EVENT SCHEDULE
Check out the 2026 Program below.
PRE-EVENT: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12
4:00PM - 5:00PM
Virtual Orientation
*Eastern Daylight Time
This orientation will bring together all Future Leaders attendees ahead of the event. Hosted by Future Leaders team members and 2026 Guides, the webinar will cover what to expect, how to prepare, and how to get the most out of your Future Leaders experience.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 25
ALL DAY Arrivals
4:00PM - 6:00PM Attendee Registration
7:00PM - 9:00PM Welcome Reception, Sponsored by Lomas Hospitality
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26
7:30AM - 8:15AM Breakfast & Opening Remarks
Welcome to Future Leaders
Presented by Mindy Poder, Editor-in-Chief, TravelAge West
Meet the Future Leaders Guides
Ice Breaker - “Two Truths, and a Travel Lie”
In this twist on the classic game, each person at a table will share three quick statements about their travel experiences (two true, one false). The table guesses the lie.
“Jot It Down, Post It Up” Intention Wall, sponsored by Riverside Luxury Cruises
At the start of the event, attendees will post a goal, question, or fear to a communal “Intention Wall” using the prompts: Grow, Fix, Start, Stop. These contributions will serve as a thread throughout the event—referenced by Guides during sessions and revisited on days 2 and 3 to reflect on clarity, progress, and next steps.
Presented by Riverside Luxury Cruises
8:25AM - 9:45AM Appointments
9:55AM - 10:45AM Workshop
10:55AM - 12:15PM General Session
Welcome from our Host Hotel
Presented by El Dorado Royale
Humans of Travel: Live Recording
Presented by Chelsee Lowe, Senior Editor, TravelAge West
A word from Titanium Tours
Spotlight, presented by Alaska - Visit Anchorage
The 2026 Future Leaders Social Media Contest
Spotlight, presented by ALG Vacations
12:15PM - 1:15PM Lunch
1:25PM - 2:25PM Workshop: Presented by Vacation Planners
Presented by Jenn Lee, President, Vacation Planners
2:35PM - 3:25PM General Session: Afternoon Recharge
Pitch Perfect
In this fast-paced, gameshow-style general session, suppliers are on the clock to “pitch” their product (or destination) to our lineup of discerning Future Leaders Guides and, ultimately, win their business. Suppliers will walk away with insights on how to refine their elevator pitch for different client scenarios, while travel advisors will learn how to better qualify supplier partners during the trip-planning process.
Presented by Eric Bowman, Editor-in-Chief, TravelPulse
3:35PM - 5:10PM Appointments
6:15PM - 9:30PM Dine Around
Join your fellow Future Leaders for a culinary experience around our host property, El Dorado Royale!
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27
7:30AM - 8:15AM Breakfast & Reflection
The Morning Spark
Presented by Chelsee Lowe, Senior Editor, TravelAge West & Future Leaders Guides
8:25AM - 9:45AM Appointments
9:55AM - 10:45AM Workshop: Presented by WorldVia
10:55AM - 12:15PM General Session
Breaking Down Barriers: Getting Candid About the Advisor-Supplier Relationship
In this panel discussion, Future Leaders Guides and supplier reps will have a frank discussion on “taboo” topics that can cause friction in a working relationship. What do suppliers really expect from an advisor after a fam trip? What are the pros and cons of mixing suppliers in a single itinerary? What boundaries need to be set in working relationships between advisors and clients, as well as advisors and suppliers? Listen to both sides get candid about these and other issues.
Moderated by Kelly Rosenfeld, Senior Editor, TravelAge West
Heading Back to the Intention Wall
12:15PM - 1:15PM Lunch
1:25PM - 2:25PM Workshop: Presented by Travel Insured International
2:35PM - 3:25PM General Session: Afternoon Recharge
“The Moth”
By this point in Future Leaders, we will have been deep in workshops, small group talks, and reflection. This theme invites attendees to share a moment from their career when something snapped into place: their niche, their value as an advisor, their confidence, their boundaries, their shift from “hobbyist” to entrepreneur, their realization they didn’t have to do it like everyone else.
Presented by the TravelAge West & TravelPulse Editorial teams
3:35PM - 5:10PM Appointments
6:00PM - 10:OOPM Offsite Dinner & Activity with VidantaWorld
Get excited—we’ll be heading to VidantaWorld’s Jungala Hotel, an all-suite luxury property, for a night of unforgettable fun, including a performance of Cirque du Soleil's JOYÀ! Inspired by Mexico’s rich cultural heritage, JOYÀ is a mesmerizing journey of wonder and imagination, following a timeless pursuit to unlock the secrets of life.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 28
7:30AM - 8:00AM Breakfast
8:00AM - 10:00AM General Session
Welcome Back
Presented by the TravelAge West Editors
TravelPulse’s “Travia”, sponsored by Rental Escapes
The Annual Future Leaders Think Tank
Closing Keynote
Post It Reflections & Postcard Activity, sponsored by Riverside Luxury Cruises
Attendees will take the time to reflect on their additions to the Intention Wall and create goals for the future.
Presented by Riverside Luxury Cruises
10:00AM - 5:00PM Group Activity: Beach Club
Beach Day at the Maroma Beach
Spend the day with your fellow Future Leaders making connections and soaking up the sun!