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Timeline and Agenda
Image courtesy LVCVA
2026 Pre-Event Timeline
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June 1, 2025 — Registration opened for Go West Summit 2026 - Las Vegas, Nevada.
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February 26, 2026 —2:00 - 3:00 PM (MST) How To Summit 101 Webinar​​
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Perfect for first-time attendees, this session covers the basics of navigating Go West Summit. GWS Vice President Bob Rebello, along with Barb Bowman of Bowman and Associates, and Lena Ross of America 4 You, will teach you everything you need to know about what to expect during Go West Summit 2026...... Learn everything from presenting your business card, to creative appointment tips.
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February 27, 2026 — Deadline to modify company profiles. Changes to your online profile made after this date may not be reflected in the Digital Resource Manual.
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February 27, 2026 — Advertising artwork deadline.
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March 5, 2026- 2:30 - 3:30 PM (MST) How To Summit Appointment Deep Dive Webinar
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Picking up where the 101 seminar left off, GWS Vice President Bob Rebello, along with Visit Denver's Lisa Bruening, will delve into the online appointment selection process. Learn how to set breaks, request and receive meetings, and fill up your Marketplace schedule. Be prepared for when appointment selection opens on March 9th. ​
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March 9, 2026 — Appointment selection opens. Click here for more details.
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March 19, 2026 — Hotel room reservation cut-off date.
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March 27, 2026 — Deadline to modify appointment schedules.
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March 31, 2026 — 1:00 PM (PST) Registration opens for Go West Summit 2026 at ​The Rio, Las Vegas.
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April 1, 2026 — Education Day.
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April 2, 2026 — Marketplace 1 & 2.
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April 3, 2026 — Marketplace 3 & 4.
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April 4, 2026 — Destination Day.
Go West Summit 2026 Event Agenda
Tuesday, March 31
Tee times start between
8:00 a.m. -9:00 a.m.
GWS Golf Day
Rhodes Ranch Golf Club, Las Vegas
Go West Summit Golf Day at the Rhodes Ranch Golf Club will be more than just a great day out on the links. It serves as an extension of your valuable business development meetings during the rest of Go West Summit week. Our networking format will pair up golfers of all levels (even non-golfers) for a day of friendly camaraderie and valuable relationship building through strategically aligned buyer and supplier foursome pairings.
A 25-minute drive from Rio Las Vegas, the Rhodes Ranch Golf Club provides a decent mix of challenge and playability to golfers of all skill levels. This 6,582-yard course will envelop you in its verdant tropical setting while providing an unforgettable golf experience.
Discounted GWS Price: $140 covers the cost of green fees and a
warm-up bucket of range balls for each golfer.
The booking link is available on your GWS landing page after you register.
1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Go West Summit Registration
Rotunda, Rio Convention Center- View Event Map
Pick up your event credentials and meet the staff.
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Buyer Welcome Reception
Hosted by Travel Oregon
The Tropical Room, Rio Convention Center
Buyers and Media are invited to join our delegation of Oregon Suppliers in toasting to a successful Go West Summit week!
Join us in Rio's Tropical Room to connect with new friends and old! Snack on hors d'oeuvres, sample Oregon's finest beer and wine, and get a sneak peek at Rio's Convention Center. Open to all buyers, media and Oregon suppliers.
Wednesday, April 1 — Education Day
7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Go West Summit Registration
Rotunda, Rio Convention Center
Pick up your event credentials and meet the staff.
7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
​​BUYER SITE TOUR REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.​
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For those of you who have registered for the Buyer Site tour, please arrive by 7:30 AM for tour check-in. All trips will depart from the Rio Convention Center Entrance.
Tours return around 4:30 PM
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Join our Las Vegas hosts for an exciting day of site visits and world-class entertainment! Visit Las Vegas is offering 5 tours to choose from:​
Buyer Site Tour​
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8:00 a.m. - 9:10 a.m.
State Caucus Sessions​
Tango & Conga Rooms, Rio Las Vegas​
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State Partners Holding A Caucus:
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Arizona: Pavilion Room 10
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Nevada: Conga Rooms A&B
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Oregon: Tango Room B
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Utah: Tango Room C​​​​
9:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Education Session
The State of International Travel to the United States
​Pavilion 7, Rio Las Vegas
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This session provides an in-depth look at the latest trends shaping international travel to the United States, including 2025 performance, early 2026 recovery signals, and the outlook ahead.
Which markets are driving growth—and which continue to lag? How are shifts in Canada, Mexico, and key overseas markets impacting visitation to Go West destinations? And what do changing traveler sentiment, airlift trends, and global demand signals mean for the year ahead?
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Presented by Chelsea Benitez, Senior Director, Research & Analytics, Brand USA
10:40 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.
Education Session
National Parks Update
​Pavilion 7, Rio Las Vegas
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This popular GWS session will provide an update on the short- and long-term plans of the National Parks Service and the major national parks, including the CUA program for Road-based Commercial Tours, the new non-resident entrance fees, reservation systems and managing visitation. NPS, IITA and other tour industry associations are collaborating to find mutually beneficial solutions that will ensure the best possible visitor experiences.
Moderated by Rafael Villaneuva, CEO, Travel Nevada.
With Kurt Rausch, Chief Commercial Services Program at the National Park Service, Peter van Berkel, President, Travalco & Lance Syrett, General Manager, Ruby's Inn.
In Partnership with IITA
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12:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Education Session
AI 101 for Travel & Tourism:
Key Concepts for Non-Technical Audiences
​Pavilion Room 7, Rio Las Vegas​
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Artificial Intelligence is no longer a future concept—it’s already reshaping how travelers discover, plan, and experience destinations.
In this AI 101 session, we’ll introduce key concepts of how AI works and break down what AI really means for the travel and tourism industry.
Designed for non-technical audiences, this session will demystify AI, explain key terminology in plain language, and showcase real-world examples of how travel organizations are using AI to improve marketing, customer service, content creation, personalization, and operational efficiency. You’ll learn where AI adds real value, where the hype falls short, and how to evaluate tools without needing a data science background.
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Whether you’re just curious about AI or looking for practical next steps, this session will give you the foundation you need to confidently navigate the AI-powered future of work.
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Presented by Marina Petrova, CEO, Intentful & Dan Flores, VP of Sales and Head of Tourism, Satisfi Labs.
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Education Session
Rebuilding Trust in a Global & Political Landscape
​Pavilion 3, Rio Las Vegas
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The past year has been marked by negative media headlines that have harmed our global inbound travel industry. To sustain US inbound travel growth in the long term, we must identify effective strategies.
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We’ll present the latest travel sentiment data and a five-step approach to integrate into your travel trade marketing.
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Presented by Florian Herrmann, Founder & CEO, Herrmann Global
2:40 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Education Session
Brand USA International Market Outlook
​Pavilion 3, Rio Las Vegas
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Join us for a comprehensive global market update, offering valuable insights into current trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the travel industry.
Presented by Jerod Fuchs, Senior Manager of Partner Engagement, Brand USA.
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2:40 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Education Session
Ask the Inbound Operator
​Pavilion 7, Rio Las Vegas
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This year’s Ask the Operator session with IITA inbound operators will feature the different inbound operator business models – from group series operators to FIT and custom packagers. The panelists will share how they operate, the types of travelers they serve, and their role in the inbound industry. Learn how to recognize and effectively work with the various types of inbound operators to build your international business. This is an interactive session. Please come with your questions in hand, as the operators are eager to answer them.
Moderated by Lena Ross, COO, America 4 You.
With Oswaldo Freitas, CEO, Easy Time Travel, Karin Omojola, VP of Product, AmericanTours,& Laura Davi, Escorted Tours Manager West, Team America.
In Partnership with IITA
3:40 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Education Session
Beyond AI Hype: AI Adoption Across the Travel & Tourism World, Practical Use Cases, and What Comes Next
​Pavilion 7, Rio Las Vegas​
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As AI adoption accelerates across the travel industry, tourism brands and destination marketing organizations are moving beyond experimentation and into real-world application. This session takes a practical, trend-focused look at how travel & tourism companies are using AI today, and what’s emerging as best practice across the industry.
Rather than focusing on theory, this session is grounded in what’s actually working, what’s still evolving, and where to be cautious. Attendees will gain insight into how peers are approaching AI strategy, how adoption differs by organization size and resources, and how DMOs can collaborate with partners—hotels, attractions, and tour operators—to maximize impact. We’ll also talk about the impact of AI on search, grounded in March 2026 reality.
This session is ideal for DMO leaders and tourism professionals who want a clear picture of the current AI landscape and practical insight into how destinations are putting AI to work right now.
Presented by Marina Petrova, CEO, Intentful & Dan Flores, VP of Sales and Head of Tourism, Satisfi Labs.
4:40 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Education Session
How to Summit - "Now That we're Here- What to Expect?"
​Pavilion Room 3, Rio Las Vegas
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Now that you are here, what do you do!? Let us help you prepare for tomorrow’s appointments. Learn everything from presenting your business card, to creative appointment tips.
This session covers the basics of navigating Go West Summit and is ideal for first-time attendees.
Moderated by Barb Bowman, CEO, Bowman & Associates, LLC,
Lisa Bruening, Visit Denver, and Francisco Campos, Gate One Travel.
>>View 2025 presentation slides here.
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** Thursday, February 26th, How To Summit 101– Virtual Seminar​
Increase your chances of a successful Summit!
Perfect for first-time attendees, this session covers the basics of navigating Go West Summit. GWS Vice President Bob Rebello, along with Barb Bowman of Bowman and Associates, and Lena Ross of America 4 You, will teach you everything you need to know about what to expect during Go West Summit 2026...... Learn everything from presenting your business card, to creative appointment tips. ​​
View the video HERE
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** Thursday, March 5th, How To Summit Appointment Deep Dive– Virtual Seminar​
Picking up where the 101 seminar left off, GWS Vice President Bob Rebello, along with Visit Denver's Lisa Bruening, will delve into the online appointment selection process. Learn how to set breaks, request and receive meetings, and fill up your Marketplace schedule. Be prepared for when appointment selection opens on March 9th.
View the video HERE
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Buyer Happy Hour
Hosted by Travel Nevada
VooDoo Lounge, Rio Las Vegas
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After a fun day of Buyer Site Tours and Education Day, Travel Nevada and its delegation invite buyers and media to enjoy refreshing drinks and incredible views in the VooDoo Lounge at the top of Rio Las Vegas. Before heading next door to the opening event, take this opportunity to connect with Nevada delegates and learn more about our wonderful Host State. Open to all buyers, media and Nevada suppliers.
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Opening Event
High Steaks, Rio Las Vegas
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WELCOME ALL ATTENDEES TO GO WEST SUMMIT 2026!
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Bring your business to new heights, as we kick off the Go West Summit opening reception at High Steaks! The dinner reception, located on the top two floors of Rio’s Masquerade Tower, is designed to elevate your experience in every sense of meaning.
Show your summit-ready spirit by incorporating gold into your attire for the evening. Bring a little golden flair to your look and shine with us at the Summit
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Presented by LVCVA, Travel Nevada and Rio Las Vegas
Thursday, April 2
7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Go West Summit Registration
Rotunda, Rio Convention Center
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Lunch Presented by BWH Hotels
Miranda Ballroom, Rio Las Vegas
1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Marketplace II
Pavilion Ballroom, Rio Las Vegas
The second of four Marketplace sessions featuring 12-minute,
one-on-one, pre-scheduled appointments.
Evening
On Your Own
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Use this free night to establish a relationship with a potential client or customer—ask them to join you for dinner!
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If you're unsure how to spend your evening, join us for the Go West Lip Smacking Foodie Tour (see below)!​​​​​
6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Go West Lip Smacking Foodie Tour
Not sure how to spend your free evening? Register for this fascinating 2.5-hour Lip Smacking Foodie Tour that takes you off the beaten path to Vegas’ booming, newly revitalized downtown that’s now home to the city’s most exciting dining scene, with local chefs crafting imaginative farm-to-table, seasonal, artisan fare and inspired craft cocktails.
With VIP status, you are seated immediately at each restaurant to enjoy 3 to 4 signature dishes. Along the way, your expert guide entertains with insider information on Las Vegas, including the history of this colorful district and what prompted its dazzling resurgence.
At each stop, sit next to a different Go West Summit industry partner to mix, mingle and network. With exemplary food and drink set down directly, there’s more time to relax and build key relationships without interruptions. Exclusive to Go West Summit attendees only!
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Discounted GWS Price: $75 per person (includes guide, 12+ signature dishes, gratuities).
The reservation link is available on your GWS landing page after registering.
Friday, April 3
7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Go West Summit Registration
Rotunda, Rio Convention Center
7:45 a.m. - 8:50 a.m.
The BIG REVEAL Breakfast
Miranda Ballroom, Rio Las Vegas
Presented by our 2027 Go West Summit destination host. Don't miss the excitement as our next host is revealed!
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Marketplace III
​Pavilion Ballroom, Rio Las Vegas
The third of four Marketplace sessions featuring 12-minute,
one-on-one, pre-scheduled appointments.
12:00 p.m. - 1:10 p.m.
Lunch Presented by Golden Corral
Miranda Ballroom, Rio Las Vegas
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1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Speed Appointment Session
​Pavilion Ballroom, Rio Las Vegas
Couldn't schedule an appointment with a buyer? Use this time to meet buyers and journalists at their tables for one hour of unscheduled
5-minute appointments.
2:15 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Marketplace IV
​Pavilion Ballroom, Rio Las Vegas
The final Marketplace session featuring 12-minute,
one-on-one, pre-scheduled appointments.
6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Closing Event
​F1 Arcade Las Vegas
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Our Las Vegas hosts invite you to experience the Fast and the Fabulous at F1 Arcade located in The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace for an evening of high-octane simulator racing & high-end cocktails as we say goodbye to Go West Summit 2026.
Transportation begins loading at 6:30 at the Rio Convention Center entrance. Return transfers to Rio Las Vegas will be every half hour beginning at 7:30 p.m. Last transfer back to Rio Las Vegas will depart at 9:15 p.m. or you can explore The Las Vegas Strip and return on your own.
Saturday, April 4 — Destination Day
Destination Day offers all Go West Summit attendees the opportunity to explore Las Vegas by offering discounted tickets or free admission to some truly incredible experiences.
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Learn more about Destination Day HERE.
FAM Trips
Buyers and journalists are invited to explore destinations and hotels across the American West before and after the show. Several multiday excursions are offered to registered delegates. Request participation on your GWS account page.