The Proud Experiences conference will return to Brooklyn this summer after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The three-day B2B conference connects travel advisors and suppliers to the LGBTQ+ market through networking events and educational sessions.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Event director Simon Mayle said that Proud Experiences would have more than 100 exhibitors, many that are new to the conference.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“It’s clear this international community is back and stronger than before,” he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Taking place at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge from June 27 to 29, the event will feature speakers Shannon Knap, CEO of Leading Hotels of The World; Mark Fletcher, CEO of Manchester Pride; Fred Dixon, CEO of NYC & Company; and Jacob Anderson-Minshall, editor in chief of Out Traveler.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Geena Rocero, a Filipino transgender model and social advocate for transgender travel, will deliver a keynote, telling her story and the issues, challenges and opportunities she has had.<\/p>\n
Proud Experiences said that the geographically diverse attendees include Los Cabos Tourism, VisitBerlin and West Hollywood Travel + Tourism Board. New this year are Switzerland Tourism and Toscana Promozione Turistica.<\/p>\n
Organizers said that the conference is designed to give advice on marketing best practices and explaining case studies to help the industry tap into a market that has a global spending power of some $3.9 trillion, according to LGBT Capital estimates.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Citing a 2021 survey by Booking.com, Proud Experiences said 53% of LGBTQ+ travelers have had less-than-welcoming or uncomfortable experiences at a property where they were staying. Proud Experiences said that Masterclass sessions will educate attendees on how to change their business strategies.<\/p>\n