Proud Experiences offers buyer support to attend trade show in LA

Designed to connect travel agents and tour operators with suppliers that appeal to the luxury LGBTQ+ market – which is set to be worth $568.5 billion by 2030 according to Reports & Insights – the conference will be held at central LA’s five-star Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel on Avenue of the Stars.

The event will provide a mix of one-to-one prescheduled business appointments, a series of debates and panels, as well as networking opportunities.

To encourage buyers from the UK to attend, Proud Experiences – run by ILTM organiser Reed Exhibitions – is offering a $1,000 flight contribution as well as up to three nights in an LA hotel. Hosted buyers can attend more than two days of prescheduled slots with suppliers alongside educational and networking events.

Commenting on the increase in Proud Experiences’ contribution to buyer travel this year, event director Simon Mayle said: “Our first Proud in LA last year had a wait-list of applications for buyer places as well as exhibitors following a sell-out event. We wanted to make it even more accessible for travel agents to attend this year and have increased the rebate offered as we accept all pre-qualified agents.”

Regular Proud Experiences attendee Duncan Greenfield-Turk, Virtuoso-certified travel director at Global Travel Moments, said: “Since my initial attendance, the event has become a pivotal hub for agents, brands, designers, and press, providing an engaging platform for showcasing the latest trends in LGBTQ+ travel and lifestyle experiences.”

Crediting Proud Experiences with being key to developing his business and refining his offerings to better serve the LGBTQ+ community, Greenfield-Turk said: “The open space for debate and joint action has proven instrumental in expanding our understanding of LGBTQ+ perspectives.”

“Engaging with fellow professionals, I’ve forged collaborations with innovative designers, unique experience providers, and influential figures in the LGBTQ+ travel space. These connections have not only enriched our portfolio but have also led to inspiring partnerships,” he added.

Agents can expect to see a range of luxury exhibitors at the show, including hotels, cruise providers, tourist boards and DMCs. Suppliers include Small Luxury Hotels of the World members such as the boutique Ka’ana Resort in Belize; art-focused brands such as 21c Museum Hotels, which has properties across the US; lifestyle brands such as The Hoxton; and well-known groups such as Hyatt, Aman and Waldorf Astoria.

Tourist board exhibitors from across the world will also hold meetings and share their latest offerings at the event including representatives from Austria, Berlin, Switzerland, Estonia, NYC, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Buenos Aires among others. Cruise exhibitors include Explora Journeys, Seabourn, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and Virgin Voyages.