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Image courtesy Visit Greater Palm Springs
Timeline and Agenda
2025 Pre-Event Timeline
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June 1 — Registration opens for Go West Summit 2025
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November 30 — Deadline to modify profiles. Changes to your online profile made after this date will not be reflected in the resource manual.
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November 30 — Deadline for all advertising artwork
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December 3 — Appointment selection opens. Click here for more details.
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December 5 — Hotel room reservation cut-off date
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December 11 —2:30- 3:30 PM (MST) How To Summit Virtual Meeting. Increase your chances of a successful Summit! Learn everything you need to know about appointment scheduling and the basics of navigating Go West Summit. Perfect for first-time attendees.​
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December 20 — Deadline to modify appointment schedules
On-Site Go West Summit 2025 Event Agenda
Monday, January 6
1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Go West Summit Registration
Mesquite Room, Palm Springs Convention Center
Pick up your event credentials and meet the staff
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Buyer Welcome Reception
Sponsored by Travel Oregon
Renaissance Palm Springs
Travel Oregon invites buyers and media to attend their 4th annual Go West Summit Opening Reception. The Oregon delegation will be present to welcome all registered buyers and media to Palm Springs.
Event is restricted to buyers, media and invited guests only.
Tuesday, January 7 — Education Day
7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Go West Summit Registration
Mesquite Room, Palm Springs Convention Center
Pick up your event credentials and meet the staff
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Buyer Site Tour​
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Join your Palm Springs hosts for an exciting day of site visits and world-class scenic splendor! Buyers and journalists are welcome to submit their RSVP by clicking the link on their landing pages.
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Click HERE for more information.
8:00 a.m. - 9:10 a.m.
State Caucus Sessions​
Smoketree Rooms, Palm Springs Convention Center​
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The following state partners have chosen to hold caucuses for their supplier delegates:
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Arizona
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California
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Oregon
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Utah
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Washington
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9:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Education Session
International Travel Forecast
With David Huether, National Travel and Tourism Office
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Primrose Rooms, Palm Springs Convention Center
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This session is designed to help suppliers focus their international promotion efforts in the right markets using the US Department of Commerce’s dashboard. Which countries had the highest inbound US visitation? To which states did they travel? Did Go West destinations see declines? What does the future hold for international tourism?
>>Learn more about David Huether
10:40 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.
Education Session
National Parks Update - Managing Visitation
​Moderated by Lisa Simon -CEO, International Inbound Travel Association.
Primrose Rooms, Palm Springs Convention Center​
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, reservation systems managing visitation and congestion. NPS, IITA and other tour industry associations are collaborating to find mutually beneficial solutions that will ensure the best possible visitor experiences.
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In partnership with the International Inbound Travel Association
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>>Learn more​ about Lisa Simon
12:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
![VisitTheUSA_Polariod_P2_RGB[35].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7811a6_0d93cfab0a7c45aab37b111f9d416857~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_98,h_88,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_avif,quality_auto/7811a6_0d93cfab0a7c45aab37b111f9d416857~mv2.jpg)
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Education Session
Practical AI for Travel Brands & Destinations: Use Cases and Key Considerations
​With Marina Petrova, CEO, Intentful & Dan Flores, VP of Sales and Head of Tourism, Satisfi Labs
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Primrose Rooms, Palm Springs Convention Center
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Join our expert panel for a deep dive into the practical applications of AI in the travel and tourism industry. We'll explore real-world use cases demonstrating how AI is transforming discovery, marketing, customer experience, and operations. We'll also address critical considerations like data privacy, security, and the ethical implications of AI implementation. Whether you're just starting your AI journey or looking to optimize your existing strategies, this panel will provide valuable insights and actionable takeaways.
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>>Learn more​ about Marina Petrova
>>Learn more​ about Dan Flores
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Education Session
United's Journey
​With Jon Purpura, Director of Sales, Entertainment & Media,
United Airlines
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Primrose Rooms, Palm Springs Convention Center
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Session Description coming soon.
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>>Learn more​ about Jon Purpura
2:40 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Education Session
Brand USA International Market Outlook
With Peter Dodge, Public Affairs, Brand USA
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Primrose Rooms, Palm Springs Convention Center
Join us for a comprehensive global market update, offering valuable insights into current trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the travel industry.
>>Learn more about Peter Dodge
2:40 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Education Session
Connectivity
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Primrose Rooms, Palm Springs Convention Center
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Session description coming soon.
In partnership with the International Inbound Travel Association
3:40 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Education Session
Top 10 Trends in Destination Stewardship
With Cathy Ritter, Founder of Better Destinations & Trustee, The Travel Foundation.
Primrose Rooms, Palm Springs Convention Center
Destinations across the world are transforming their tourism offerings to meet rising expectations for sustainable travel, and forecasters expect this trend to accelerate in the wake of the world's hottest year on record. Learn how Go West's host destination has placed destination stewardship at the center of its tourism strategy and is on a path to be among the top 10% of the world's sustainable destinations. You'll also learn about ground-breaking initiatives for both destinations and tour operators to create low-impact travel offerings for high-value travelers who wish to leave a lighter carbon footprint.
>>Learn more about Cathy Ritter
3:40 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Education Session
Ask the Inbound Operator
Primrose Rooms, Palm Springs Convention Center
Hear from a panel of IITA inbound operators about international market trends, their role in the inbound industry and how you can effectively work with them to build your international business. Learn what their expectations are and the opportunities they see ahead from inbound markets. This is an interactive session. Please come with your questions in-hand, as the operators are eager to answer them.
In partnership with International Inbound Travel Association
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4:40 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Education Session
How to Summit - “Now that we are here - What to expect?”
Presented by: Barb Bowman, CEO, Bowman & Associates, LLC,
& Lisa Bruening, Visit Denver
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Primrose Rooms, Palm Springs Convention Center
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Let us help you be prepared 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. Moderated by Barb Bowman, CEO, Bowman & Associates, LLC, and Lisa Bruening, Visit Denver.
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>>Learn more about Barb Bowman
>>Learn more about Lisa Bruening
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** Tuesday, December 11, 2024
Join us for the How To Summit – Virtual Seminar​
Increase your chances of a successful Summit! This session covers the basics of navigating Go West Summit. GWS Vice President Bob Rebello will teach you everything you need to know about the appointment scheduling process, then you will go through appointment research, and what to expect during Go West Summit 2025...... Learn everything from presenting your business card, to creative appointment tips.
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5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
GetYourGuide Happy Hour
Ballroom Terrace, Renaissance Palm Springs
GetYourGuide is inviting a select group of GWS attendees to raise a glass and toast to a successful Summit! Invited guests only.
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Opening Event- Hosted by Visit Greater Palm Springs
Esplanade, Palm Springs Convention Center
Welcome all Attendees to Go West Summit 2025!
Join our hosts Visit Greater Palm Springs to kickstart this year's Summit with a lively cocktail reception under the stunning architecture of the Palm Springs Convention Center. Join us as we celebrate the start of an unforgettable week.
Wednesday, January 8
7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Go West Summit Registration
Mesquite Room, Palm Springs Convention Center
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Marketplace II
Oasis Room 2, Palm Springs Convention Center
The second of four Marketplace sessions featuring 12-minute,
one-on-one, pre-scheduled appointments.
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Travel Nevada Happy Hour
Date Terrace, Renaissance Palm Springs
Travel Nevada invites buyers to toast to a successful first day of Marketplace Appointments. The Nevada delegation will be present to welcome buyers and answer questions about the Silver State. Invited guests only.
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!
Sign up for the Palm Springs Promise Program for discounts at local restaurants, shops and attractions. You can also visit the on-site information desk for ideas before exploring Greater Palm Springs.
Thursday, January 9
7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Go West Summit Registration
Mesquite Room, Palm Springs Convention Center
7:45 a.m. - 8:50 a.m.
The BIG REVEAL Continental Breakfast
California Ballroom, Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel
Presented by our 2026 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
Oasis Room 2, Palm Springs Convention Center
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 Visit Colorado Springs
California Ballroom, Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel
1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Speed Appointment Session
Oasis Room 2, Palm Springs Convention Center
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
Oasis Room 2, Palm Springs Convention Center
The final Marketplace session featuring 12-minute,
one-on-one, pre-scheduled appointments.
Evening
Closing Event
Join our Hosts at Visit Greater Palm Springs as we celebrate a successful week of networking, business relation-building and adventure. Additional details coming soon
Friday, January 10 — Destination Day
New for 2025! Destination Day offers more access and control to all Go West Summit attendees wishing to explore Palm Springs 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. Additional Information coming soon.