WTE Miami Integrates AI Matchmaking to Reshape Travel Trade Networking

The integration follows a successful rollout at OTM 2026, where the technology saw a 42% adoption rate among 7,291 users. Data from the previous event indicates that 82% of exhibitors secured meetings through the app, contributing to a 97% year-over-year increase in meeting requests. With 26 National Tourism Organizations and Convention and Visitors Bureaus already confirmed for the Miami event, organizers aim to streamline the networking process for the 7,000 anticipated professionals.

Beyond the matchmaking tool, the event features a specialized conference track dedicated to artificial intelligence. Programming includes a keynote from Sabre Corp.’s Karen Ring on AI’s impact on the broader tourism sector, an MPI certification course led by Tim Luepke, and a panel featuring Grace Van Hollebeke of Tern. Simon Press, Managing Director International at Fairfest Media, stated that the initiative moves beyond theoretical discussions by embedding the technology directly into the show’s operational core.