Proud Experiences has confirmed the lineup of speakers for its “Big Gathering” next month, which will mark the fifth edition of the annual conference. 

The world’s largest global LGBTQ+ travel event will united hundreds of international travel brands, products, and services with agents and travel planners focussed on creating leisure itineraries for their LGBTQ+ clients over the course of three days. 

For the second year, the trade show will take place at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, kicking off on 3 June with a welcome speech from Proud Experiences’ event director Simon Mayle. 

Next on the lineup is Ed Salvato, professor of tourism at NYU and LGBTQ+ travel expert, who will share an update on the state of LGBTQ+ travel in 2024, before interviewing Albert Herrera, executive vice president of partner relations at Internova Travel Group, on enhancing the experience for this demographic of travellers. 

Lifestyle and travel blogger Kirstie Pike will also be joined by American basketball player Crissy Jackson for an open dialogue on sports tourism, women’s sports and challenges facing queer women travellers.

Proud Experiences’ introductory session will conclude with an interview with British-American former freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy, who has been using his platform since 2015 to raise the visibility of LGBTQ+ athletes in society. 

A series of masterclasses on a variety of issues, including travel trends and marketing, will also be delivered by a range of industry professionals from around the world. Attendees can also expect an interactive talk on LGBTQ+ travel from Jim McPartlin, a leading hospitality training executive in the US, as well as a ‘powerhouse session’ on building a sustainable business model based on a strategy of inclusive tourism.