Redefining the horizon for global travel standards as we approach the milestone year when all Baby Boomers will be over 65. Vision 2030 sets an ambitious, industry-wide goal to make accessibility a core driver of innovation, not just compliance. This session outlines the scale of the opportunity across the longevity and disability markets, and why destinations and brands must act now to stay competitive. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of the movement, its priorities, and how they can play a role in shaping the future of accessible travel.

New research insights based on over 7,000 overnight trips, revealing the current state of accessible travel and key trends shaping the industry. This session breaks down how accessibility drives traveler behavior, expectations, and decision-making. Attendees will gain data-driven insights to inform strategy, marketing, and accessibility investment decisions.

Speakers: Amir Eylon (I), CEO, Longwoods International

A live, conversational panel where disabled travelers share directly what they need, expect, and prioritize across the travel experience. This session creates space for candid Q&A on real-world barriers, decision-making factors, and what meaningfully improves confidence and comfort when traveling. Attendees will hear firsthand perspectives that challenge assumptions and provide clear direction for the industry. 

A foundational session designed for organizations at the beginning of their accessibility journey. This session breaks down where to start, how to prioritize efforts, and what meaningful progress looks like in the early stages.

Blind traveler Christy Vanek will present findings from an accessibility research project conducted on the 103-mile Tour du Mont Blanc across Italy, Switzerland, and France.

In September, the team will hike the full route while testing a range of assistive technologies and wayfinding tools for blind/low vision, Deaf, and wheelchair users in real-world trail conditions, including both physical and digital navigation systems. This fieldwork will be paired with pre- and post-hike virtual sessions with blind and low vision hikers to better understand barriers, strategies, and lived experiences in trail navigation.

The project will produce on-trail video documentation of assistive technology in use, a practical trail guide, and a proposed framework of mapping and wayfinding guidelines for trail managers and destination stewards.

This session will share insights from the expedition, offering practical guidance for more inclusive navigation design across a range of disabilities.

Speakers: Christy Vanek, OTIS Elevators

A conversation exploring the role of autonomous vehicles in shaping a more accessible transportation future. This session will look at how self-driving technology can reduce barriers for travelers who are blind, have mobility limitations, or cannot easily access traditional transportation options. 

Speakers: Rachel Kamen (I), Waymo

A hands-on workshop with Sasha Blair-Goldensohn, Chief Accessibility Officer at Google Maps and member of the TravelAbility Advisory Board. This exclusive session teaches destinations how to use Gemini Code Assist and Google tools to create custom, destination-specific accessibility maps. Participants will learn how to embed these maps directly into their accessibility landing pages to improve trip planning and navigation for travelers. Attendees will leave with clear, actionable steps to launch and maintain their own accessibility map. 

Speakers: Sasha Blair Goldensohn, Chief Accessibility Officer, Google Maps

Meet your new AI assistant. Learn how to use the Accessibility Playbook for everything from site assessments to marketing strategy.

A live “before and after” workshop demonstrating how to transform outdated, compliance-heavy accessibility pages into clear, engaging, and user-friendly accessibility hubs. This session walks through real examples to show how design, content, and structure can dramatically improve usability and traveler confidence. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to redesign their own accessibility pages for clarity, impact, and conversion. 

Speakers: Olivia Novak (i)

How destinations are leveraging AI to make accessibility features easier to find through search engines, voice assistants, and emerging discovery platforms. This session explores how DMOs can structure, surface, and optimize accessibility content so it reaches travelers at the moment of planning and decision-making. 

Speakers: Kate Lieto, VP Marketing, Experience Grand Rapids

As digital accessibility requirements continue to evolve, tourism organizations are facing increasing pressure to meet WCAG standards. This session breaks down what these requirements mean in practice, how organizations are preparing, and what steps can be taken now to stay ahead.

How beach destinations are combining specialized training, accessible infrastructure, and coordinated operations to create a gold standard for coastal accessibility. This session highlights the Fort Lauderdale Beach model and how cross-sector collaboration can transform the beach experience for visitors with disabilities. Attendees will gain practical insights into building safer, more inclusive waterfront destinations that work for residents and travelers alike. 

Speakers: Attiyya Atkins, Visit Lauderdale

How Visit Mesa created a first-of-its-kind food inclusion program designed to make dining safer and more accessible for travelers with dietary restrictions and food allergies. This session explores how collaboration with local restaurants, education, and certification helped build traveler confidence and reduce dining anxiety. Attendees will learn how food inclusion can become a powerful part of destination accessibility strategy.

Speakers: Alison Brooks, Visit Mesa

This session explores how rural destinations are approaching accessibility as a way to improve quality of life for residents while strengthening their appeal to visitors. Through real-world examples, attendees will learn how small and mid-sized communities are implementing practical changes that benefit both locals and travelers, and how accessibility can support broader community development goals.

How large-scale outdoor festivals, concerts, and live events are designing for accessibility in complex, fast-moving environments. This session explores how organizers are integrating accessibility into planning, operations, and audience experience to ensure music, arts, and live entertainment are more inclusive for all attendees.

Speakers: Austin Whitney (I), CEO/President, Accessibility Live; Jon Bell (I), Director of Accessibility, Live Nation

 Kristy Durso shares insights from planning and participating in a fully accessible wedding, offering a practical look at the realities of making a major life event inclusive. This firsthand experience is now informing a new model for inclusive weddings designed to ensure accessibility for every guest and participant.

Speakers: Kristy Durso (I), Incredible Memories Travel

Exploring funding opportunities from government, philanthropy, and micro-grants that drive accessibility improvements.

Speakers: Tami Reist, President and CEO, Alabama Mountains and Lakes; Josh Heinz, Community Manager, Greater Palm Springs CVB

Accessibility improvements don’t always require large investments. This session highlights creative, no-cost strategies that organizations have used to make meaningful progress. 

Strategies for recruiting, training, and retaining employees with disabilities in the hospitality industry. This session explores how hotels can move beyond compliance to build inclusive hiring pipelines, improve workplace accessibility, and create supportive environments where employees can thrive. Attendees will gain practical tools and real-world examples for integrating disability inclusion into workforce development and hotel operations. 

Speakers: Mike Shugt (I), Founder, INNclusivity

A case study from Gray Media’s Aging Untold examining how to effectively reach and engage the growing aging travel market. This session explores how traveler expectations are evolving with longevity and highlights practical strategies for shaping messaging, media, and campaigns that resonate with older travelers.

Speakers: Jennifer Casey, Gray Media

A look at how high-end hospitality is leading innovation in accessible design and guest experience.

Speakers: Karen Morales, Accessibility Lead, FORA

Go beyond the wheelchair aisle. Airline leaders reveal lesser-known accessibility features and emerging technologies transforming the in-flight experience.

Speakers: Megan Kimble (I), Manager, Customer Strategy and Innovations, United Airlines

From sensory-friendly rooms to adaptive furniture and more flexible service models, this session explores how the next generation of lodging is evolving. Featuring a panel of hotel leaders, the discussion will highlight real-world approaches to improving guest experience, operational considerations, and where the industry is heading as expectations around accessibility continue to grow.

A deep dive into how cruise lines are addressing accessibility challenges to create more seamless and inclusive experiences at sea. 

Speakers: Robert Harris (I), Senior Manager, Global Accessibility, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines

A case study on the economic and community impact of Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports’ programs and initiatives, drawing on newly released research showing that Vermont Adaptive contributes more than $10.3 million annually to Vermont’s economy. The presentation will include highlights from the study, the collaborative partnership work the organization does throughout the state and the importance of building relationships and working with the state’s travel and tourism department to ensure access to outdoor recreation and travel is top of mind in conversations, marketing and branding. Attendess will see how Vermont Adaptive has moved the needle in Vermont in inclusion, branding, job creation, tax revenue, and the broader ripple effects generated by participants, families, volunteers, and major events. Attendees will learn how adaptive recreation drives measurable economic return while strengthening community value and expanding access to outdoor tourism. 

Speakers: Jeff Alexander, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Vermont Adaptive; Kim Jackson, Director of Communications & Marketing, Vermont Adaptive.

A forward-looking, executive-level discussion on how luxury travel can become a leading force in accessibility innovation by 2030. This breakout brings together top leaders from across the tourism and hospitality industry to explore emerging expectations from high-value travelers, evolving standards of service, and the competitive advantage of inclusive design. Participants will collaborate on bold ideas and practical strategies that position luxury brands at the forefront of the accessibility movement. 

Moderator: Karen Morales, FORA

Fast-paced presentations from changemakers showcasing real-world accessibility solutions that are pushing the industry forward. This high-energy session highlights breakthrough ideas, pilot projects, and practical innovations that are already improving travel experiences for people with disabilities. Attendees will hear directly from innovators testing what’s possible today and shaping what comes next. 

 A fresh framework for understanding how different accessibility needs show up in traveler experiences.

Speakers: Benjamin Smith (I), President, Bridge Language Services