Convening Conversations on
the Future of Travel
The Future of Travel Mobility conference is the premier forum shaping the next decade of seamless, secure, and sustainable travel in the United States. As the nation prepares to welcome millions of visitors for global events like the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics, the event convenes business leaders across travel, transportation, aviation and more with policymakers to enhance U.S. competitiveness in an era of surging travel demand. This year’s program will address the imperative of creating frictionless travel experiences—from streamlined visa processes and new investments in security protocols to efficient and sustainable airport operations. Expert speakers will discuss solutions in biometrics, AI-driven systems, and advanced screening technologies that promise to transform every touchpoint of the traveler’s journey. By fostering crucial collaboration between government and industry, the Future of Travel Mobility is elevating critical conversations that will strengthen the U.S. as a global travel leader.
Join us in shaping a future where travel to and within the U.S. is synonymous with efficiency, security, and a seamless traveler experience, ensuring we’re not just prepared for the future of travel, but actively defining it.
William J. Hornbuckle, CEO & President, MGM Resorts International
Robert Isom, CEO, American Airlines
Mitch Landrieu, White House Senior Advisor & Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator
Chrissy Taylor, President & CEO, Enterprise Holdings
Sangeeta Naik, Global Head of Strategic Partnerships & Marketing, American Express Travel
Ed Bastian, CEO, Delta Air Lines
Laurence Wildgoose, Assistant Administrator for Policy, International Affairs, & Environment, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, R-WV
ANSWERING FUNDAMENTAL QUESTIONS
How can the U.S. transform its travel infrastructure to deliver a world-class, frictionless experience for the travel demand expected in the coming decade? |
The U.S. faces an unprecedented opportunity to upgrade the travel experience as it prepares to welcome millions of visitors for global events. What technologies are needed to enhance security while streamlining the traveler journey? How can biometric advancements, AI, and innovative screening methods reduce friction points and wait times? What legislative changes and public-private partnerships can support these technological implementations and ensure the U.S. remains globally competitive? |
How will AI and emerging transportation technologies reshape the travel landscape over the next decade? |
Artificial intelligence and innovative mobility solutions are poised to revolutionize how we travel. What are AI’s immediate and long-term implications for the industry, from personalized trip planning to autonomous vehicles and optimized public transit? How can these technologies be harnessed to address challenges like overcrowding and sustainability? How can travel leaders and policymakers work together to create an environment that fosters innovation while prioritizing traveler safety? |
What innovative strategies and technologies are airports implementing to support widespread electrification and diverse energy infrastructure? |
Airports stand at the forefront of the future of sustainable travel, facing unique challenges in implementing diverse energy solutions. As electric vehicle adoption grows, how are airports balancing the power demands of EV charging stations with their existing energy needs? What strategies are they employing to ensure grid stability and resilience? What role does policy play to encourage airports and other travel hubs to become leaders in energy innovation? |
AGENDA
Agenda subject to change. Additional speakers to be added.
9:00 AM
Networking breakfast and
Innovation Hub
Opening Remarks
Tori Barnes, EVP, Public Affairs and Policy, U.S. Travel
Opening Keynote: Seamless and Secure Travel: 10 Year Vision
Geoff Freeman, President & CEO, U.S. Travel
Session: Solutions for a Seamless and Secure Future of Travel
- Jeff Bleich, Former U.S. Ambassador to Australia
- Patty Cogswell, Former Deputy Administrator, Transportation Security Administration
- Kevin McAleenan, Former Commissioner, Customs and Border Protection
Moderator: Tori Barnes, EVP, Public Affairs and Policy, U.S. Travel
Session Details
Eye-opening analysis reveals the United States badly lags global competitors in the race to grow and modernize travel. To change this, U.S. Travel established the Commission for Seamless and Secure Travel. Commission members – prominent private sector experts and former government officials – will present their recommendations to transform the travel experience, increase U.S. competitiveness, improve government focus and coordination on travel issues and to power economic growth.
Session: Transforming Aviation Security: TSA’s Vision for Smarter, Safer Travel
- David Pekoske, Administrator, Transportation Security Administration
Moderator: Geoff Freeman, President & CEO, U.S. Travel
Session Details
Following the panel discussion, TSA Administrator David Pekoske will share the agency’s plan to realize smarter and safer aviation security processes. Amid record-breaking air travel demand, Pekoske will dive into TSA’s work alongside partners across the travel industry to implement innovative solutions to transform the next decade of travel.
Session: Streamlining the Journey: How Travel Leaders Deliver Seamless Experiences
- Linda Jojo, Chief Customer Officer, United Airlines
- Greg Schulze, Chief Commercial Officer, Expedia
Session Details
Leaders from United and Expedia will explain how their companies are meeting traveler demands for a more efficient, enjoyable experience. From personalization to new digital solutions, this session will draw upon customer data and market intelligence to demonstrate how travel leaders are adapting to deliver seamless experiences for today’s traveler.
Session: Are We Ready to Welcome the World?
- Tammy Blount-Canavan, President & CEO, Visit Seattle
- Ralph Cutié, Director and Chief Executive Officer, Miami-Dade Aviation Department
- Amy Hopfinger, Chief Strategy and Planning Officer, FIFA World Cup 2026
Additional panelist to be confirmed.
Session Details
Over the next five years, tens of millions of international visitors will plan trips to the United States to attend the 2026 World Cup, the 2028 Summer Olympics and perennial events like the F1 Grand Prix. From timely visa processing to seamless security facilitation to mobility options that make traveling to destinations efficient and enjoyable – what’s needed to ensure the U.S. delivers a world-class travel experience, creates millions of return visitors and wins hosting rights for future global events?
12:30 PM
Lunch Keynote
Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO, Uber
Moderator: Geoff Freeman, President & CEO, U.S. Travel
Session: Navigating the AI-Driven Transportation Landscape
- Ron Price, President and CEO, Visit Phoenix
- David Quinalty, Head of Federal Policy and Government Affairs, Waymo
- Mike O’Shaughnessy, Deputy Aviation Director for Operations, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Moderator: Scott Mayerowitz, Founder, GlobeTrotScott Strategies and Travel Consultant and Reporter
Session Details
Artificial Intelligence is poised to revolutionize the travel landscape, transforming travel mobility and how we experience travel services and destinations. AI will further personalize trip planning, accelerate the development of autonomous vehicles and optimize public transit. This session explores Waymo’s integration into the Phoenix market and how autonomous mobility has enhanced the visitor experience while shaping travel infrastructure. Leaders will discuss the complex challenges in introducing autonomous mobility and the partnerships that are driving its success.
Spotlight: Michigan
Justine Johnson, Chief Mobility Officer, Office of Future Mobility and Electricity
Moderator: Valerie Yurk, Transportation and Energy Reporter, CQ Roll Call
Session: Powering An Electric Future at Airports
- Mike Filomena, Vice President Global Government & Public Affairs, Enterprise
- Emmett Romine, Vice President of Customer Energy & Transportation Solutions, Xcel Energy
- Phillip A. Washington, CEO, Denver International Airport
Moderator: Valerie Yurk, Transportation and Energy Reporter, CQ Roll Call
Session Details
Growing electric vehicle (EV) adoption presents airports with unique challenges. This panel brings together airport, rental car, electric utility and public policy leaders to explore the infrastructure upgrades and investments needed to support growing EV demand at airports. Panelists will discuss the current state of airport EV infrastructure, rental car company strategies for expanding EV fleets, and the critical role of utility companies in enabling the airport EV revolution through grid upgrades, smart charging technologies, and renewable energy integration.
3:40 PM
Closing Keynote
Richard Verma, Deputy Secretary of State for Mangement and Resources
Closing Remarks
Tori Barnes, EVP, Public Affairs and Policy, U.S. Travel
4:10 PM
Congressional Reception
Featured Speakers
Tori Emerson Barnes
Executive Vice President, Public Affairs and Policy, U.S. Travel Association
Jeff Bleich
Former U.S. Ambassador to Australia
Tammy Blount-Canavan
President and CEO, Visit Seattle
Patty Cogswell
Former Deputy Administrator, Transportation Security Administration
Ralph Cutié
Director and Chief Executive Officer, Miami-Dade Aviation Department
Mike Filomena
Vice President, Global Government & Public Affairs, Enterprise
Geoff Freeman
President and CEO, U.S. Travel Association
Amy Hopfinger
Chief Strategy and Planning Officer, FIFA World Cup 2026
Justine Johnson
Chief Mobility Officer, Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Linda Jojo
Chief Customer Officer, United Airlines
Dara Khosrowshahi
CEO, Uber
Scott Mayerowitz
Founder, GlobeTrotScott Strategies and Travel Consultant and Reporter (Moderator)
Kevin McAleenan
Former Acting Secretary of Homeland Security
David Pekoske
Administrator, Transportation Security Administration
Ron Price
President and CEO, Visit Phoenix
David Quinalty
Head of Federal Policy and Government Affairs, Waymo
Emmett Romine
Vice President of Customer Energy & Transportation Solutions, Xcel Energy
Greg Schulze
Chief Commercial Officer, Expedia
Richard R. Verma
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources
Phillip A. Washington
Chief Executive Officer, Denver International Airport
Valerie Yurk
Transportation and Energy Reporter, CQ Roll Call (Moderator)
Additional Future of Travel Mobility 2024 speakers to be announced.
WHY ATTEND?
• Engage with every sector of the travel industry—all in one place.
• Experience powerful relationship-building moments throughout the day, including a networking reception with congressional members and staff, Biden Administration officials, Washington influencers and travel industry insiders.
U.S. Senator Rick Scott, R-FL
Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Secretary of Transportation
WHO WILL BE THERE?
The Future of Travel Mobility conference will welcome senior-level attendees across the public sector and transportation, travel and technology industries.
Innovation Hub Sponsor
Sponsorship Opportunities: Download PDF
Shari Bailey (sponsorship contact): sbailey@ustravel.org
Contact us: fotm@ustravel.org