEI in Tourism
It’s been both a long time, and a lot of the same, since the Black Squares of 2020 went up and the diversity, equity, and inclusion promises were made across numerous industries — including tourism. This is our check in with the executives of Louisville Tourism, the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals, and Blacks in Travel + Tourism to see where the Industry stands now.
Jason Dunn
Gathan Borden
MODERATOR
Senior Vice President, Marketing & Communications at Destinations International
Panel: Domestic Travel's Come Up!
Panel: Tourism Impacts on Native Land + Local People
As the world becomes more conscious and communicative online, there’s no escaping the reality that wherever we travel, we are on native land. How we show up as tourists matters. This panel explores our impact while on the ground, volunteerism vs. voluntourism, and how to immerse yourself as a solo traveler.
Panel: Navigating The -isms of Travel
Covering the topics of ageism, ableism, and plus-size travel, this panel has an honest conversation on what it’s like being a BIPOC traveler and intersecting within these extended demographics. It’s also a wake up call for anyone who doesn’t fall into these categories on how to be a more empathetic and helpful fellow traveler.
Jeff Jenkins
Dr. Nadeen White
Panel: Hacks of Life: Travel Hacks 3 Ways
Who doesn’t love a travel hack? These panels have been a fan favorite. Bring your journals and pens to take notes. This year we’re covering everything from how to maximize those workcations from anywhere, getting our lives together on how to play the points game, and even exploring how to navigate the unexpected if illness or even death shows itself while on the road.
Ronnie Dunston
CEO & Founder of Road to 100 Countries and creator of the Tricks to Travel System
Kimberly James
Panel: Travel IS my Business!
Let’s explore the ways that anyone can turn travel into a business! Spoiler Alert: You don’t have to become an influencer! This panel will spotlight how three BIPOC travelers did it. We’re covering everything from the world of retreat organization, to building a community and group travel, to how you can make five figures as a content creator with even a modest following!
Panel: Branding Beyond Borders:
Crafting the Visual Identity for Travel Campaigns That Get Sponsors
Imagine having a real time split screen workshop of both how to design and build your brand for the eye of travel partnerships, and then a workshop from the point of view of a brand agency representative that can tell you what they greenlight, what they don’t, and why. If you are looking for help in brainstorming, marketing, or building your company (or yourself) as your next big idea, you don’t want to miss this workshop. Get an inside and outside view of what it takes to nail your next partnership deal!
