The Second Annual Future of Travel Mobility Conference
On September 20, U.S. Travel hosted its second annual Future of Travel Mobility conference at Union Station in Washington D.C. This unique gathering brought together global travel and business leaders, along with government officials and policymakers, to accelerate action on central issues impacting the traveler experience.
This year’s inaugural event featured prominent participants including American Airlines CEO Robert Isom, MGM Resorts CEO and President William Hornbuckle, Enterprise Holdings President and CEO Chrissy Taylor, Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-MO), U.S. Department of Transportation Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy Carlos Monje, Jr. and White House Senior Advisor & Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator Mitch Landrieu.
Through in-depth, thought-provoking dialogue, we examined the critical issues shaping travel mobility’s future—and the policies needed to seize the opportunities before us—including:
Sustainable TravelThroughout the travel industry, businesses and destinations are working to lower carbon emissions and reduce their environmental impact. What obstacles must be overcome to make travel more sustainable? Where should EV charging infrastructure be built to ease range anxiety among travelers and ensure travel destinations aren’t left behind? How can travel sectors work together to realize a more sustainable future? |
Seamless and Secure TravelNew technologies such as biometrics and touchless digital technology hold the promise of creating a frictionless and more secure travel experience—from airport security to curbside pick-up to hotel check-in. How can policymakers, transportation leaders, hospitality and other travel partners work together to create seamless solutions for travelers? How can trusted traveler programs be improved and screening processes be streamlined? As technologies evolve, how do we address privacy and equity concerns? |
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Innovative and Emerging TravelCutting-edge modes of transportation will transform the ways travelers move to and around destinations. How might these innovations create a more enjoyable and comfortable travel experience? What could they mean for destinations and attractions? What policies are needed to support new transportation modes? |
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Thank you To all our sponsors
Networking Reception Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
AGENDA
Note: The Future of Travel Mobility conference’s full schedule will continue to be updated on an ongoing basis. Timing is subject to change.
8:30 AM – Networking Breakfast
9:30 AM – Event Framing Remarks
Tori Emerson Barnes, Executive Vice President, Public Affairs and Policy, U.S. Travel
9:35 AM – Opening Keynote and Q&A
William J. Hornbuckle, Chief Executive Officer and President, MGM Resorts International
Q&A moderated by Geoff Freeman, President and CEO, U.S. Travel Association
Session Details
10:10 AM – Sustainable Travel Framing Remarks
Brendan Jones, President of Blink Charging
Session Details
Brendan Jones, President of Blink Charging, introduces our session on Sustainable Travel by discussing Blink’s investments to speed the adoption of electric vehicles and to build robust EV charging infrastructure supporting the Green American Road Trip.
10:25 AM – Sustainable Travel Panel: Toward End-to-End Travel Sustainability
Mike Daher, Vice Chair, US Transportation, Hospitality & Services, Deloitte
Jean Garris Hand, Vice President of Global ESG, Hilton
Sangeeta Naik, Global Head of Strategic Partnerships & Marketing, American Express Travel
Moderator: Julia Cosgrove, VP, Editor in Chief, AFAR Media
Session Details
Business and leisure travelers alike are seeking more sustainable travel options. As businesses commit to lowering their carbon footprints, many are taking a hard look at travel spending. Leisure travelers are increasingly aware of the impact their vacations can have on the planet and local communities. Panelists will discuss how robust corporate environmental commitments and changing traveler expectations will impact travel and what could enable continued industry growth in a more sustainable future.
11:10 AM – Sustainable Travel Fireside Chat
Chrissy Taylor, President and CEO, Enterprise Holdings
Moderator: Tori Emerson Barnes, Executive Vice President, Public Affairs and Policy, U.S. Travel Association
Session Details
During a fireside conversation, Chrissy Taylor, President and CEO of Enterprise Holdings, will share the company’s vision for the future of travel—including its plans to meet consumer demands for more sustainable travel options and insights into how it is preparing for the electrification of the auto sector.
11:40 AM – The Rail Passenger Experience
Dennis Newman, Executive Vice President, Strategy, Planning & Accessibility, Amtrak
Session Details
Amtrak EVP, Dennis Newman, welcomes the audience to Union Station and shares Amtrak’s plans for future rail travel.
12:05 PM – Luncheon Fireside Chat
Robert Isom, CEO, American Airlines
Moderator: Christine Duffy, President, Carnival Cruise Line
Session Details
Robert Isom, CEO of American Airlines, will discuss the company’s plans to make air travel more sustainable and meet its net-zero emissions goal. Isom will also discuss how the company plans to create a more seamless and enjoyable travel experience for its customers and its investments in future technologies that will profoundly change the ways we travel.
1:05 PM – Administration Spotlight
Carlos Monje, Jr., Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy, US Department of Transportation
Session Details
Carlos Monje, Jr., Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy at the Department of Transportation, will join us to discuss progress on travel infrastructure and sustainability projects made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act.
1:45 PM – Innovative & Emerging Travel Transportation Fireside Chat
Gil West, Chief Operating Officer, Cruise
Moderator: James Fallows, Co-Author, ‘Our Towns,’ Contributing Writer, The Atlantic
Session Details
Cruise COO, Gil West, will provide a glimpse into the future of autonomous vehicles and discuss how Cruise’s fully electric driverless cars are already making transportation safer, more sustainable and more accessible.
2:15 PM – Innovative and Emerging Travel Spotlight Remarks
Mitch Landrieu, White House Senior Advisor & Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator
Session Details
As Senior Advisor and Infrastructure Coordinator for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu is playing a central role in implementing historic investments in travel. Landrieu will provide insights into how these investments are modernizing America’s roads, bridges, rail, airports and transit.
2:30 PM – Innovative & Emerging Travel: Public & Private Sector Solutions
Mitch Landrieu, White House Senior Advisor & Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator
Walt Leger, Executive Vice President & General Counsel, New Orleans & Company
Patrick Goddard, President, Brightline Trains
Moderator: Jessica Wehrman, Transportation and Infrastructure Reporter, CQ Roll Call
Session Details
3:00 PM – Seamless & Secure Travel: Creating A More Frictionless Travel Experience
Erik Hansen, Vice President, Government Relations, U.S. Travel
Kevin Yoder, Partner, HHQ Ventures
Lisa Sullivan, Executive Vice President, Travel and Transport, IDEMIA
Moderator: Kendall Bentz, Managing Partner, Prologue
Session Details
3:30 PM – Sustainable Air Travel: Ready for Takeoff?
Rachel Devine, Senior Vice President, Global Policy and Regulatory Affairs, Boom Supersonic
Alex Menotti, Head of Corporate and Government Affairs, LanzaJet
Laurence Wildgoose, Assistant Administrator for Policy, International Affairs, & Environment, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Moderator: James Fallows, Co-Author, ‘Our Towns,’ Contributing Writer, The Atlantic
Session Details
4:00 PM – Policymaker Spotlight
Ranking Member Sam Graves, (R-MO), Ranking Member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, U.S. House of Representatives
Moderator: Tori Emerson Barnes, Executive Vice President, Public Affairs and Policy, U.S. Travel Association
Session Details
4:30 PM – Networking Reception
6:00 PM – Event Concludes
Sponsorship Opportunities: Download PDF
Malcolm Smith (sponsorship contact): msmith@ustravel.org
Contact us: fotm@ustravel.org