The IGLTA Annual Global Convention is the world’s premier educational and networking event for LGBTQ tourism professionals. The 36th edition of the conference will connect gay, lesbian and gay friendly travel and tourism suppliers and buyers through its hosted buyer and scheduled appointment program, numerous educational workshops and networking receptions.

Toronto played host last year, and now it’s New York City’s time to shine, kick-starting a year of LGBT highlights from Stonewall 50 celebrations to WorldPride throughout the month of June. NYC is the place to be this year! As well as the following events, there will be many scheduled speakers discussing a variety of topics around travel. Click here for a list of speakers throughout the event.

Pink Banana Media Pre-Conference Reception – Tuesday April 23

For those who arrive in NYC early, CONNECT with some incredible LGBTQ+ movers and shakers in the local New York City business community as well as LGBTQ+ influencers and other new media individuals who have become even more relevant in 2019.

To learn more and RSVP for this event, Click Here.

IGLTA Buyer/Supplier Marketplace – Wednesday April 24

Participating in the Buyer/Supplier Marketplace is where you can CONNECT with the right people to grow your LGBTQ+ business globally.

The Buyer/Supplier Marketplace, in partnership with ASTA, is an appointment-only trade show that matches Buyers and Suppliers for eight-minute meetings based on their requests. The Marketplace enables both the Buyer and Supplier the opportunity to meet many representatives and then schedule business appointments at other times throughout the conveniton, and/or following the convention.

For more details about the Buyer/Supplier Marketplace, Click Here, and for more information about the pricing, Click Here.

Convention Opening Reception – Thursday April 25

Sponsored by NYC & Company, the 2019 Opening Reception provides you the opportunity to CONNECT with old friends and make new ones in a relaxed environment that showcases our host city. Join us at the Magic Hour, located at Moxy Times Square, New York City’s largest indoor/outdoor all-season hotel rooftop bar and lounge, featuring an “urban amusement park” with an adult sensibility and epic Empire State Building skyline views. Be sure to check-in with the Convention Registration Desk on site for the final details.

TLC Showcase Networking Lunch – Friday April 26

Are you ready to Travel, Lunch, and Connect? In response to the growing demand from IGLTA Annual Global Convention participants to increase networking opportunities, IGLTA is pleased to announce the launch of the TLC Showcase Networking Lunch at the 36th Annual IGLTA Global Convention in New York City. The networking luncheon, open to all convention attendees, will be an opportunity from delegates to meet and mingle with exhibitors to learn more about their LGBTQ+ welcoming tourism products and services. Exhibitors can showcase their destination or tourism business with their choice of three attractive expo packages. Details and pricing available here or contact sponsorship@iglta.org for more information.

Media Networking Event – Friday April 26

The Media Networking Event at the Annual Global Convention allows you to meet directly with digital and print media outlets (both trade & consumer), travel writers and influencers that can help you to grow your business. This is your opportunity to talk about marketing opportunities and make pitches to the people who can share your story with the world. This is your opportunity to talk about marketing opportunities and make pitches to the people who can share your story with the world.

The Media Networking Event takes place on Friday, 26 April from 3:00 PM till 4:30 PM at the Hilton Midtown. Click Here for more details.

VOYAGE Fundraising Event – Friday April 26

The annual IGLTA Foundation fundraising event, Voyage, will be a very special NYC evening. The night consists of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, silent auction and a program that includes the recipients of the 2019 IGLTA Honors. IGLTAF, global tourism professionals and other special guests will enjoy an evening of networking to support LGBTQ tourism education, research and the next generation of industry leaders. The Foundation is the philanthropic arm of IGLTA.

Voyage takes place during the IGLTA 36th Annual Global Convention in New York City, an event that will UNITE leaders in LGBTQ+ tourism world wide for four days of education and networking. The emcee for Voyage once again, is Reginald Charlot, Managing Director Tourism Development, Established Markets with NYC & Company.

The Foundation also recently announced that Dougal Mckenzie, Head of Industry, Travel, at Google, and Maria Cuba, Global Diversity Lead for Airbnb’s Experiences platform, have been appointed to its board of directors.

Date: Friday, 26 April, 2019
Time: 6:00pm – 11:00pm   (Note varied time departures in Ticket Levels below)
Location: The Lighthouse, Chelsea Piers, New York, New York

Click here for a list of honorees.

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist based in Toronto with a focus on tourism, lifestyle, entertainment and community issues. He has written several travel articles and has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He’s willing to take on any assignments of interest, attend parties with free booze, listen to rants, and travel the world in search of the great unknown. He’s eager to discover the new, remember the past, and look into the future.